Wellness worldwide – places for peace & time out

For us, wellness primarily means time to slow down. Time to switch off and perceive what is happening around you. These are moments that arise when landscape, silence, and a tranquil environment come together. This page showcases travel destinations worldwide where we have found such places.

If you'd like to delve deeper into how we understand travel, you'll find further insights and examples from our own experiences on our overview pages about Slow Travel and Enjoyment:

• Slow Travel worldwide:
• Culinary journeys worldwide
• Travel for connoisseurs
• travel destinations worldwide

The spectrum ranges from alpine regions to coastal landscapes and quiet places in the north and south of the world.

We only describe places we have visited ourselves – therefore you will not find general tips here, but rather impressions from regions we have experienced firsthand.

Places where we tested wellness

Some offer classic wellness hotels, while others impress with their natural surroundings or atmosphere. Often, wellness for us doesn't happen in a spa, but outdoors: by a lake, in a valley, or on the coast. Many of these regions are places we love to return to.

How we understand wellness

Wellness as relaxation rather than an active program

Our kind of wellness is quiet. We seek out places that offer space to escape everyday life. We're less interested in action or activity programs than in tranquility: quiet paths, views, landscapes that can be experienced without the hustle and bustle.

Nature as part of the wellness experience

A large part of our wellness experience takes place outdoors. A garden, a lakeshore, a view of the mountains – such places often provide more relaxation than a whole day at a spa. That's why landscapes and surroundings are an important part of every wellness trip for us.

Regional cuisine and enjoyment as relaxation

For us, enjoyment is essential. Regional cuisine, breakfast with a view, dinner in a tranquil setting – all of this enhances the feeling of taking a break. We choose hotels and locations where the cuisine and surroundings harmonize perfectly.

Hotels that create retreats

We prefer accommodations that are not overcrowded and consciously offer peace and quiet. Places where you are not constantly entertained by activities, but can decide for yourself how you want to spend your day.

Romantic wellness trips for couples

Escaping everyday life together and relaxing in a stylish setting – that's what makes wellness trips for couples so special.

If you and your partner are looking for a few days off, wellness hotels around the world offer special deals for couples: such as private spa suites, couples massages or whirlpools with views of the countryside.

On our travels we have repeatedly experienced how beneficial these moments can be – for example at the Spa Hotel Falkensteiner in Schladming, where we enjoyed a rose petal bath for two followed by a massage.

It becomes especially romantic when the hotel creates retreats where you can find peace and quiet: quiet areas just for couples, breakfast in the room or relaxing walking paths right outside the door.

A good tip: When booking, look for hotels that are specifically geared towards peace and quiet and couples – often recognizable by adults-only concepts or special arrangements for romantic holidays.

This way, your wellness trip for two will not only be relaxing, but also unforgettable.

• Discover our ideas for a wellness weekend for two. 
• Adults-only wellness in Austria
• Here you can find adults-only wellness hotels in Austria.

Wellness in Europe

Europe is the continent where we have experienced the most wellness regions. The combination of landscape, cuisine, tradition, and tranquility makes many places particularly suitable for relaxing days.

The following regions are among those we have visited ourselves and which offer us a special kind of wellness – through nature, atmosphere or both.

Germany – Relaxation between the Alps, lakes & coasts

Germany offers many places where wellness and landscape are closely intertwined.

Especially in the south, we experienced regions where mountains, lakes, and tranquil valleys provide moments of relaxation. In the Chiemgau region and Upper Bavaria, we found hotels that are naturally connected to their surroundings.

The proximity to lakes, small paths and places where one can quickly forget everyday life characterizes many stays there.

In the Ore Mountains and along the Moselle River, there are also places where wellness is primarily achieved through tranquility: small towns, expansive views, traditional cuisine, and accommodations that feel relaxed without being noisy.

On the Baltic coast in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the healing effects of the sea, wind, and light are added to the experience. Many of these regions are suitable for short breaks as well as longer days of relaxation.

Austria – Thermal baths, mountains & places of relaxation

In Austria, wellness is often linked to the landscape. The Alps, lakes, and valleys ensure that even short stays can have a profound effect.

Tyrol showed us regions where mountains and wellness resorts form a harmonious whole. The combination of clear air, alpine tranquility, and hotels that truly embrace peace and quiet makes many places ideal for relaxing days.

Styria and Burgenland

In Styria and Burgenland, on the other hand, it is the thermal baths that stand out. Here, wellness is part of a long tradition, and many establishments combine treatments with regional cuisine and retreats close to nature.

Thermal baths vary greatly across Europe. Some are heavily integrated into holiday concepts with hotels, others are more strongly influenced by spa traditions, or are situated in a quiet location in the countryside.

Our report shows how this thermal spa culture differs in Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Hungary. Spa holidays in winter with overnight stay – our experiences in comparison.

