Wellness

Ice baths, once primarily associated with athletic recovery, have gained significant popularity recently, particularly among celebrities and wellness influencers such as Wim Hof. This surge of interest prompts us to explore the scientific research that supports the benefits of ice baths, both for physical and mental well-being. While submerging oneself in freezing water on a spa retreat may seem daunting, the potential advantages have captured the attention of many seeking to optimise their health and performance.

The use of water for therapy is no modern procedure. In fact, is has been carried out for hundreds of years and now forms an integral part of traditional medicine practises. Nonetheless, many of us are unfamiliar with the concept of hydrotherapy and how exactly it can benefit our health and well-being. 

By definition, hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. A number of therapeutic treatments and approaches draw upon the healing properties of water for pain relief, making use of the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli. On the whole, cold water is used to stimulate and invigorate, increasing the body’s internal activity, whereas warm water is used to calm and soothe, slowing it down. Alternating between hot and cold water treatments can help to heal injuries, enhance various bodily functions and reduce any inflammation.

From Europe to the Caribbean, many of the world’s leading luxury spa holidays offer hydrotherapy suites giving you the opportunity to take advantage of the many positive effects of water therapy. Hydrotherapy encompasses a variety of treatments, including the use of hydrotherapy pools, thermal baths and water circuits, saunas, steam rooms, ‘experience showers’ and more, which can all help to improve a number of conditions. Modern day therapies are also enhanced with extras such as aromatherapy or Epsom salts. Thermal water circuits have a range of jets and water features which massage the body, stimulating the lymphatic system and flushing toxins whereas cold plunge pools or artificial ice and snow rooms will activate the body’s circulation.

5 Health and Healing Benefits of Hydrotherapy:

To experience the benefits of hydrotherapy yourself, we recommend our top five healthy holidays that provide wonderful hydrotherapy treatments. The magnificent location and surroundings of all of these destinations, combined with the outstanding facilities create the perfect retreat where health and wellbeing is the primary focus.

5 Spa Holiday Destinations for a Unique Hydrotherapy Experience:

Spain: SHA Wellness Clinic

The pioneering SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain prides itself on offering distinctively tailored destination spa wellness holidays and focuses on encouraging healthy habits long-term. During your stay, you can enjoy full use of SHA’s hydrotherapy circuit where you can experience the benefits of therapeutic pools, the Tepidarium, sauna, calidarium, feelings shower, hydro-massage beds and Turkish baths, all surrounded by the resort’s beautiful Zen garden.

More information: View SHA Wellness Clinic

India: Ananda in the Himalayas

The spiritual retreat of Ananda uses a combination of holistic spa treatments, yoga, meditation and healthy cuisine to improve guests’ overall well-being on an Ayurveda spa holiday with over 80 body and beauty treatments available. What’s more you can enjoy daily use of the hydrotherapy facilities, including the temperature controlled outdoor lap pool.

More information: View Ananda in the Himalayas

Portugal: Palacio Estoril

Palacio Estoril is popular for it's world-renowned Banyan Tree Spa in the Estoril Wellness Centre. Lots of spa treatments are available as well as a selection of hydrotherapy treatments, whether you relax with a Jet Shower or a Vichy Shower Massage, these treatments do leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. With these treatments available in most programmes at Palacio Estoril, there is something for everyone.

More information: View Palacio Estoril

St Lucia: The BodyHoliday

The BodyHoliday, a very popular destination for a singles spa holiday, strives to deliver a personal service of spa treatments, therapies and activities based on the four pillars of exercise, a good diet, restorative beauty and relaxation. Every programme provides you with a hydrotherapy session included at the award-winning wellness centre, as part of your complimentary daily spa treatments.

More information: View The BodyHoliday

Italy: Lefay

Nestled in the resort of Gargano, overlooking the scenic Adriatic coast; retreat within the luxury of Lefay Retreat in Italy. After rejuvenating in the eco-friendly wellness centre, continue your water wellness journey on a healing spa holiday as you experience the benefits of hydrotherapy, with the option of a variety of detoxifying treatments also available. Become one with the mouth-watering cuisine, including personalised dietary plans and an optional intolerance test to further enhance your experience.

