Winter blues can often occur from lack of light, short days and longer nights. During the busy festive period, and as we enter the New Year, it’s no wonder that we need self-care in a bid to rejuvenate and unwind.
With searches for ‘spa and wellness holidays’, up by 200% in the past 12 months1, many are looking for a winter wellness escape.
Many countries and cities across the globe offer lots of wellbeing activities in tranquil settings. To help you pick your detox destination, Planet Cruise have released a new study which reveals the best winter wellness spots in the world based on seven factors:
- Indoor spas
- Massage clinics
- Thermal spas
- Population size
- Green space (%)
- Yoga & Pilates
- Bodies of water
The experts have analysed the factors to reveal the total score concluding which cities are the best in the world to visit for the ultimate winter wellness holiday.
The Top 10 Cities in the World for Winter Wellness:
| Rank | City | Country | Indoor Spas | Massage clinics | Green space (%) | Bodies of water |
| 1 | London | UK | 765 | 645 | 22.3 | 15 |
| 2 | Tokyo | Japan | 977 | 1 | 7.5 | 38 |
| 3 | Singapore | Singapore | 539 | 46 | 47 | 13 |
| 4 | Dubai | UAE | 438 | 892 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | Sydney | Australia | 291 | 243 | 46 | 17 |
| 6 | New York City | USA | 755 | 56 | 27 | 8 |
| 7 | Vancouver | Canada | 228 | 72 | 68.3 | 5 |
| 8 | Paris | France | 945 | 10 | 14.3 | 10 |
| 9 | Rome | Italy | 316 | 18 | 43 | 5 |
| 10 | Barcelona | Spain | 592 | 19 | 29.2 | 1 |
*The table shows four factors. For the full seven factors, please ask.
Taking the top spot for winter wellness is London, United Kingdom. The capital has the greatest number of yoga and Pilates studios at 116, and the second most massage clinics, at 645.
It also ranks sixth for the number of lakes, rivers and canals, with the iconic River Thames in which you can take a boat trip to Hampton Court Palace, and the idyllic Regent’s Canal which starts at Little Venice and ends in Docklands.
If you are looking for a pamper, London boasts 765 indoor spas, and ranks fifth for thermal spas, with 8 located around the city. One to name is Ironmonger Row Baths, located in Islington, which offers a traditional Turkish bath experience with a plunge pool and hot rooms.
Coming in second is Japan’s capital, Tokyo. The city has the most indoor spas at an impressive 977, and also has the greatest number of thermal spas at 373!
For added zen, explore Tokyo’s green spaces and engage in Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, which involves immersing yourself in nature to reduce stress and promote wellbeing.
USA dominates wellness breaks, with 4 cities in the top 50
| Worldwide Rank | City | Country | Indoor Spas | Massage clinics | Green space (%) | Bodies of water |
| 6 | New York City | USA | 755 | 56 | 27 | 8 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | USA | 464 | 51 | 34.7 | 4 |
| 33 | Las Vegas | USA | 204 | 22 | 20 | 0 |
| 37 | San Francisco | USA | 99 | 17 | 13 | 5 |
| 40 | Miami | USA | 137 | 45 | 7 | 2 |
New research has also found that 5 US states have made the overall top 50 winter wellness spots, including New York City in sixth place and Los Angeles in twelfth place, which also holds the most indoor spas out of the US locations at 755.
To ensure you make the most out of your wellness break, Lara Buckle, qualified and registered nutritionist at The Wellness Detective has shared her top three tips:
Disconnect from technology
“Leave your phone in your room so you can take a break from your email, and social media. Limit screen time to truly unwind and be present in the moment. Set specific times to check messages, allowing yourself the freedom to fully enjoy your surroundings.”
Prioritise sleep
“Ensure you get enough quality sleep during your break. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and create a comfortable sleep environment. A well-rested body and mind are crucial for feeling rejuvenated.”
Form new habits
“Use your holiday as a chance to create space and pick up a new habit, such as journaling. Journaling allows you to reflect on your experiences, thoughts, and feelings during your break. It might also trigger some new goals to focus on post-holiday. Writing a list of things, you feel grateful for can also help to reduce stress and encourage a positive mindset.”
Commenting on the research, a spokesperson from Planet Cruise says:
“Wellness is important for us to recharge, especially as we enter the new year. The findings from this index provide us with differing locations which offer something new for everyone to pause and enjoy”.
To find out more information on the top winter wellness spots in the world. please find the full rankings here: https://www.planetcruise.com/en/winter-wellness-destinations-for-2024
