As we creep past an entire year of dealing with lockdowns, social distancing, lack of travel and COVID restrictions, here at Not In The Guidebooks, we think it’s time for everyone to be kind to themselves for a while.
With that in mind, here are some of our top wellness retreats, from yoga holidays, to getting back in touch with nature, to meditation and surfing in Portugal, there’s something here for everyone who wants to return from their holiday feeling rested, recharged, and ready to take on the world again.
Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Sintra
Set in the beautiful coastal town of Sintra on the west coast of Portugal, this yoga and meditation retreat involves 5 nights where you’ll relax and reset on mindful sessions with expert instructors, eat local, vegetarian cuisine that gives you a true flavour of the region, and meet new, like-minded people in this stunning little offbeat corner of the world.
The retreat is set in one of Portugal’s most beautiful national parks, giving you the opportunity to spend your free time out exploring the coastal cliffs, the medieval architectural gems, and examples of classic, unchanged Portuguese culture.
By the time you’ve completed your five yoga session and five guided meditation sessions, you’ll leave the wellness retreat in Sintra feeling totally recharged, and with memories of great food, new friends, and stunning scenery.
Wild Wellness Retreat in Snowdonia
A chance to truly rewild yourself and get back to nature, this wellness retreat in North Wales gets you away from the bustling, non-stop life of the city and out into the stunning mountains of Snowdonia.
Make precious time to switch off from social media and spend your days paddleboarding, enjoying yoga sessions in the pristine natural environment, or foraging in the woods to really get down to earth and in touch with nature.
At night, gather around a crackling campfire under a canopy of stars, storytelling and reflecting on a day of rewilding. You’ll stay in a big beautiful bell tent, and finish your wellness retreat having spent virtually four full days outdoors.
Yoga and Cooking Holiday in Casperia
Combine yoga with the legendary Italian cuisine on this 6 night wellness retreat that runs out of Casperia, a beautiful walled medieval town just one hour north of Rome.
In the morning, you’ll be led on relaxing yoga sessions, taken at a pace that suits you with expert instructors who you’ll get to know over the course of the retreat. Relax by the private swimming pool, go out for a stroll around the town, and simply take some time to look after you during your free time.
You’ll also get the opportunity to experience two hands-on cooking classes in a local agriturismo, where they only use locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Master the secrets of Italian cuisine during a wellness and cooking holiday in Italy, and stay in beautifully restored medieval accommodation, on a retreat you will never forget.
Nature Immersion and Farm Feast Couples Retreat
For something truly offbeat and unusual, all focused around getting you out in nature and unplugged from the rush of everyday life. The wellness and nature retreat takes place at Harewood Farm, situated in the beautiful Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the wild expanses of Dartmoor.
Get in touch with nature as you prepare a feast of locally sourced ingredients, and enjoy guided walks through ancient woodland and winding streams, as your hosts help you to achieve a sense of mindfulness as you explore the area.
By night you can light up your little log burner on the balcony of your tiny chapel accommodation, and soak in that feeling of having properly got away from it all, on an experience designed to get you off the beaten track, re-energised, and get you in touch with yourself.
Here at Not In The Guidebooks, we offer a wide range of wellness retreats and activity holidays in Costa Rica, the UK, Portugal, France, and more. They help you experience a destination in a unique way, and get you out, meeting the locals and getting to know a bit of authentic local culture, as well as helping you relax and unwind.