When the days grow short, dark and cold, the best cure for the winter blues is a holiday somewhere sunny. These destinations offer more than just blue skies – they’re havens for physical, mental and spiritual wellness. Whether you’re looking for sunrise hikes, oceanside yoga or just serene natural beauty, there’s somewhere out there to get you started on your wellness journey.
Discover five spots to bask in some sun and take a wellness-focused holiday.
Ubud
Recharge amidst the lush rainforest and rich culture of Ubud, Indonesia. Sunseekers flock to this island paradise for stunning scenery and world-renowned spiritual energy. The town offers plenty of options for wellness resorts, meditation classes and yoga retreats for everyone from beginners to practised yogis.
For a unique combination of wellness and sightseeing, start your day with a Mount Batur Sunrise Hiking With Breakfast – which includes a sunrise hike, nourishing breakfast and a swim in natural hot springs. Stay at Kebun Indah Ubud for a laidback spot with an on-site spa and wellness centre.
Maldives
Being close to water can decrease stress and positively affect your body and mind – sometimes referred to as ‘Blue Mind’. There’s perhaps no better place to test this theory than in the azure calm of the Maldives islands.
While temperatures on this tropical archipelago remain high all year, the best time to visit is in the dry season from November to April. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ocean around Hurawalhi Island Resort. The resort features ocean-front private villas, a glass-encased underwater restaurant and the indulgent Sulha Spa.
Tenerife
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is known for its year-round mild weather and as a hub for resorts, spas and wellness retreats. The island boasts a variety of unique landscapes that make it a dream for hiking enthusiasts, from stark volcanic fields to verdant mountains and beaches.
Plus, Tenerife’s relaxed vibe attracts yogis and wellness gurus from around the world. Barceló Santiago - Adults Only is a comfortable resort with access to a beach and a spa with a sauna, Turkish bath and hot tub.
Koh Samui
Thailand’s Koh Samui is a tropical paradise for anyone looking to catch some rays. This tropical island offers abundant natural beauty and a selection of wellness resorts and activities.
Whether you’re looking for a detox cleanse or a pilates programme, you can book an Absolute Sanctuary Full-day Wellness Experience to take in a day of activities tailored to your needs.
Spend your holiday at the Bandara Resort and Spa, Samui, to enjoy four pools, a fitness centre and traditional Thai massages at Bandara Spa.
Nosara
Rejuvenate in sunny Nosara, on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. This mellow surf town is rich in natural treasures: pristine ocean, expansive black sand beaches and unique local flora and fauna – but perhaps what it’s best well-known for is its yoga retreats.
The town attracts world-class yoga instructors, meaning there are plenty of yoga studio options to choose from. Stay at The Nomadic Hotel to explore the nearby beach, swim in a saltwater pool and make use of their open-air yoga pavilion.