Salzburg region and Salzkammergut

In the Salzburg region and the Salzkammergut, lakes and views add to the experience, making even simple moments – breakfast on the terrace or a walk by the water – an adventure.

Italy – Mediterranean warmth & classic thermal baths

In Italy, we experienced places where wellness is seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Especially in Emilia-Romagna, where the coast and hinterland are close together, many tranquil moments arise. Small towns, harbors, and waterfront paths characterize the region.

Trieste and its surrounding area also offer places of peace and quiet – places where the mix of sea, karst landscape and a slow rhythm provides relaxation.

In the Marche region, we again found landscapes that offer a natural form of wellness: bays on the Riviera del Conero, quiet places in the hinterland, caves and valleys that are well suited for relaxed exploration.

We are also familiar with Merano and Lake Garda from our own travels. Both places combine Mediterranean warmth with Alpine influences – a combination we found particularly relaxing.

Spain & Portugal – Coasts, Islands & Mild Climate

In Spain and Portugal, light plays a major role. Warmth, coastal landscapes, and expansive sea views create an atmosphere that instantly slows things down.

On Tenerife and Mallorca, we found places where you can truly experience the interplay of sea, mountains, and tranquility. Small paths, secluded coves, and inland villages are among the regions we enjoy exploring at a leisurely pace.

In Lloret de Mar, on the other hand, it was the mix of Mediterranean coast and small paths by the sea that caught our attention.

Portugal, in turn, surprised us. Between the Atlantic coast, historic cities, and tranquil villages in the Alentejo, you'll find regions that are perfect for a break – be it through the landscape, the encounters, or the cuisine, which is often simple yet impressive.

Northern Europe – silence, clear air & sauna culture

Northern Europe represents a form of wellness that arises from tranquility and landscape.

In Finland, we experienced places where nature is almost always part of everyday life: coastal areas, forests, and trails that begin close to the city. Helsinki's understated atmosphere, the light, and the view of the water create a sense of tranquility that immediately struck us.

Tallinn, on the other hand, blends historic alleyways with modern elements. Here, too, the atmosphere is calming – especially in neighborhoods discovered away from the hustle and bustle. In Sweden, expansive landscapes, lakes, and understated towns contribute to a sense of well-being.

The combination of nature, regional cuisine and serenity makes many regions of Northern Europe havens of peace that people like to visit.

Slovenia – Thermal baths, coastal resorts & tranquility between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea

Alpine landscapes, tranquil valleys and Mediterranean coastal resorts are combined in Slovenia – a mix that is ideal for wellness trips.

At the Snovik thermal baths, for example, we experienced how closely wellness and nature can be intertwined. The location in a quiet valley, surrounded by forests and trails, creates moments that naturally slow you down.

Portorož on the Adriatic coast, on the other hand, has a completely different feel. The LifeClass hotels combine spa traditions with a mild climate and easy access to the sea. Treatments, walks along the coast, and the Mediterranean atmosphere fill many hours there.

Cuisine also plays a major role in Slovenia. In our culinary tips for Slovenia, we showcase places and specialties that further enrich your stay and combine relaxation with regional experiences.

Wellness in North America – tranquility, scenery & unique hotels

North America combines two types of wellness that we have experienced time and again:

On the one hand, there are tranquil landscapes that almost effortlessly slow you down. On the other hand, there are hotels and spas that interpret wellness in very different ways – often with a strong connection to nature, but sometimes also in the heart of vibrant cities.

Canada – Wellness between ocean, lakes and cities

Canada has repeatedly shown us how closely wellness and nature can be intertwined. On Vancouver Island, we experienced places where the sea plays a major role.

The Kingfisher Oceanside Spa & Resort combines the coast with tranquil spa areas and a view that speaks for itself.

The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino is another of those hotels that take advantage of its location directly on the ocean. The combination of surf, forest, and warm interiors creates a very special kind of relaxation there.

But we didn't only experience wellness in nature. Cities like Toronto and Ottawa also offer hotels that create moments of peace, even though they are located in the heart of an urban environment.

The Ivy at Verity in Toronto is one such place: a small, quiet house with a spa area that feels like a retreat in the middle of the city.

At the Ritz-Carlton Toronto we encounter a different form of wellness – spacious rooms, quiet areas and a blend of elegance and serenity.

Natural wellness is also often found in Canada.

These hotels are representative of many places in Canada where peace and nature are an integral part of everyday life. Outside of cities, wellness in Canada often arises quite naturally. Lakes, forests, and places where you can linger are also among our most memorable experiences.

Especially in Ontario, Quebec, or the Atlantic provinces, there are places where you can almost physically feel the silence. Hiking trails, coastlines, and sweeping vistas ensure that even simple moments—breakfast by the water or an evening stroll—have a profound effect.

For us, wellness in Canada is therefore a mixture of nature, encounters and hotels that respect these landscapes and incorporate them into their offerings.

