Top Health & Wellbeing Holidays for 2012

A truly unique yoga experience at La SourceOur top 5 recommended health and wellbeing holidays are the perfect way to relax and restore your body’s harmony to kick start 2012. Each of the retreats offer yoga lessons at a variety of levels, along with a number of other activities, and are set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings. Read on for details of green wellbeing holidays throughout Europe, all reachable by train or ferry from the UK. By Emma Westman

1. Burren Yoga Centre, Ireland
This secluded retreat, tucked away in Gort on the West coast of Ireland, will leave you feeling totally refreshed. It offers nine different types of yoga, and has an extensive meditation itinerary. The small number of people on each course ensures that the retreat retains its intimate atmosphere, and no matter your level of experience, Burren Yoga offers classes and courses to suit all needs. Guests can even partake in special outdoor yoga sessions, allowing you to practice in the beautiful settings of the rugged and breathtaking Irish terrain. This retreat is a must for visitors looking to get back to nature and enjoy all the benefits that yoga has to offer, both mentally and physically.

Cost:  A weekend at Burren Yoga starts from £265, and 6 days starts from £610. The price includes accommodation (single, double and twin rooms available), all classes, vegetarian breakfasts and dinners, and organised outdoor trips. burrenyoga.com

Start the New Year as you mean to go on at La Source2. La Source, Les Alps
For those looking for a more active holiday, La Source is the perfect solution. Hailed as a green retreat, this multi adventure holiday offers a selection of holistic practices, such as daily yoga and massages, as well as numerous outdoor activities such as white water rafting, rock climbing and parapenting. Situated in a converted farm, just outside of Samoens in the Alps, La Source provides comfortable, communal living in stunning surroundings. With a chalet pool and Jacuzzi, healthy organic food, and local guides to help you plan your very own custom designed adventure, this is one active holiday that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Cost:  7 days at La Source starts from €555 (approx £477) for adults and €400 (approx. £344) for children, with a generous €50 (approx. £43) discount if you arrive on green transport. The price includes accommodation, a local shuttle bus service, organic vegetarian breakfasts and dinners, activities, and use of wood fired cedar hot tubs. greenadventureretreats.com

3. The Real Retreat, Scotland
A simply perfect location for a wellbeing breakSituated overlooking the Tay estuary, just north of Dundee, The Real Retreat is female friendly sanctuary. You can rest assured that you will be pampered and revitalised in the beautiful setting of the four-star Gold Duntrune House, which offers sweeping views of the local countryside and a large garden bursting with wildlife and flowers. Operating with an eco-friendly frame of mind, this green-aware house runs daily yoga sessions, a chance to detox with specially blended juices, painting classes and for those looking to try something a little different, belly dancing lessons. Grab your girlfriends and prepare for total relaxation in true comfort.

Cost: Prices start from £255 per person, based on two people sharing for two days and two nights. Price includes en-suite accommodation, full board, classes and wellbeing treatments. therealretreat.co.uk

4.  Norway Arctic Boat Holiday
This tailor made holiday has a unique edge that is unlikely to be rivalled by many others; guests can stay on a boutique, floating spa-boat hotel that comes complete with a personal chef. The main draw of the holiday is the chance to experience sailing under the Northern Lights, giving you an unforgettable luxury trip with friends. You are invited to create your ideal arctic experience by selecting a personalised itinerary from activities that include deep-sea Arctic fishing, reindeer sledding and a King Crab Safari.  There is also the option of the Ski by Boat experience, where you can combine sailing and skiing as modes of transport, finding your way from peak to sea under the beautiful Norwegian sky.

Cost:  Prices start from £200 per person per night. The trip is 4 days or more. Prices include your personalised holiday plan, all meals prepared by an on-board chef, and use of the spa boat facilities. mageneticnorthtravel.com

5. The Boghill Centre, Co.Clare
Suitable for those who want to embark on a total detox and holistic recharge, The Boghill Centre hideaway is a total mind and body cleansing experience. Not only are you instructed in the art of yoga and Tai Chi, but the centre trains its guests in juicing and raw chocolate making, and specialises in voice training and instruction in chanting. Set among organic gardens and nature trails, the retreat’s ethos is very much based on total relaxation and rejuvenation, while living sustainably with minimal environmental impact. This is suitable for those who aren’t afraid of a little self-discipline and detoxing to achieve wellbeing and self-enlightenment.

Cost: 6 days at The Boghill Centre start from €527 (approx. £453) and includes accommodation, full board, tuition, guided walks, and refreshments. boghill.com

A relaxing yoga class at the Boghill Centre, Co. Clare