It’s all very well planning a city break to feed your inner culture vulture or a gastronomic experience to tempt your taste buds – but have you considered planning a holiday that focuses on your wellbeing?
From month long relaxing retreats to cheap spa breaks, there are plenty of holidays out there that’ll help get your body and mind in tip top condition.
Here are a few of our favorites…
Dust Off Your Walking Boots
“These boots were made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do” – walking holidays are a brilliant way to see the sights whilst also clocking up some impressive mileage, and there is nothing more soothing for your body than getting some fresh air.
Join a group excursion and you may even find yourself making new friends on during your trip.
Some of the best walking holidays in Europe are in Austria and Switzerland, which have thousands of kilometers of walking tracks, some where you’ll barely need to bring anything but your boots as restaurants, hotels and even spas can be found along the hiking trails in the mountains and villages you pass along the way.
Take To The Slopes
There’s no denying that skiing holidays can work wonders for your fitness – and now your winter sports break could benefit your brain, too.
‘Snowga’, a new luxury holiday experience set in France’s Val d’Isere resort, combines skiing and snow-boarding with regular yoga workouts to stimulate body and mind.
The best part? All cooking during the break is done for you – so you can use the time you save to perfect your best Downward Dog.
Retreat From The World
Sometimes we all need to escape for a bit – whether you choose to run away for a week, month or even a year (yes, there are some year-long getaways out there) a retreat is the ideal way to show yourself some much needed TLC.
Most retreats include yoga and meditation to soothe the body and focus the mind, and many are located in inspirational settings such as Goa, Bali or Thailand.
In Goa you’ll find many Ayurveda spas, in Bali relaxing detox centers and in Thailand some luxurious spas and a variety of different treatments.
Prepare To Be Pampered
Spa weekends are one of the best ways to get away for a bit and recharge your batteries – especially if your time is limited and want to treat yourself without having it cost a fortune.
Most spas allow guests to tailor their stay to suit their needs, with options ranging from simple use of the facilities (such as pool and sauna) to a variety of indulgent treatments.
Whether you decide to treat yourself to a massage or simply to enjoy a dip in the Jacuzzi, the chances are that, come Monday, you’ll be feeling rested, restored and ready to take on anything.
Popular spa weekend destination are Budapest, Marrakech and Istanbul.
Jump In The Saddle
Not only are trekking holidays a fun and unusual way to explore a new place – but they’re actually pretty good for your fitness, too.
Hop on a horse, donkey or – if you’re feeling brave – a camel and you’ll find you work muscles you never even knew you had.
Well, it certainly beats being stuck on a coach for hours on end… Corsica and Iceland are two popular destinations for horseback riding in beautiful scenery.
Where would you like to go for a wonderful body & soul getaway?
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I am personally all for a spa weekend! You can do them any weekend, and everyone has one at least within traveling distance. My favorite is Ocean House in Rhode Island (here is a review from Le Chic Travel) http://lechictravel.com/2012/01/ocean-house/ . It is in a remodeled Victorian Mansion right by the ocean. Such a great atmosphere.
I would love to enjoy a walking holiday! Not much of a spa gal so I’d opt for a more active trip.
I would definitely like to try “Snowga” out! A combination of yoga & snowboarding? Two already great things…all at once…I think this would rival paradise!
These sound wonderful! I think a walking holiday would be fantastic.
I would like to enjoy a wonderful holiday! There is fulled with fresh air and beautiful sight rather than too much works,cars and peoples.
Just come back from goa – lovely and relaxing – most important need beach kaftan – fab ones at http://www.bluemojito.co.uk
Really it’s a fantastic effort from which one can learn many things about health while traveling or not. It’s a way to make your holiday enjoyable with health as well.
There are so many great holiday ideas to help recharge and stay healthy, especially in Europe. Your suggestions sound good and ideally I would love to find one that combines a few of these things. I like the idea of doing outdoor activities all day and then coming in at the end of the day for a spa treatment.
Thanks for the great ideas you have shared with us. Those are really refreshing and healthy. I would also like to mention that take healthy food also to make a successful trip. A great holiday can always give us a boost to start our busy lifestyle again with a new breath.
Great ideas! Its nice to see that some people are really taking the vacation idea to heart and showing that its about recharging and getting back to basics kind of. Nice share