Wellness tourism – Seven destinations for a relaxing retreat

Wellness enthusiasts are being told of seven hotspots to visit for a relaxing wellness retreat including Iceland and Portugal.

Travel experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have shared the best destinations for rejuvenation and self discovery.

Wellness tourism is believed to be worth £505 billion (€592) across the globe annually* with more and more people looking to embark on a wellness related journey.

Social media has also had a part to play in the growth of the sector with #wellnessretreat and #spiritualretreat having a combined viewing of over 33 million on TikTok and over 500,000 posts on Instagram.*

Whilst there are many countries across the world that offer wellness retreats, many of them will specialise in something different.

Those looking to embark upon a wellness adventure are being advised to visit Portugal for detoxification, Bali for self discovery and India for ayurvedic healing.

Also among the list of wellness hotspots is Thailand, Iceland, Switzerland and Japan.

John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Wellness tourism has had a massive increase in popularity over the years with people prioritising their mental and physical health more.

“There are a lot of destinations that make for a great wellness retreat but many of them will specialise in different areas.

“India for example is the home of ayurvedic medicine making it the perfect place for anyone in search of a more healing experience.

“Those looking for more of a physical retreat might want to visit Switzerland or Iceland where the stunning scenery also makes for a great location for physical activities such as hiking and yoga.”

Seven spots to visit for a wellness retreat:

1. Thailand

Thailand is known for their holistic wellness and is one of the best destinations to practise yoga. The country’s breathtaking landscapes also offer rejuvenation from cultural and historic landmarks to gorgeous white sandy beaches.

2. India

This south asian country is home to Ayurveda, a medicinal belief based on the idea that disease is caused by an imbalance within the body. It’s a great location for those looking for ayurvedic healing, meditation and spiritual growth.

3. Iceland

Iceland’s culture focuses on bathing and spas which contributes to people’s overall health and wellbeing. It’s no surprise that Iceland makes for an ideal wellness trip thanks to its infamous natural spas. The country’s landscape also makes it the perfect location for activities like hiking.

4. Portugal

The Algarve in particular is a wellness hotspot for those seeking rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Portugal also focuses on detoxification which goes hand in hand with their mediterranean diet which emphasises the importance of plant-based foods and healthy fats.

5. Switzerland 

Famous for its fresh mountain air, Switzerland is home to some of the best health clinics in the world. The Swiss Alps provides the perfect backdrop for wellness activities such as outdoor yoga and hiking.

6. Bali

Bali, Indonesia is known for its wellness and healing culture. The tranquil destination focuses a lot on spirituality and self-discovery, perfect for those who are on a journey of discovering themselves.

7. Japan

Japanese culture focuses on minimalism and mindfulness to create a calm atmosphere. It’s also home to thousands of Onsen (natural hot springs) which are believed to relieve stress. The Japanese focus on harmony and creating balance across all areas of life.