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If you feel like you need some time away from daily life to reset and reenergise, you’re not alone. The hashtag ‘wellness’ has been used over 2.4million times on TikTok, with creators offering their advice on how to fight back from stress and burnout - a term which is also on the rise and has over 200,000 hashtags on the social media app. And it’s no surprise we’re all searching for some time out following two years of a global pandemic, a cost of living crisis, and our increasingly pressurised lives.
Thankfully, as our need to escape has increased, the options out there have become more varied and specialised. Whether you’re longing for a digital detox, want to reignite your passion for yoga, or need to show your skin some love, there’s a wellness retreat for you.
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Below, find the best European wellness retreats out there. From a spiritual escape in Athens, a luxury getaway to St. Tropez, to a tranquil stay in Lake Garda.
Athens: for those looking for a spiritual escape
Refocus on your life plan at Travelgems four night ‘Longevity Retreat’ in Cape Sounio, Greece. Renowned author and spiritual leader, Dr. Deepak Chopra will teach guests to empower themselves with the tools and knowledge to lead a life with purpose. Hosted at a boutique resort on the Athens Riveria, the Grecotel hotel sits in a nature reserve amid ancient ruins, a short drive from Athens. Its private beaches on the cusp of the Aegean Sea overlook the legendary Temple of Poseidon. There’s no better setting to recentre yourself.
Italy: for those looking for tranquility
Cape of Senses in Italy know that one night away isn’t enough. That’s why there’s a three-night minimum stay for their spa hideaway. Overlooking Lake Garda, the scenery takes centre stage with jaw-dropping views of the lake, mountains and blue skies - a constant reminder that your to-do lists can be forgotten about. And just incase you couldn’t quite shake the thought of your daily routine, a treatment at the spa will do the trick. Finish your days with a guided mediation on the yoga deck or a sunset dinner cruise. Cape of Senses will leave you feeling full of life - and very spoilt.
Ibiza: for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture
Gone are the days when Ibiza was just associated with its world-renowned party scene. Yes, that is still very much thriving, but there’s so much more to the island. If you head north you’ll get to experience the island’s healing energy, brought by the free spirits who settled here in the 1970s. And there’s no better place to soak it in than at the Six Senses. The luxury spa offers tailored treatments provided by global practitioners and spiritual healers, alongside nutritional guidance. Whatever your reason for seeking respite, the Six Senses will be sure to offer the antidote you need.
St Tropez: for those looking for luxury
When we say luxury we mean luxury. Hotel Byblos in the French Riviera is where Mick and Bianca Jagger married and Grace Kelly holidayed. So what better spot to unwind. Recently undergoing a reinvention, their Sisley spa is decorated with rare marble and exotic wood, and offers a menu created with the help of a renowned shaman. Before you’ve even stepped into a treatment room you’ll feel calmer thanks to their new ‘Eaux Rêvées’ Turkish baths and waterfalls. Hotel Byblos’ pièce-de-résistance? Here you don’t book treatments, you book time and the experts decide how you spend it.
Crete: for fitness fanatics
If you destress by increasing your heartrate, personal trainer and nutrition coach Jenny Fisher’s ‘Get Salty’ Travelgems retreat is the one for you. With an aim to build physical and mental strength, the six-day retreat uses HIIT classes alongside nutritional advice and mindfulness, for a 360-degree approach to wellness. Set at the secluded Cretan Malia Park in Crete, Greece, you’ll be able to recuperate after a morning of movement at it’s private beach or one of it’s sustainable and locally sourced restaurants. You’ll leave feeling ready to take on the world.
Rome: for a city escape
It’s hard to believe the Bulgari Hotel is new to the city of Rome, given it’s their hometown and the capital has been a constant source of inspiration for the brand. But it’s true what they say; the best things in life are worth waiting for. Located in the heart of the Campo Marzio, the hotel is perfect for those looking to switch off from their day-to-day without cutting themselves off from humanity. You can experience Italy’s hustle and bustle and then retreat to the Bulgari hotel’s splendor when you need to indulge in some serious R&R. The spa has to be seen to be believed. Channelling its Roman heritage, think shimmering mosaics (which draw inspiration from motifs used in the celebrated Baths of Caracalla), and glittering gold. Spa treatments have been designed by Augustinus Bader, so you know you’re in good hands.
Amy Brewster is ELLE UK's Social Media Manager, handling everything from fashion week Insta-polls through to celebrity Q&As.
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