wellness retreats

The best wellness breaks for a zen 2023

A wellness break is a must-have to recharge the batteries

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Freelance Writer
Updated: August 25, 2023

Taking some time out for self-care, and recharging your batteries is always a good idea all year round. For those who may be suffering from burnout after a hectic year, are looking to escape daily life, or just want to switch off from the screen and enjoy "me time", there are plenty of destinations in the UK, Europe and further afield to jet to. 

READ: 28 of the best luxury spa breaks in the UK

While some may prefer a spa weekend with various wellness treatments and pampering sessions to fill your days, others may prefer to go off the radar and book into a cottage, remote treehouse, or a yoga retreat. Wellness breaks can be booked for a day, overnight stay, a long weekend, or a week-long vacation, depending on your preferences.

We've scoured high and low to find you all the best wellness breaks to sit back and recharge your batteries. 

How we chose the best wellness resorts 

  • Personal experience: While we may not have used visited every resort on this list, many have been reviewed directly by HELLO! editors.
  • Reputation: This is an edit of the best wellness resorts for 2023, so we wanted to choose those which had credentials in the wellness space. Whether that's from customer service, amenities or spa treatment offering.
  • Popularity: We looked at verified customer reviews of the treatments and resorts to collate this list.

Best wellness breaks

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

Standard Maldives Spa

Found nestled in the Raa Atoll on Huruvalhi Island, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives has brought a fresh approach to their retreat resort, offering a series of world-class wellness practitioners to channel mind, body and spiritual connection. Having secured a special residency by Numthip Puntha, a Master Reiki and Sound Healing Practitioner and Physiotherapist. Numthip joins the island to bring a selection of her exclusive practices for guests to discover their spiritual and physical self, whilst relaxing in the pristine sandy beaches and indulging in one of the resort's 115 Overwater Villas, each with a private pool overlooking the ocean. Sounds like bliss, right? 

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Chewton Glen

Chewton Glen is the go-to destination for those looking for a staycation, a little taste of luxury, relaxation, and to totally switch off.  

This resort has a whole host of packages; from numerous spa treatments to fitness classes, as well as a Digital Detox package for two nights so you don't get distracted by work emails, stressed by calls or messages, and just relax. 

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Curtain Bluff, Antigua 

In April, Curtain Bluff will host two Health and Wellness Weeks. During these weeks, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy daily intimate group classes such as Vinyasa Flow yoga practice, pilates, tennis lessons with in-house pros catered to all levels, and daily spa treatments from an exclusive Health & Wellness Week menu. Weekly offerings will also be available, including aqua aerobics, a sunset meditation, a fitness walk through Old Road Village and a hike to Boggy Peak (Mount Obama), Wallings Dam Nature Reserve, and Tobacco Bay led by in-house practitioners.

Dates: 15th - 22nd April & 22nd - 26th April 2023. 

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Jason Vale Juicy Oasis Retreat, Portugal 

Jason Vale is famous for his healthy juice retreats and boasts a lengthy celebrity clientele, who book into his treatments for a healthy detox. 

Whether you're looking to kickstart a healthier lifestyle, embark on a weight loss journey, or shake up your usual holiday break, Jason Vale has an array of retreats to select from. 

At the centre of the retreats are three things – mind, body and spirit – and each retreat includes meditation, fitness, daily yoga, and swimming, as well as juicing.

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Whispering Pine Lodge, Scotland

When planning a relaxing break most have the Lake District in mind, but go north a little more to Scotland to enjoy the scenery, but also relaxing treatments. 

Whispering Pine Lodge boasts stunning views of Scotland’s landscapes; it's 17 miles from Fort William, which is the site of Ben Nevis, and views over Great Glen. Venture a little further and you can explore the Hebrides to be at one with nature, and lose yourself - but also your signal. 

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The Grove, England

Situated in Hertfordshire amongst 300 acres of park land, The Grove is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which has over 400 independent luxury hotels in its portfolio. Having completed a recent renovation in several parts of the hotel - including the opulent Mansion rooms, which were led by Martin Hulbert Design - The Grove is the perfect place for a relaxing wellness break.

Start your trip with a Bamford treatment in the newly-refurbished Sequoia Spa, stroll through the Walled Garden and stop for a dip in the outdoor heated pool, or take a self-guided hike through one of the enchanting woodland trails. Either way, you'll come away feeling truly rejuvenated.

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Cliffs of Moher Retreat, Ireland

Cliffs of Moher Retreat offers a wellness break to suit everyone's needs, and all year round.

From yoga sessions, hiking programmes, to all-around rest and relaxation bookings, you can tailor your stay to any duration, any specific need, all while enjoying the beautiful landscape in Country Clare.

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Mushroom Dome, California

California's Mushroom Dome has been recognised as one of Airbnb's best wellness destinations to book. Holiday goers can stay in the relaxed geodesic dome, which resembles a mushroom - hence the name - and look out, or explore over 10 acres of land surrounding them.  

While some may enjoy exploring those 10 acres on a hike, others may prefer to stargaze at night to help them unwind. 

