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Top 10 Wellness Retreats in Europe

 

In an age of constant noise and digital overload, travellers are craving more than just a change of scenery. With slow travel and wellness retreats on the rise, there are plenty of places to explore and relax in Europe to get the ultimate wellness experience and getaway.

 

These 10 destinations offer immersive calm, and conscious travel experiences, helping visitors unplug, reset, and restore balance.

 

Finding the Best Wellness Retreats For You

Each destination on this top wellness retreat list was assessed using our slow travel methodology. To reflect a holistic picture of wellbeing, we used a variety of characteristics, including:

 

1. Wellness Retreats & Spa Infrastructure

2. Yoga & Mindfulness Activities

3. Access to Parks, Trails, and Green Space

4. Walking and Hiking Routes

5. Air Quality and Environmental Comfort

 

Scores were benchmarked and weighted to reflect how well each place supports slow travel rooted in nature, health, and wellbeing.

 

 

 

Top 10 Wellness Retreats in Europe

 

 

1. Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy – Alpine Wellness at its Finest (Score: 9.0)

Why it tops the list:

Nestled in the Italian Alps, this region blends spectacular hiking with luxurious wellness resorts and cuisine. With crystal-clear air and green valleys, its an ideal setting for physical and mental renewal. If you want to see more walking destinations in Europe, check out our list today.

 

Don't Miss:

The thermal retreats to get the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation

 


 

 

2. Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic – Spa Tradition Meets Nature (Score: 8.8)

What sets it apart:

This historic spa town has been healing minds and bodies for centuries. Rich in thermal springs, plenty of scenic promenades, and cultural calm, it’s ideal for those seeking a deep-rooted European wellness retreat with high air quality and tranquility.

 

Don't Miss:

The Singing Fountain a musical water display that runs every two hours.

 


 

 

3. Soča Valley, Slovenia – Nature-First Healing (Score: 8.5)

Why slow travelers love it:

The emerald Soča River winds through serene mountains, offering hiking, kayaking, and mindfulness in pristine surroundings. It's perfect for nature-based wellness, far from crowds and full of silence. If you want to explore more nature escapes in Europe, discover our top places to explore now.

 

Don't Miss:

Walking along the Soča Trail (Soška Pot) for serene riverside views

 


 

 

4. Lugano, Switzerland – Lakeside Serenity (Score: 8.3)

Why it stands out:

As one of the best wellness retreats in Europe, Lugano offers the perfect fusion of nature and Mediterranean calm. With plenty of authentic food, forests, parks, and peaceful lakeside yoga, this Swiss-Italian gem invites you to slow down and soak up the serenity.

 

Don't Miss: 

Taking the funicular to Monte Brè and enjoy peaceful hikes with panoramic views

 


 

 

5. Umbria, Italy – Spiritual and Earthy (Score: 8.1)

What makes it special:

Known as the “green heart of Italy,” Umbria combines rustic agritourism stays, quiet hiking routes, and spiritual sites like Assisi. As a true hidden gem travel destination, Umbria offers one of the best spiritual and wellness retreats, where mindful travel meets soul-deep renewal. Discover more hidden travel gems today with our top hidden capitals of Europe.

 

Don’t Miss:

Visiting Assisi at sunrise for a quiet, spiritual experience in the footsteps of St. Francis

 


 

 

6. Isle of Mull, Scotland – Wellness and Serenity (Score: 7.9)

Why it’s restorative:

Remote and rugged, The Isle of Mull is a wellness sanctuary for nature lovers. Coastal paths, clean sea air, and a slower island rhythm offer a deep reset for mind and body. Perfect for those seeking a digital detox, planning a trip to Scotland for a wellness retreat is made simple when you visit the Isle of Mull.

 

Don't Miss:

Taking a boat trip to Staffa to see Fingal’s Cave and possibly spot puffins and seals along the way.

 


 

 

7. Utrecht, Netherlands – Wellness in Urban Balance (Score: 7.7)

Why it made the list:

Though a city, Utrecht excels in walkability, bike-friendly infrastructure, and green urban design. With mindful cafés, plenty of yoga studios, and scenic canals, Utrecht makes a perfect and surprising wellness-friendly hub.

 

Don’t Miss:

Strolling the Oudegracht canal at dusk, lined with wharf cellars now turned into cosy cafés and galleries.

 


 

 

8. Peneda-Gerês, Portugal – Forest Bathing in Portugal’s Wild North (Score: 7.6)

What makes it unique:

As Portugal’s only national park, it is a haven of waterfalls, mountain trails, and traditional village retreats. Perfect for slowly disconnecting and reconnecting with nature, Peneda-Gerês offers one of the best wellness retreats to unwind and relax.

 

Don’t Miss:

Hiking to the village of Lindoso to see traditional espigueiros (granaries) and wild Garrano horses in the park.

 


 

 

9. Dumfries, Scotland – Slow Trails and Stillness (Score: 7.6)

Why it’s a mental detox:

Full of countryside, peaceful rivers, and a lack of crowds, Dumfries is a truly calming choice for a last-minute wellness retreat. Think woodland walks, mindfulness retreats, and community-led wellness.

 

Don't Miss:

Following the Burns Trail to explore the life and legacy of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.

 


 

 

10. Galway, Ireland –  Where Culture Meets Calm (Score: 7.3)

Why it rounds out the list:

Galway’s coastal setting, compact layout, and community vibe combine to offer a wellness retreat and experience rooted in culture, creativity, and nature. Perfect for a soft reset.

 

Don't Miss:

Catching live traditional music in the Latin Quarter for an intimate, authentic experience full of energy.

 


Finding Your Perfect Wellness Retreat in 2025

Health and wellness retreats in Europe go further than spa treatments. They’re about how a place makes you feel and how easy it is to unwind. From alpine air to coastal calm, these European destinations offer something deeper: a chance to breathe, reset, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

 

What ties these retreats together is their scenic beauty and support for mindful, low-impact living. Whether you’re meditating by a river, forest bathing in a national park, or enjoying a quiet yoga session overlooking the sea, these places invite you to move slowly, live simply, and heal naturally.

 

So, if you’re craving a trip filled with calm and serenity, Europe’s best wellness retreats are waiting to help you unwind - one deep breath at a time. Book your ferry to Europe and starting planning your retreat today.

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