BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
‘Soft Travel’ will be one of the top travel trends in the new year according to new research and findings by TikTok.
The new trend encourages travellers to switch off and disconnect from the outside world whilst embracing natural surroundings and indulging in much needed ‘me time’.
Mental health will be prioritised as travellers seek out destinations that offer a respite from the relentless pace of modern life and experiences that soothe the nervous system.
We’ve curated a list of destinations where soft travel and wellness go hand-in-hand, ensuring the health benefits of your next trip last throughout the entirety of the year.
SAINT LUCIA: Explore the Stunning Scenery of the Caribbean with a Variety of Wellness Treatments at Cap Maison Resort & Spa
For those looking to enjoy a wide variety of wellness offerings, whilst basking in the Caribbean sunshine, look no further than luxury boutique resort & spa, Cap Maison. Enjoying a stunning cliff top location, the resort overlooks the glistening Caribbean Sea and resides in the exclusive Cap Estate offering the ideal private retreat for guests.
Yoga, Pilates & Fitness:
The resort offers yoga classes for both individuals and groups. Guests can choose to take part in a class in the privacy of their own Villa Suite or in the state-of-the-art fitness studio, located in the main house, adjacent to the Spa.
Cap Maison Running & Hiking Club:
The Cap Maison Running & Hiking Club is at guests’ disposal for beautiful, guided cliff top and remote beach bikes and trail runs along Saint Lucia’s Atlantic coast, where they can appreciate the islands stunning and dramatic scenery.
Spa Maison:
Spa Maison offers a delectable assortment of treatments using the finest products from Sothys of Paris. With a range of treatments on offer from massages, exfoliation rituals and facials, guests can leave the stress of work behind while one of Cap Maison’s specialist therapists reset their body and mind.
For a small supplement, massage treatments can be taken in guests’ suite or room, on their terrace, or the private deck Rock Maison or under the gazebo in the picturesque garden with views across the ocean.
Prices start from £497 per night based on 2 adults sharing a Garden View Room on a Half-Board basis. Price based on February 2025 stay.
For further information on Spa Maison, please visit: https://capmaison.com/spa-maison/
MAURITIUS: Relax and unwind in the beauty of Mauritius with Heritage Resorts X Wellicious Yoga Retreat
Heritage Resorts in Mauritius, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and Wellicious, a sustainable luxury activewear brand invite guests to relax and unwind in the natural beauty of Mauritius during their much-anticipated Yoga Retreat taking place from Wednesday 5th – Wednesday 12th February. This retreat is designed to allow guests to hit the reset button as they will be surrounded by the natural beauty of Mauritius.
During the retreat, guests will be able to take part in yoga sessions with none other than Tara Lee, one of Britain’s foremost yoga teachers with years of experience. Tara’s yoga sessions will guide guests through flowing movements and relaxing stretches designed for all levels of expertise. Guests will be able to experience yoga sessions for FREE when staying at the Adult’s-Only Wing at Heritage Le Telfair. Guests will have the option to book a selection of yoga classes led by Tara, including two morning yoga classes will take place on the beach followed by a relaxing breakfast as well as two sunset sessions on the deck of Le Château de Bel Ombre, complemented by an apéritif.
Prices start from £362 per night based on 2 adults sharing a Deluxe Seaview Suite in the Adults-only wing including breakfast. Price based on February stay 2025.
For further information and to book, please visit: https://heritageresorts.mu/hotels-mauritius/le-telfair
MAURITIUS: Cocoon yourself in the Adults-Only Veranda Paul & Virginie
The newly refurbished Veranda Paul et Virginie is a secluded adults-only boutique hotel on the northeast coast with a serene and romantic vibe that will make visitors feel like they’ve stepped into an exotic paradise. It’s perfect for couples looking for an intimate slow-paced, yet luxurious stay with a fabulous infinity pool that overlooks the beach.
For wellness enthusiasts, the Seven Colours Spa at Veranda Paul et Virginie is the place to be. Here, guests are welcomed in a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for cocooning with your partner. The tailor-made approach combines traditional oriental techniques and Mauritian know-how with treatments based on 100% natural oils. Guests can even enjoy a relaxing massage under an indigenous Banyan tree.