More information: View Lefay

Portugal: Longevity Medical Spa

Experience this heavenly destination for yourself on a reviving spa holiday spent in the quiet and calm atmosphere of Longevity Medical Spa in Portugal. Embrace the goal of overall wellness on relaxation and pampering spa holiday as you treat your body to rejuvenating hydrotherapy treatments, accompanied by nourishing slimming meals. Go the extra mile with detox treatments and aesthetic medicine, before taking five with a dip in the hydrotherapy bath's mineral-rich waters.

More information: View Longevity Medical Spa

 
If you’re still in search of the right destination for you, explore our collection of worldwide spa holidays where many offer hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy and other water wellness therapies. Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect spa holiday with hydrotherapy.

The use of water for therapy is no modern procedure. In fact, is has been carried out for hundreds of years and now forms an integral part of traditional medicine practises. Nonetheless, many of us are unfamiliar with the concept of hydrotherapy and how exactly it can benefit our health and wellbeing.

Joseph Pilates, the method's founder, said, 'Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness it is important to gain mastery of your body.'

Joseph Pilates, the method's founder, said, 'Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness it is important to gain mastery of your body.'

Breathing is an involuntary process of the body; most of us pay little attention to our breathing patterns, if at all, because breathing is automatic, right? Breathing is such a special function that it is performed both unconsciously as well as consciously. There’s even an entire practice dedicated to the latter, the yogic science of breathing — Pranayama. According to early Indian healing traditions, the practice of Pranayama can help your body and mind recover and repair. Pranayama, from the two Sanskrit words “prana” meaning vital energy and “ayama” meaning control, is a fundamental yogic practice that teaches regulated breathing to clear physical and emotional blocks so that the breath and the ‘prana’ can flow freely.

Historically yoga was more than just a method of teaching; it was a way of life. You dedicated yourself to a lifestyle and culture that surpassed meditation techniques and included healthy eating habits, bathing habits, social interaction and work. Its philosophy is rooted in a physical culture of health and well-being that is still emphasised today at yoga retreats and explains why over 15 million people in the world now practise this ancient tradition.

Every yoga asana (pose) has a different name and includes standing postures, seated twists, backbends, arm balances, inversions and core holds. The downward facing dog for example, is in itself said to calm the brain, energise the body, improve digestion, strengthen arms and legs and be therapeutic for high blood pressure. Whilst these benefits come as a given with most postures, the practise of yoga as a whole provides many more benefits than you might think…

8 Reasons Why Yoga is So Good For You:

1. Lowers stress and improves your mood

Some yoga methods use specific meditation techniques, which focus the mind on your breathing to quieten the constant ‘mind chatter’, relieves stress and allow you to feel relaxed. Practising these breathing techniques on a yoga and meditation retreat can also boost oxygen levels to the brain, leaving you feeling happier and more content with everyday life.

2. Boosts confidence

Aside from the uplifting spiritual values, the act of meditation can actually boost your confidence. The process works by releasing tension from your mind, so that you can feel confident about your physical body. Without any forms of anxiety, you are able to establish an internal connection with yourself. This is consequently reflected in your perception of others and will help to better your relationships by improving compassion and awareness.

3. Lowers the risk of injury

Exercise such as running is usually a series of rapid, forceful movements, which means that effort is at a maximum and there is a higher risk of injury and increased muscle tension. Often, strenuous exercise also engages an imbalance of opposing muscle groups, whereas yoga concentrates on balancing this activity. Unite your body and mind on a yoga and fitness holiday which will allow to combine more intense workouts with low-impact yoga.

Practice yoga in the beach front yoga studio at Paradis Plage

4. Helps you lose weight

Being overweight is a sign that there are imbalances in your everyday life and one major contributor to weight gain is excess stress. Practising yoga enables you to bring a deep sense of relaxation to your body and your mind, helping you to de-stress and allowing you to lose weight naturally.

5. Increases flexibility

People often say that they are not flexible enough to do yoga. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how tight your muscles are as yoga asanas works by safely stretching your muscles and help you to practise it further. Moreover, yoga also stretches other soft tissue in the body such as ligaments and tendons, increasing the range of motion in the joints and allowing you to move around more freely.

