9 Spots for a perfect wellbeing holiday

Wellbeing can take many different forms. For some, reconnecting with our bodies helps to nourish and restore us. For others, being in nature is essential to feeling grounded and replenished. Whether you derive a sense of wellbeing from peace and solitude, or from immersing yourself in new cultures, the Mediterranean is full of hidden gem destinations, perfect for recharging, restoring and re-energising. We have curated a list of our favourite locations for wellbeing holidays where you can truly relax.

The best spots in the Med for wellbeing holidays

1. Salento, Puglia

Ringed by craggy cliffs and beautiful beaches, gorgeous Salento forms the southernmost tip of Italy’s heel. A wonderful place to reconnect with nature and often far from the beaten track, Salento is home to untouched, sleepy villages, as well as more bustling, historic towns like Lecce and Otranto.

If the ocean is a source of peace and rejuvenation for you, Salento is a wonderful place for breathing in sea air and basking in coastal beauty. For those who recentre themselves through physical activity, it is a wonderful destination for wild swimming, hiking and yoga, with many yoga retreats, studios and private teachers available in the region.

Elsewhere, located between the charming town of Salve and the endless golden sands of the southwestern Salento, our villa Masseria Palaci is a luxurious haven of relaxation. With six bedrooms, panoramic rooftop terraces, a 25-metre swimming pool, a yoga studio and a gym, this restored seventeenth-century masseria (a type of traditional Italian farmhouse) is the perfect place for a Puglian wellbeing retreat. There’s even an organic vegetable garden for those who enjoy making the most of a plant-based diet. Located a stone’s throw from the crystalline beaches of Pescoluse, Torre Vado and Riva di Ugento, this beautiful villa is also within easy reach of the region’s saltwater lagoons and stylish lidos.

Discover our selection of villas in Puglia.

2. Paros

The Greek island of Paros is an ideal destination for wellbeing and peaceful holidays due to its serene ambiance, and stunning natural landscapes. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages, the island provides a peaceful environment for relaxation and self-care. Paros also embraces a healthy lifestyle, offering yoga retreats, meditation centers, and wellness spas that cater to those seeking holistic wellbeing.

The extraordinary villa Marike offers a truly picturesque base for a wellness or yoga retreat in Greece. Located in the southeast of Paros looking out to the sea, Marike's beautifully designed interiors flow out onto shady and sun-kissed terraces. It includes an enticing pool, ample outdoor spaces perfect for sunset yoga, and easy access to the beach beyond.

View our selection of villas on Paros.

3. Skopelos, Greece

A part of the verdant Sporades Islands, Skopelos, Greece is perhaps best known for its starring role in Mamma Mia! Beyond the famous church-topped, sea-lapped cliff, however, the island is a tranquil paradise with endless sea views, dense pine forests, peaceful olive groves and serene spaces for yoga and meditation in the heart of nature. Walkers can (temporarily) lose themselves whilst traversing the island’s ancient mule tracks, while water-lovers can explore the coves and beaches on foot or discover the stunning coast of Skopelos by boat.

The sleek, sophisticated and modern villa Adina offers a selection of amenities guests looking to relax will love. Enjoy a dip in the superb heatable infinity pool and garden gate access to the quiet, secluded beach of Kalives. Kayaks are available for those who want to reconnect with themselves through gentle physical activity, and private boat transfers are easily arranged, allowing nature lovers to explore the gorgeous Skopelos coast.

Fall in love with our villas on Skopelos.

4. A Lefkada yoga retreat, Greece

Discover the Ionian Islands and reconnect with yourself on a Lefkada yoga retreat. Connected to mainland Greece at its northern tip by a floating bridge, the island of Lefkada is both accessible and truly away from it all. The island’s interior is home to mountains, cypress groves, wild vines and unspoiled villages that remain connected to traditional Greek island life. Encircling Lefkada’s coast, golden sandy beaches, towering cliffs and inviting coves await exploration.

Amidst this natural beauty, wonderful villas can be found in some of Lefkada’s most scenic locations. Ringed by a scented pine forest, the six-bedroom Madreterra’s infinity pool overlooks the Ionian Sea on the island’s northwest coast. With a gym, Jacuzzi and scenic wraparound terraces, the villa is ideal for yoga classes and wellbeing retreats.

Elsewhere, on Lefkada’s southwestern tip, our villa Noiya perches on a clifftop, enjoying panoramic views of the coastline from its two swimming pools and outdoor kitchen. Sunrises and sunsets from this architect-designed villa’s terraces are truly unforgettable, making for a breath-taking backdrop for your sun salutations. We would be more than happy to arrange private yoga teachers, masseuses and in-villa chefs at your request.

