A wellness break brings about improvements to your physical or mental health, and often both. This may take the form of goal-oriented breaks such as detox or rehabilitation. Or, it may simply be an excuse to get away and completely relax for a few days. For some people, rehabilitation and detoxing could take the form of an eye-opening adventure, such as trekking the Inca Trail in Peru.
There are lots of options available to travellers, all around the world, to achieve these aims. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a long-term solution or a short-term fix. Here are five of the best wellness breaks from around the world, so you can start planning your trip.
Holistic healing in Laos and Thailand
If you want a full body MOT, holistic programmes combine luxurious accommodation, organic and nutritious food, and personalised wellness and leisure activities. This often all takes place within one resort. A detox such as those offered at the Amatara Wellness Resort in Thailand allows the body to start again. This involves resting the digestive system and enhancing the health of the major organs with toxin elimination. The body can then naturally release stored toxins that have accumulated over time. This leaves you feeling less sluggish and increases your energy levels.
The serenity of Laos is an excellent choice if you’re looking to unplug in a rural location; the slow pace is perfectly suited to self-care. Whether you’re looking for an at-one-with-nature escape or a calming spa break, Laos has something to offer even the most discerning of travellers.
Spa breaks in Iceland
There is no better way to relax than in a geothermal pool, and Iceland has an abundance of these. The Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous and is ideally situated between the airport and the capital, Reykjavik, making it a perfect stop at the start or end of your holiday. You could even stay on site in one of its spa hotels and relax in sublime comfort and timeless sophistication. The majority of On The Go Tours’ Iceland holidays include a visit to this therapeutic natural wonder. Enjoy the natural warm waters, indulge in a silica mud mask, or have a revitalising massage, all surrounded by a beautiful volcanic landscape.
The Northern Lights also offer a magical experience like no other. This natural phenomenon happens during the winter months and is caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere by the North Pole. Definitely one for the bucket list.
Yoga and meditation in Tibet
If spirituality and finding yourself is on your wellness agenda, you can’t go wrong with a meditation holiday in Tibet. Buddhism is a way of life in this small Far Eastern enclave, at the foot of the Himalayas. Requiring patience and dedication, but with the benefits of stability and focus, a Tibetan retreat will leave you feeling calmer as you aim to reach balance and fulfilment in all areas of your life. These retreats give you the guidance and inspiration you need to unplug, decompress and find peace and harmony.
Tibetan yoga is known to relieve stress, build positive patterns in your mind, and keep you looking and feeling young. On a Tibetan yoga vacation, your body and mind will strengthen and align, and a sense of harmony will follow.
Addiction rehabilitation in South Africa
Finding the perfect location for rehabilitation isn’t always easy. For most, it requires an environment that provides enough stimulation without feeling overwhelming or feeding bad habits.
There are a myriad of reasons why you should choose South Africa, including the healing powers of wildlife and culture, plus excellence in the field of substance abuse and burnout programmes. Relaxing scenery and the ability to get away from the pressures of everyday life, surrounded by nature and open plains for exercise, make South Africa ideal for the recovery process.
Busying your mind and your body with activities and cultural experiences – perhaps some that are completely out of the norm – also mean you are less likely to have the time or inclination to think about wanting addictive substances.
Trekking in Peru
Sometimes you just need to get away from it all and go for a long walk. The Inca Trail in Peru is perfect for exploring and leaving your troubles behind. The hike itself, which brings you along ancient narrow paths deep into the Peruvian countryside and high into the Andean mountains, is gorgeous. Ancient Incan ruins, lush jungle, and majestic valley views, culminating in legendary Machu Picchu.
It is important to book a walking tour guide and ensure you have all the relevant trekking permits before you arrive in Peru. You will also need to be fit to undertake the great demands this adventure will have on your body. But, as both a physical challenge and mental escape, it is one that is hard to beat.
Wellness Breaks: Final Thoughts
If you have a specific intention for your wellness holiday, it is often a good idea to book into a resort, retreat or hotel that specifically caters to your needs. For example, you may want minimal distractions or temptations. These sorts of vacations are also ideally suited to solo travellers who can focus entirely on themselves for the duration of their stay. However you want to find your inner calm, improve your health or wellbeing, there will be a guaranteed wellness break for you somewhere. On The Go Tours’ range of group adventures are a safe and hassle free way for solo travellers to explore. And their Tailor-made options mean you can design your own wellness break from scratch, building in your dream itinerary. Get in touch with their team to start planning your trip!
Kate Sheppard is a mum of two, living in Sussex, UK. Kate enjoys writing about all things parenting, lifestyle and travel. Connect with Kate on Twitter: @KateSheppard90 and Pinterest: @katesheppard90
