Steaming geysers, icy glaciers and black sand beaches are just some of the otherworldly sights that will leave you astounded in Iceland.Credit: Getty Images
Hands up if you need a break – a totally rejuvenating break. The sort of holiday that leaves you feeling refreshed, revived and glad to be alive.
As the world gets more fractious and fractured, household budgets get tighter, and the future looks bleak, it is no wonder that wellness holidays are booming. The sector is set to generate $US1 billion in revenue this year, according to the Global Wellness Institute.
Here’s the thing, though. Whether you are looking for a soul-soothing escape or just to feel better in your body, a spa stay is not the only option. Wellness doesn’t have to be about massages and cryotherapy. It can also be about memorable moments in extraordinary surroundings.
A hike through a forest of towering trees can leave you feeling rejuvenated in both body and mind, while watching as a sunrise silhouettes mighty mountain peaks may give you a boost for the rest of the day. And then there are the cultures that are so welcoming, a smile spreads across your face as soon as you arrive.
When you are looking for a holiday that leaves you feeling better than when you arrived, some destinations are surefire winners.
Whether it is down to their exhilarating outdoor activities, their deep spiritual practices or simply their awe-inspiring beauty, these places are guaranteed to get you feeling good.
Thailand
RAKxa Wellness Resort is the reigning champion of wellness retreats.
Feel-good factor What really makes us happy? The practice of mindfulness – focusing on the present moment – plays an important role, according to the latest scientific research. The gentle rituals of Thai culture are a blueprint for paying attention to what’s in front of you here and now.
Tell me more The graciousness of Thai culture comes from acknowledging the power of small gestures. You can see it when you check in at your hotel: the wai (palms together, head bowed) greeting, the cold towel, the care with which they will hand back your credit card after registering it. Add in a wellness-focused culture – there’s a reason some of the best spas in the world are found here – and you have a country that helps you reset.
Don’t miss Spa fans know there is nothing like a Thai massage for ironing out the kinks. If that much pressure point release is too intense for you, try a foot massage instead. It’s the same technique but over a limited area.
Make it happen Cheap and cheerful massages are great but if you want a top to toe overhaul RAKxa Wellness, set in the lush green belt surrounding Bangkok, is the reigning champion of wellness retreats, with its blend of medical analysis and holistic healing. From THB97000 ($3983) for a three-night personalised program. See rakxawellness.com, tourismthailand.org
Austria
Naturhotel Forsthofgut in the SalzburgerLand region of Austria.
Feel-good factor Every day in the Alps is a good day to be alive. Fill your lungs with that fresh mountain air, strap on the skis and slalom down the hill – or if you are visiting in summer, hike or bike to an Alpine lake where you can cool off in the pristine waters.
Tell me more If you thought the Austrian idea of wellness was an extra dollop of whipped cream with your apple strudel, think again. Austrians balance out their active lifestyles with a strong appreciation of an invigorating Alpine spa.
Don’t miss Can lying still in a cave give you a health boost? It can at Gasteiner Heilstollen, a cave complex south of Salzburg rich in natural radon gas, which has been proven to help everything from inflammatory issues to skin diseases.
Make it happen It is hard to name the biggest attraction at Naturhotel Forsthofgut in the SalzburgerLand region. Is it the scenic mountain surrounds or the 5700-square-metre spa? A session in the old-school wood-fired sauna, where you can exfoliate your skin using birch branches from the surrounding forest, is bracing. See forsthofgut.at; austria.info
Bhutan
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro includes a daily wellness treatment in the room rate.
Feel-good factor When you really want to escape the everyday, Bhutan takes some beating. The soaring Himalayan peaks are guaranteed to drag your eyes away from your phone and towards the horizon, while deep spirituality permeates every aspect of life in this Buddhist kingdom.
Tell me more Few destinations balance body and soul as well as Bhutan. The hiking here is simply spectacular, and many of the most scenic hikes will lead you to Buddhist temples, including the spectacular Tiger’s Nest, which seems to hang off a sheer cliff face. Learning meditation from a Buddhist monk is another great way to balance yourself, while planting trees as part of the country’s reforestation effort is a way to leave a lasting impact.
Don’t miss Several cultures include bathing rituals in their wellbeing routines but Bhutan’s traditional baths have some little touches – such as aromatic herbs in the water, which is heated by fire-warmed stones – that set it apart.
Make it happen We love the fact that Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro includes a daily wellness treatment in the room rate. See bhutanspiritsanctuary.com; bhutan.travel
Iceland
Enjoy a range of activities at ION Adventure Hotel, an hour outside Reykjavik.
