Dreaming of a wellness-focused Christmas or New Year escape? Whether you seek the warmth of sun-drenched retreats or the charm of snowy, festive scenes, we have lots to offer. Picture yourself surfing and practicing yoga on Morocco's stunning coast, or exploring Marrakech's vibrant food scene. Prefer a classic holiday? Celebrate in style at Italy’s Belle Époque thermal springs, or retreat to the Spanish mountains for healing and yoga in a boutique hotel. This holiday season and New Year, discover our top picks for retreats that offer relaxation, renewal, and festive cheer. Start 2025 fully recharged and ready to embrace the year ahead.
Begin the new year in an extraordinary way in Morocco with this Retreat to Marrakech and Paradis Plage on the Atlantic coast. The lively city of Marrakech is a mesmerizing blend of historic palaces, mosques, bustling medinas, and vibrant squares. Experience a food tour through the Medina around the iconic Djemaa el Fna square, the heart of Marrakech’s street food culture, sampling local delights like msemen, harsha, briouats, tangia, and traditional Moroccan sweets. After 2 nights, a private transfer will take us to the west coast, to the four star luxury wellness resort by the sea, Paradis Plage, just 30 minutes north from Agadir. Known as the perfect place to unwind, the resort has a laid-back atmosphere influenced by the surf culture and yoga lifestyle, complemented by delicious food and a 300 m² Moroccan spa. Enjoy daily yoga and fitness classes, and take advantage of Paradis Plage’s surf school, offering lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers.
An exclusive, rustic estate in the peaceful Twente countryside, complete with a luxurious spa and warm, personal care. In festive Christmas decor, Landgoed de Wilmersberg in Twente is the perfect location for our Christmas Yoga, Wellness & Mindfulness Retreat, running from December 16 to December 19, 2024. Surrounded by forest, with a serene spa, the retreat features mindfulness and yoga sessions led by one of our top Yoga / Mindfulness teachers, Sylvia. This package includes 3 nights with breakfast, 2x dinners, a variety of yoga classes, mindful meditation sessions, and a silent forest walk. 2 places left!
Shanti-Som is a beloved retreat renowned for its personalized service, deep tranquility, and recently renovated rooms. One of the most popular programs in 2024 is the Healing retreat, available in 3-, 5-, 7-, or 10-night options, though it’s also ideal for relaxation, detox, and weight-loss stays. Featuring Balinese-inspired architecture and serene gardens with waterfalls, olive trees, and lemon trees, Shanti-Som offers an intimate, nature-focused retreat, perfect for anyone seeking peace and personal attention.
Ayurveda Resort Mandira in Austria blends Ayurveda with thermal baths in a stunning natural setting, making it the perfect Christmas retreat. Surrounded by snowy mountains, you’ll find tranquility, ideal for holiday relaxation and renewal. Enjoy tailored Ayurvedic treatments guided by skilled therapists, helping your body and mind find balance. The healing thermal waters soothe and detoxify, melting away stress and leaving you refreshed. Festive decorations add a cozy touch, while nourishing, organic meals bring both health and seasonal cheer. Rediscover yourself in a peaceful, beautiful environment, making this an unforgettable, rejuvenating Christmas escape.
Austria is the perfect winter wellness escape, with snow-covered peaks, beautiful spas, hot springs, and festive Christmas decorations. Just outside Innsbruck lies the award-winning Park Igls, a combined medical and wellness resort. Park Igls is one of the top places to experience a Dr. Mayr detox program, focused on fostering a healthy gut flora. Through intensive digestive cleansing, many physical complaints can be addressed. Frequently recognized as Austria’s best health spa, Park Igls ensures top-quality care in a stunning setting amidst the Tyrolean mountains.
A Christmas escape to Albir near Alicante, with a stay at SHA Wellness Clinic, offers an ideal blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. The mild winter weather, serene Mediterranean views, and luxurious spa treatments make it a refreshing holiday break. SHA specializes in health programs, including detox, anti-stress, and fitness, with personalized treatments by wellness experts. Enjoy nutritious gourmet meals, holistic therapies, and a range of spa facilities to recharge body and mind. This retreat combines festive relaxation with a health boost, leaving you feeling restored and ready for the new year in a peaceful, sunlit setting.
Abano Terme, in northern Italy, is renowned for its 200 thermal springs, fed by the warm volcanic waters of the Colli Euganei hills. The Abano Grand Hotel and nearby Grand Hotel Trieste & Victoria (both part of the same family) glow with elegant charm during the festive season, adorned with traditional Christmas decorations that create a warm atmosphere. The Abano Grand Hotel features a blend of Baroque elements, including marble finishes and parquet floors. Established in 1912, the Grand Hotel Trieste & Victoria embodies the Belle Époque style, with Murano chandeliers that capture the grandeur of early 20th-century European luxury. Enjoy the soothing thermal baths and healing mud (fango) treatments.
This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com in 2005. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.