If you are looking to get away this winter without the stress that comes with long haul flights and jet lag then a winter well-being break in Europe could well be the perfect alternative. With a varied range of destinations all offering first-class hotels and spas, Europe offers a convenient and better value option to travelling half way around the world in search of winter sun and exotic beaches.
So to help whet your travel appetite we have drawn up a shortlist of our top 10 luxurious wellness breaks Europe has to offer. From charming boutique well-being retreats in Italy, detox holidays in Spain or an escape to the mountains, there is something to suit everyone and ensure you return home feeling completely rejuvenated this winter.
A traditional Ayurvedic Massage
Experience the relaxing and rejuvenating properties of an Ayurveda holiday at the Galo Resort in Madeira this winter. The on-site wellness centre provides personalised treatments stemming from ancient Ayurvedic practices as well as acupuncture, Reiki, yoga and meditation classes for a truly all-encompassing experience. This healthy break also offers specialist golfing holidays and our exclusive Fusion Fitness range which allows you to tailor your stay to suit your specific wellness needs. Situated right on the sea front and boasting beautiful views of the surrounding coastline the resort is ideal for anyone seeking a luxury healthy holiday. With the variety of options available there is something to suit everyone and ensure you return home fully rejuvenated.
Average Winter Temperature: 16°C, 60°F
More information: View Galo Resort
Relaxing in the tranquility of Marbella Club
Escape the cold and embark on a spa wellness retreat in sunny Spain. Relax in the state-of-the-art facilities including a dynamic seawater pool, Osmanic steam baths and saunas, before indulging in the extensive range of Thalassotherapy treatments. Offering first-class accommodation, outstanding service and breath-taking views of the surrounding scenery, Marbella Club is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a luxury spa holiday this winter. Optimise your health trip and make use of the daily classes on offer, including Pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics and hiking. There is plenty to keep you entertained at this excellent Spanish resort.
Average Winter Temperature: 17°C, 59°F
More information: View Marbella Club
Specialist Detox Cuisine is prepared by excellent chefs at SHA
If you are looking for a detox holiday then look no further than the SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain. Combining Far Eastern therapies with a modern Western approach the spa offers nutritious macrobiotic cuisine, therapeutic treatments and educational yet informal wellness lectures. Embark on your very own tailored detox break following a medical consultation to personalise your stay at this state of the art wellness clinic. With an extensive list of treatments on offer including acupuncture, lymphatic drainage and a range of specialist massages you are sure to find something to suit your needs. Ensuring you stay healthy even after you leave, the clinic provides a personalised post-treatment plan to help you continue your detox at home.
Average Winter Temperature: 13°C, 55°F
More information: View SHA Wellness Clinic
Tai Chi in the gardens at Lefay Resort & Spa
Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit on an energy balancing retreat overlooking the picturesque Lake Garda. Set in a stunning 11 hectare natural park surrounded by rolling hills rich in olive trees and woods all overlooking the lake, The Lefay Resort & Spa is the perfect destination for a winter luxury spa break. This healthy holiday offers personalised massages, revitalising facials and a whole range of wellness activities aimed at rebalancing your physical energy. Happy to cater for all specific needs the retreat provides programmes aimed at detox, rejuvenation and promoting a healthier lifestyle. With an impressive spa boasting multiple different swimming pools, saunas and grottos Lefay is a haven for anyone seeking a luxury health and well-being getaway.
Average Winter Temperature: 4°C, 39°F
More information: View Lefay Resort & Spa
Euphoria Retreat Outdoor Pool
Boost your energy levels and learn how to adopt a healthier lifestyle at Euphoria in Greece. Set in the rugged mystical Taygetus mountain range, Euphoria Retreat is somewhere you can escape to experience a true state of happiness and bliss. This Mediterranean retreat blends both Greek and Chinese healing traditions allowing you to embark on a journey of wellness and transformation. Re-focus and relax in the yoga and meditation hall, or strengthen and train in the state of the art fitness studio. The tranquil Euphoria Retreat SPA boasts water Kneipp therapy, utterly relaxing foot baths and an innovative sphere pool. With custom designed wholesome cuisine, beautiful surroundings, luxurious suites and comprehensive wellness programmes to choose from; Euphoria retreat is a real hidden gem.
