If the sound of switching off your phone and leaving all those messages unread sounds like a breath of fresh air, you might be ready for a wellness holiday. Read on to discover our top switch-off destinations – no cell service needed!
Relax, and align body and mind with a wellness travel escape to Croatia. With its constellation of mesmerizing islands, sun-drenched beaches and tranquil lakes, this luminous country is the perfect place to leave the digital world behind – and for yoga lovers, it's a haven.
Head to Hvar, Croatia's island of natural beauty, and make your way to the sleepy village of Dol. You won't find much in this 12th century hamlet, surrounded by old stone houses, olive groves and dazzling views, but if you're searching for peace and quiet there's no better place than the Suncokret Body & Soul Retreat here. Hidden away from the tourist hordes, this holistic centre offers a number of different yoga packages. Mindful travel escape, tick.
Escape the crowds and wander off the beaten track with a cycling break to the Loire Valley in France. Your e-mails will soon be a distant memory as you whizz away on the Loire à Vélo, the area's dedicated cycling trail featuring over 900 km (559 miles) of paths. Pass through rolling countryside woven with waterways, vineyards and pretty villages like Montrésor (home to one of the most charming castles in the Loire Valley: Château de Montrésor). The medieval town of Beaugency, nestled along the Loire River and boasting beautiful historic streets, is also worth visiting.
Nothing says switch-off like an evening spent under the stars. If you're looking to swerve the crowds of photographers and star-spotters in Chile, hunker down under Hungary's quiet skies instead. The lesser-known national parks here are home to some of the best stargazing spots on the planet – one of the most popular being the uber-flat Hortobágy National Park, although Bükk National Park and Zselic National Landscape Preservation Area are also worthy stargazing destinations. All three locations are classed as International Dark Sky Parks, making Hungary one of the most exciting countries in the world for comet-seekers.
Embark on the road less travelled with a hiking holiday to Canada. With soaring snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines and rushing rivers to boot, this breathtaking part of the world is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the popular riverside Meewasin Valley Trail in Saskatoon; the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Parks that protect them; the ancient paths of the West Coast Trail in Vancouver Island – and so much more. If moss-draped rainforests, roaring waterfalls and idyllic pebble beaches sound like your thing, book your ticket to Canada, it's got it all.
From robot restaurants to tranquil Zen gardens, Japan is a land of incredible contrasts – and what better way to experience them all than by foot. You can enjoy a slice of Japan's most impressive rural scenery by walking the Nakasendo, a walking trail that has linked Tokyo and Kyoto since the Edo period (1603-1867). Parts of the Nakosendo, especially between Tsumago and Magome, are as they were back in the Edo days: think stone-paved paths and historic houses. Take a break from the many buzzing metropolises and escape to the countryside for a leisurely walk in luscious forests.
For the ultimate wellness holiday, slip into Greece's sparkling sea waters and inland springs and let the digital world wash away. Experience a secluded Mediterranean break with secret white-pebble coves and sandy strands near the low-key resort of Agios Ioánnis – Papá Neró beach and Pláka beach are especially delightful. Travellers looking to step off the beaten path can mix hiking with wild swimming during a trek through the Víkos Gorge. At 13km (8 miles) long, with a mixture of steep ascents and descents, this dramatic landscape isn't for the faint hearted. But for those who make the climb, a dip in the cold pools at Voidomatis Springs post hike makes the journey more than worth it.
You might be surprised to learn how easy it is to be vegan in many countries with meat-loving reputations. There’s more to Turkey than kebabs, and Germany’s bratwurst sausages are increasingly going veggie. Get a head start planning your next food-filled trip, as well as some suggestions for dishes you can try out now while we're stuck at home.
With more than two million people currently aged over ninety, Japan certainly must be doing something right when it comes to wellness. Featuring extracts from Be More Japan, here we share inspiration from the mindful philosophies and healthy habits central to Japanese life that you can incorporate into your every day.
