Benefits of Wellness Retreats
Wellness retreats have the potential to benefit both the body and the mind. Retreats provide a dedicated space and time for relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing you to escape from the stresses of daily life. By taking part in other wellness activities like yoga, meditation, and spa treatments, you are more likely to experience a reduction in stress levels and see improvements in your overall mental well-being.
As well as the mental health benefits, wellness retreats often also focus on the physical well-being. Many retreats offer fitness classes and outdoor activities that enable you to engage in physical exercise and connect with nature in a more relaxed setting, which can help increase energy levels and improve overall fitness.
There are even some wellness retreats that provide educational opportunities for participants to learn about healthy lifestyle practices, like nutrition workshops and mindfulness sessions. You'll be able to learn new skills that you can then incorporate into your daily life, which could also lead to long term improvements in physical and mental wellbeing.
Overall, wellness retreats offer a holistic approach to self-care, providing you (and whoever you travel with) with the opportunity to recharge and prioritise your health and well-being.
We have selected the top short-haul destinations known for their wellness retreats and listed them below.
Top Short-Haul Cities for Wellness Retreats
When it comes to choosing a short-haul city for a wellness retreat, there are several destinations that stand out, and the following cities offer a combination of serene natural surroundings, amazing wellness facilities, and a calming atmosphere that makes them perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Milan, Italy
Known for being a cosmopolitan metropolis, Milan is often looked at firstly for fashion, however there is so much more to this fantastic city. The architecture is stunning, the city's buildings are bursting with history, and there is so much life in the city centre.
The city offers a wide range of wellness retreats, from yoga and meditation retreats to spa and detox programs, however our favourite is the QC Termemilano. Nestled within the archeological Spanish City Walls, QC offer over 30 wellness practices, including the first bio-sauna in the world to be built inside a tram. Also included in your wellness path are 2 outdoor thermal pools, access to multiple saunas and steam rooms with different functionality, a cinema pool and much more.
Pricing starts from €46 for an evening spa session, but with many options to choose from including lunch and aperitifs on the full spa day, we think it has something for everyone.
If you're willing to do some research, you can find return flights on Ryanair for around £45 and a decent Air B&B to help keep the total trip costs as low as possible.
Bucharest, Romania
Another popular choice is Bucharest, Romania. Well-known for it's biggest spa, the Therme, Romania is a popular and cheap short-haul destination for spa retreats, and with the diverse range of activities and amenities included in the day ticket price, the wellness retreat offers something for everyone, ensuring a truly relaxing experience.
With admission prices starting from 50RON (just over £10) for 3hrs access Mon-Fri, we think the spa offers incredible value for money. Overall, there are 3 areas available (you have to pay a little bit more to access all 3), and included in these are mineral pools, rain saunas, water slides, infrared light beds, outdoor pools, massage beds and much, much more.
Flights can also be found return from London Stansted with Ryanair for under £50 on the right days and times, and accommodation is also very cost effective, making this an epic short-haul destination.
Reykjavík, Iceland
A more obvious destination has to be Reykjavík in Iceland. With many thermal spas and the infamous "Blue Lagoon", it would probably make it's way onto any spa seeker's list at some point!
This geothermal spa has been named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic, and it's probably due to the incredible geothermal seawater there, which is rich in nourishing algae and minerals.
With entrance prices starting at around £58, it's a little more pricey than some of the other spas, however it deserves a place in our discussion simply because of it's natural beauty. With the entrance fee, you do also get unlimited access, and the basic entrance includes a drink, a towel and a mud mask.
Flights to Reykjavík can be found fairly cheaply, flying from London Luton with EasyJet or Wizzair, but accommodation does tend to be a little more prices too, so it may be worth doing some research and booking a package trip.
Walliser Alpentherme, Switzerland
Although the town is actually quite full of pools, we recommend the Walliser Alpentherme Spa as it has the most incredible views and is complete with hydro pools, steam rooms and a jacuzzi. The spa also offers a huge range of treatments if you wish to add a little extra onto your visit.
Day passes start from around £100 and includes a partial body massage and a meal.
The only sticking point for this trip is that the cheaper flights only go to surrounding areas of Switzerland, like Basel, Geneva and Zurich - which are over 2hr drives to the Spa, however, if you had the freedom to use a few more holiday days and fancied a bit of a drive through the Swiss countryside, this could be the perfect destination for you.
Tips for Planning Your Wellness Retreat Experience
Planning a wellness retreat can be an exciting experience. To make the most out of your trip, consider the following tips:
1. Think about the outcome: Before you choose a retreat, have a think about your goals and what you want to achieve from the experience. Whether it's relaxation, stress relief, or personal growth, clarifying your intentions will help you find the right retreat that lines up with your needs & budget.
2. Research retreat options: There are numerous wellness retreats available, and the ones listed above are only a drop in the ocean, so it's important to do your research and find one that suits your preferences. Consider factors such as location, activities offered, accommodation, flights, travel to and from the airport and online reviews.
3. Check the retreat schedule: Take a look at the schedule of activities and workshops offered during the retreat. Make sure that they line up with your interests, preferences and time schedule. It's also important to check if there is a balance between structured activities and free time for relaxation and personal reflection. We also find that if it's possible for you to use spas during weekdays, they tend to be less busy and slightly cheaper.
4. Pack appropriately: Depending on the location and activities offered, you may need to pack things like comfortable clothing, workout gear, and swimwear. Don't forget to also pack any necessary personal items such as medication or toiletries. Our Travel Essentials Bundle includes everything you need to get started.
5. Disconnect from technology: Use your trip as an opportunity to disconnect from technology and embrace a digital detox. This can help you to fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience and be more present in the moment.
There are many wellness retreats and spas available all across the world, but flights to European destinations can often be found relatively cheaply, making them perfect for short-haul spa breaks!