5 Wellness holidays you need for a blissful break in the sun

The term holistic may feel like a fancy buzzword, yet it is used to describe a 360º approach to health. It is thought that a harmonious relationship is needed between the mind, the body and our soul for optimum health to be achieved. It may sound complicated, but thanks to the rise in popularity of health holidays, improving your overall well-being is easier than ever. From romantic spa breaks for couples that calm the mind to solo wellness holidays that offer an intensive detox, there are many ways to make holistic health an integral part of your well-being holidays. 

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy blissful wellness holidays that transport you to an unmatchable realm of relaxation. Spain’s top luxury hotels lead the way when it comes to spa breaks. Enjoy sun-drenched beaches, state-of-the-art wellness centres and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. What’s not to love? 

Sports enthusiasts will rejoice at the idea of a specialised sports hotel and the Barceló Lanzarote Active Resort pulls out all the stops with its state-of-the-art offering. From Olympic-sized swimming pools, 450 Les Mills personalised workouts and a professional cycling centre, here your health is the centre of attention. 

One of the stand-out features of the hotel is the Deluxe Hypoxia - a chamber designed to replicate altitudes of up to 4,000 metres. This unique feature triggers a surge in the production of red blood cells, fostering enhanced performance through the process of adaptation during physical exertion. Yet, while wellness holidays here are dominated by sport, the hotel offers healthy gastro-experiences, a tempting menu of spa treatments and idyllic corners for rest and relaxation. 

When you need to get away from the world, there is no better place to do so than in Andalusia’s largest spa, nestled away at the Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri in Chiclana de la Frontera. Begin your wellness journey in the award-winning U-Spa and immerse yourself in the blissful experience of hot tubs, invigorating water circuits and soothing sensation showers. Alternatively, dive into the heated swimming pool, unwind in the sanctuary of the sauna or luxuriate in the rejuvenating Turkish bath and Roman thermal bath. Reinvigorate your senses with contrast baths, and elevate your stay with a trip to one of the five beauty suites, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of both body and mind.

For added luxury, step out onto the sky wellness terrace where the harmonious balance of earth, water, air, fire and space sets the tone for a revitalising experience. Here five outdoor wellness cabins look out over the luscious tropical gardens offering an ideal setting for a Tui Na treatment infused with ancient Oriental healing techniques. Each treatment ends with a tea ritual that adds a touch of elegance to your wellness journey.  Combine your treatments with nutritional counselling, sunset spinning classes, horse riding along the beach or open-air yoga.

A dose of Mediterranean living is always good for the soul. Or at least that is the feeling guests have when enjoying the state-of-the-art spa terrace and wellness facilities at the Barceló Hamilton Menorca - Adults Only Hotel. If you are looking for wellness holidays that you can enjoy over a weekend, this is a wonderful choice. Recharge your batteries in one of the six hot tubs at the Blue Sky Bar overlooking the picturesque Mahón Bay before enjoying a gastronomic experience with healthy locally sourced meals. Maintaining your fitness routine is possible thanks to the hotel’s fully-equipped fitness centre and those craving some R&R can indulge in a spa day complete with Hammam, Finnish sauna and a complete menu of body treatments. 

Those keen to break from routine and try something new will love the WeBalance wellness scheme available across all Barceló hotels. Yet there is a special corner on Earth where these unique experiences are even more special: at the Barceló Aguamarina. Set in a privileged corner of Mallorca, guests here are able to indulge in pilates, callisthenics, yoga and a world of fitness and nutritional programmes in an impressive coastal environment. Being guided by experts and learn how to balance the body and mind while taking in unforgettable views of this spectacular setting. Aside from its extensive wellness offering, the hotel’s luxury accommodation and delicious Mediterranean cuisine makes it an ideal sport to kick start your wellness journey.

If you plan a Christmas wellness retreat or simply want to escape the world while immersing yourself in paradisiacal surroundings, the Caribbean is the place to be. With world-class wellness facilities and beautiful beaches, this is an ideal setting for your wellness holidays.

There is only one place that springs to mind when thinking of luxury wellness holidays in Mexico and that is the Royal Hideaway Playacar - Adults only - All Inclusive Hotel. Yet, forget your traditional health spa holidays, here things are done differently. Feed the soul with Mexican art classes and create a memorable souvenir of your vacation. Indulge in gourmet, a la carte dinners exquisitely created by a team of expert chefs with your well-being in mind. Or, spend your days in “The Retreat'', the hotel’s spa, a haven of tranquillity where different beauty treatments such as aromatherapy, body wraps and a whole menu of massages await.

Those looking to take their wellness journey up a notch can immerse themselves in a relaxing candle lit massage by the sea, alone or accompanied by their travel partner. Holistic health is made a priority at the Royal Hideaway Playacar and the endless ways to incorporate wellness into your stay is a testament to their commitment to well-being.

Couples looking for a romantic setting for their wellness holidays can look no further than the Barceló Bávaro Beach - Adults only - All Inclusive Hotel in Punta Cana. This slice of paradise sits right on the beachfront of the iconic Bávaro Beach offering plenty of opportunities for workouts overlooking the Caribbean Ocean or exhilarating water sports activities. Yet the allure of this hotel extends further than the pristine shoreline and crystalline waters. Guests are invited to indulge in a variety of treatments amidst state-of-the-art facilities, including an outdoor pool with water therapies, a hydrotherapy circuit, a thermal pool, a sauna, a steam bath, a Vichy shower, and hot tubs. Cater the U-Spa treatments to your unique needs and enjoy the soothing ambience of your wellness holidays. Not only that, the hotel’s beauty salon offers a comprehensive range of services, complemented by a spectacular fitness studio featuring cutting-edge equipment for cardiovascular training, resistance exercises, and more.

Those looking to combine their emotional healing holidays with a spot of sightseeing will be wooed by these dream-worthy choices. From the verdant green landscapes of Sri Lanka to the labyrinth-like streets of Marrakech, your wellness holidays can offer so much more than just peace of mind.

If 5* luxury in an exotic setting sounds like the perfect catalyst to kick-start your wellness journey, head to the Occidental Eden Beruwala. This oasis of tranquillity located on the picturesque shores of the Indian Ocean goes above and beyond to make each stay unique. From personalised catering services and romantic dinners on the beach under a blanket of stars to vast tropical outdoor swimming areas designed for the right balance of relaxation and fitness- this hotel has it all. Yet, the real attraction is its Ayurvedic spa which incorporates ancient, ancestral healing traditions into its state-of-the-art body treatments. Guided by expert hands, guests can let their stresses melt away with massages and treatments designed to balance the mind, body and spirit. The beauty centre, hair salon and fitness studio add to the wellness experience, ensuring that every need is met. Plus, when not being pampered, guests can venture off exploring the local area and discover treasures such as the Masjid Al Abrar-Garand Mosque or the creative enclave, the Brief Garden, by Bevis Bawa. 

Escape to a haven of tranquillity and rejuvenation with a spa break at the Barceló Palmeraie. An oasis of calm and relaxation amidst the chaotic city centre of Marrakech, Morocco,  this hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and holistic well-being. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the soothing sanctuary of the 500m2 wellness centre that incorporates a hammam bath, hot tubs and treatment rooms where expert wellness professionals offer a wealth of body treatments designed to eliminate stress and promote an improved state of well-being. Barceló Palmeraire’s fitness room offers personalised classes allowing guests to continue existing routines or experiment with new ways of exercising while being guided by a personal trainer. Beyond the spa and sports offerings, the luxurious accommodation, exquisite dining options and ornate surroundings make wellness holidays spent here an unforgettable experience.