If guests book by 15th December 2024, a 15% discount will be applied on the room and meal plan booked. The stay must be for between 1st December 2024 and 30th April 2025. For more information, visit https://veranda-resorts.com/en/
THE ALGARVE: Detox with Luxury Retreat Programmes at Pine Cliffs Resort
Pine Cliffs , a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve, offers a variety of wellness retreats where guests can indulge in the state-of-the-art facilities and treatments designed to switch off from a fast-paced life. Some of the Wellbeing retreats include:
‘Detox’ – The Detox Retreats combine various therapies, nutritional supplements, healthy cuisine and fitness classes, as an integrated approach to experience the ‘lightness of being’, while cleaning the mind, body and spirit. Prices start from£512 for the 2-night programme.
‘Experience Yoga’ –Suitable for all levels of experience and invites guests to embark on a mindful escape dedicated to relaxation and rediscovery as they work on chakras and powerful energy fields. Experience Yoga includes Thermal Oasis, yoga classes, breathing and meditation sessions, variety of massages and healthy meals. Prices start from £725 for a 3-night programme.
Guests also have the option to embark on an enchanting evening of yoga under the full moon’s radiant glow, where they can expect a night of serenity and harmony, as they experience the magic of the Algarve on the breath-taking Praia deFalésia beach. Cost is £16 per person, open to guests and non-guests.
Also included during any wellness retreat is complimentary access to Thermal Oasis at Serenity (steam room, Kneipp pool, hydrotherapy pool, herbal sauna, sauna with Himalayan salt, ice fountain, experience showers, outdoor jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas).
*Retreats are available all year round, except August.
For further information and to book, please visit: www.pinecliffs.com / https://serenity-spa.com/en/programs/
To book, visit www.pinecliffs.com or call +351 289 500 100.
THE ALGARVE: Experience an Alternative Side to the Algarve in 2025
The Algarve is an excellent choice for all those who like taking the opportunity on holiday not only to rest, but also to take care of themselves in a peaceful environment…
Longevity Health & Wellness Resort, set in western Algarve with panoramic views of the bay of Alvor, is a ground-breaking adults’ only health and wellness resort. Longevity offers a world class dedicated wellness and medical spa focused on therapies for optimal health and wellness including 100% natural products, dedicated detox and hammam treatment rooms, a detox sensation indoor pool, a relax heated dynamic indoor pool and rooftop infinity pool.
Prices differ depending on treatments. A three-night Longevity Relax and Detox stay starts from £498 per person sharing a standard double room in low season. For more information, please visit: https://longevityalvor.com/en/
Whilst Monchique Thermal Spa Resort, in the scenic town of Monchique, offers the ultimate wellness holiday immersed in nature. Visitors can indulge in a selection of freshwater treatments to relieve stress, treat skin problems, rejuvenate and restore general wellbeing and health including their hydromassages and usage of the impressive spa facilities.
With a ph of 9.5, Monchique Water is the most alkaline in Portugal and one of the most alkaline in the world. Rich in Bicarbonate, Sodium and Fluoride, it is used to aid respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders.
Treatment prices vary with spa packages available too. For more information, please visit: https://monchiquetermalresort.com/en/home
For more information about the Algarve, visit: www.visitalgarve.pt
LISBON: Discover luxury at ‘Serenity Spa – The Art of Wellbeing’ at Hyatt Regency Lisbon
For those looking to relax and unwind after a day’s sightseeing, Hyatt Regency Lisbon conveniently located in Belém, just a 5-minute drive from Lisbon’s iconic downtown, is the perfect retreat. The hotel benefits from a state-of-the-art on-site spa, managed by Portugal’s top wellness brand ‘Serenity – The Art of Wellbeing’ where guests can indulge in a range of sensual treatments, guaranteed to rejuvenate the mind and body.
What’s more, the spa has its very own Aurum, perfect for couples wanting to experience luxury treatments in private, or to celebrate a special occasion. Guests can relax with a bottle of champagne as they enjoy one of the many benefits of the suite, including a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, sensory shower, lounge area and treatment room perfect for couples wanting to experience luxury treatments in private, or to celebrate a special occasion.
The spa offers a wide range of wellness activities and spa treatments tailored to meet guests’ individual needs, creating a truly memorable and restorative escape. Guests can immerse themselves in a true sense of quiet luxury with the ‘Senses of Lisbon’ signature massage, a unique treatment which uses essential oils from the region to leave them feeling refreshed as well as relaxing the mind and soul.
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Prices start from £189 per night based on 2 adults sharing a Standard Queen Suite with a River View. Price based on February 2025 stay.
For further information and to book, please visit: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/lishr-hyatt-regency-lisbon