6. Improves muscle tone and strength

Many yoga asanas have a profound effect on your upper body strength, such as the downward and upward dog, whilst the plank focuses on your core. Likewise, standing poses strengthen your upper leg muscles and lower back. Essentially any pose will strengthen an area of the body if it is practised in the right way, without putting too much stress on specific muscle groups.

Practise yoga at Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand

7. Benefits breathing and lowers blood pressure

If you practise yoga consistently, your lung capacity will increase as a result of the deep breathing process. This will then have a positive effect on more intense sports that you might be a part of, increasing your stamina and endurance. Furthermore, meditation and calming yoga asanas slow down your heart rate which in turn lowers blood pressure and have also been linked with improving the immune system and lowering cholesterol.

8. Improves your posture

By practising yoga you maintain a healthier weight, become more flexible and improve your muscle tone and strength. You will find that your posture will greatly improve because of this. Your abdominals and back muscles can now fully support your weight and you will be able to sit and stand tall, preventing niggling injuries, aches and pains.

The beauty of yoga is that it can be practiced pretty much anywhere, on your own or with other yoga enthusiasts. If you have been inspired to give yoga a go there is no better place to try it than on an amazing yoga holiday with destinations spanning from Thailand to St Lucia. Here we share our top 10 yoga retreats where you can enjoy a luxurious healthy holiday whilst profiting from the extraordinary health and fitness benefits yoga has to offer.

VIEW ALL OUR YOGA HOLIDAYS

Our 10 Most Popular Yoga Holidays:

Thailand: Absolute Sanctuary Yoga

Cleanse your body and feel revitalised at Absolute Sanctuary

Escape on a yogi adventure to the beautiful Thai island of Koh Samui for an exotic yoga holiday at healthy retreat, Absolute Sanctuary. Enhance your practice as you discover various types of yoga through unlimited classes including, Ashtanga, Yin-Yang, Pranayama and Hot Flow. Complement your yoga practice with detoxifying nutrition on a yoga and detox holiday which will cleanse your system with detox drinks, nutritional supplements and delicious healthy meals, to leave you feeling energised and refreshed.

More information: View Absolute Sanctuary Yoga

India: Ananda Yoga

Calm your mind, body and soul at Ananda

Escape to Ananda in the Himalayas and rebalance with yoga amongst the calming landscape of this exotic yoga retreat. Enhance the well-being of your mind, body and soul on a yoga and culture holiday when you combine personalised yoga sessions and group classes, with discovering a taste of local culture through traditional Indian music classes and dance performances. For a true sense of wellness, make the most of complimentary Pranayama and meditation classes, before relaxing at the luxury spa with aromatherapy massages and reflexology.

More information: View Ananda Yoga

St Lucia: The BodyHoliday Yoga or Pilates

Improve your balance and shake things up at The BodyHoliday

With one-to-one personal yoga lessons on this stunning Caribbean island your yoga will improve leaps and bounds on a beach yoga holiday tuned to your individual goals. With an award-winning wellness centre providing daily spa treatments, replenish and pamper yourself after each yoga session with a selection of holistic therapies. Shake things up with a host of additional land and water sports, including tennis, cycling and kayaking. With a hosted singles table each night and a variety of group fitness classes, get to know like-minded individuals on a singles yoga holiday that offers plenty of opportunities to meet fellow solo travellers.

More information: View The BodyHoliday Yoga or Pilates

Thailand: Kamalaya Yoga Synergy

Find ultimate relaxation on a luxury yoga holiday at Kamalaya

Built around an ancient cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, escape to luxury wellness retrat, Kamalaya, nestled on the tropical Thai island of Koh Samui. With one-to-one yoga sessions tailored to suit your goals and skills, this specialist yoga retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis alike. Including instruction in asana (physical posture), pranayama (breathing) and meditation, return home feeling renewed and inspired. Alongside your daily yoga practice, continue your holistic journey into relaxation on a yoga and Ayurveda holiday with a reviving choice of Ayurveda spa therapies at the award-winning spa.

More information: View Kamalaya Yoga Synergy

Turks & Caicos: Parrot Cay Yoga and Pilates Retreat

Combine yoga and Pilates in paradise at Parrot Cay

Discover paradise on the private island of Parrot Cay and feel the soft sand between your toes as you enjoy daily practice on a yoga and Pilates holiday that will de-stress your mind and tone your muscles. Further improve your knowledge as you open your mind and calm your senses through Vedic yogic philosophy group discussions, before raising the pace with mountain biking and windsurfing or unwinding in luxury at the world renowned spa.

