TRAVEL Escapes

Iceland

Iceland is the least-populated country in Europe. Abundant natural beauty is found around every corner owing to its unparalleled scenery, wideopen spaces and vast untouched wilderness areas. Iceland sits atop active volcanic regions at the edge of the Arctic Circle. Visitors can discover active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, ice fields and fjords as part of the natural terrain.

Iceland’s location on the top of the world also ensures it’s among the best places to witness the northern lights or aurora borealis. These spectacular celestial wonders are commonly seen from September to mid-April. The country is equally rugged and tranquil and serves as a perfect sanctuary from daily distractions back home, making Iceland perfect for a wellness retreat.

A remarkable advantage of Iceland’s geothermal nature are the naturally heated pools found across the country, each situated in a unique environment, making them a must-visit for first-time travellers. Check this out: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most well-known spa destination. Drawn to the surface through geothermal extraction wells, the water here emerges enriched with silica, algae and minerals – the bioactive elements that endow this unique fluid with its healing, rejuvenating, nourishing abilities. The company completed a remarkable expansion in 2018, and now boasts a subterranean retreat spa, geothermal retreat lagoon, 62-suite retreat hotel, and Moss Restaurant. It encompasses transformative spa experiences, research and development, sustainability, culinary enjoyment, a renowned line of skincare and the impeccable convergence of hospitality and wellness.

@bluelagoonis

India

With centuries-old proven healing treatments through Ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, India is one of the most popular global destinations for a wellness break.

Ayurveda has become an inspirational part of wellness tourism. It combines Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge), which translates to the science of life or the science of healing. Ayurveda seeks to combine lifestyle with dietetic modifications which are aimed at stimulating the constitution of our bodies to bring about balance, which further allows individuals to learn the importance of self-care or self-healing.

From the mountains of the Himalayas to the coastal stretches of Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India is home to a variety of spa resorts, treatment centres and wellness retreats offering stress management, preventive health care, detox therapies and fitness packages.

Check this out: Ananda In The Himalayas is spread out across the former royal estate of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal in the foothills of the Himalayas – the property is one of the most popular luxury spa and wellness retreats in India. Ananda offers visitors a choice of suites as well as independent villas that are surrounded by peaceful forests. A team of doctors, nutritionists, yoga instructors and therapists allows guests to experience signature wellness. The programmes are based on ayurvedic rejuvenation, panchakarma, holistic detox, dhyana meditation and stress management. @anandainthehimalayas