One of my favourite forms of travel is wellness travel. I love getting to explore some of the worlds best wellness destinations and relax and transform my body, mind and soul.
If you do not know, wellness travel is travel with the intent to experience some sort of wellness transformation.
This form of travel has become very popular over the last few years and is expected to make a speedy come back once international travel returns.
To help you plan you next wellness experience, I asked some of my travel bloggers to share their favourite wellness destinations.
Let’s grab a cup of tea and take a look the wellness destinations they recommend.
P.S. need a wellness travel experience right now but can’t travel to your dream wellness destinations? Not a problem! Check out my blog How to Create Your Own DIY Wellness Weekend, and create your own wellness experience at home.
Here Are 6 Wellness Destinations For You To Explore
1. Hakone, Japan
“Just a couple hours outside of Tokyo you will find Hakone, a wellness town in the lush mountainside known for its volcanic hot springs called onsens. To get the full experience, stay at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). Ryokans have been a part of the country’s culture ever since the first one opened in 718 AD. Its purpose is to make travellers feel at home in a comfortable and relaxed setting.
There is no doubt you will feel pampered at a ryokan. While you wear traditional Yukata robes, meals are served kaiseki style (Japanese multi-course) to you in your room. During your downtime it’s satisfying soaking in the hot onsens, which are just steps away. Ryokans typically have a few onsens and are separated by gender since it’s a nude experience. If you’re up for the splurge, some rooms even include their own private onsen.
For a luxury ryokan, stay at Yamanochaya. Most rooms feature a private onsen right in your room. For a less expensive ryokan, Fukuzumiro is a great choice. It has a lot of character and is located right beside a river.
Hakone is a great stop to add to your Japan itinerary since there is a direct high speed train you can take from Tokyo. The town itself is quaint with many boutiques and shops that sell tasty treats. The area around Hakone is very scenic and worth exploring if you’re a nature lover. You can take a day trip from Hakone to see the majestic Mount Fuji. Just ask your ryokan for a map and details.” – Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes. Connect with Cecily on Instagram and Facebook.
2. Sedona, USA
“Sedona is known as Mother Nature’s red rock country. Its breathtaking backdrop of sandstone scenery and towering cliffs will take your breath away. However, Sedona is a powerful place beyond the beauty that meets the eye. People visit from across the globe to experience the Sedona vortices that make Sedona a sacred place. These vortex forces flow out from the red rocks. They are best described as swirling centers of energy that can amplify the healing process and meditation. Also, after your visit, you will feel recharged and uplifted.
The most well-known of the Sedona vortices are at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. Some have upward energy, and at some, the energy enters the earth. People travel from across the globe in search of the vortices, to witness the feeling of the earth feeling supercharged with energy. Of the 4 million visitors to Sedona each year, it is estimated that 60% of them come in search of a spiritual experience.
It is possible to take a tour with a guide to the vortices. However, you are also able to visit without a guide; the visitor center will have maps and details available. Be respectful at each vortex, as there are often people taking part in meditation or rituals.
Aside from the vortices, Sedona is also well-known for its healing massage treatments, spas, and retreats. You will not want to miss experiencing a treatment inspired by the desert ecosystem and ancient Navajo traditions.” – Debbie Fettback from WorldAdventurists.com. You can connect with Debbie on Instagram.
3. Saturnia, Italy
“One of the most beautiful places to visit for a wellness travel is definitely located in Tuscany: The Saturnia Springs in Italy. A picture-perfect panorama awaits you here! Turquoise blue pools, steaming white sinter baths and an intact nature at the hot river enchants visitors from all over the world.
This nature pearl is a natural wellness place, which was even made accessible free of charge. Especially families with children meet here to swim together and later have a picnic near the river.
But not only the scenery is ingenious, the water that you enjoy is very healthy. Thanks to its high sulfur content, it works well against inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism and arthritis. And this spa is also said to have rejuvenating effects, it makes your skin soft and smooth.
You can visit the Saturnia Springs all year round. But you should try to avoid the weekends, as this is definitely the busiest time. The most beautiful pictures can be taken in the early morning, then you have this natural spring almost all to yourself!
If you are having enough of bathing in nature, then you can visit the thermal bath house and 5-star spa hotel Terme di Saturnia – Parco Termale. This thermal bath can be visited by non-hotel guests for an entrance fee of about 25 Euros and there are also wellness-treatments offered.” – Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma.
4. Oslo, Norway
“Norway is a dream come true for many travellers. Norway’s capital, Oslo shines as the perfect wellness travel destination in Europe. Norwegians are really friendly people and it’s one of the safest countries on Earth – the crime rates that make other large cities like London or New York look dangerous by comparison. No wonder: it has been voted one of the happiest places on earth both by locals and tourists alike!
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, three or two days in Oslo should be plenty of time to explore the city. You can also make it your base for traveling around other parts of Norway like Trondheim and Bergen where there are amazing landscapes to explore. Make sure when you visit that you go see the beautiful Opera House- designed with an iceberg as its inspiration; don’t forget about climbing up on top of it for panoramic views.
One of the best ways to experience wellness in Oslo is by visiting its natural wonders, from walking through forests or sailing on an open-air ferry. However, if walking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of wellness activities in town.
The Holmenkollen Spa at Scandic Holmenkollen Park offers beautiful views and calming ambiance while providing sauna facilities as well. You can also try out Oslo Fjord Sauna for that authentic Nordic style when it comes to relaxation time – their water temperature ranges between 35°C (95°F) up until 40°C (104°F), meaning they have something for everyone. If yoga’s your thing, then head straight over RAW Yoga Studio where classes range from slow flow sessions to strength and power routines.” – Alice from Adventures of Alice.
5. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
“San Juan del Sur is a lowkey beachside town nestled in the southwest coastal lines of Nicaragua. It’s perhaps one of the best places you can stop in to slow down as you travel through the country.
What I really loved about San Juan del Sur is no doubt its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beach views and incredible foods. This city is so integrated with the natural environment that it’s easy to feel calm and rested.
Stay at the Costa Dulce Ecolodge for the ultimate wellness getaway. Tucked away in the hills and looking over the gorgeous seas, the bespoke huts are very charming and all command picturesque views. This eco-friendly resort has the only direct access to Playa Escameca and you can enjoy a morning or evening stroll along the sand.
Spend your time here surfing, taking yoga classes and paddle boarding, and you will feel completely rejuvenated after a few days. You can also visit the turtle hatchery and join the different activities organized each day to engage more with the local culture. Don’t forget to explore nearby beaches too.
However you like to unwind, San Juan del Sur could be your tropical oasis. You can hike to marvel at one of the world’s largest Jesus statue, go horseback riding by the beach and take a catamaran ride around the local waters.
I’d recommend visiting some time around December to April when the summer heat and gentle breeze are perfect for relaxing. Although that leaves May to November as the rainy season, it honestly never gets too bad here at San Juan del Sur! You may experience short showers, but it won’t actually be raining non-stop.” – Bradley from Dream Big, Travel Far.
6. Budapest, Hungary
“Budapest is always worth a trip. The lively metropolis on the Danube River impresses with its countless attractions, but also with cool cafés, art and culinary delights. What many people don’t know, however, is that Budapest is also a spa city, with many historical bath and lidos that make it actually to a fantastic idea for a wellness trip.
Particularly recommended is the Szechenyi Bath, arguably one of the most beautiful historic spas in all of Europe. Another must see address for a spa in Budapest is the Gellert Thermal Baths with its amazing hotel.
You can visit Budapest’s largest thermal baths all year round, as the healthy healing water is hot and so the outdoor pools stay open even in winter. Perfect if you want to combine sightseeing, city walking and shopping with having a rest and relaxation. In addition, in most establishments you can also find a sauna to sweat in or enjoy one of the many different massages and beauty treatments.
The baths of Budapest have a long tradition and so there were already thermal facilities in the 2nd century. A culture that, by the way, revived later with the occupation by the Turks during the 16th and 17th centuries. Finally, at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the most popular baths such as the Gellért or Széchenyi baths were built as monumental magnificent buildings.” – Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma.
7. Baños, Ecuador
“With its unmatched biodiversity and natural beauty, Ecuador is easily one of the best South American countries to visit, especially for travelers on a budget, and the small town of Baños is an example of why. Here you’ll find countless ways to relax and enjoy the warm sub-tropical environment among mountains, waterfalls, and natural hot springs, making this town Ecuador’s favorite destination for wellness travel.
Named after the natural hot springs that surround the city and bubble up due to nearby volcanoes heating the earth, Baños has long been considered a relaxing and healing destination. Visitors today can visit the hot spring and spend hours enjoying the relaxing waters, making for a relaxing afternoon. Well worth the small splurge, spa services like massages and more are also available and based near the hot springs at facilities around the town.
However, there is much more that makes Baños a wellness destination than just its springs. Surrounded by over 60 waterfalls and known as the gateway to the Amazon, the area surrounding town is the perfect destination for communing with nature. There are countless hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and natural pools to swim in just steps away, with plenty of guided visits that can easily be organized or self-led. A perfect combination of relaxation and nature combine here to make this a wellness destination worth traveling to.” – Carley Rojas Avila of Home to Havana. Connect with Carley on Instagram.
8. Montecatini, Italy
“Montecatini is one of the best-recognized locations in Italy for its spas. This town, positioned withinside the heart of Tuscany, is one of the maximum famous vacationer accommodations withinside the province of Pistoia. Montecatini Terme definitively obtained the position of a prestigious spa lodge at the start of the 20th century.
If you visit Montecatini you honestly can’t fail to take a beneficial bath withinside the Spa. The spas presently available amongst the ones covered withinside the Montecatini thermal park are four: Tettuccio, Redi, Excelsior, and La Salute. The spas are positioned withinside the large green area.
Another highlight to be taken into consideration is the Thermal Park. It is the vast green lung of the metropolis which is used for leisure, walks, and events. During the Christmas period, the City of Santa Claus is created here. This draws attention to old and young from throughout Italy and the world.
And then there are the fountains which are true masterpieces. They are located not only within the spas but also along the streets and at essential squares. Fountains welcome tourists, beginning from the doorway of the spa town. The post popular ones are the Fountain Mazzoni withinside the rectangular in the front of the railway station, the Guidotti Fountain in Piazza del Popolo, and the Fountain of Shingu, which surrounds the 2 spas of Leopoldine and Tettuccio in Piazza Giusti on the stop of the lengthy Vialone dei Bagni. Therefore you need to go to Montecatini on your next journey to Italy and enjoy a few rests there. Here you may discover extra information and more Italy Travel Guides.” – Tristan from Traxplorio. Connect with Tristan on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
All of these wellness destinations sounds amazing! Where is your favourite wellness destination, let me know in the comments.
Wishing you a lifetime of wellness experiences and all of the most relaxing wellness destinations!
xoxo,