More information: View Parrot Cay Yoga and Pilates

Costa Rica: Florblanca Yoga or Pilates

Enhance your yoga practice on this relaxing retreat at Florblanca

Make a getaway for Costa Rica’s tropical waters and white sand for a beach yoga holiday in an exotic destination. Situated on the Nicoya Peninsula, enhance your practice with group classes and private lessons in both yoga and Pilates, including specialised classes in Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga. Unwind with a relaxing or hot stone massage at Spa Bamboo before swinging in your hammock at sunset. With two beautiful beaches renowned as great surfing spots, take the opportunity to learn to surf for an adventurous edge to your healthy holiday.

More information: View Florblanca Yoga or Pilates

Morocco: Paradis Plage Yoga

Practice yoga on the beach at Paradis Plage

Practice daily beach yoga, from sunrise to sunset on Morocco’s exotic coastline at Paradis Plage. Set on a private beach overlooking the ocean, the yoga pavilion is a breath-taking wooden construction with panoramic glass windows giving you an unparalleled view of miles of stunning coastline. Keep active on by the beach on a yoga and surf holiday as you combine Manipura and aerial yoga with discovering the island through a selection of water sports, mountain biking and treks. Enhance your well-being after an active day in the traditional Moroccan Hammam and relax with therapeutic spa treatments.

More information: View Paradis Plage Yoga

Thailand:The BARAI Spa

Reconnect your body and soul with The BARAI Spa's Bespoke Yoga Journey

The Bespoke Yoga Journey at The BARAI Spa will provide you with the perfect yoga retreat. Reconnect your body and soul to improve physical fitness, increase flexibility, calm the mind and boost immunity, as you continuously discover how invaluable the benefits of practicing yoga can be to your every day life. With outstanding wellness experts guiding you through your journey, you will be certain to reach your wellness goals, in the most beautiful of environments. Develop your yoga skills with a combination of private yoga lessons and a variety of treatments, all to leave you feeling reconnected, restored, re-energised and renewed. The BARAI Spa is a true gem of the Wellness World, and you are certain of an unforgettable stay. 

More information: View Bespoke Yoga Journey at The BARAI Spa

Vietnam: Fusion Maia Yoga

Enlighten your well-being in luxury at Fusion Maia

Located on Vietnam’s East Coast, on one of the world’s best exotic beaches, is a luxury yoga retreat dedicated to enlightening your well-being. With their own individual yoga style, Fusion Maia will immerse you in a personalised introduction to yoga through a combination of private lessons and group classes. With a guaranteed minimum of two spa treatments a day; enjoy choosing from a range of body scrubs, facials and pressure therapies, for a heavenly beach yoga holiday.

More information: View Fusion Maia Yoga

Bali: Komune Resort Yoga & Spa

Discover the ultimate beachside yoga escape at Komune Resort & Spa

Escape to Bali for a beachside yoga retreat where you can target deep muscle tension with a roll and release yoga class, learn how to continue your practise at home with a private tuition session and head out onto the ocean with paddleboard yoga. Make the most of a choice of daily activities, from a surfing session or Mt Batur volcano hike, to a traditional cooking lesson in Ubud or power spin class. Refuel with organic meals and cold pressed juices, before treating your body to a daily spa treatment and a visit to a Balinese healer on a yoga and spa holiday that will heal and nourish your body to achieve optimal well-being.

More information: View Komune Resort Yoga & Spa

If you're still in search of the right destination for you, explore our collection of worldwide yoga retreats for adventurous yogis looking to enhance their practice on holiday. Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect yoga holiday.

So, that glorious tax refund is finally in your hands. Congratulations! Tempting as it may seem, splurging frivolously on something random may not be the best option there is. There are many smart ways to spend your refund money—pay off a debt, invest, start a business or save it for the rainy days; the choice is yours really. But never has it been a better time to do something just for you. They say that money can’t buy happiness, but science validates that spending your time and money on experiences (not things) can indeed make you happier. According to Kumar and Thomas Gilovich, professors of psychology, “People are more inclined to talk about their experiences than about their material purchases, and they derive more happiness from doing so”. Traveling on an off the beaten track adventure or on a relaxing luxury break either by yourself or with the people you love trumps over any purchase you make in a shopping centre any day. "Our experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than our material goods," says Gilovich. 

