Run for the Sun with 5 Healthy Holiday Ideas

By Suzi Dixon, freelance travel writer

Are you craving sunshine? Dark evenings and cold temperatures in the UK can have an affect on your health and well-being. Lack of sunlight even alters some of the brain’s chemical and hormonal responses and in the most severe cases, can cause SAD, also known as ‘winter depression’.

It’s more important than ever to be kind to yourself in the winter months. And sometimes, a week abroad with some sun and healthy activities is all you need to get back on track. Here are five fab healthy winter holidays that can provide just that.

Eco-Friendly Resort in Sri Lanka

Santani Wellbeing Resort and Spa

January average high: 26C

Sri Lanka is an ideal escape for rest and a spa holiday. The treatments at the Santani Resort and Spa are the perfect winter pick-me-up. Santani is a minimalistic-design retreat that focusses on helping you to find a connection with the unspoilt Sri Lankan nature. It is set amongst a densely forested mountain range and paddy fields; here you will possess the freedom to explore and discover by foot or bike, soaking up the sun and getting back to basics.

Paraglide to Zighy Bay in Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay

January average high: 26c

Zighy Bay is a popular retreat with so much on offer for your wellness holiday. It has a large luxury spa, 1.6km of private beach, and mountains sitting just behind it that provide the backdrop to an impressive range of available activities. From paragliding to water sports and yoga, you will be entertained all day. 

Rejuvenate and Unwind in Thailand

Kamalaya De-Stress Asian Bliss

January average high: 26C

Thailand is a popular choice for spa goers looking for winter sun, no matter what their budget is. For those looking for luxury, Kamalaya is a well-being holiday that uses Asian holistic healing traditions, combining Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Thai therapies, to relax and rejuvenate, and help you find balance in your life. All wellness programmes are tailor-made to the client and include three Kamalaya cuisine meals per day. There’s also a detox programme that’s ideal for New Year, as well as treatments, meals and lessons; you can also use the steam cavern, swimming pool, plunge pools and Shakti fitness center.

Go Surfing and Practice Yoga in Morocco

Paradis Plage

January average high: 18C

Yoga, surf or spa - or all three? A winter sun break in Morocco can be life changing. Learn a new skill, such as surfing, practice yoga on the beach or simply relax in the traditional spa, which includes a Sensorial Hammam - an experience that has to be tried! Scheduled group yoga classes include Sunrise, Vinyasa, Alignment and sunset yoga. What’s more, you can stay 7 nights for the price of 6 on selected dates in January and May. You’ll be relaxed from the second you wake, as all of the bedrooms are front-facing, providing you with stunning views of the ocean to wake up to every morning.

Detox your Body and Mind in India

Ananda Detox

January average high: 18C

Combine a detox holiday with a sunshine destination for a whole new approach to health and well-being. The Ananda Detox works from the inside out, starting with advice on how to free yourself from negative thoughts and live life to the full; next, learn about nutrition and eat well at this detox retreat with a controlled diet that will tackle any pre- or post-Christmas weight gain. Detox treatments improve circulation of the blood and the performances of lymphatic systems. The benefits of detoxing can include improved mental clarity, purer skin, better digestion, increased energy and a stronger immune system. Essentially, a whole new you. Enjoy!