There are times in everyone’s lives when the stresses of everyday existence come to a head. Frustrating co-workers, over-active children, and family quarrels all lead to misalignment of the mind, and can result in exhaustion, ill health and ultimately, a burn-out. It’s at times like these when you need to go back to basics and commit a bit of time to re-connecting to your inner-self.

Many people in search of enlightenment head off to Northern India or a Thai island to search into their soul, but when you don’t have the luxury of time, and a weekend is all you can manage, then something in Europe is far more practical.

Whether you are a mindfulness newbie, or a yoga-pro, a long weekend dedicated entirely to your own wellness is now practically an essential part of modern-day living, so take a look at our recommendations below and start planning your European retreat.

 

Croatia

The Croatian coast is scattered with beautiful islands, offering breath-taking scenery, secluded beaches, and crystal clear waters to cleanse to soul. The unpolluted seas, soil and clean air here should be enough to get you well on your way with your detox, however, if you need a little further help, then there are plenty of wellness retreats offering a mix of healing and luxury.

Obonjan Island is currently one of the hippest places to find yourself, and combines spiritual wellness with a hearty mix of hedonistic pleasure and indulgence. The island is a real hidden gem, with no more than five hundred guests allowed on the island at any one time, and plenty of hidden corners to escape and explore.

Yoga and relaxation classes take place throughout the day in the island’s wellness centre, The Zen Den, as well as track running, wild swimming, and stand-up paddle boarding. Evenings are spent meditating by the beach, sipping cocktails at Drift Bar, and chilling around the pool to the beats of the resident DJs. Throughout the summer a host of cool bands performs in the open-air amphitheatre, as well as comedy acts, theatrical performances, and film screenings.  

 

Ibiza

The beautiful ‘white isle’ of Ibiza has long been renowned for its carefree and open-minded spirit, and regular visitors often boast about the powerful healing energy that they feel emulating from the lush Mediterranean landscape. It is, therefore, no surprise that the island has become a hotbed for yoga retreats, detox programmes, and wellness boot camps.

Ibiza Retreats runs regular wellness retreats on the island, setting up camp at some of the most exclusive and luxurious properties available, including Can Can, Can Bikini, and Can Artisan. The retreats are run by life coach Larah Davis and seasoned yogi Susi Howell, and there are programmes catering for every type of need – mother and daughter bonding, healthy hen-dos, stressed-out city workers, recent divorcees, and party-animals in need of some post-clubbing purification.

Retreats include a bespoke programme of yoga, meditation, coaching sessions, diagnostic massage, and full-body rebalancing, realigning and neuro-somatic osteopathy. Optional extras include raw-food cookery lessons, horse-riding, belly-dancing, island-healing musical performances and hiring of local DJs to create a soundtrack to your supper under the stars.

 

Norway

Stunning landscapes, mountain views, and glistening glaciers provide the perfect backdrop for reflection and rejuvenation. Norway is an ideal place to retreat to when you need to take some time out from the pressures of the digital age and general modern-day living.

Scandoir organises regular yoga retreats, held at the stunning Lyngen Lodge, located above the Arctic Circle. The Lodge itself is an instant calmer – built in close partnership with the environment, using fallen pine logs, geothermic heating, and a thick grass roof providing cosy insulation. There is also a sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi and a fresh Norwegian menu, including fresh fish from the fjords.

The retreats include daily Vinyasa yoga classes, scenic treks around the fjords, and an uplifting boat safari around Glacier Bay. Meditations, breathing exercises, and mindfulness sessions are also part of the experience, and whether you visit as a small group, or alone, you are sure to leave the lodge uplifted, leaner, and better connected than when you arrived.

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Monday 11 September 2017

We design each journey entirely from scratch. To discuss a bespoke itinerary personalised around your interests and requirements, call us on +44(0) 776 284 8888 or arrange for us to call you back at a time that suits you.