Best Wellness Retreats Around the World

In need of a restorative escape? Look beyond traditional spa retreats and discover immersive wellness experiences that take you far beyond the ordinary.

Sometimes, the best way to recharge isn't another wellness retreat; it's standing beneath a forest canopy in Japan, breathing in the sea air on Estonia's Baltic coast, or sinking into a geothermal pool surrounded by Iceland's volcanic landscapes.

The world's most restorative experiences are often found far beyond the treatment menus and bubbling hot tubs. It's where the gentle sounds of nature, extraordinary landscapes and wellness traditions passed down through generations invite you to slow down, reconnect and simply be.

That's exactly the kind of travel we believe in at Regent. Our specialists seek out authentic wellness experiences that are deeply connected to the destinations they know first-hand, from Arctic sauna rituals in Sweden and volcanic hot springs in the Azores to temple stays in South Korea and remote island escapes in the Faroe Islands.

Read on to discover some of the best wellness retreats around the world and find the one that's right for you.

"There's no single definition of wellness. For some, it's the stillness of a forest or the ritual of a morning sauna; for others, it's exploring somewhere completely new. The best wellness holidays create space to slow down in a way that feels authentic to both the destination and the traveller."

Andrea Godfrey

Head of Regent

What makes a wellness retreat truly restorative?

As you travel, you'll discover that wellness means something different in every destination.

In Japan, it means slowing down beneath towering beech trees during a guided forest bathing experience. In Estonia, centuries-old mud therapies harness the healing properties of mineral-rich marine mud, while in the Azores, volcanic activity has created naturally heated pools surrounded by lush landscapes. Across Scandinavia, sauna rituals, cold-water immersion and time spent in nature are part of everyday life rather than occasional indulgences.

10. Japan

Forest bathing, onsen & slow living

Young woman enjoying Shnrin Yoku in the Japanese forest

In Japan, wellness isn't something reserved for a spa day – it's woven into everyday life through centuries-old rituals that encourage mindfulness, connection with nature and a slower pace of living. From the calming practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) to the restorative waters of natural onsen, wellbeing is deeply rooted in the country's landscapes and traditions.

Steaming geysers of Beppu

On Regent's Setouchi & Kyushu: Onsen, Islands & Tradition itinerary, you'll discover that wellness in Japan is about far more than soaking in a hot spring. Journey through Kyushu's celebrated onsen towns of Beppu and Yufuin, where naturally heated mineral waters have been part of daily life for centuries, and spend two nights in a traditional ryokan, allowing plenty of time to embrace the restorative rhythm of onsen culture.

Beyond the baths, moments of mindfulness unfold throughout the journey, from wandering the tranquil meditation spaces of Shinshoji Zen Garden and enjoying a traditional jigoku mushi lunch cooked using geothermal steam, to experiencing the slower pace of rural life during a farm stay in Ajimu. In Yame, you'll also try your hand at centuries-old indigo dyeing, discovering how Japanese craftsmanship, patience and creativity come together in an experience that's as meditative as it is memorable.

Best time to visit: Year-round, with spring and autumn offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful seasonal scenery.

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"I was surprised by how quickly it worked – within minutes of being in the forest, everything felt calmer. You stop thinking about your phone and to-do list and completely switch off."

Stef Studley

Senior Product & Travel Specialist

9. Iceland

Geothermal wellness & traditional spa rituals 

Secret Lagoon, Iceland

Long before geothermal pools became bucket-list experiences for travellers, Icelanders have turned to naturally heated pools as places to exercise, relax, socialise and reconnect, whether enjoying a swim after a long day or meeting friends and family whatever the weather. This simple ritual is deeply connected to Iceland's landscape, where volcanic activity has created a country rich in geothermal waters.

Beyond the better-known attractions, Iceland offers some of Europe's most unique bathing experiences. At Sky Lagoon, you can follow a traditional seven-step ritual inspired by Icelandic bathing culture, moving from a warm ocean-facing pool to a cold plunge, mist experience, sauna, body scrub and steam room, finishing with a drink overlooking the dramatic coastline.

For a more serene escape, hidden geothermal pools such as the Secret Lagoon offer a more intimate way to experience Iceland's natural warmth, surrounded by mountains and countryside rather than crowds.

Sauna in the Sky Lagoon

For those looking to experience Iceland's geothermal wellness culture first-hand, our Iceland Geothermal Spas Winter Break combines some of the country's most memorable bathing experiences with its spectacular winter landscapes.

