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Wellness holidays

The Barn is a cosy space that sleeps four.

At this High Country retreat, Saturday morning never felt so good

Sauna is a saviour on a wellness weekend in Victoria’s High Country.

  • by Belinda Jackson
You can do nothing on beaches anywhere, but Aitutaki in the Cook Islands takes it to the extreme, with a pace so slow you’d swear time was suspended.

Forget the bucket list: 15 of the world’s best places to do nothing

Over tick-a-box sightseeing while you travel? Here are 15 places where chilling out is nothing to feel guilty about.

  • by Brian Johnston
Urunga Lagoon … this beach playground is still relatively new.

Underrated beach town could be Australia’s next big thing

Urunga is a long way from being another Byron Bay or even a Yamba, but it might be about to burst free from the sleepy secret zone.

  • by David Whitley
A sauna on the edge of the coast in Nesodden, Norway. On the other side of the fjord is Oslo, the capital of Norway. Outdoor, public saunas are increasingly popular in Norway. Oslo sauna story by Julie Lewis, Traveller Credit: Getty

Why you shouldn’t miss Oslo’s most masochistic pastime

Long before Wim Hof touted the benefits of ice baths, these people knew subjecting your body to temperature extremes felt good – once you got over the buttock-clenching shock.

  • by Julie Lewis
Vietnam has its sights set on the booming wellness industry.

Vietnam’s new wellness resorts luring spa lovers to its shores

It’s clear that wellness has come a long way in Vietnam since my first visit more than 20 years ago. Back then, even massages were viewed with suspicion.

  • by Ute Junker
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Elysia’s new ice bath, launched in January 2024.

This upgraded retreat now mixes wellness with indulgence

An ice bath and sauna to play at virtue between visits to local cellar doors? Oh, yes, you can “do you” at this Hunter Valley retreat.

  • by Katherine Scott
Billabong Retreat just had a $1.5 million refurbishment.
★★★½
Hotel reviews

This no-frills bush retreat just got a luxe upgrade

Eco wellness stay Billabong Retreat just got a flush $1.5 million revamp – but there are a few telling signs it’s stayed true to its modest roots.

  • by Katherine Scott
Take a bushwalk through the Gondwana World Heritage-listed rainforest

Rainforest retreat gives frazzled urbanites a place to escape the daily grind

Here’s a camp challenging burnout culture by providing rest and restoration in an immersive nature retreat, where all the work is done for you.

  • by Nina Karnikowski
Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park illuminated by sunset, Mojave Desert, California.

Ten years ago I would have said ‘no way’ to this. Now it feels amazing

At several points during a desert “sound bath”, I feel completely disconnected from my body. My friend, meanwhile, feels like she is being abducted by aliens.

  • by Rob McFarland
Revivo Bali runs a longevity program.

The wellness trends worth travelling for

From airport massages to immersing yourself in a dark cave, wellness-seeking travellers will soon have even more ways to relax and thrive.

  • by Ute Junker

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/topic/wellness-holidays-l6c