Feel-good factor Steaming geysers, icy glaciers and black sand beaches are just some of the otherworldly sights that will leave you astounded, filled with a new sense of wonder about the world we live in.
Tell me more Dazzling Iceland has activities for every level of traveller. If you are feeling intrepid, you can hike on a glacier, board a Zodiac for a trip through a lake dotted with icebergs or even explore an ice cave. Prefer a gentler approach? There is no effort required to marvel at massive waterfalls such as Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, or watch the mighty Strokkur geyser burst into life as regular as clockwork.
Don’t miss A soak in a naturally heated geothermal pool is a must. You will find them scattered right across the country but if you want an experience with plenty of mod-cons – including a spa and restaurant – head for the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Make it happen Guests at ION Adventure Hotel, an hour outside Reykjavik, can join in a range of activities from horse riding to snowmobiling. See ionadventure.ioniceland.is; visiticeland.com
Fiji
The range of activities at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa sets it apart from other Fijian resorts.
Feel-good factor Sun-drenched islands with white-sand beaches washed by turquoise waters, where the friendly locals gather beneath palm trees to greet new arrivals with song: is it any wonder that any trip to Fiji makes you feel happy to be alive?
Tell me more For most people, Fiji’s number-one wellness activity is also the simplest: relaxing by the ocean, letting the murmur of the sea slough off your stress. But there are plenty of other ways to enjoy some natural healing. Explore Fiji’s lush landscapes on a safari up the Sigatoka River on Viti Levu, or be delighted by the orchids, tree ferns and waterfalls of Taveuni Island off the east coast of Vanua Levu. And of course, eating plenty of super-fresh seafood and tropical fruit helps your body feel great.
Don’t miss Singing and dance are an integral part of Fijian culture and getting to watch a meke performance is guaranteed to leave you with a big smile on your face.
Make it happen Pretty much every resort in Fiji has some sort of wellness offering, but it is the range of activities at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa that sets it apart, including everything from surfing to snorkelling as well as excellent massages See fiji.travel; ihg.com
Japan
KAI Yufuin on the island of Kyushu delivers old-school ryokan hospitality with contemporary architecture.
Feel-good factor How does one country get so much right? From their healthy diet to their tradition of forest bathing – the nature-immersion technique that has taken off right across the world – Japan’s embrace of wellness in all its forms makes this a great place to rebalance.
Tell me more If you are into slow travel, walking Japan’s ancient pilgrim paths is an experience that soothes your soul even as you exercise your body. But you don’t need to head into the countryside to get a dose of Japanese wellness. Even in the neon-lit cities, Japan’s traditional cuisine – high in protein-packed raw seafood and nutrient-rich foods like seaweed and natto – gives your body a boost.
Don’t miss A cup of matcha tea is packed full of antioxidants, but that is not the only reason to take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Every single movement is prescribed and practised over and over again, making this an exercise in mindfulness.
Make it happen For centuries Japan’s traditional ryokan have been built over hot springs so guests can enjoy a soak at the end of the day. KAI Yufuin on the island of Kyushu delivers old-school ryokan hospitality with contemporary architecture by star architect Kengo Kuma. See hoshinoresorts.com; japan.travel
Aotearoa/New Zealand
The Headwaters EcoLodge in Glenorchy is a regenerative stay.
Feel-good factor For a small country, population-wise, Aotearoa/New Zealand packs a big punch when it comes to wellness. Its jaw-dropping landscapes are the perfect backdrop for restoration and rejuvenation, while tapping in to the strong Maori culture is an opportunity to learn from traditional wisdom.
Tell me more Ready to tramp? “Tramping” is the New Zealand word for hiking, and there are plenty of amazing trails to explore, including the famed Milford Track. Bikers and kayakers are also spoiled for choice across both the North and South Islands. If you want to marvel at nature without raising your heart rate, head for Rotorua and its geothermal delights including steaming vents and bubbling mud pools.
Don’t miss In the heart of the Waipoua Forest is New Zealand’s oldest and tallest tree, the kauri known as Tane Mahuta. A visit with a Maori guide offers a fascinating perspective on this giant survivor.
Make it happen Forty minutes out of Queenstown, The Headwaters EcoLodge in Glenorchy is a regenerative stay that makes a great base for exploring the area’s lakes and mountains. See theheadwatersecolodge.com; newzealand.com
Italy
Borgo Santo Pietro is a place that indulges all your senses.
Feel-good factor Long before fashion designers Giorgio Armani and Miuccia Prada came along, Italians already had a reputation for injecting beauty into every aspect of life. You can see it not just in the country’s art-filled churches and museums but also in its picture-perfect towns and villages. No wonder we can’t get enough of Italy – who doesn’t love a deep dive into beauty?
