I love going to sunny, tropical destinations. My poor circulation doesn’t do too well with the cold. But nonetheless, in the past few years I’ve really started to love and appreciate winter breaks. There's something about being in the snow, or sitting in a hot tub while it’s freezing outside, or coming back to a cosy cottage and chilling in front of the fire. I’m sharing 5 of my recent winter breaks for some winter wellness inspiration.
1. Lyngen Lodge, Norway
This place was incredible, a trip packed with some of the most unbelievable experiences. The lodge is located deep in the Arctic circle, surrounded by the Lyngen Alps. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and such a unique place to stay. Although not a “wellness experience”, this trip was so good for the soul. Some of my highlights included:
Seeing the northern lights from the veranda of the lodge. What I love is that we didn’t need to go on some northern lights trip deep into the wilderness to see them, we were already in the wilderness. Seeing the lights dance above the mountains was amazing, and a reminder or the beauty and power of nature. Seeing natural phenomenon like that makes me fall in love with the world, something we all need to do more of.
Sitting in the middle of the forest and mountains next to an open fire eating soup. It was deadly quiet, the peacefulness is hard to explain. And whilst this sounds like such a simple experience, it’s one that stood out to me because I really felt like I was in another world, everything just slowed down for a moment and life was stripped back.
Seeing Orca and Humpack whales. So magical. Any wildlife experience is always incredible, but seeing these huge animals in their natural environment is breathtaking. Just another reminder of how beautiful the natural world is. Also we had the most amazing pink skies whilst we were on the boat. Although it was absolutely arctic (literally) when you were sat outside on the boat, you couldn’t help but want to be out there taking it all in.
Chilled afternoons and evenings at the lodge. We visited at the very end of November where the sun set by around 2pm, so the afternoons were spent relaxing at the lodge, sitting in the hot tub and then enjoying a delicious 3 course meal cooked by the private chef.
2. Burgenstock Resort, Switzerland
I’ve already written a separate blog about this place so if you want to learn more check it out here. Burgenstock resort is the perfect luxurious spa break. If you want somewhere a little bit special then this is the place. It’s set high above Lake Lucerne and surrounded by swiss mountains, such a beautiful location for a spa. We visited in January and although it was cold outside the sun was shining. As I mentioned before, there’s something so nice about being in hot water, be it a pool or a hot tub, with the crisp winter air around you. This truly is a wellness break if you need one.
3. Hrunalaug Hot Springs, Iceland
Everyone knows about the Blue Lagoon, and whilst that’s beautiful in its own right, we went off the beaten track to find some other hot springs, and this one was my favourite. I don’t feel like I’ve even scratched the surface with discovering Iceland, and I’d highly recommend hiring a car if you can to reach some of these out of the way spots. The Hrunalaug hot springs really were in the middle of nowhere, and when you drive up to the parking spot there’s nothing else in sight. I loved this spot, because like the place in Norway, you feel like you’re in another world and everything stands still. We live in such a busy world and sometimes it’s so important to visit places like this and just revel in the peace and quiet. We enjoyed a few quick snow angels before getting back into the hotsprings. It wakes your body up.
4. Holkham, Norfolk
Since getting the dog (our little sausage Nelson), we’re starting to holiday a bit more in the UK – Nelson needs his holidays too! And as much as I love going abroad, I’m starting to appreciate the UK a lot more. And surprisingly, especially in winter! Although the weather can be super unpredictable, I really loved our wholesome weekend in Norfolk. The beaches are so much emptier giving us lots of space to run around with Nelson, and you can then return back to your cosy cottage (we stayed in a lovely one on Air bnb and it was really reasonable), and sit in front of the fire and drink wine and eat good food (luckily for me cooked by my partner who is a great cook!). These breaks are another great reminder of enjoying the simple things – beach walks, good food and drink, cosy evenings in front of the fire. I’ve written about Holkham because this is where we visited, but I’m sure this trip can be replicated all around the country – just make sure you find yourself an air bnb with a log burner/ fire ;)
5. Scarlet Hotel, Newquay
We ended up visiting Scarlet Hotel when storm Dennis raged around the UK. But actually, a stormy day is probably a perfect day to relax in a spa. The Scarlet is perched on the rugged clifftops with incredible views over the Atlantic. Yes it probably would have looked stunning in summer with sunny blue skies, but honestly it was still just as beautiful despite the grey skies. My favourite part of the day was the clifftop hot tub experience which is a must if you come here. It’s rustic and wild (even more so in the storm). We ordered prosecco (which the poor waitress had to brave the storm in to bring them to us) and it was lovely just enjoying a glass looking out at this landscape. I know alcohol isn’t exactly “wellness” but I definitely live by everything in moderation. If you fancy a glass of something because it enhances your experience and it’s not something you do every day, then go for it! This spa is stunning and one of the best I’ve visited in the UK. Although I’m sure this spa is spectacular in the summer months, I promise it’s still worth a visit in winter.
Where will you go on your next winter wellness break? I hope I've given you some inspiration. Winter doesn't have to be all doom and gloom :)
Comments