Top wellness travel destinations for self-care and relaxation

There are times when we travel to explore the world, tick as many attractions of our list as possible and triple our daily steps taken. But there are times when we want to travel to take a break from the stress and busyness of our daily life. This is the time when all we want is a back massage or sip cocktails by the beach. If this is the vibe you're looking for, today's blog post is for you! I have listed some of my favourite spots I have ever been to, that allowed me to fully recharge, relax and slow down.

Bucharest, Romania

You may be wondering why this capital city made it to this list, but why wouldn't it when it is home to one of the biggest wellness centres in Europe, called Therme Bucharest. It is the perfect destination for anyone who would want to spend a day sipping cocktails by or in the pool (yes, there is a bar inside the main pool), try different sauna or steam rooms. I actually visited this complex after a busy week of travelling Jordan, and it was the perfect day to relax an unwind after a very full-on travel experience (about that in another post).

Finland

Nothing says relaxation better than staying in a little wood cabin equipped with a sauna by a lake, so you once you detoxed your body you can jump in for a refreshing swim. Finland being the home of sauna culture, could not be missed from this list. It is the perfect destination if you want to spend a few days just switching off. Note, even though I didn't travel alone to Finland, it is considered to be one of the safest countries for solo female travel, just in case you plan to go alone.

Going for a swim in a natural Finnish lake

Bali, Indonesia

Might be bit of a cliche, but it had to make the list. When I think of my travel experience in Bali, all that comes to mind is long walks by the beach, relaxing back massages and cafes, restaurants that are filled with nutritious food options. It would not be my first choice (due to how touristy it got in recent years), but Bali definitely has a lot to offer to those who want to focus on their well-being. Cherry on top that Bali is considered an ideal solo travel destination, so it can be an ideal trip even if you plan to go alone.

Who wouldn't feel relaxed here?

Budapest, Hungary

The capital of thermal spas is rightfully added to this collection. Due to the natural hot springs running under the city, Budapest is home to over a 100 thermal pools and spas! I mean that is literally the perfect wellness weekend destination, especially when the weather is cold and miserable outside. I would say, if you also want to go for the views like in Széchenyi, Gellért or Rudas baths, you do that, but if you are going specifically for the spa experience, I would recommend even checking out lesser known or touristy ones too. This is another spot that I would recommend even for solo travellers, as it's easy to get around (one of the most walkable cities), and most people speak at least a little english if you stick to the touristy areas.

Visiting Széchenyi Bath in April (off-season so less crowds)

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is full of options for you to go from easily affordable massages to long walks by the ocean followed by fresh and nutritious local food. There are lots of wellness centres where you can join yoga and other group classes. One of my favourite spots to recharge was Lake Koggala. I spend a lot of time relaxing at Kurulu Bay (you can visit during the day-time for incredible food and atmosphere or join their yoga classes). But the whole island is so lush and green, it already soothes your soul. That combined with numerous wellness centres and massage salons makes it the perfect wellness travel destination. When it comes to solo travelling, I spent a month on this island exploring alone, and I felt very comfortable and safe. So, I would recommend it as a solo destination too!

The view of Koggala Lake from Kurulu Bay

Tulum, Mexico  

Another location that I would highly recommend if attending yoga classes or breath-work sessions, trying plant-based food or taking long, relaxing walks by the beach are on your current travel list. Tulum has a very relaxing and tranquil atmosphere paired with endless options for you to focus on both, your physical and mental wellness, making it one of the most perfect wellness destinations a girl could ask for. If you're wondering whether it is a safe destination for solo female travel, the general answer is yes. I did spend time here and in other parts of Mexico (Playa del Carmen, Cancun) alone and I felt safe and comfortable. You just have to practise standard safety precautions.

Tulum, Mexico is a place where I felt like time has finally slowed down for a little while

Bath, UK  

Another city that is naturally rich in thermal water. If you want a relaxing day, a day trip or stay in Bath may just be what 'the doctor ordered'. If you're visiting there, is also an opportunity to combine your spa experience with a cultural one, by purchasing the afternoon tea package. This could be especially ideal if you're planning a relaxing girlie holiday, but this is another location that can be great (and safe) to visit solo as well. The choice is yours!

Bath, the ideal destination for a spa day

Dubai, UAE  

Dubai is famous for its world-class spas, luxury hotels, yoga studios, and wellness resorts. If you are looking for a place where you could go to the beach in the morning, spend the whole day there relaxing in the sun and topping up your tan, Dubai could be what you're looking for. It is also knows for having a very strong fitness and wellness culture, so you will definitely find a new form of movement that you can fall in love with, or practise what you are already familiar with. In addition, it is a very solo friendly travel destination, so even if you're planning to go alone, you will be comfortable.

After a day spent by the beach, you get to watch the sunset in the desert and experience true silence and tranquility

Hoi An, Vietnam

After the busyness of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An is the perfect location to relax and rewind. It is small, tranquil and picturesque, you can rent a bike and cycle through the beautiful rice fields on your way to the spa for a foot or back massage. This small town is also full of cafes and restaurants that offer fresh, locally grown food. And if you're thinking, 'sounds great, but I don't have anyone to travel with', you will be happy to hear that Hoi An is a welcoming and safe destination for solo female travellers! So, this can't be your obstacle.

This view paired with fresh local food and endless spa options could be exactly what your body and soul need

Miami, Florida  

Yet another city that has a strong wellness and fitness culture, making it a top contender. Miami has a huge spa culture, and lots of luxury wellness hotels and healthy cafés to choose from. Even if you're just taking a long walk by the beach, you will see running clubs, yoga and workout classes everywhere. If this is what you're looking for, Miami can definitely offer you the wellness escape that you needed. From personal experience, it felt safe and comfortable as a solo female traveller, but given it's a big city I did stay in the most popular and touristy area.

Miami will always be a place I would revisit for a day of nutritious food and long walks by the ocean

Algarve, Portugal  

I know this location keeps making an appearance in my blog posts, but it is truly one of the most peaceful and soul-filling places I have ever been to. Important to note that I visited only in the off-season (January and March). Both times felt like I just attended a wellness retreat. Off-season the weather is warm and sunny enough for you to enjoy long walks or sit with a good book by the beach. If you feel like you need a couple of days just to slow down and focus on being present, I can highly recommend it! Although I went with friends and family both times I visited, I would not hesitate to visit Algarve solo. As I have visited many other places alone in Portugal, I think it would be a great experience, and safe one too.

Algarve in off-season is one of the best travel destinations if you are looking to relax

I hope this list has inspired you to see travel not just as an adventure, but also as a chance to slow down, recharge, and take care of yourself. Whether it’s floating in a thermal spa in Budapest, meditating on the beaches of Tulum, or cycling through the rice fields in Hoi An, wellness travel is all about creating little rituals that keep you grounded while you explore.

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