Our Top 5 Wellness Destinations In Europe

Europe is full of amazing spots to escape the stress of everyday life. Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air in Austria, surrounded by nature. Or how about exploring the beaches of Portugal’s Algarve? Maybe you prefer the rich history and culture of Italy?

These countries offer something special for everyone who wants to take a break and recharge on a wellness holiday in Europe. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a longer retreat, there's a perfect destination waiting for you.

Let's explore our picks for the top 5 wellness destinations in Europe.

Austria

To begin our list of the top five wellness destinations in Europe, head to Austria on the central side. 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, MAYRLIFE Altaussee and VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth.

It’s also the place to go for great Ayurveda, at one of our most recent and impressive finds - the Ayurveda Resort Mandira, a family-run jewel offering traditional Ayurveda with a brilliant, highly-trained team of specialists.  

Spain

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 Detox and Anti-Ageing, to Gut Health and Better Sleep. There is a host of inspirational programmes and an impressive list of treatments with something for everyone. 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. You can retreat at Shanti-Som, where you can ramp up your fitness or chill with Asian-inspired programmes, and if Thalassotherapy is what it’s all about for you, then you will find few places finer in Europe than Palasiet Thalasso Clinic & Hotel.

Italy

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, which offer something for everyone, and all served with typical, warm Italian flair. There are places to go to get some deep healing like Preidlhof and Lefay Lago Di Garda or Lefay Dolomiti, to experience authentic Ayurveda in the mountains at Engel Ayurpura to undergo a medically-supervised detox in style at Palace Merano, or to have weight loss options at Palazzo Fiuggi. You can take the family too, with some great options at Borgo Egnazia and Forte Village Resort.

Portugal

With its wild rugged coastlines, idyllic white-washed Moorish villages and cork-studded countryside, Portugal is a real stunner, and one of Europe’s most wallet-friendly countries.

There are spas and clinics a plenty throughout the country too ; a brilliant and affordable medical clinic in Alvor at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, where you can have the most up-to-date diagnostics done without selling a kidney, or perhaps EPIC SANA, close to the alluring waters of the Algarve where you can get your Yoga pose on or dial up your fitness. There is Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa, set on a striking cliff - here you can detox whilst your children can build castles in the sand, or you could head up the coast from Lisbon and enjoy Qigong or a Pilates retreat at Palacio Estoril, where the trainers are as impressive as you will find anywhere. Lastly we have the elegant Six Senses Douro Valley in the verdant landscape of Northern Portugal, offering the acclaimed Six Senses wellness formula with local Portuguese flair.

Germany

Finally, to finish off our list of the top five wellness destinations in Europe, we have Germany. With its fresh alpine air, spectacular scenery and ancient spa towns, the country 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, medical spas and authentic Ayurveda retreats.

There's the elegant Villa Stephanie, which sits in the foothills of the Black Forest in the spa town of Baden-Baden and houses a space-age medical clinic overseen by the expert, (and Healing Holidays favourite), Dr Harry König, or Ayurveda Parkschlosschen, which offers Ayurvedic healing comparable to anything found in India or Sri Lanka.

For lovers of detox there are the luxurious and stylish Lanserhof clinics Tegernsee and Sylt, whose medically-supervised Mayr Cure programmes will energise and reset your body and mind by deep-cleansing your gut, 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.

So there you have it, Europe offers a wealth of opportunities to relax, rejuvenate, and rediscover yourself. These top five wellness destinations in Europe provide everything you’ll need for a relaxing getaway, plus more! Ready for your own wellness journey or looking to discover even more wellness locations in Europe? Let Healing Holidays help you plan the perfect trip. Book your European wellness holiday today and start your path to better health and wellbeing.