Your perfect spa break starts here…

In need of a reboot? Whether you want to boost your immune system, get fit or simply unwind, Amanda Statham has the lowdown on 15 of the hottest new wellness holidays

Aspa break is the ultimate feelgood holiday, and whether you are looking for five-star indulgence, a mood-boosting break with your partner or a healing solo retreat, the trick is finding the right fit for you.

In the past couple of years, a slew of new wellness retreats, spas and resorts opened as hoteliers rightly anticipated that, as soon as we could fly again, we would crave healthy environments where we could boost our immune systems, calm our minds and get a major dose of Vitamin D.

This year is all about alternative therapies in which science meets spirituality, often with a focus on mental wellbeing. It might be gong bathing, where the sounds use a specific frequency that has positive effects on the brain, or freezing-cold cryotherapy, which boosts both immunity and brain function. However, it is the emphasis on targeting the mind as much as the body that typifies healing holidays in the post-pandemic world. Mental health has truly gone mainstream and we all fully recognise the importance of self-care, while the menopause is more discussed than ever before.

That health is wealth has been drummed into us, and we seem to be embracing wellness as an investment. At the immunity-boosting Original FX Mayr retreat in Austria, guests are extending seven-day visits to 10, with two-week stays being increased to as much as four weeks. Healing Holidays is reporting that travellers who might have gone away for a week to recalibrate are now booking for 21 days – and longer – to get that truly immersive experience with emotional support.

The desire for some R&R with a side serving of wellness seems universal, hence the wide range of new spa experiences on offer this year. From selfcare suites in Santorini to city slicker resets in Manhattan and a couples’ hideaway in Malta, there really is something to suit everyone.

Unsurprisingly, there has been a rise in medi-spas tackling such issues as weakened immune systems, inflammation and the effects of long Covid, using treatments both new and old. The benefits of authentic, natural spa treatments continue to gain traction, with escapes in 2022 offering everything from river bathing to massages in Oman that use locally sourced frankincense oil. If there has ever been a time to invest in yourself, it is now.

Can’t get enough? Spa goers are now booking stays of up to four weeks for a truly immersive experience