Average Winter Temperature: 13°C, 55°F
More information: View Euphoria Retreat
Treat yourself to a relaxing facial at the beautiful Spa
Why not recharge your batteries on a luxury wellness break to Portugal and help beat those winter blues? Set in a 50-hectare estate in the stunning golf resort of Quinta do Lago and modelled on an eighteenth-century Portuguese palace, Conrad Algarve is the pinnacle of style and luxury. Enjoy a wealth of dining options with three restaurants and three bars to choose from, blending the best of Portuguese and international cuisine. The Michelin-star Gusto restaurant, presented by the three Michelin star chef Heinz Beck, is a highlight. All rooms have a marble en-suite bathroom with a separate deep soak bathtub and rainfall shower, as well as a furnished balcony with stunning views over the pool or gardens. With three swimming pools and one kids pool, a nearby beach, a state-of-the-art contemporary spa and an extensive list of activities available, you are sure to be inspired to find your own Algarve.
Average Winter Temperature: 12°C, 53°F
More information: View Conrad Algarve
The beautiful scenery that surrounds Six Senses Kaplankaya
Take some time out at Six Senses this winter where you can cultivate a skill that promises enduring benefits for life. The serene atmosphere and expertise of the professionals at Kaplankaya promise a splendid night of sleep, and more importantly, will equip you with the knowledge to recreate this restorative experience consistently once you return home. Your time here is perfectly complemented by the range of indulgent wellness therapies you will receive, one of them being a traditional Turkish hammam massage. Not only is Kaplankaya one of our favourite sleep enhancement holidays, it is also the ideal location to learn more about the rich and diverse Turkish culture whilst you’re here.
Average Winter Temperature: 10°C, 50°F
More information: View Six Senses Kaplankaya
Try the range of anti-ageing treatments at Longevity Medical Spa
If the cold weather and stress of the Christmas period has got you down then a revitalising wellness retreat could be just what the doctor ordered. Escape to Portugal and experience first class anti-ageing treatments and indulgent signature therapies at Longevity Medical Spa and Thalassotherapy Centre. Starting with an expert consultation, therapists will completely personalise a plan to combat the signs of ageing, which range from aesthetic medicine to detox therapies and Osteopathy. Feel fit and healthy with the range of group classes including yoga, Pilates and mindfulness sessions. The nutritious cuisine served in the restaurant will start you on a path towards a healthier diet and help you develop an all-round improved lifestyle.
Average Winter Temperature: 15°C, 57°F
More information: View Longevity Medical Spa
Pool overlooking the mountains at Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti
Nestled away in the valleys of the towering Dolomites, the sustainably run Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is an oasis of calm. Escaping from the normality of life, you can rest and recuperate in this luxury resort.With biomaterials used to create the wellness destination, the award-winning spa has been designed in awe of its surrounding nature. The UNESCO “World Heritage site” of the Domilites are accessible and eager to be explored, for you to rediscover the innate healing properties of our connection to the world we are a part of.
Average Winter Temperature: -13°C, 30°F
More information: View Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti
Fly Yoga at Shanti Som
If the dreary weather and long nights are getting you down then why not escape on a relaxing yoga holiday this winter? Shanti Som in Spain offers a number of well-being breaks designed to help you unwind and improve your health. Utilising the healing properties of yoga and Pilates, this healthy break offers specialist wellness programmes and champions a back-to-nature approach with outdoor workouts, making for a truly refreshing experience. Situated in the stunning Sierra de Las Nieves Nature Park, you can choose to enjoy the facilities or unwind at the spa with a choice of treatments at this luxury wellness retreat.
Average Winter Temperature: 15°C, 57°F
More information: View Shanti Som
Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect well-being break in Europe this winter.
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