Exploring Wellbeing Retreats and Calm-Cations: Top Destinations and Benefits
Wellbeing holidays are increasingly framed as escapes to relax, unwind, and return refreshed with renewed poise and purpose, according to Siam Goorwich. Data from ABTA's 2024-25 Holiday Habits report highlights relaxing as the top motive for holidaymakers (73%), with half citing mental health and wellbeing and 46% looking to escape daily pressures.
Notable local wellbeing options include the Delta Hotels St Pierre Country Club in Chepstow, Wales, a 14th-century manor set in parkland offering spa services. Internationally, El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, located in Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo near the Blue Zone region, provides daily yoga, nature bike rides, and spa treatments inspired by local wellness traditions. The Blue Zones, known for longevity, include Okinawa (Japan), the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), Loma Linda (California), Sardinia (Italy), and Ikaria (Greece).
A Guardian Start Your Adventure feature entitled "Discover your next calm-cation" presents quiet luxury destinations such as Croatia and spa treatments in Mauritius, aiming to inspire viewers on where to go next to unwind rather than offering detailed itineraries. The video also mentions the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card as a helpful aid for travelers to reach these serene destinations. Sponsored content was published on Friday, 19 December 2025.
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card provides benefits including six points per £1 spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and two points per £1 spent elsewhere. It also grants Silver Elite status, a Free Night Award after £25,000 in annual purchases, Elite Night Credits, and access to a redemption network covering roughly 9,500 properties across 144 countries and 150 airlines.
