Feeling a little down in the dumps because of the colder weather? You’re not alone! The colder months can be tough, but there’s no need to let the blues get you down. Why not plan a winter getaway to a sun-soaked destination? A wellness retreat can be the perfect way to recharge your batteries, relax, and soak up some vitamin D.
Best places for winter sun
Many places around the world offer warm weather and sunny skies, even during the coldest months. If you’re asking, ‘Where can I sunbathe in the winter?’ consider destinations like the Maldives, Bali, Thailand, Costa Rica, Mexico, or Morocco for an unforgettable winter sun getaway. Let’s explore some of the most popular spots for a sunny winter escape, including wellness retreats that offer relaxation, and a chance to escape the winter blues.
The Maldives
The Maldives, long a honeymoon favourite, is also an ideal destination for a winter getaway. With over 1,190 intimate islands, the turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and palm-fringed beaches create a serene escape. Enjoy yoga by the sea, indulgent organic treatments, and unforgettable experiences like swimming with manta rays, all while savouring exceptional service and earth-to-table dining.
Wellness Retreats in The Maldives
JOALI BEING – Nestled in the Raa Atoll, JOALI BEING is surrounded by the endless horizon of the Indian Ocean. Their luxurious private villa’s offer the ultimate wellness retreat experience with personalised wellbeing programmes and world-renowned experts.
JOALI Maldives – Step into a world of laidback luxury at JOALI Maldives. Poised in the Raa Atoll, palm-fringed beaches and the sparkling Indian Ocean take centre stage among the 73 beachfront and overwater villas. Skilled craftsmanship and design boast sophistication and style.
Six Senses Laamu – Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Laamu Atoll, Six Senses Laamu is the true essence of barefoot luxury in the Maldives. By air and by speedboat, the thrill of the journey is as unforgettable as the experiences that await.
Nautilus – Superbly tucked away among the turquoise waters of the Baa Atoll, The Nautilus presents a sensational bohemian hideaway. The boutique resort is home to 26 beach and ocean houses, each with private pools, spacious living spaces and a dedicated villa host. Beach Houses step directly out onto the sand whilst Ocean Houses gaze directly onto a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where shoals of fish dart through the shallows.
Indonesia, Bali
Embark on a winter run getaway in Indonesia, with Bali as the top destination for wellness and yoga in Ubud’s tropical forests and surfing in Uluwatu. Discover Balinese spirituality, traditional healing, and the island’s hidden waterfalls, temples, and rice paddies. Swim with manta rays around Nusa Penida, or explore the stunning Komodo National Park with sunset yoga, snorkelling at Pink Beach, and hikes to see Komodo dragons and breathtaking viewpoints.
Wellness Retreats in Indonesia
REVIVO Bali – Unlock a new lease of life at REVĪVŌ, a sustainable wellness resort in Nusa Dua, Bali. Meaning ‘I’ll live again’ in Latin, REVĪVŌ’s name couldn’t be more apt to describe the wealth of restorative treatments and healing retreats you’ll discover there. Bali’s ancient, spiritual traditions flow through the culture of the island, intertwining with lushly forested hills, white sand beaches, and a gentle sea breeze to create a wholly transformative environment in which to begin your wellness journey. Embark on a highly tailored retreat, discovering balance and positivity through gentle movement, traditional Balinese healing therapies, and personalised nutrition.
COMO Shambhala Estate – Set near to the temples and cascading waterfalls of Ubud in Bali, COMO Shambhala Estate is a spellbinding sanctuary that presents a targeted, holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Resident experts, dieticians and therapists provide individual Wellness programmes – Cleanse, Be Active, Ayurvedic and Bespoke – to help you change your life for the better through detoxification, health, fitness and nutritional advice.
Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan – Set in an exotic location and with views of the Ayung River, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is the only hotel in Bali on the Conde Nast Gold List 2020. This lush green jungle resort offers an aura of tranquillity throughout and a promise that you will be in complete peace from the moment you arrive.
Nihi Sumba – Sitting on a white sand beach, hidden in the tropical jungle of Sumba – Indonesia’s island jewel – lies Nihi Sumba, a haven of wellness and adventure with over 567 acres of land to call home. The luscious greenery of Sumba Island helps you to reconnect through dozens of beautiful hiking trails littered with waterfalls, reaching all four corners of the island – and not to mention a chance to see the famous ‘dancing’ mangrove trees which can only be found on Sumba.
Thailand
Thailand offers an ideal setting for some winter sun, from the mountains and temples in the north to the turquoise seas in the south. Known for its traditional Thai medicine, destination spas, and meditation retreats, Thailand attracts wellness-seekers from around the world. Health Travel partners with top retreats like Chiva-Som, Amanpuri, and Kamalaya to create personalised experiences. Enjoy activities like snorkelling, hiking in Chiang Mai, cooking classes, and exploring local culture as part of your rejuvenating journey.
Wellness Retreats in Thailand
Chiva-Som Health Resort – For the ultimate holistic experience, Chiva- Som International Health Resort is a beautiful sanctuary on the Gulf of Thailand. Known as ‘Haven of Life’, the resort received the award for ‘Best Destination Spa in the World’ from Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. With fifteen retreats on offer, the resort has a strong focus on health and wellness through holistic therapies and wellness activities.
Kamalaya Koh Samui – Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic spa resort is a multi-award-winning hotel located in the stunning tropical landscape of Koh Samui, offering a sense of freedom and serenity. In the heart of the resort is an ancient cave temple, focusing on spiritual wellness and creating a calming atmosphere throughout.
