The popularity of wellness breaks is nothing new, however a relaxing getaway doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.
Say goodbye to flying and flopping at a resort and hello to 15 self-care holidays for those looking to step outside their comfort zones. From sailing in the Mediterranean to hiking the mountains of Japan, discover some of the world’s best self-care holidays for the active traveller.
Kayaking on the Soča River in Slovenia
A popular European kayaking destination in Slovenia, the Soča River offers a beautiful location to experience nature whilst gliding across the emerald green waters. Offering varying levels of difficulty, the rapids are suitable for both beginners and professionals. Travellers can choose to attend one of the surrounding kayak schools or the many camps and workshops. www.slovenia.info/en
Escape to the mountains in California
From skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking and biking in summer, California’s mountains are always calling. In the warmer months, head to Mammoth Mountain, which has one of the best bike parks in the US, followed by Palisades Tahoe, home to Lake Tahoe’s only thrilling Via Ferrata. Those who have an Ikon Pass can enjoy scenic chairlift or gondola rides at both destinations, included in the price of their Pass. www.mammothmountain.com / www.palisadestahoe.com / www.ikonpass.com
Active Japan
From the wilds of Hokkaido to the subtropical islands of Okinawa, Japan is a paradise for hiking, cycling, kayaking and more. Wander the ancient pilgrimage routes of the Kumana Kodo, scramble up the rocky face of Mount Fuji or cycle through challenging mountainous rural regions offering sweeping, spectacular views. With the vast majority of Japan’s population squeezed into towns and cities occupying less than 30% of the country’s total area, the great outdoors are perfect for exploration. www.japan.travel/en/uk
Learn to SUP on the Pacific Ocean – San Diego, California
The sunny city of San Diego has the best of both worlds; a cityscape home to restaurants, bars, museums and more, and multiple beaches offering plenty of opportunities to connect with the Pacific Ocean. Discover the fun and excitement of stand up paddleboarding (SUP) with an Aqua Adventures lesson, which teaches guests how to master the sport, and learn techniques for balance, stance and steering. SUP is a unique way to enjoy the Pacific Ocean and see San Diego’s beautiful skyline from a different perspective. www.sandiego.org
Water sports in Valencia
With a temperate Mediterranean climate and easy access to miles of golden sand, Valencia is the perfect place for water sport enthusiasts. Valencia also has a ‘thermal wind’, a special attribute that guarantees wind every day, making sailing a popular activity. Head to the water with La Marina, the Royal Valencia Yacht Club or the Valencian Community Sailing Federation to enjoy an array of water sports the city has to offer, including sailing, rowing, canoeing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, fishing and diving. www.visitvalencia.com/en
Digital Wellness Pass – Greater Palm Springs, California
Earlier this year Visit Greater Palm Springs launched the new digital Wellness Pass to help travellers reach their health and wellness goals in the new year. The Greater Palm Springs Wellness Pass provides a guide to some of the destination’s best wellness and spa experiences, while also providing deals and offerings to the community and visitors. Offers range from discounts on fitness classes to complimentary spa treatment add-ons. Participating spas and wellness facilities include the new Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort, the newly- renovated Well Spa at Miramonte Resort, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage and more. www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
Detoxing in The Islands of Tahiti
Made up of 118 islands, The Islands of Tahiti offer visitors the chance to be active outdoors. Enjoy a range of water and land activities from kayaking, canoeing, swimming and diving to hiking, horse riding, rock climbing and more. The destination also offers incredible local and healthy food on a daily basis including freshly caught fish from the local waters. As a result of the year round sun, farmers can grow a wide variety of exotic juicy fruits perfect for breakfast, a healthy snack or dessert. Papayas, mangos, pineapples, watermelon, grapefruit and limes with a pod of vanilla are often used to prepare tasty desserts when dining in The Islands of Tahiti. www.tahititourisme.uk
Barry’s, FaceGym, Rumble and more – West Hollywood, California
West Hollywood, known as the heart of Los Angeles, is a self-care holiday mecca offering new fitness trends and numerous healthy places to eat and drink. The city has been voted The Most Walkable City in California with a score of 91/100 by Walk Score, a service that helps promote walkable neighbourhoods across the country. Whilst walking around the city, why not pop into Barry’s, where the brand began, and give one of their bootcamps a go with upper, lower and full body workouts to choose from. For those who need to get some aggression out, give Rumble Boxing a go, a 45-minute-long class that builds endurance, full-body strength, balance and coordination through a combination of boxing. For those who don’t want to work up a sweat, visit Face Gym – the only gym studio for the face – located at 1 Hotel. Face Gym is powered by high-performance, award-winning skincare, expert tool innovations and one-of-a-kind workout moves to kickstart the skin’s metabolism and provide a unique facial fitness experience for everyone, at every age. www.visitwesthollywood.com