Peruse our selection of villas on Lefkada.

5. Valle d’Itria, Puglia

The glorious Valle d’Itria comprises the heart of the region of Puglia. A haven of rolling green hills and ancient dry stone walls, this fertile part of Italy has an earthy, rural and traditional quality, which is something rather special. If nourishing your body with mouthwatering, locally grown produce contributes to your wellbeing, you must not miss the delicious olive oil and white wine produced in the Valle d’Itria.

We recommend staying in the authentic sixteenth-century Masseria Belvedere during your holiday to Valle d’Itria, which hosts 16 guests, lies in the heart of verdant Puglia, overlooks the Adriatic coast and its nearby Blue Flag beaches. Relaxing luxuries, including a steam room and Jacuzzi, can be found amidst this historic farmhouse’s winding stone walls - perfect for relaxing after yoga practice. Alongside gorgeous al fresco locations for yoga, the masseria also boasts its own yoga studio.

6. Sicily, a yoga retreat in Italy

Spectacular locally grown food, diverse regions rich in culture and tradition, stunning scenery and warm inhabitants: Italy is a wonderful destination for relaxing holidays (as we’ve outlined above) filled with wellbeing retreats, yoga retreats and more. Here are two of our very favourite villas for wellness and yoga  retreats in Italy.

Rocca delle Tre Contrade is a truly magnificent villa in vibrant Sicily, with accommodation for up to 24 guests and astonishing views to Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The villa’s extensive grounds offer endless inviting locations for yoga or exercise sessions. An organic vegetable garden, tennis courts, panoramic 25-metre heated infinity pool, hammam and gym are all available to guests. Yoga teachers, personal trainers, masseuses, beauticians, chefs, cookery teachers and babysitters are also at guests’ disposal upon request.

Explore our selection of villas in Sicily.

7. Zakynthos, Greece

From its famous Shipwreck Beach to the slopes of Mount Skopos, the dreamy island of Zakynthos, Greece is rich in natural beauty. Away from its bustling coastal towns, the island is also a place of peace and tranquillity. This combination of nature, vibrancy and peacefulness makes it the perfect wellbeing holiday destination. Guests can simply relax amongst the local peace and solitude, taking in the breathtaking scenery, or embark on one of our wellbeing Experiences. We would be more than happy to help you book wine tastings, cookery classes, yacht hire, yoga classes and more.

Katalania is set amongst Zakynthos' Mediterranean countryside and offers panoramic views over the spellbinding Ionian Sea. And, with so much space both inside and out, there is no better place on Zakynthos to experience the tranquillity and privacy you deserve. We recommend a leisurely swim in the villa’s enticing pool before relaxing in the Jacuzzi on the villa's sea-view terrace.

Browse our selection of villas on Zakynthos.

8. Egadi Islands, Italy

Italy’s Egadi Islands lie off the west coast of Sicily. Tiny and perfectly peaceful, the three islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo have a collective permanent population of just 5,000 residents. These islands give guests the opportunity to really escape from reality and tune into their wellbeing in the heart of the Egadi Islands Marine Reserve. We recommend either Favignana or Marettimo for a wellbeing holiday — choose the former for beautiful coves and beaches and the latter for rugged scenery and crystal clear waters.

9. Corfu, Greece

Corfu may be a bustling island, but plenty of peaceful escapes lie tucked within its naturally diverse interior. The size of Corfu and its fascinating culture offers guests access to many wonderful wellbeing activities and opportunities, including yoga festivals, spa treatments, detox retreats, organic pampering and much more.

Wellness holiday villas in Corfu

We have handpicked villas perfect for Corfu holidays focused on wellbeing and relaxation. Allow us to recommend:

• Iola - A five-bedroom sea-view villa with a gym, sauna and infinity pool

• Josephine House - A four-bedroom, sea-view villa with a gym and infinity pool

Discover our selection of villas on Corfu.

Relax with The Thinking Traveller

Let The Thinking Traveller whisk you away to your perfect wellbeing retreat. Contact our team when you are ready for assistance in crafting a wellness getaway that offers you total relaxation and reconnection with yourself. Choose exerting activities or peaceful retreats, arrange luxurious treatments or plan a complete escape from everyday life. However you find your peace, our team will facilitate a retreat that leaves you blissfully relaxed. We are always available to assist in any way we can, and you can trust that every little detail has been taken care of.

Are you a wellbeing practitioner planning your next wellbeing retreat? We would love to help you select the ideal location for you and your clients. After all, there’s no better place to reconnect and rejuvenate than the magical and transformative Mediterranean. Please get in touch with our team.