Relax in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, discover the peaceful setting of the newly opened Laugarás Lagoon, and experience Sky Lagoon's seven-step ritual overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Between restorative soaks, explore Iceland's volcanic landscapes on the Golden Circle and keep watch for the northern lights dancing across the winter skies.

Best time to visit: September to April for the best combination of geothermal bathing and northern lights viewing.

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“What makes Iceland’s geothermal experiences so special is the connection between the water and the landscape around you. Sitting in a warm pool while surrounded by volcanic scenery, dramatic skies or the sound of the ocean feels completely different from a traditional spa experience – you’re totally immersed in nature.”

Debbie Grainger

Senior Travel Specialist

8. Sweden

Arctic wellness & northern lights experiences

Traditional Swedish sauna 

Few wellness experiences are as memorable as soaking in warm waters beneath a sky illuminated by the northern lights. In Swedish Lapland, wellbeing is closely connected to the natural world, where the contrast between crisp Arctic air, warming saunas and invigorating cold-water dips creates a powerful sense of balance. Rooted in Nordic traditions, these rituals encourage you to slow down, reconnect with nature and embrace the restorative effects of the landscape around you.

On our Auroras & Spa Break, discover this unique approach to wellness while staying beneath some of Europe's clearest skies for a chance to witness the Aurora Borealis. Relax in tranquil spa surroundings, experience traditional sauna culture and enjoy the rare combination of Arctic wilderness and warming outdoor pools.

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Arctic Bath 

For an even more immersive experience, Arctic Bath offers one of Scandinavia's most distinctive wellness retreats. Floating on the Lule River and inspired by Swedish Lapland's timber-floating heritage, this innovative spa hotel combines traditional Nordic saunas, open-air cold-water dips and wellness rituals surrounded by forests and river landscapes. Whether visiting beneath winter's northern lights or during the endless light of summer, Arctic Bath demonstrates how modern wellness can be deeply connected to the natural world.

Best time to visit: September to March, when you have the best opportunity for spotting the northern lights.

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"One of my favourite details about Arctic Bath is that its signature sauna ritual is called Julevädno, the Sámi name for the Lule River. Alternating between the warmth of the sauna and the icy water below, you quickly realise this isn't just a spa treatment; it's a centuries-old Nordic ritual that leaves you feeling surprisingly refreshed."

Elin Fry

Senior Travel Specialist

7. Faroe Islands

Elemental wellness at Ress Spa

Faroe Islands

It's impossible to separate wellness from the landscape in the Faroe Islands. Here, the ever-changing skies, salt-laced sea air and dramatic cliffs become part of the experience, creating a sense of calm that's shaped entirely by nature. It's a place where slowing down comes naturally, whether you're watching clouds drift across the fjords, hiking along rugged coastal paths or simply listening to the waves rolling in.

Overlooking Tórshavn, the newly opened Ress Spa embraces this elemental approach to wellbeing. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the shifting light across the North Atlantic, while restorative treatments, warm pools and tranquil relaxation spaces encourage you to pause and take in the landscape beyond. Rather than feeling separate from its surroundings, the spa is designed to immerse you in them, making the ever-changing Faroese weather as much a part of the experience as the treatments themselves.

Ress Spa views 

Our Faroe Islands Explorer Fly-Drive gives you the freedom to experience this remarkable landscape at your own pace. Journey through winding mountain roads to remote villages like Gjógv, where a natural sea-filled gorge cuts into the coastline, explore the dramatic Northern Islands, or take an optional boat trip beneath the towering Vestmanna Bird Cliffs. Between scenic hikes, peaceful harbours and ever-changing coastal views, every day offers another opportunity to slow down and embrace the restorative power of the Faroes' wild landscapes.

Best time to visit: Year-round, with summer bringing long daylight hours for hiking and winter offering dramatic skies, quieter landscapes and cosy moments by the coast.

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"Floating in the warm waters at Ress Spa, gazing out over Tórshavn towards Nólsoy, I felt an incredible sense of calm. The ever-changing sun and cloud over the sea created a moment of stillness I didn’t want to end."

Andrea Godfrey

Head of Regent

6. Estonia 

Historic mud spa heritage & traditions

Estonia

Many travellers are surprised to learn that Estonia is home to one of Europe's oldest spa cultures. Long before wellness became a travel trend, visitors flocked to the country's Baltic coastline in search of the healing properties of mineral-rich mud, clean sea air and peaceful natural surroundings. More than 180 years later, these traditions continue, offering a slower, more authentic approach to wellbeing that's deeply connected to the landscape.

