Guide to Wellness Holidays and Short Breaks

We all have different ideas of what a ‘wellness break’ is. This will depend on how we like to relax and what we consider to be a holiday that rejuvenates us, body and mind. A beautiful spa hotel where relaxation, treatments and yoga are the order of the day might be your idea of a perfect holiday. Eating healthily and having an alcohol-free break to detox our bodies could be the way forward, implementing that complete wellbeing experience so we return to our normal lives feeling much fitter!

For others however, the idea of lying around being pampered may cause more stress than it relieves. A full-on activity holiday may be just what the doctor ordered for you. There are endless possibilities if we want to relax, re-connect with nature and return home regenerated:

• Cycling tours
• Sea fishing
• Trekking
• Mountain climbing
• A painting holiday
• Spa break
• Retreat
• Surfing
• Sailing

There are many options to choose from all over Europe, and indeed the world. Do you just want a short break, a couple of weeks’ annual leave, or maybe a sabbatical to rejuvenate yourself as a whole and take stock of your life? As is usually the case, money plays a big part in what we can and can’t do. So, with your budget in mind, we are looking at two different options; one luxury and the other affordable.

Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka

If you are looking for an eco-friendly sanctuary with a spiritual back-to-basics experience, this may be for you. Set in a stunning location in the mountains of Sri Lanka, you will be taken through a programme designed specifically for you, with the help of daily exercise, a personalised nutritious diet plan, herbal treatments and medicines. There is complimentary use of the steam room, sauna and thermal salt-water pool as well as daily spa treatments, yoga and meditation sessions. You will return home fully rejuvenated with a new perspective on how you should live your life! Full board accommodation and transfers are included.

Cost: from £1,755 pp for 7 nights

Do it Yourself Wellness Break

You can save thousands of pounds by putting this break together yourself, booking your own flights and accommodation. Firstly, decide where you would like to go; you can do a general search for the cheapest flights. We have put together some ideas but there are thousands of 4 and 5-star hotels that have their own spa facilities. Look for one that gives you free access to the spa area including pools, jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms. You will be able to get treatments at extra cost if you wish. Many hotels also offer free yoga or pilates sessions and have fully equipped gyms. Do some research and decide what is right for you. A morning jog along a deserted beach or a hike up a mountain is free of charge! Examples here are based on a 4-night break on 1^st April 2020:

Croatia:      Flight Stn-Split from £30 return; 4*Hotel Luxe from £55pp

Lake Bled:  Flight Lgw- Ljubljana £68 return; 4*Hotel Lovec from £47pp

Majorca:    Flight Man-Palma £41 return;   5*Nixe Palace from £74pp

Finally, wherever your final choice is, you will need to arrange Airport Parking and possibly an Airport Hotel before you fly. The sooner you organise this, the better the deal!