Tell me more Head into rural areas such as Tuscany or Emilia-Romagna, with their exquisite hill towns and elegant villas, to discover the Italian art of living well at its finest. That includes mouthwatering meals made with fresh ingredients, a strong sense of community, and a lifestyle that incorporates plenty of gentle incidental exercise – just watch grey-haired elders briskly tackling vertiginously sloping streets in any hill town.
Don’t miss Much of what’s best about Italy is wrapped up in the ritual of the passeggiata, or evening stroll. It is a chance to dress up, catch up with your neighbours, engage in some gentle exercise and, yes, enjoy an aperitivo or two.
Make it happen Tuscany’s Borgo Santo Pietro is a place that indulges all your senses, from spa treatments using all-natural products to organic farm-fresh cuisine, all in stunning surrounds. See borgosantopietro.com, visititaly.com
Chile
Our Habitas Atacama has a menu with plenty of plant-based options.
Feel-good factor In Chile’s capital Santiago, locals boast about being able to visit the beach in the morning and hit the ski slopes in the afternoon – but there’s a lot more where that came from. The diverse terrain is Chile’s greatest gift, giving nature lovers endless landscapes to explore.
Tell me more Head to the north of the country for dramatic volcanic craters and lava fields, or to the south to gaze at glaciers, icebergs and awe-inspiring ice fields. If wildlife sightings feed your soul, there are also plenty of options ranging from the soft-fleeced llama relative, the guanaco, to huge penguin colonies and excellent whale watching. The sight of a huge Andean condor soaring overhead is always a thrill.
Don’t miss The surreal landscapes of the high-altitude Atacama Desert are almost Martian-like, making this a spectacular place for hiking, biking, climbing or just stargazing – you have never seen stars shine so bright.
Make it happen OurHabitas Atacama has adobe casitas, a menu with plenty of plant-based options and a daily workout included in the rates. See ourhabitas.com; chile.travel
Palau
The Four Seasons Explorer takes guests to Palau’s most interesting sites.
Feel-good factor Occasionally we all need a touch of the marvellous in our lives, and the natural wonders of the conservation-minded Micronesian island nation of Palau are simply extraordinary. We also love the fact that in a country where only eight out of 300-plus islands are inhabited, life always unfolds in the slow lane.
Tell me more The translucent waters of Palau are home to some of the world’s most stunning coral reefs, but there are plenty of other ways to unwind here. Trek through verdant jungle to a cascading waterfall or a marine lake where you can swim with countless (stingless) jellyfish, or marvel at ancient rock carvings and standing stones. You can even enjoy a healing mud bath in the bay known as Milky Way – the minerals in the white mud will leave your skin feeling silky-smooth.
Don’t miss Snorkellers and divers alike will be mesmerised by Palau’s astonishing marine life. From confetti-bright tropical fish to octopus, sharks and manta rays, this underwater world will leave you feeling drunk on beauty.
Make it happen The Four Seasons Explorer is a luxury live-aboard catamaran which takes guests to Palau’s most interesting sites. See fourseasons.com; pristineparadisepalau.com
Feel unreal Down Under
Mornington Peninsula, Vic
The Mornington Peninsula’s reputation as a holiday hotspot rests on its beautiful beaches, and they remain as appealing as ever. Add to them the region’s healing hot springs that are also generating plenty of interest with spa fans soaking it up at Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. See visitvictoria.com
West coast wilderness, Tas
Glacial valleys, wild rivers, ancient rainforest: Tasmania’s west coast is simply awesome. Fill your lungs with super-clean air as you explore this World Heritage-listed wilderness where rare species including Huon and King Billy pines thrive. Burn off energy by rafting down rapids, kayaking through rainforest and rowing on pristine lakes. See discovertasmania.com.au
Northern Rivers, NSW
Byron Bay has long held the title of Australia’s wellness capital, and the buzzing beachside town is the place to go for anything from yoga retreats to massages. The surrounding area is also rich in wellness options, from rainforest hikes to coastal walks and fabulous restaurants serving farm-fresh produce. See visitnsw.com
Uluru, NT
The spiritually inclined say Uluru emanates a palpable sense of power. Even if you don’t lean that way, there is plenty that is soul-stirring about a trip to this part of Central Australia. The changing colours of the rock in the glorious sunrises and sunsets, and the insights into the rich Indigenous culture, are hard to resist. See northernterritory.com
Kangaroo Island, SA
Every day brings a different adventure on Kangaroo Island, with each corner of this island having its own personality. You can frolic in calm ocean bays or watch wind-whipped surf pounding the shore; explore an aromatic lavender farm or be enchanted by koalas and kangaroos, seals and sea lions. See southaustralia.com