L.G.B.T.Q. Friendly Wellness Retreats in Europe & Beyond

For L.G.B.T.Q. travellers, taking a trip can mean facing safety concerns, fears of discrimination and the stress of navigating different sets of rules and restrictions. We at Healing Holidays understand this, and are fully versed on where are the best places to go, and those best to avoid. Travelling for better Wellbeing is more than just a break from the daily grind - it can be life changing and transformational. The programmes are designed to leave you not just refreshed, but also healthier and more in tune with your inner-self. You will meet likeminded people whose goals align with yours, in a friendly and inclusive environment, where prejudices of any kind have no place.

The best wellness retreats in Thailand for L.G.B.T.Q. travellers

Thailand is one of the most welcoming and non-judgemental of all countries and there is a plethora of exquisite Spas and retreats that you can enjoy. Places like Samahita Retreat where you can learn Yoga from the best in the business, Kamalaya where you can deal with emotional issues in beautifully structured retreats and Chiva Som where you can lose excess weight or up your fitness game. You can also learn Pilates with Kevin at Absolute Sanctuary or rest and rejuvenate at Six Senses Yao Noi. 

The best wellness retreats in Spain for L.G.B.T.Q. travellers 

Spain is much beloved by us here in the UK - it’s an easy, short journey to reach and it delivers endless sunny days, pretty much all year round. On the Spa side it doesn’t disappoint either as it’s home to one of Europe’s best Medi-Spas – SHA Wellness Clinic; a results- driven healthy haven which tackles everything from Weight Loss and Detox, to Fitness and Stress Management. Spain also caters in spades for the sybaritic and sensuous elements of wellness and wellbeing, with indulgent hangouts like the Marbella Club and Finca Cortesin, where luxury abounds alongside some knock out wellness programmes. There’s also Shanti-Som Wellbeing Retreat, where you can ramp up your fitness or chill with Asian-inspired programmes.

The best wellness retreats in Austria for L.G.B.T.Q. travellers

When it comes to countries with serious spa credentials, Austria is always near the top of the list. It helps that it is blessed with the finest alpine air, huge forests, lush meadows, and lakes & mountains that instantly spread magical healing across our souls. This mesmerising country has always been synonymous with outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, but those in the know will appreciate that it is also one of Europe’s leading wellness destinations – after all, it is the birthplace of the famous gut-focussed Mayr method, a fast-track to an iron immune system that can be enjoyed at Park Igls, Lanserhof Lans and VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth. It’s also the place to go for great Ayurveda, at one of our most impressive finds - the Ayurveda Resort Mandira, a family-run jewel offering traditional Ayurveda with a brilliant, highly-trained team of specialists.  

The best wellness retreats in Italy for L.G.B.T.Q. travellers

Few places in the world can claim such beauty as Italy with its ancient craggy peaks, rich verdant countryside and deep azure waters with perfect sandy beaches. It’s also home to a wide variety of seriously good spas, offering something for everyone, and all served with that typically warm Italian flair. You can go for some deep healing at Preidlhof, up your fitness levels at The Ranch Italy, lower your stress levels lakeside at Lefay Lago Di Garda, undergo a medically-supervised detox in style at Palace Merano, or have weight loss options at Palazzo Fiuggi or L’Albereta. You can also take the family too, with some great options at Forte Village Resort and Borgo Egnazia.

The best wellness retreats in Portugal for L.G.B.T.Q. travellers

Red cliff coastlines, idyllic whitewashed Moorish villages, captivating cities and golden beaches; Portugal can be many things to many people. For Healing Holidays, as well as being home to some of the friendliest people, it’s also the place to go for some stand-out spas and world class experts. A short hop from Lisbon, there is the much-lauded Palacio Estoril with their brilliant better-ageing and rehabilitation programmes, whilst there are detox, weight loss and fitness options on offer at our gorgeous properties in the Algarve - EPIC SANA, Longevity Alvor and Vilalara Longevity. Lastly we have the mighty Six Senses Douro Valley in the verdant landscape of Northern Portugal, offering the acclaimed Six Senses wellness formula with local Portuguese flair.

The best wellness retreats in Germany for L.G.B.T.Q. travellers

With its fresh alpine air, spectacular scenery and ancient spa towns, Germany has always been synonymous with better health and wellbeing, but perhaps only the spa aficionado will know that it also plays host to a wide variety of world-class wellness solutions. There's the elegant Villa Stephanie, which sits in the foothills of the Black Forest in the ancient spa town of Baden-Baden and houses a space-age medical clinic or Ayurveda Parkschlosschen, which offers Ayurvedic healing comparable to anything found in India or Sri Lanka. For lovers of detox there is the luxurious Lanserhof Tegernsee and its sister property Lanserhof Sylt, whose medically-supervised Mayr Cure programmes will energise and reset your body and mind, while for those who are travelling with their family we have Schloss Elmau, which offers spacious accommodation, two dedicated family spas, and a whole host of different activities for children of all ages.

The best wellness retreats in Greece for L.G.B.T.Q. travellers

If you want to feel as mighty or beautiful as one of the ancient gods or goddesses of Greek mythology, a spa break to Greece ought to be on the cards. Just to step into this Mediterranean paradise is almost enough in itself to melt your cares away and have you feeling infinitely healthier in no time at all, with deep blue oceans and dramatic landscapes offering the perfect backdrop for your wellness break. Ejoy some blissful time out in the lap of luxury at Amanzoe, where soul-reaching wellness programmes are tailored to your requirements, or you can restore your balance at the award-winning Euphoria Retreat - this Spa saviour offers the very best of ancient Chinese and Greek wisdom combined with modern techniques to create deeply healing programmes for the body and mind. For those who want to be right next to the beach then we have Daios Cove on the island of Crete, which takes a high-tech focussed approach to wellness.

The best wellness retreats in Switzerland for L.G.B.T.Q. travellers

There’s something intrinsically reassuring and soothing about a Swiss spa - the brilliant efficiency, the state-of-the-art diagnostic testing, and the utterly brilliant, no nonsense expertise. Switzerland has an almost unparalleled reputation for medical excellence, and we have some real Swiss powerhouses on offer for you. First up is the legendary Clinique La Prairie, set on the shores of Lake Geneva and known for its pioneering and innovative treatments using stem cells. For detox aficionados, there is Chenot Palace Weggis, with their Chenot method-based programmes that will energise and reset your body & mind, and for those looking for a place to get a full health MOT whilst their companion plays golf or enjoys the thermal waters, there is Grand Resort Bad Ragaz.