If you’re craving a getaway that goes beyond sightseeing and spa days, wellness trips might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, slow down, or try something new for your mind and body, there are destinations across the globe offering deeper experiences that leave you genuinely refreshed. Here are five wellness-focused escapes worth adding to your list!
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Thermal wellness in Iceland
Iceland’s rugged beauty has a raw, elemental pull, and it also happens to be home to some of the world’s best natural thermal waters. From the famous Blue Lagoon to lesser-known hot springs like Reykjadalur or Mývatn Nature Baths, the country offers plenty of opportunities to soak in warm, mineral-rich pools surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
What makes Iceland stand out is the chance to combine physical relaxation with the sense of being in a truly wild place. Hike across lava fields, visit active geysers, or take a coastal walk along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Then, after a long day exploring, wind down with a geothermal soak under the open sky. This is wellness that feels a little bit rugged, in the best way!
Slow down and rebalance in Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui has become one of Thailand’s leading wellness destinations. This lush island in the Gulf of Thailand offers a peaceful atmosphere and a coastline lined with quiet beaches, coconut groves, and calming ocean views. For those looking to deepen their connection with movement and mindfulness, there are several excellent Pilates and yoga retreats here, many tucked away in jungle surroundings or perched above the sea.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned practitioner, the island’s programs focus on small group classes, balanced meals, and rest. If you’re looking to restore energy levels or commit to a routine that supports both physical and emotional health, it’s worth exploring Koh Samui’s retreat scene. It’s a great place to choose fitness retreats that allow space for real recovery without being overly rigid. You’ll enjoy a holistic programme, focusing on not just pilates but also healthy foods and healing treatments.
Ocean calm in Turks and Caicos
For a wellness escape that’s all about serenity, head to Turks and Caicos. These islands in the Caribbean are known for their white-sand beaches and translucent turquoise waters, perfect for anyone needing to fully unplug.
Grace Bay on Providenciales offers long stretches of uncrowded coastline, ideal for morning walks, meditation, or simply enjoying the quiet. Spend time paddleboarding through the calm shallows or snorkelling over coral reefs. There are also opportunities for guided mangrove kayaking tours, a soothing way to reconnect with nature.
To fully lean into the peace and privacy the islands are known for, stay in Turks and Caicos villas just steps from the shore. They offer a relaxed setting where you can read, nap, or reflect at your own pace, without schedules or distractions.
Reconnect in the forests of British Columbia, Canada
There’s something uniquely grounding about being surrounded by towering trees and crisp mountain air, and British Columbia delivers that in abundance. Head to the coastal rainforests near Tofino or explore inland to places like the Okanagan Valley, where tranquil lakes and vineyards are framed by forested hills.
This part of Canada is perfect for forest bathing, cold water plunges in alpine rivers and guided nature walks focused on mindfulness and observation. Many retreats in the region incorporate Indigenous teachings and herbal therapies that give you a sense of place, not just peace.
The slow rhythm of nature here encourages a mental reset, especially if you’re coming from a fast-paced routine or long digital stretch!
Mediterranean mindfulness in Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is known for its beaches, but the island’s interior offers a more peaceful and contemplative experience. In the Tramuntana Mountains, you’ll find quiet stone villages, hiking trails with sea views, and citrus orchards that make the air smell like perfume. It’s a perfect place for slow mornings and unhurried afternoons.
Mallorca is also home to a growing number of wellness programs focused on breathwork, meditation, and nutrition, many based in restored fincas (traditional farmhouses) that give you space to decompress.
If you love time in nature, there are scenic cycling routes and walking trails throughout the Serra de Tramuntana, enough to keep both your body and mind engaged.
Wellness travel doesn’t have to mean green juices and rigid schedules. The best trips for the soul offer freedom, comfort and experiences that allow you to stop and breathe. Whether it’s coastal calm in Turks and Caicos, movement practice in Thailand, or soaking in wild landscapes in Iceland, each of these destinations invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment you’re in.