A commentary by Dr. Clive Williams

Celebrating #Movember this year, we are putting the spotlight on men’s health to help raise awareness about some of the biggest well-being issues faced by men and address the internal stigmas associated to masculinity. Here, North Brisbane psychologist, Dr. Clive Williams answers the question, “Why should men care about self-care?” to start a conversation and redefine the true meaning of strength, allowing them to get the help and tools they need for a healthy and fulfilled life:

In the quest for optimal well-being, we often overlook a fundamental aspect of our health: sleep. Despite the average person spending an average of 26 years asleep, many people are guilty of not prioritising it enough, especially during the working week. Due to our modern schedule, where productivity and busyness take centre stage, the importance of quality sleep cannot be overstated.

With March 9th being National No Smoking Day, there couldn’t be a better time to ditch the cigarettes. However, if the thought of going cold turkey whilst dealing with work stress and daily temptation has you reaching for your lighter, why not combine your first steps towards going smoke free with a healthy holiday that will help you to de-stress, break triggers and build new healthier habits. With the luxury of time, expert medical consultations and specialist therapies, you’ll return home renewed and fully equipped with the long-term answer to continuing your smoke-free journey.

With autumn fast approaching, there couldn’t be a better time to ditch the cigarettes. However, if the thought of going cold turkey whilst dealing with work stress and daily temptation has you reaching for your lighter, why not combine your first steps towards going smoke free with a healthy holiday that will help you to de-stress, break triggers and build new healthier habits. With the luxury of time, expert medical consultations and specialist therapies, you’ll return home renewed and fully equipped with the long-term answer to continuing your smoke-free journey.

For many Yoga is a way of life, a philosophy based on a culture of both physical health and mental well-being, a lifestyle and culture that surpassed meditation techniques. Today over 15 million people in the world now practise this ancient tradition.

Routines and rituals help to relax and train your body and mind. You’ve likely experienced this in your daily life - for example, an exercise routine is often easier to stick to when it’s done regularly at the same time.

Are you feeling om-verwhelmed and in need of a vacation that allows you to unwind and relax your body and mind? Look no further than a yoga holiday! It's not your typical getaway; instead, it offers a transformative experience that can revitalise your entire being. Let's delve into why booking a yoga holiday should be at the top of your bucket list and how it can bring a profound positive shift to your life.

You know who they are. The friend you couldn’t live without. Your BFF. Who better to rest and recharge with? You could spend a whole weekend away together at the Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa + take all the stuff you need with a deluxe Crumpler Vis-a-Vis Cabin Bag each.

We understand that modern life can be very chaotic and demanding, making difficult to find the time to relax and be mindful. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Tea Pigs, the UK’s premium tea brand, to offer one lucky person a complete mind, body and soul makeover on a luxury wellness holiday in Sri Lanka. We’re giving you and a friend the opportunity to alleviate any pent-up stress and tension on a revitalising four-night wellness break to Santani Wellness Resort & Spa.

We understand that modern life can be very chaotic and demanding, making difficult to find the time to relax and be mindful. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Tea Pigs, the UK’s premium tea brand, to offer one lucky person a complete mind, body and soul makeover on a luxury wellness holiday in Sri Lanka. We’re giving you and a friend the opportunity to alleviate any pent-up stress and tension on a revitalising four-night wellness break to Santani Wellness Resort & Spa.

We have launched our very own wellness store and to celebrate we are giving you the chance to win a Wellness Gift Pack by simply sharing your best healthy travel tip and answering our simple question.The best entry will be announced Christmas day and the lucky winner will have a choice of leggings and active wear top from Violet Orange plus a $250 Health and Fitness Travel Gift e-voucher from our store. Visit our Facebook page to enter.

We all love a good sunbathe when the weather's fine, but the summer often feels like a distant memory when winter sets in. Do you ever pine for the excitement of swapping rain for rays? By escaping on a summer break during a gloomy winter, you can find yourself in a tropical paradise in moments. We recommend heading to these continental destinations, perfect for overcoming the winter blues.