Holidaymakers are beginning to realize that there is more to a well-earned break than just lounging around a hotel pool. Increased awareness of how mind and body should work in harmony is leading many tourists to seek the additional benefits offered by health retreats. And with such glorious, natural scenery to enjoy, a visit to at least one healthy living retreat should be on everyone’s bucket list for 2019.

1. Himalayas, India

The foothills of the Himalayan mountain range in northern India is famous for being the centre of ayurvedic medicine. It’s an ancient holistic lifestyle that uses meditation and yoga to capture the serenity many tourists crave. A warm, settled climate offers endless opportunities to combine regimes dedicated to healthy eating and relaxing spa treatments with sightseeing trips. The Himalayan River Valley has breathtaking rivers tumbling through the mountainous landscape contrasted with acres of blooms in the Valley of Flowers National Park. Unforgettable visits to see the friendly monkeys at the Jakhu Hill Temple high up in the mountains and the Pool of Nectar at the Golden Temple of Amritsar are refreshing experiences that convey perfect peace and well-being.

2. California, USA

The state of California has so many natural hot springs running along its length that it has become a place of pilgrimage for holidaymakers hoping for therapeutic relaxation in muddy pools of warm water. From the Mount Lassen National Park in the north, through the Napa Valley and onwards to the stunning, mountainous scenery around San Diego and Los Angeles, there are hot spring spas offering every tourist a perfect, healthy living retreat. The rich mineral content of red clay combined with natural, carbonated water is guaranteed to restore aches and pains whilst relaxing the mind amongst the untamed rocky creeks of areas such as the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

3. Caribbean Islands

For total relaxation amongst the tropical forests, endless white beaches and seas of the deepest blue, the Caribbean Islands deserve to be on any bucket list. Antigua and St. Lucia are just two of the islands offering relaxing massages and Zumba dance classes to help visitors enjoy a fun route to keeping fit. More strenuous fitness programmes include scuba diving and long treks through the beautiful, unspoiled scenery. There is local wildlife to admire in the Pigeon National Park and the Grande Anse beach has its own visiting sea turtles. Montserrat and St Kitts have beautiful tropical rainforests to explore. Stunning views and striking sunsets throughout the islands capture the beauty of a relaxing paradise.

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Popular weight loss holidays in Thailand are concentrated in the beautiful northern landscape of Chiang Mai. Gentle activities focus on long walks or bicycle rides through a region littered with national parks. Especially heartening is a visit to the Elephant Park where these noble creatures enjoy living a natural life. The Crystal Creek Waterfall and the Doi Pui-Doi Suthep National Park with its famous hilltop Buddhist temple are great favourites for restoring energy and vitality. Visitors who experience weight loss camp in Thailand can retrain their minds at spas dedicated to eating healthily and following a simpler lifestyle that will last beyond their unforgettable holidays.

5. Philippines

The hundreds of assorted islands that are known collectively as the Philippines has become a popular holiday destination for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Spas that offer relaxation techniques such as yoga and gentle massages aim primarily at detoxifying the body’s system. While enjoying generous portions of fresh, local fruit and vegetables, visitors are encouraged to experience the benefits of a vegan diet. Holidaymakers are spoilt for choice when looking for beautiful beaches with clean, golden sands and aquamarine seas. Tubbataha Reef, one of the world’s most fascinating coral reefs, is to be found at Palawan while the Chocolate Hills at Bohol is a protected conservation area due to its outstanding natural beauty.

6. Egypt

The area bordering the Red Sea is a must for tourists who want the opportunity to include restorative benefits to their well-being. The Red Sea with its high mineral content has long been known for its healing properties. Spas and hotels offer a diverse range of therapeutic treatments including steamy Turkish baths, yoga and Reiki massages. Healthy, nutritious meals designed to obtain an ideal weight include exotic fruits and vegetables. Popular tourist spots to revive the spirits are at St Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai. Other sightseeing trips include visits to some of Egypt’s most fascinating temples at Luxor or the Great Pyramids. Hurghada beaches and Abu Dabab offer the chance to snorkel or scuba dive while admiring the beautiful fish and turtles who live there.

Have you decided to get healthy by traveling this year? Hope this guide will help you think about where to jump in soon!