For an even deeper insight into Estonia's spa heritage, head to the island of Saaremaa, where the coastal town of Kuressaare is widely regarded as the birthplace of Estonian spa tourism. The first mud-bathing establishments opened here in the 1840s, attracting visitors eager to experience the reputed healing qualities of the island's mineral-rich marine mud. Today, surrounded by juniper forests, cycling trails and peaceful coastal scenery, Kuressaare remains one of Northern Europe's most distinctive wellness destinations.

Jacuzzi at Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa 

On our Luxury Spa Break in Tallinn & Lahemaa National Park, combine time in Estonia's elegant capital with the tranquillity of Lahemaa National Park, where forests, bogs and an unspoilt coastline invite you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Alongside Estonia's renowned spa culture, you'll experience a destination where wellness is shaped as much by fresh air and quiet landscapes as it is by centuries-old bathing rituals.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn, when Estonia's forests, islands and Baltic coastline are at their most inviting.

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“Lahemaa National Park’s coastal surroundings are truly rejuvenating. Wake to birdsong, wander the pine trails and relax with soothing spa rituals at Vihula Manor."

Jonathan Moffat

Travel Specialist

5. Latvia

Pine forests, sea air & Baltic wellness

Pathway to Jūrmala

Just 30 minutes from Riga, Jūrmala has been one of the Baltic region's best-loved health resorts for more than 150 years. During the Russian Empire, doctors prescribed time here for its iodine-rich sea air, fragrant pine forests and long stretches of white-sand beach, believing the natural surroundings could improve respiratory health and overall wellbeing.

Today, Jūrmala continues to offer a slower, nature-led approach to wellness. Wander beneath towering pine trees, breathe in the fresh Baltic air and stroll along miles of peaceful coastline before unwinding with a spa experience inspired by the town's long-standing wellness traditions. It's a destination where the landscape itself plays just as important a role in helping you switch off.

Baltic Sea beach

Our Jūrmala Baltic Riviera Beach Holiday combines time on Latvia's beautiful Baltic coast with easy access to Riga, allowing you to balance restorative days by the sea with the culture, history and vibrant café scene of the capital.

Best time to visit: May to September, when warmer weather is perfect for coastal walks, forest bathing and enjoying Jūrmala's wide sandy beaches.

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"Jūrmala in Latvia has huge white-sand beaches, peaceful pine forests and elegant wooden villas, but with a cooler climate and far fewer crowds than typical summer resorts."

Jim Molloy

Sales Manager

4. Lithuania 

Mineral springs & historic wellness traditions

Lithuania 

Hidden amongst forests on the banks of the Nemunas River, Druskininkai has been Lithuania's leading wellness destination since the 18th century. The town's name comes from the Lithuanian word for "salt", a nod to the naturally occurring mineral springs that have drawn visitors seeking their reputed healing properties for generations.

Now, Druskininkai is known for its mineral-water therapies, therapeutic mud treatments and peaceful green spaces, where wellbeing comes as much from the surrounding landscape as it does from the spa experiences themselves. Unlike many of Europe's better-known wellness resorts, it has retained an elegant, historic character and remains largely undiscovered by UK travellers, making it a rewarding find for those looking to venture beyond the usual spa destinations.

Dunes of Lithuania's coast

Our Lithuania on the Road Fly-Drive Holiday can be tailored to include a restorative stay in the town of Druskininkai, perfectly balancing cultural discovery with time to unwind. Along the way, explore the baroque streets of Vilnius, visit the fairy-tale island castle of Trakai, drive the picturesque Panemunė Road past historic castles and manor houses, and slow down amongst the pine forests, golden beaches and shifting sand dunes of the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit. 

Best time to visit: Year-round, with each season offering a different perspective on Druskininkai's historic spa traditions.

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"The town's name literally comes from the Lithuanian word for 'salt' - it's a reminder that healing mineral waters have shaped life here for generations."

Fergus Jones

Senior Travel Specialist

3. South Korea

Temple stays, healing resorts & holistic wellness

 Bulguksa Temple

Wellness in South Korea goes far beyond the spa, drawing on centuries-old Buddhist traditions, nourishing food and the simple act of disconnecting from modern life. Here, wellbeing is as much about finding balance as it is about relaxation.

One of the most unique experiences is an overnight stay at Bulguksa Temple, where you'll experience the peaceful rhythm of monastic life through meditation, quiet reflection and time spent amongst the temple's beautiful surroundings. Wellness also extends to Korean cuisine, with a hands-on kimchi-making class revealing how this traditional fermented dish has long been valued for its probiotic benefits, supporting gut health, digestion and immunity.

