New year, new me! The start of a new year often calls for new health and fitness goals either starting at home or going further afield to feel more motivated. In fact, meditation and mindfulness getaways are at the top of 41% of Brits’ minds, with 33% keen to go on a health hiatus that focuses on their mental health. With self-care being a priority for many Brits, Booking.com is here to share five fantastic destinations to fulfil those fitness resolutions.
Sun, sea, and fitness: Albufeira, Portugal
Portugal has a diverse range of wellness retreats and get fit programmes available to mindful travellers, a perfect place to nourish your body and soul whilst revitalising your senses. Albufeira Portugal is located in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. The town is the largest and liveliest of all the resort towns that line southern Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coastline, packed with glorious beaches and varied activities. For those in search of a holiday more than just sun, sea, and sand, then this destination is definitely the one.
Where to stay:
At Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve guests can work out whilst enjoying the Mediterranean breeze. The hotel falls under the Travel Sustainable Level 2meaning the hotel has installed considerable investments and efforts to implement impactful sustainability practices. The hotel has a broad range of outdoor activities and fitness facilities, making it the perfect location for an active break. Guests can indulge in various spa treatments at the serenity spa, or take part in yoga and tennis as part of their comprehensive wellness programmes on offer. This property will have travellers working up a sweat whilst soaking up the beautiful Algarve sun.
The outdoorsy type: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
This location is hailed by many fitness fans, for its famous trails in the UK. Being a rural spot, this is perfect for travellers looking to focus their fitness efforts outdoors, taking in evergreen scenery whilst pushing themselves to the limit. Yorkshire is situated in the north-central part of the country between the Pennines and the North Sea.
Where to stay:
Grantley Hall is situated in Ripon, a short distance from Ripley Castle. The property features a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre that contains an underwater treadmill for guests that are looking to target every muscle. Grantley Hall has every specialist piece of equipment improving all aspects of physicality, spoiling guests with a great selection of machines and free weights. The conditioning studio goes further, providing pull-up rigs for calisthenic enthusiasts and a weighted prowler for sprinters. Grantly Hall also has a wellness area, where guests can visit after an intense session enjoying the indoor pool and sauna.
Downhill racer: Bolzano, Italy
The capital of Italy’s northernmost region of South Tyrol, Bolzano is an alpine destination ideal for sports enthusiasts looking to enjoy open-air activities like skiing. Included in Booking.com’s top 10 trending destinations for 2023** and listed as one of the top skiing destinations for this coming ski season***, this city is situated amongst the stunning snow-capped mountains of the Italian Dolomites, where travellers can head to one of the acclaimed ski resorts in winter.
Where to stay:
With views of the Dolomites, Castel Hörtenberg is a Travel Sustainable Level 2 refurbished Renaissance castle in the centre of Bolzano with majestic towers, original wood panelling and a wine cellar. Guests can unwind at the luxury spa of this historical haven offering chromatic showers and even a wall of pink Himalayan salt for the ultimate relaxation. The treatments offered including full body massages and facials, will enable guests to park aside their daily stresses and discover their inner well-being after a day on the slopes.
Tranquil vibes: Vals, Switzerland
Vals is a village and a municipality in the Surselva Region in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. This destination is known as a wellbeing heaven, offering tranquil surroundings and blissful scenery. Travellers have the choice of experiencing a high intense hike or enjoying different wellness centres pinpointed around Vals, Switzerland. This destination is also ideal for ski fanatics, as the Vals ski area offers plenty of room for good feelings, pure snow sports without queues and crowds.
Where to stay:
7132 Hotel is a perfect location for a mixture between an active getaway or a calming wellness retreat. Situated in Vals, 7132 Hotel offers a fitness centre, spa, swimming pool, and thermal baths, an overall perfect location for solo travellers and families. Outdoorsy type guests have the chance to enjoy activities in and around Vals, including hiking, skiing and cycling. Described as the most scenic retreat in the mountains of the Grisons, this hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy snow sports providing pure mountain nostalgia and an unreal peaceful getaway.