RAKxa Integrative Wellness – The dramatic horseshoe curve of the Chao Phraya river reveals the lush jungle sanctuary that is RAKxa Integrative Wellness, tucked away in Bang Krachao, the green lungs of Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok. An unusual destination for a wellness retreat, but RAKxa Integrative Wellness is far from ordinary. This ground-breaking medical spa effortlessly couples the kind of high-tech medicine we’d expect from countries such as Switzerland, with the kind of authentic treatments and restorative atmosphere that Thailand is normally known for. Begin your journey with the latest in diagnostics before embarking on a fully tailored wellness programme guided by leading medical experts.
RXV Wellness Village – Nestled along the serene banks of the Tha Chin River in Sampran, Thailand, RXV Wellness Village offers a harmonious blend of traditional and modern wellness practices. This holistic sanctuary integrates ancient Thai, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine with contemporary scientific wellness techniques to create a personalised and transformative health journey.
St Lucia
Saint Lucia‘s volcanic origins create a lush landscape filled with vibrant vegetation, purifying mud pools, and natural sulphur springs. On your wellness retreat, explore the island’s beauty with a private Gros Piton hike, enjoy kayaking, zip-lining, or Sea Trekking, and experience the marine life through scuba, snorkelling, and kitesurfing. This Caribbean paradise offers endless ways to connect with nature and rejuvenate.
Wellness Retreats in St Lucia
BodyHoliday Saint Lucia – BodyHoliday in St. Lucia offers a rejuvenating wellness experience with luxury accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and top spa facilities. Set on stunning white-sand beaches by the Caribbean Sea, the resort features an award-winning wellness centre, scuba shop, sailing school, and adventure programs. Whether you seek relaxation or exercise, BodyHoliday provides activities like watersports, meditation, and tennis to tailor your stay to your needs.
Sugar Beach – Escape to Sugar Beach: A Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia, where luxury meets the island’s natural beauty. With private rooms, cottages, and villas set against a lush rainforest, the resort offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy beachside dining, the Rainforest Spa with treehouse-style treatments, and activities like scuba, snuba, and Piton tours, all while savoring Creole dishes and St. Lucia’s finest rums.
StolenTime by Rendezvous – StolenTime in St. Lucia is a luxury wellness resort on the serene Malabar Beach, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. With elegantly designed accommodations and personalised services, it provides a peaceful retreat for both relaxation and adventure. Surrounded by breathtaking tropical landscapes, this resort is an ideal escape for those seeking a tranquil yet indulgent experience.
Mexico
Mexico offers the perfect blend of ancient ruins, tropical beaches, and spiritual wellness. Its stunning landscapes, from the cenotes and pink salt lagoons to rivers and mountains, make it an ideal destination for a warm getaway. Dive with manta rays off Los Cabos, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, and experience traditional Mayan spiritual practices that harmonise body and spirit amidst Mexico’s captivating beauty.
Wellness Retreats in Mexico
SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico – In the tranquil embrace of Costa Mujeres, SHA Mexico offers a sanctuary where wellness and luxury converge. Surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Caribbean, this wellness retreat provides a bespoke journey towards health and inner balance. Merging state-of-the-art medical expertise with natural healing traditions, guests are guided on a path to rejuvenation.
Palmaia Mexico – Fringed by verdant jungle and the pristine beaches of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, sits Palmaïa, a luxury hotel with a dedication to wellness. Watched over by the goddess Aïa, the wellness resort celebrates the planet through rituals, nature-inspired treatments, plant-based food, and sustainable practises.
Our Habitas Tulum – Nestled between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea, the backdrop of Our Habitas Tulum perfectly sets the scene for the tranquillity, beauty and profound moments to be found at this one of a kind haven. Six key pillars guide the whole experience: art and culture, wellness, adventure, learning, food and beverage, and music.
Morocco
Morocco, the gateway to Africa, boasts diverse landscapes from the Sahara’s golden dunes to the High Atlas mountains. Starting with spa treatments in Marrakech’s hammams and aromatic therapies. Explore Berber traditions in Essaouira, ride camels across the Sahara’s rose-gold sands, and wander through the vibrant souks of Fes. Complete your retreat with a peaceful escape to the Cascades d’Ouzoud waterfalls.
Wellness Retreats in Morocco
Amanjena – Set on 15 acres of lush greenery, Amanjena is a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Inspired by the buildings of old Marrakech, Amanjena’s palatial design presents a classic Moroccan ambience. The pavilions and maisons at the hotel offer magnificent views and provide a warm, welcoming place to unwind.
Royal Mansour Marrakech – Showcasing the glorious history of Morocco, Royal Mansour Marrakech prides itself as one of the world’s most beautiful hotels. Perfectly placed in the heart of the city, the palace is just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Selman Marrakech – Situated at the base of the Atlas Mountains, Selman Marrakech serves as a peaceful sanctuary amidst Morocco’s vibrant landscape. As a boutique hotel owned and cherished by a Moroccan family, Selman Marrakech encapsulates the heartfelt generosity inherent in traditional Moorish hospitality, while also providing an array of contemporary comforts and services.
Benefits of winter sun holiday destinations
- Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure helps your body produce vitamin D, essential for bone health and mood regulation.
- Stress reduction: The warmth and sunshine can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improved mood: Spending time in nature has been shown to have positive effects on mental health.
- Enhanced energy: The increased sunlight can help boost your energy levels.
- Improved sleep: Sunlight exposure can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
A winter sun getaway is the perfect way to escape the cold, recharge your batteries, and return home feeling refreshed.
If you are interested in transforming your own health, browse all of our Wellness Retreats or speak to one of our travel specialists through WhatsApp or our online enquiry form to beginning planning a retreat.