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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.
The Pulitzer, Amsterdam: For skincare lovers
At ELLE we love nothing more than when our favourite brands come together. So you can imagine how thrilled we were when The Pulitzer hotel in Amsterdam teamed up with skincare experts 111Skin and Ayurvedic haircare brand Champo to launch 'The Beauty House'. Tucked away amongst the boutiques and cafes of Reestraat, The Beauty House champions our favourite wellness essentials - skincare and haircare. Combining traditional and high-tech treatments, their menu offers everything from non-surgical facelifts to aromatherapy massages and 111Skin favourite, cryotherapy. The best thing about it? Treatments are tailored to your needs. Whether you’re in desperate need of hydration, would like some ‘lifting’ or relaxation is the aim of the game, each treatment can be tweaked to make sure you’re getting your desired result. For those who think cities aren’t the place for wellness breaks, you’ve clearly never ambled the streets of Amsterdam or stayed at the Pulitzer. Thanks to its sleepy canals, and lack of cars and buses - which locals have ditched in favour of bicycles - Netherlands’ capital has a tranquility about it. And the Pulitzer leans into its home’s restful atmosphere. When you’ve worn out The Beauty House, make sure you head to Jansz. restaurant, you’ll have earned it.
Borgo Pignano: For those looking for sustainable luxury
Sustainability is the foundation of Borgo Pignano’s excellence. The luxury countryside getaway sits on 750 acres of land and every inch is used to create a unique hotel experience. Wine from a private vineyard, beauty products made on site by a master herbologist, and a green Michelin star menu stocked with produce from Pignano’s own vegetable garden – everything you could hope for is available in this insular, sustainable paradise. For years, artists from the Royal Drawing School have been inspired by the hotel’s breathtaking vista and their attempts to capture it on canvas decorate every room. Watching the sun fall behind the medieval city of Volterra in the distance, it is hard to imagine a place better designed for a break in tranquillity.
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.
Royal Senses, Crete: for family friendly relaxation
Find the Greek island escape you’ve been looking for at The Royal Senses, Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel sits on the northern side of the island and looks out over the Mediterranean Sea. With six restaurants, food options feel endless. Head for Gea, the hotel’s main buffet restaurant for something more family friendly, or book a table at Mitato for an a la carte menu created from local delicacies cooked on a traditional grill. Spend hot days lounging by one of their four pools - one is adults only for those who want some quiet time - or take a four minute walk to the beach. The jewel in The Royal Senses crown is its spa, Pure Senses. Cretan wisdom combined with natural ingredients like herbs, olive oil and honey creates a spa menu that will have you steadily working your way through during your stay. Its Thalassotherapy pool has a stunning sea view, and is perfect for overcast days, or keeping out of the sun in peak heat hours. This is a hotel that's ideal for wellness lovers who are also looking for something family orientated - the best of both worlds.
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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