Yoga with Tibetan bowls in South Korea

On our Seoul K-Beauty, Spa & Temple Stay Experience, you'll discover how ancient wellness traditions and modern innovation exist side by side. Balance an overnight temple stay at Geumsunsa, where meditation, chanting and plant-based temple cuisine offer a rare insight into Buddhist wellbeing, with immersive K-beauty experiences including a personalised colour analysis, herbal scalp therapy and traditional Korean spa rituals using ginseng, mud therapy and medicinal herbs.

Along the way, learn the health benefits of fermented foods during a hands-on kimchi-making class, explore Seoul's pioneering beauty districts, and discover how herbal medicine, tea therapy and holistic treatments continue to shape Korea's approach to health and beauty today.

Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when mild weather makes it ideal for exploring Seoul and enjoying Korea's outdoor temples and gardens.

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“Korean wellness is about finding balance in everyday rituals – from herbal medicine and nourishing food to the stillness of Buddhist temples. It’s a destination where wellbeing is woven into the culture, not something added on.”

Noemi Espinosa

Senior Product Executive

2. Azores 

Volcanic thermal pools & geothermal wellness

Thermal springs nearby Lake Furnas

When people think of Portugal, they often picture golden beaches and historic cities. But nearly 1,000 miles off the mainland, the volcanic island of São Miguel is home to one of Europe's most extraordinary natural wellness destinations. Here, the Earth's geothermal energy has shaped daily life for thousands of years, creating steaming hot springs, mineral-rich thermal pools and lush landscapes where relaxation comes naturally.

In the village of Furnas, wellness is woven into the landscape itself. Bathe in naturally heated, iron-rich waters surrounded by subtropical gardens, watch steam rise from bubbling volcanic vents and experience a place where geothermal activity is part of everyday life. Even the island's famous Cozido das Furnas is cooked slowly underground using the heat beneath your feet, connecting food, nature and wellbeing in a way few destinations can.

Sete Cidadas, São Miguel

On our São Miguel Escape, you'll split your stay between the vibrant capital of Ponta Delgada and the geothermal heart of Furnas. Relax in the famous thermal pools of Terra Nostra Garden, explore the island's volcanic landscapes, marvel at the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades and even head out onto the Atlantic in search of whales and dolphins. With plenty of time to unwind between experiences, it's the perfect balance of adventure and restoration.

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Emma Brown

Senior Travel Specialist

1. Philippines

Tropical wellness & island living

Cebu, Philippines

With more than 7,000 islands scattered across the Pacific, the Philippines offers a different kind of wellness escape. Here, wellbeing comes naturally through time spent outdoors – snorkelling above colourful coral reefs, hiking to jungle waterfalls, practising sunrise yoga by the sea and embracing the slower rhythm of island life.

One of our favourite places to experience this is Atmosphere Resort & Spa on Negros Island. Alongside its award-winning spa, the resort offers daily yoga, nourishing menus packed with fresh local ingredients and unique treatments such as Watsu, a gentle form of water-based bodywork that combines stretching, massage and movement to promote deep relaxation. Surrounded by tropical gardens and just moments from the ocean, it's also the perfect base for diving, snorkelling, birdwatching and exploring the island's lush interior.

Kawasan Falls, Philippines

On our Island Odyssey itinerary, you'll journey through some of the Visayas' most beautiful islands before unwinding with a stay at Atmosphere Resort & Spa. Trek to the turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls, cruise the Loboc River on a traditional floating raft, swim beneath the cascading pools of Cambugahay Falls and snorkel alongside sea turtles in the protected waters of Apo Island. Blending active adventure with time to slow down, it's an ideal way to experience the restorative side of the Philippines.

Best time to visit: November to May, when the weather is generally warm, dry and ideal for island-hopping, snorkelling and outdoor activities.

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"I love staying at Atmosphere Resort & Spa. One morning you could be doing yoga overlooking the sea, the next swimming with turtles at Apo Island before returning for one of the best spa treatments in the Philippines."

Noemi Espinosa 

Senior Product Executive

Ready to Discover Wellness Beyond the Spa?

The most restorative holidays aren't always found in luxury resorts. They're discovered in the places where nature, local traditions and centuries-old rituals come together to help you slow down, reconnect and return home feeling renewed.

Whether you're soaking in volcanic hot springs in the Azores, embracing onsen culture in Japan or experiencing a temple stay in South Korea, our Travel Specialists can help create a tailor-made wellness journey that's designed around you.

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