Health and fitness holidays
How I found peace on a mindfulness retreat in south Devon
The Sharpham estate has been offering guests an escape from the stresses of modern life for decades. But could it help our writer to deal with his anxiety?
From face-plants to flying across the lagoon: how I learned to kitesurf in Sicily
The coastline near Marsala is the perfect spot to practise your Superman moves on a residential kitesurfing course
Restorative in every way: a rewilding retreat in Somerset
A Wild Weekend on the 42 Acres estate near Frome offers fresh air, cosy rooms, sumptuous food and a chance to get hands dirty with some land regeneration work
Pass notes
The longevity vacation: why bar-hopping holidays are out and extreme wellness breaks are inWould a £35,000 holiday help you live longer or just leave you bankrupt? A surprising number of people are paying to find out
Swede dreams are made of this: wild swimming and forest walks in West Sweden
Dissolving into nature is possible in West Sweden, where a new holiday concept offers low-impact stays that don’t compromise on Scandi style
10 walks through history: ancient UK pathways in stunning countryside
From the John Bunyan trail to Silbury Hill, these short “pilgrimages” offer a chance to soak up myths and legends
Connecting with my south-Asian roots on a traditional Indian yoga retreat in the UK
On a weekend break in rural Lincolnshire, the ‘smiling yogi’ takes this ancient practice back to its origins, with an emphasis on mantras and mindfulness
Hot ticket: 10 of the best pop-up saunas in the UK
There’s never been a better time to embrace your inner Scandi with a cold plunge and a steam clean
‘Time for dreaming’: five writers on the slow travel joys that bring them peace
From hill walks and yoga to foraging and wild swimming: 12 of the best active UK retreats
“My mind, usually a torrent of work stress, has fallen silent”: how I found peace on a woodland retreat
Readers' travel tips
‘For tranquillity nowhere else comes close’: readers’ favourite UK retreats
‘Just strap on the footwear and walk’: a snowshoeing holiday for beginners in Bulgaria
A week conquering a new winter sport across three magical mountain ranges is both challenging and exhilarating – with hot springs and hikes providing the icing on the cake
Feel the heat: the Northern Irish beach that’s embracing Scandinavian sauna culture
The Finnish-style Hotbox is making waves on Benone Strand but Ireland has its own tradition of therapeutic ‘sweathouses’. Plus six more stylish beach saunas, from Shetland to Sussex
Smoke, sweat and tears: my initiation into Estonia’s sauna sisterhood
A powerful documentary about the Baltic state’s sauna tradition has proved a surprise hit. But what’s it like for an outsider to join this sacred and intimate space?
Readers' travel tips
‘It was so exhilarating’: readers’ favourite spas and saunas in EuropeSauna shacks on beaches and lavish spas in luxuriant grounds are among our tipsters’ pick of places to unwind, everywhere from Albania to the Irish Sea
Feel the glow: under the mountain into a radon spa in Austria
‘We howled like wolves’: a running break in Scotland’s wild west
I walked 1,000 miles alone through Europe – and learned that fear is the price of freedom
I take risks on solo hikes, navigating animal traps and dangerous terrain. But for a woman, men are the biggest threat. I do it to be more open to the world, in the hope it will be more open to me
Instant calmer: a mindful walking weekend in Wales
A trip focusing on slow immersion in the natural world is the perfect way to unwind and restore mental harmony for this busy mum
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