Destination Silence: Holidays combining rest and nature
By Freelance Journalist Yvonne Reddin
Would you go back to the feelings of your youth if you could? That sense of freedom, happiness, a healthy lifestyle and the excitement of exploring the world. This fleeting period precedes the onset of work and adult responsibilities. However, later in life, we can strive to reclaim that youthful spirit by focusing on self-improvement now that we have more time.
We often link ‘sustainability’ with the environment, but what about personal sustainability? Sustainable human health involves practices supporting long-term physical, mental and social well-being. In our stressful lives, work-life balance is crucial. While many solutions exist to help support mental health issues and stress, people are seeking deeper resolutions to understand and address the root causes of their stress and mental health challenges.
Wellness retreats are popular destinations for those looking for deeper solutions, to destress and recapture the freedom of youth. These retreats offer holistic and health benefits, making wellness the new holiday trend. By dedicating time to our well-being, we can sustain our health and perhaps regain some of the joy and freedom we felt in our youth; wellness has become the new holiday milieu. Here are some ‘resting’ destinations to consider for your next holiday –
Santani Wellness, Sri Lanka – Restoration within nature
Santani, located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, offers a holistic solution to addressing the root causes of stress and mental health issues, promoting lasting well-being. Situated on a 116-acre former tea plantation within a pristine forest, Santani creates a restorative wellness destination that is both accessible and blissfully secluded. The rooms, designed for natural ventilation and free of air-conditioning, save over 70 per cent of energy compared to air-conditioned hotels, benefiting the environment.
The contemporary lodgings at Santani are inspired by the concept of the ‘ambalama,’ a traditional Sri Lankan term meaning ‘place of rest.’ Historically, these simple shelters provided a safe resting place for pilgrims and traders. Santani features 16 Mountain View Chalets overlooking the surrounding mountain range and four Garden View Chalets designed for families with children.
Guests are encouraged to meditate, attend yoga classes, explore the tropical jungle, swim, read, use the spa facilities and simply rest. Santani embodies the philosophy of “the architecture of silence,” offering nutritious gourmet cuisine, holistic wellness and pristine locations to help guests escape the everyday and rejuvenate.
BodyHoliday – A Wellness Resort in Saint Lucia for your mind, body & spirit
Since its opening in 1988, BodyHoliday in St. Lucia has stood out as a unique and inspiring beach holiday destination, dedicated to the wellness and rejuvenation of the modern traveller. Their comprehensive approach to optimal health and well-being is founded on four pillars: Relaxation, Therapeutic Cares, Exercise and Nutrition. BodyHoliday offers numerous ways to soothe the senses and restore the spirit. Their award-winning Wellness Centre and
fitness facilities include the Caribbean’s only Ayurvedic temple, as well as a Skin Clinic and BodyScience, a clinic focused on better aging. Guests can enjoy a wide range of treatments and therapeutic care, as well as participate in sports, personal training and adventure programs.
Whether you are seeking a digital detox, rest or a personal treat, guests can create their own peace and serenity experience. This resort supports overall well-being through diverse activities and facilities designed to enhance relaxation, promote therapeutic healing, encourage physical activity and ensure nutritious eating. They are renowned for their holistic approach to health and a popular choice for travellers who want a holiday with a difference.
Hillside Beach Club, Fethiye, Turkey – Feel good inside and out
Nestled along Turkey’s picturesque coastline, Hillside Beach Club offers a luxurious escape in a breathtaking natural setting. This upscale resort is renowned for its stunning views, pristine private beaches and excellent amenities. Located in a secluded bay surrounded by lush pine forests, the resort boasts panoramic vistas of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Its private pebbled beach and crystal-clear waters, provides an idyllic backdrop for pure relaxation. They offer a variety of elegant accommodations, from spacious rooms to luxurious suites. Many rooms offer stunning sea views and private terraces, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Feel Good Week is a seasonal programme held at Hillside usually once a year and is a special wellness event designed to provide guests with a holistic experience that rejuvenates both body and mind. The program features a wide range of activities and therapies aimed at enhancing physical fitness, mental relaxation and overall well-being. The next Feel Good Week Programme is in 2025 and includes HIIT and Strength Training, Yoga, Pilates, Longevity, Ice Plunges, Face Yoga, Breath and Soundala Therapy, Art Therapy, Yin Yoga and more. This could be an additional part of your holiday here if you are looking for an extra holistic wellness experience.
The Four Seasons Resort, Maldives – Four reasons to visit
Discover a natural UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where iridescent blues, jungle greens and dazzling whites converge with innovation, conservation and wellness. Blu Beach Club offers million-dollar views, featuring a kilometre of pristine white sand, a winding sand spit and Michelin-star-worthy dining. For the adventurous, snorkelling with mantas, participating in sea turtle rehabilitation, and indulging in world-class wellness at AyurMa await. AyurMa invites you to reset your awareness and plan a new path to health, harmony and happiness. Emphasising a love for the Earth as you love yourself, their philosophy is supported by four pillars: Ayurveda, Planetary Wellbeing, Yoga Therapy, and Wellness.
Imagine waking up to breathtaking sunrises from the comfort of your overwater nets, private pool or a sea-gazing loft. These spacious villas feature a roomy bedroom, a cozy living area and direct steps to a crystal-clear lagoon. The guiding principle of this luxury brand is simple: treat others the way you would want to be treated, ensuring an exceptional experience that blends luxury, nature and genuine hospitality.
Explora Journeys – Retreat at sea
If you love your cruises, Explora Journeys has a strong emphasis on wellness. Guests can indulge in yoga, meditation and fitness classes onboard, complemented by nutritious dining options using locally sourced ingredients. Their range of shore excursions offer opportunities for nature walks and mindfulness in tranquil settings, enhancing your wellness journey. The onboard atmosphere promotes relaxation and mindfulness, providing a sanctuary at sea for guests to recharge and rejuvenate their body, mind and spirit. Explora Journeys is a holistic, luxury cruise experience combined with a wellness-focused retreat at sea.
Reclaiming the joy and vitality of youth isn’t just a dream—it’s a choice. Wellness retreats offer a chance to pause, rejuvenate and embrace practices that sustain long-term well-being. By prioritising self-care, we can rediscover the freedom and balance that make life truly fulfilling.