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Cinq Mondes Spa, Raffles The Palm, Dubai

 

 

If you're looking for mind and body rejuvenation, this is a one of a kind wellness destination. Looking out across a stunning 500m private beach of golden sand, fringed with pristine aquamarine waters, this resort offers a uniquely holistic hospitality experience that bridges the gap between tradition and vibrant 21st-century luxury.

The thoughtfully designed 3,000sq ft. Cinq Mondes Spa has an unparalleled approach to health, beauty and wellbeing. If you're looking to find balance, you can count on the expert hands of the practitioners and specialists of time-honoured practices such as Ayurveda and Shiatsu. Among the innovative and immersive treatments available is KO BI DO, a traditional form of Japanese massage combined with aesthetic care that delivers powerful anti-ageing results.

Located in the heart of the property, guests of Cinq Mondes' will have a choice of 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites and a stunning indoor swimming pool to enjoy. Guests are also invited to explore the two majestic Hammams alongside the fully equipped gym and yoga studio.

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Explorar Treehouses El Nido, Philippines

Slated to open on Palawan Island in 2024, Explorar Treehouses El Nido will comprise 65 treehouse villas with private plunge pools surrounded by 360-degree untouched, lush mountain terrain overlooking shimmering sea views. The resort will feature a permaculture farm and garden; ‘The Exchange’, a signature bar and social space for guests to connect which is unique to the Explorar brand; along with Spa and wellness facilities utilising local and natural products.

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Bubble Suite 2 Campera Hotel Burbuja, Mexico

It seems the world and its wife is jetting off to Mexico in recent weeks, and giving us major FOMO. So for those who have the North American country on their bucket list, make sure you schedule a stay in this Bubble Suite. 

This resort has been described as a "fancy version of glamping", which we are very much on board with. Not only can you sleep safely under the stars, and be at one with nature, but you also have that extra helping of luxury as it is situated in Mexico's wine country - it truly is an out of this world experience that will easily distract you from the monotony of your 9 to 5. 

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Bootshaus am Schillersee, Switzerland

For those who are looking for a calming atmosphere to immerse themselves in to escape the hustle and bustle of hectic city life, but do not want to be in the scorching heat, this is for you. 

Situated by Lake Schiller, in the Mecklenburg forest, you can be at one with nature, which is said to be a natural relaxant. Sit by the shore, take a swim in the fresh water, enjoy a spot of fishing, cycling, and other activities, or simply unwind with a good book in hand, to feel the stresses fade away. 

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Six Senses Ibiza, Ibiza

The Six Senses Intercontinental chain has spanned across the globe, from the Maldives and Seychelles, Bali, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, to Portugal, Turkey and Spain - to name a few. 

For those who are looking for a wellness break, but without the long haul flight, the Six Senses Ibiza may be for you, as it promises a very different experience than what the Balearic island is famous for. Situated in the secluded Xarraca Bay, holiday goers and zen-searchers, can book onto wellness programmes, enjoy treatments in the spa and wellness centre, explore the island or kick start a healthy living programme with the vast array of sporting activities on offer. 

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Suvretta House, Swiss Alps

A change of scenery is often what we need to shake us out of our "funk", and with the Engadine Valley, endless mountains, and large open spaces on your doorstep, this is the ideal destination all year round to enjoy every season to disconnect from your daily stresses. 

While some may look to up their fitness with a ski break, hiking or sailing excursions, others can breathe in the fresh alpine air, or enjoy numerous treatments. 

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Revivo Wellness Resort, Bali

The title of the resort means "I'll live again", and for those searching for a new lease of life, or who want to feel alive, this is the wellness break to book. 

Not only is Bali a top destination to explore, try new cuisines and learn about a new culture, but the scenery itself offers you a medley of city life, a beach break and remoteness in the jungle. 

While the resort itself offers popular wellness and spa amenities, it also has a selection of wellness packages, holistic programmes, and coaching, including the Ancient Menopause Programme, which incorporates Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to transform guests mentally, emotionally and physically. 

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CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa, Greece 

Greece, and the surrounding Greek islands, is often regarded as a popular destination for sun-seekers come the Spring and Summer months.  But for those who need some time out to recoup, the CAYO Resort and Spa, which recently opened in 2021, should be at the top of your bucket list.

Recharge your batteries on the private lounge, on the beach, overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Spinalonga, or with rejuvenating spa treatments properties, some of which include the healing Cretan aloe vera moisturise.

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Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa, Mauritius

For a wellness break that covers your every need, this five-star resort has you covered. Not only does the hotel's spa offer a variety of ancient holistic treatments with healing properties, but guests can book into classes to help them unwind; from yoga and fitness sessions to programmes centred on breathing techniques. 

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Wylder Ibiza Retreat, Ibiza

 

 

For a side of Ibiza normally reserved for locals, this four-night escape in the sleepy village of San Miguel is a must.

Yoga and Pilates classes will take place on an outdoor yoga platform situated in the pine forest for the ultimate in tranquillity, and for another dose of zen, guests can enjoy a sound healing session. For activity fans, hiking and paddle boarding are also on offer.

Foodies are in for a treat too, with seasonal plant-based brunches and dinners provided by a local chef. Beauty treatments are on offer too, at an extra cost.

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HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

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