USA – Coasts, Forests & Quiet Regions

In the USA, wellness often arises from landscapes that offer ample space. In Alaska, it is the vastness, the light, and above all, the feeling of stillness that characterize many places. Here, wellness is not experienced in the classical sense, but as a tranquil immersion in landscapes that have their own rhythm.

In California, coastal stretches, forests, and places nestled between mountains and sea offer moments to be savored at a slower pace. Cities like San Francisco and smaller towns along the coast combine nature and tranquility in their own unique ways.

New England is another region where wellness is closely linked to the landscape. Small harbor towns, tranquil beaches, and cuisine that often features locally sourced ingredients are among the experiences we enjoy discovering at a leisurely pace.

Florida, on the other hand, reveals a different side: coastal towns, light, warmth, but also an atmosphere where one can quickly find a slower pace. Here, too, nature and relaxation combine in a way that has an immediate effect.

Wellness in Africa – relaxation amidst vineyards, coasts and nature

Africa offers places where wellness arises not only from spas or treatments, but from landscapes, light, and encounters. South Africa plays a special role for us because we have discovered regions there where tranquility, enjoyment, and nature are inextricably linked.

South Africa – Wine Regions, Coasts & Places of Relaxation

South Africa is one of the countries where we have experienced wellness in very different ways. The Cape region is a place where the landscape and everyday life exude a unique tranquility.

The view of Table Mountain, walks along the coast, or moments by the sea are among the impressions that have stayed with us the longest. Many peaceful hours there arise not from organized activities, but from places that convey serenity.

The winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek play an important role in this. Vineyards, old houses, gardens and quiet courtyards create an atmosphere that seems unhurried yet profound.

Wellness often arises from simple things there: breakfast outdoors, a walk among the vineyards, or a conversation during a wine tasting. The combination of cuisine, landscape, and understated hospitality makes this region particularly restorative for us.

There are also places along the coast that embrace wellness in its natural sense. Small bays, tranquil beaches, and seaside paths characterize many stays in and around Cape Town.

The light, the air, and the proximity to the ocean ensure that even brief moments have an intense effect. For us, wellness in South Africa therefore arises primarily from landscapes that offer space and dictate their own rhythm.

During our travels through the country, we also discovered places that are off the beaten track and where silence is an important part of everyday life.

Encounters with people, traditional cuisine and the diversity of the regions contribute to South Africa becoming a country for us where peace and enjoyment are combined.

Wellness, Slow Travel & Indulgence – how it all fits together

For us, wellness is an integral part of travel that is rarely limited to a spa area. The places we have visited in Europe, North America, and Africa demonstrate how closely tranquility, nature, and regional cuisine are intertwined.

Many of our wellness moments came about while traveling: on coasts, in wine regions, in gardens as well as on paths that one walks along in peace.

For those who want to delve deeper into the topics of slow travel or enjoyment, we offer further pages that explain how we travel and what role peace and encounters play for us.

Both perspectives complement this overview and also show how closely wellness is linked to our way of traveling.

Wellness FAQs

How do we experience wellness during our travels?

For us, wellness arises primarily from tranquility and from places that offer space. We often experience such moments outdoors – on coastlines, in wine regions, on quiet paths, or in mountain valleys. They are simple impressions that work slowly and stay with us for a long time.

Which regions are particularly suitable for wellness trips?

We have experienced wellness in very different regions: in alpine valleys in Austria, on lakes and coasts in Germany, on islands in Spain and Portugal, or in the Winelands of South Africa.

In Canada and on the coasts of North America, the most powerful wellness moments often arise from nature and wide open spaces.

What distinguishes wellness worldwide from classic wellness hotels?

For us, wellness isn't tied to a spa. Many of the most beautiful moments arise from landscapes and places that exude their own tranquility. Hotels can enhance this, for example through their location, atmosphere, or regional cuisine.

The crucial thing is that a place conveys serenity.

Have you personally visited the regions presented?

Yes. We only present destinations that we have personally visited. Therefore, the descriptions reflect personal impressions we gathered on site – in hotels, in landscapes, and in conversations with people.

How do I find suitable articles about wellness regions?

In many sections of this page, we link directly to articles where we describe our experiences in more detail. You can also use the blog's search function or navigate to specific regions via the country categories.

More things to know

• Winter wellness in Austria
• Top wellness hotels near Regensburg for a perfect weekend getaway
• Wellness in Kühlungsborn: Enjoy a Baltic Sea holiday in autumn and winter

Source: Wellness Worldwide: On-site research. While we financed some of the trips ourselves, others were experiences we had on trips to which we were invited by tourism authorities. We are very grateful for this. Our opinions, however, remain entirely our own.

Text Wellness worldwide: Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Photos: Monika Fuchs and TWO
Video: Petar Fuchs and TWO