Wellness holidays
This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is “Movement: moving for our mental health”. So here's a few wellness holidays that can help us improve our mental health and get us moving.
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This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is “Movement: moving for our mental health”. So here's a few wellness holidays that can help us improve our mental health and get us moving.
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 13 to 19 May 2024, and this year’s theme is all about “Movement: moving for our mental health”.
We all know the positive mental benefits a holiday can have on us, whether it’s because we’re getting sunny weather with a dose of vitamin D, or simply because it’s a well-deserved break which allows us to relax and take time out from our usual daily routines.
However, this year, thinking about the theme of movement, let’s have a look at a few wellness holidays that can help us improve our mental health and get us moving.
Walking and hiking in Portugal
If you’re an avid walker, or you simply love being at one with nature, you can’t go wrong with Portugal. There are loads of walking and hiking routes to follow in Portugal and there’ll be loads of great scenery to accompany it.
And of course, it’s not just mainland Portugal that offers a wide range of hiking paths, but also its islands like Madeira and the Azores.
Here are some of our favourites:
Other great hikes include Sete Vales Suspensos in the Algarve and Trilho do Vinho do Porto in the Douro Valley.
Yoga and meditation in Sri Lanka
If your type of wellness retreat is taking it easy with some yoga, mindfulness and deep breathing exercises, then perhaps Sri Lanka will tickle your fancy.
The island is home to some wonderful yoga retreats which include everything from Kundalini yoga, vinyasa yoga, Ayurvedic spa treatments, delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, spin classes, massage therapists… and so much more.
There will be different packages available at different retreats. But Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination to relax, unwind and enjoy a mental break. The island is lush, so there’s plenty of nature to explore, especially if you choose to head to Ella through misty forests and see the tea plantations.
Train Muay Thai in Thailand
The martial art of Muay Thai is highly sought after in Thailand. Whether you’re trying to get in shape, get disciplined, or are looking to build some mental and physical endurance, Muay Thai classes and camps in Thailand are a great way to achieve it.
There will be beginner, intermediate and expert classes depending on your level of Muay Thai. And you can spend however long doing these classes as you want. Whether it’s two weeks or two months… you’ll be in tip-top shape in no time.
Phuket is often a great choice to find a Muay Thai camp, as you can always enjoy some downtime on the beach after training. Plus, the Thais are known for their great-tasting food which will definitely help your fitness regime.
Of course, you don’t have to commit to any long-term plans either. If you’re heading to Thailand for a wellness holiday, you can always find a gym to try out a one-off class during your trip.
Cycling holidays in Italy
Getting on your bike is one of the best ways to keep moving whilst seeing a country from a different angle. And if you like a plateful of tasty pasta with an Aperol spritz on the side, then cycling in Italy is the perfect wellness holiday for you.
Here are some great cycling areas for you to try in Italy:
ABTA members are experts at tailor-making your trip, so why not speak to one to put together your wellness holiday? Find an ABTA member using our member search and get planning!