True wellness is not one prescribed set of rules. Instead, it can mean so many things to different individuals. Across the UK, some of the finest hotels, resorts and retreats have recognised this and curated an array of experiences aimed at pinpointing each different facet in the world of holistic wellness. From candle-lit meditation to jumping in at the deep end with a surf-based wellness retreats, these exceptional retreats cover a wide array of needs, and desires.

Whether you’re longing to reach a new level of spirituality or learn more about nutrition and how physical wellness can intrinsically influence mental wellbeing, there is a perfect wellness retreat that can tick all of the boxes. Of course, these unique escapes are also sure to work wonders for people simply wanting to get away from the noise and revel in some much-needed rest and relaxation. Read on to discover more about the top wellness travel trends and our very favourite UK wellness retreats. You’re sure to find your perfect escape route from stress.

Arrigo Programme, Somerset

Best for: healing and emotional wellness

It can often feel straightforward, if not always easy, to know how to look after one’s physical health. We know how imperative it is to eat healthy well-portioned meals, stick to an exercise routine and stay hydrated. However, when it comes to healing and emotional wellbeing, the path to personal wellness can be more complex and elusive. That’s where innovative initiatives like Somerset’s Arrigo Programme come in. Guests can choose to partake in the programme either as an individual or as part of a group as they slip into the serenity of the rural retreat, surrounded by the fresh flowers, crackling wood fires and soothing candles that furnish the private country house.

When visiting the retreat, one can expect to work on mental wellbeing with the guidance of an expert team of multidisciplinary therapists. The team at the Arrigo Programme administer both private and group sessions designed to tackle a multitude of conditions including burnout, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and even long COVID. This UK wellness retreat is designed to help clients find comfort in a safe space away from the demands and pressures of the modern world. After a visit, guests can expect to return to their lives like a butterfly from a cocoon – invigorated, confident, and ready for the next challenge life throws their way.

Gleneagles, Perthshire

Best for: nutritional wellness

Revolving around the key concepts of recovery and restoration, Gleneagles retreat offers unique spa and wellness facilities that guarantee a feeling of rejuvenation. For a more in-depth experience that is sure to delve deeper into your wellness needs than a day at the spa, Gleneagles has partnered with expert naturopath and nutritionist, Rosemary Ferguson, to create a revolutionary retreat. This programme is hinged upon the practices of nutritional wellness and is designed to address three essential areas: gut health, your liver, and using nutrition as the key to re-energise your life. The retreat combines carefully curated dining with a chance to reconnect with the natural world through excursions including an adventure to a hidden glen waterfall where guests can enjoy an invigorating wild swim, and a hike across the sprawling grounds of the impressive country house.

Our Retreat, Somerset

Best for: a transformative yoga retreat

With so many hotels and wellness centres across the UK offering yoga retreats, destinations need to take things to the next level if they really want to stand out. Our Retreat, in its tranquil 42-acre Somerset setting, does just that. By combining mindfulness and yoga practices (including breathwork, restorative yoga, and guided meditation) with nourishing meals and connectivity with the great outdoors, Our Retreat provides an escape from distractions in which guests can focus on re-centring their wellness practices and becoming the best versions of themselves.

An important feature of this particular retreat is the longevity it promises. Through yoga sessions and educational workshops on wellness and nutrition, Our Retreat aims to equip guests with the skills to take their practices home with them and integrate what they’ve learned into their busy lives. What’s more, these transformational moments of learning and developing all take place within a blissful setting. The 17-bedroom farmhouse is secluded and shielded from the demands of modern life within an idyllic Somerset valley.

The Mandrake London (Spiritual Concierge)

Best for: spiritual wellbeing

When imagining a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of life, one would normally imagine a rural retreat. At The Mandrake, however, it’s easy to step away from any stress in the very heart of London’s Fitzrovia. The immersive experience offered at this lavish property allows visitors to forget they are in a city and instead feel transported to another astral plane. The specifically curated Spiritual Wellbeing Concierge is the cherry on the top of this experience.

Guests who engage with this programme can choose from an array of spiritual wellness sessions and cater their visit to their personal wellness needs. The sessions include Shamanic Healing, Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowl Meditations, Gong Baths, Energy Cleansing and Cacao Ceremonies. After delving into the world of spiritual healing, guests can also indulge in a stay in one of the exquisite rooms, suites, or even the exclusive penthouse, known as the ‘marbled eagle’s nest’ due to its sleek monochrome mottled interior. The custom-made cashmere furnishings and the jacuzzi positioned under a retractable roof offering stunning views of the night sky are the final touches that are sure to make for an unforgettable experience.

 Women and Water Retreat

Best for: physical wellbeing

For some, wellness is as much about feeling active and invigorated as it is about taking time to relax and recharge. At the three-night and four-night Women and Water Retreats in Cornwall, physical wellness is paramount, as is connecting to the water and recognising how we can feel at one with the ocean. Upon arrival at the beautiful Yurt Village at The Park, Mawgan Porth, guests will feel instantly engulfed by rich greenery and fresh sea air. The village is just a short walk to the expansive golden sand beaches that Cornwall is renowned for, and where much of this UK wellness retreat will take place.

During their stay, guests will feel revitalized by a mixture of surf and yoga sessions, designed to help them connect with the natural world while feeling powerful in their own bodies. On top of this, guests will get to enjoy delicious organically sourced vegetarian meals, lovingly prepared by the retreat’s private chef. Activities including saunas, steam rooms, and breath-taking cliff top walks can also be relished during this one-of-a-kind retreat on the stunning Cornish coast.