10 Of The Best Winter Wellness Retreats For Christmas & New Year

If the thought of darker days and cold temperatures is spinning you into a winter slump, fear not, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists has just the solution.

From adventurous fitness in Oman and mountain trekking in India to holistic healing experiences in Thailand and pampering in Italy, discover where to head this winter for a wellness retreat during the Christmas and New Year period. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or calm and collected yogi, ditch the ordinary, take time-out from the traditional and head wherever your wellness whims take you. With a host of exotic locations for you to visit, let this Christmas actually be the most wonderful time of the year as you put yourself first. So, come on, let’s beat those winter blues for good!

MEDITATION, MINDFULNESS & MIRACLES: Thailand Amanpuri Awareness

For a truly magical festive experience, look no further than this life-changing mediation and mindfulness retreat on Phuket’s secluded west coast. An experience designed to restore inner balance and awareness, embark upon an immersive journey into your subconscious under the practiced guidance of a Buddhist monk. As your mind, body and soul connects in perfect harmony, notice how stresses dissipate, leaving you with clarity, direction and inner peace. With enchanting views of the Andaman Sea and breath-taking pink sunsets, have yourself a merry little Christmas and swap white snow for white sand this winter.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Amanpuri from £5,520pp or £7,900 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

NEW YEAR SPORT & FITNESS: Canaries Baobab Suites Swimming or Running

Baobab Suits, Canaries

Santa Claus is comin’ to town and he’s ditched the sleigh and reindeers after a stint in the Canaries at Baobab Suites on the Swimming or Running programme. Refine your technique and efficiency in one or both distinct sporting disciplines with customised personal training under the warm Tenerife sun, gaining strength, stamina and skill. A fusion of luxury and minimalism, Baobab Suites, boasts elegant apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and efficient facilities perfect for all your wellness pursuits. With a year-round temperate climate and only a short flight from the UK, Tenerife is the perfect location for a sporty winter escape.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 5 nights at Baobab Suites from £720pp or £1,205 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

FESTIVE FITNESS: Oman Zighy Bay Sense of Functional Fitness

Zighy Bay, Oman

A million miles away from the classic white (or let’s be honest with ourselves - grey) Christmas in the UK, Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman offers warmer weather, sandy beaches and spectacular mountain views. With customised training, the functional fitness programme focusses and delivers on personal goals whether it be toning, fitness, strength or flexibility. Enjoy an array of exhilarating experiences as you swap the daytime TV for trekking and tandem paragliding, then bring the New Year in in style with a chartered yacht or sunset cruise for the winter holiday of your dreams.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Zighy Bay from £3,970pp or £5,420 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers. 

TAKE A STAP BACK FROM EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS: Thailand Kamalaya Embracing Change

Kamalaya, Thailand

Re-discover the joy in life and restore your body’s balance and well-being on the Kamalaya Embracing Change wellness programme to experience self-discovery and growth. During the festive period, difficulties you are facing such as relationship or work problems, addiction, anxiety or grief, can be exacerbated by pressures to be social. Grip life by the antlers and learn the skills you need to develop your emotional strength and positive outlook to conquer any challenging situations you may be facing. Visit by yourself or bring a loved one for a safe and Merry Christmas experience. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Kamalaya from £2,890pp or £3,300 for single occupancy. Pricing is full board, with a wellness programme and return private transfers.

 SINGLE ALL THE WAY: St Lucia BodyHoliday

BodyHoliday, St Lucia

Are you on the lookout for a solo adventure this Christmas that rivals young Kevin McCallister in Home Alone (only without the snow, stress and mishaps)? If so, BodyHoliday is the perfect winter escape, with a range of action-packed activities that can keep you busy from dawn ‘til dusk. This exquisite Caribbean wellness destination, surrounded by jungle covered piques and crystal-clear waters, offers a wide range of action-packed activities including scuba-diving, extreme mountain biking, tennis and windsurfing. With great restaurants, bars and a solo-friendly atmosphere, it’s as comfortable as spending Christmas at home, only completely different and much, much better.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £1,845pp or £1,940 for single occupancy. Pricing is all inclusive, with a wellness programme and return private transfers. 

WALKING IN A WELLNESS WONDERLAND: India Ananda Active

Ananda, India

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but India is so delightful! This festive season take time-out from the traditional and head to the home of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation. Ananda, set in the Himalayan foothills, is the epitome of wellness destination travel, evoking spirituality and calm in all that visit. Embrace the powerful ambience of nature and release endorphins as you discover your surroundings with nature walks, trekking and water-rafting or make the most of calming holistic activities like Hatha yoga, morning stretches and meditation. Whichever wellness route you take, this is one Christmas you won’t want to forget.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Ananda from £4,940pp or £5,315 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

A HOLISTIC KIND OF HOLIDAY: Costa Rica The Retreat Revive & Renew

The Retreat, Costa Rica

Treat yourself this winter with a well-rounded wellness retreat in Costa Rica. This beautiful retreat offers plenty of opportunity to refresh and restore your mind and body as you bask in the Costa Rican sunshine. Learn something new with a raw food cooking class or be at one with nature and try birdwatching and stargazing. ‘The Cristal Lotus’ spa provides the perfect chance to transform your well-being and address any health problems through natural approaches, so you can start 2019 as the best and most mindful version of yourself. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 6 nights at The Retreat Costa Rica from £1,600pp. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

TIS THE SEASON TO BE SPA-ING: Italy Borgo Egnazia Beauty

Borgo Egnazia Italy

As the self-proclaimed belle of the ball this Christmas, you deserve a little pampering and what’s more, you deserve Borgo Egnazia. A castle-like haven set in an untouched and authentic region of Puglia, Italy, Borgo is an idyllic winter escape for spa-seekers and beauty-enthusiasts alike. By day, relax with Roman bath rituals, psycho-aromatherapy and essential oil massages and by night, enjoy top notch dining at a range of sophisticated gourmet restaurants. A vibrant, relaxing and soothing wellness experience, this short winter break may be just what you need to prepare you or repair you from the festivities.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 4 nights at Borgo Egnazia from £1,175pp or £1,625 for single occupancy. Pricing includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CHRISTMAS: Bali Revivo Detox & Weight Loss

Revivo, Bali

Do you want to build a snowman? No… we don’t either. Ditch the Christmas jumpers and opinionated in-laws this December and head East for a winter escape to the stunning Indonesian island of Bali, known colloquially as ‘Island of the Gods’. Put yourself first this festive season as you detox and lose a few unwanted pounds on a wellness trip that doesn’t skimp on the cultural experiences. Discover the mental and physical benefits of Qigong, Tai Chi, Muay Thai and Tibetan meditation or try yoga, Pilates, TRX training and boxing. Whatever your wellness quirks, you are guaranteed to ring in the New Year in tip top shape.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Revivo Wellness Resort from £3,355pp or £5,235 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: Turkey Six Senses Kaplankaya Full Potential

Six Senses Kaplanmaya, Turkey

Give yourself the gift of self-improvement this Christmas as you embrace the full potential programme at Six Senses Kaplankaya in Turkey. Set in a secluded bay of the Milas province with panoramic views of the Aegean, this is an idyllic winter getaway to work on your New Year’s resolutions. Learn how to stay healthy over the festive period as you discover more about the inner workings of your body with metabolic tests, then relax with an expansive range of spa treatments. With a host of adventure tours available you are certain to make memories that outlast the festive period. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Six Senses Kaplankaya from £2,485pp or £3,530 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme and return private transfers.

For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891