Mind the GAP in Pittsburgh
A world class path for all kinds of adventurers, The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Pittsburgh encourages every type of outdoor recreation from lovers of cycling to runners and hikers. The 150-mile route winds through valleys, snakes around mountains and plays witness to some of the most beautiful scenery in the USA. Pittsburgh is the perfect spot for launching or concluding a journey along the GAP, with opportunities to explore the walkable city’s Downtown and South Side. visitpittsburgh.com
Digital Detox in Yosemite Mariposa, California
White Wolf is a private tour company located in Yosemite offering digital detoxing hikes. Hike amongst the tall evergreens of the Sierra Nevada, swim in the pristine waters of alpine lakes and share time with family and friends after a rewarding day of hiking without the internet. The excursions help to boost the physical and mental health of those on the tour, enabling them to connect with friends and family whilst seeing Yosemite’s iconic spots including El Capital and Bridalveil Fall. www.yosemite.com
Shoshoni Yoga Retreat, Colorado, USA
Boasting outdoor activities and beautiful landscapes, Colorado promotes wellness through adventures and relaxation. If travellers are looking to feel their best, Shoshoni Yoga Retreat in Rollinsville is a residential ashram and spiritual retreat centre providing a sacred space for individuals to get in touch with their mind, body and soul. Located at 8,500 feet in the mountains above Boulder, the retreat invites guests to practise meditation and yoga, connect with nature and experience the joy that lies within. Yoga and meditation sessions are offered twice a day, with vegetarian meals sourced from the organic gardens on the grounds. During their stay, visitors can soak in the sauna or hot tub, and explore the hiking trails or meditation shrines. www.colorado.com
Self-care Sundays in Sacramento, California
Plan a trip to Sacramento over a weekend and enjoy Self Care Sundays. Self Care Sundays is a bi-weekly outdoor event for the Sacramento community to come together and practice self care. The event includes a 30-minute workout session and various self-care activities such as tea tastings, gardening, vision board making, paint and sip and much more. Enjoy walking around numerous local vendors such as Blacker The Berry, which sells herbal healing honey, and Aurora’s Candles and Bath, where gorgeous smelling products are available to purchase. Self Care Sunday offers visitors and the community a safe space to relax and share the importance of taking care of the mind, body and soul. www.visitsacramento.com
Get Active in Seattle, USA
Surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, there’s a reason that Seattle is known as the Emerald City. Boasting natural surroundings, there’s much adventure on offer, from hiking Mountain Si, with a 3,150 ft elevation gain, to walking through the Issaquah Alps trails, which include the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlife Park and Tiger Mountain. Swimming and kayaking from Lake Washington through the Locks to the Puget Sound are also popular experiences for travellers. visitseattle.org
Yoga retreat in California
To improve yoga practice and recharge in a beautiful place, California offers some world-class options any time of year. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, about 80 miles north of Los Angeles (and roughly 15 miles from the ocean), is a historic luxury resort that sits in a valley that has been believed by many throughout the years to be an energetic hotspot, or “vortex,” that holds mystical powers. Yogis have their pick from a robust class schedule that spans the style spectrum, from Gentle Yoga, which is more of a meditation with stretches, to Yoga Sculpt, which uses resistance and weights as you move through the postures. Guests can also head to Meditation Mount, a meditation centre with sweeping views of Ojai Valley, for sunrise and full-moon yoga. www.visitcalifornia.com
Self-care sailing holidays by Click&Boat
A boating holiday is an ideal option for those who want to relax and de-stress in the sunshine. Water also creates a so-called effect of the ‘blue mind’ which is the meditative state we fall into when near, in or on water, increasing our brain’s ability to be mindful, whilst boosting imagination and creativity. It’s essentially the antidote to the anxious, over-stimulated state our brains are usually forced to function in as a result of the pressures of modern life. Click&Boat, the global leader in boat rental, is the perfect solution for self-care sailing holidays this summer. www.clickandboat.com/uk
