Wellness on Holiday: Keeping on Track While Travelling

Leisure travel offers plenty of opportunities to unwind, discover new places, and escape the daily grind. You don’t have to let your wellness routine fall by the wayside, though. Many resorts now provide excellent wellness amenities, such as gyms, yoga studios, and luxurious spas, making it easier than ever to nurture your wellbeing while you travel.

It can be tempting to let routines slip amid new experiences and indulgent treats, but a little planning goes a long way. Even if your favourite gym or yoga class is far away, many destinations make it simple to stay active and mindful—whether through sunrise yoga, a stroll along the beach, or a restorative spa session. Don’t let jet lag or a packed itinerary get in the way. Small, intentional choices can help you feel energised and balanced throughout your trip. By choosing destinations that put wellness at the heart of their offering, you’ll return home not just relaxed, but truly revitalised. Here are a few of our favourite options.

Africa’s take on wellness

Many safari lodges and camps in East and Southern Africa now offer on-site spas and gyms, making it easy for visitors to maintain their exercise and wellness routines while on holiday. Whether you’re on safari or relaxing on a sunny beach in Zanzibar, you’ll find a range of options to support your wellbeing. The stunning natural surroundings and immersive activities in the wild also provide a valuable mental health boost, adding another dimension to your wellness experience.

Safari wellness

At Ishara in Kenya’s Masai Mara, wellness integrates seamlessly with the safari experience, nurturing both body and mind amid the splendour of the African wilderness. The contemporary gym, equipped with beautifully crafted weights and modern cardio machines, provides an inspiring space to stay active while gazing over the sweeping plains. For a more meditative approach, the elevated yoga and meditation deck offers a tranquil haven for sunrise or sunset sessions, inviting guests to unwind and reconnect with themselves in harmony with nature.

Dining at Ishara is equally mindful, with menus featuring the finest local ingredients—many sourced from the lodge’s own aeroponic tower farms. Every meal is thoughtfully prepared to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring wellness and indulgence go hand in hand. Whether enjoying peaceful yoga at dawn or a nourishing meal under the stars, guests find wellbeing at the heart of every experience at Ishara.

Wellness on the beach

With its blend of active pursuits and tranquil scenery, Zanzibar makes it easy to prioritise both relaxation and health during your stay. Many resorts in sun-drenched Zanzibar cater to health-conscious guests, offering a variety of ways to support wellness while on holiday. Long, sweeping beaches invite you to take invigorating walks or runs, giving your legs a workout against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Whether you choose to bike along the coast, explore the winding alleys of historic Stone Town, or swim in the crystal-clear waters, a sense of wellbeing is hard to miss in Zanzibar.

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa creates an oasis of wellbeing on the sun-kissed beaches of Paje, where guests are invited to relax and recharge in a setting of understated elegance. The resort’s outdoor fitness area allows visitors to stay active while enjoying the gentle ocean breeze, while yoga sessions—offered both in groups and privately—provide a peaceful way to centre the mind and body amidst tropical surroundings. The Senses Spa, tucked away in verdant gardens, offers a menu of indulgent treatments, from soothing massages to time spent in the infrared sauna, steam room, or hot tub, all designed to foster deep relaxation and a sense of balance.

Dining at Zanzibar White Sand is a celebration of the island’s bounty, with dishes crafted from freshly caught seafood, aromatic local spices, and organic produce harvested from the resort’s own gardens. Whether guests are unwinding after a spa ritual, practising yoga under swaying palms, or enjoying a leisurely meal with views of the Indian Ocean, the resort offers a holistic approach to wellness, making it an idyllic retreat for those seeking both luxury and rejuvenation.

Indian Ocean Islands

The Indian Ocean islands are renowned for their holistic approach to wellness. Most resorts blend natural beauty with centuries-old traditions of healing and relaxation. Wellness here is deeply rooted in daily life, with practices such as yoga commonly embraced by both locals and visitors. There is also the calming influence of the ocean and tropical surroundings. From sunrise yoga sessions on the beach to spa rituals using indigenous ingredients, these islands offer a tranquil environment where wellbeing and cultural heritage go hand in hand.

Mauritius

Mauritius is a haven for wellness-focused travellers, with many hotels and resorts offering a blend of pampering, fitness, and nourishment for body and soul. Guests can enjoy soothing spa treatments, yoga sessions, and well-equipped gyms, all set against the island’s lush, tropical backdrop. Healthy dining options featuring fresh, local ingredients are widely available, making it easy to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Whether you seek relaxation, rejuvenation, or an active escape, Mauritius provides an ideal setting to support your overall wellbeing.

One such resort which also offers options for exploring the nearby wilderness is Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort. Here you can expect a refreshing take on wellness, set against the island’s lush landscapes and tranquil beaches. The resort’s renowned Seven Colours Spa draws on African-inspired therapies and local ingredients, providing a soothing escape with its hammams, vitality pools, and serene garden settings.

Guests can join yoga sessions led by skilled instructors, often held outdoors to make the most of the tropical surroundings. There is also a modern fitness centre. Menus highlight fresh, locally sourced produce and cater to a variety of dietary needs.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers much to those seeking wellness. Some desitinations and resorts are specifically aimed at offering opportunities for holistic rejuvenation. Some even offer bespoke wellness retreats. An example is Santani Wellness Kandy, an eco-friendly, mountaintop retreat in Sri Lanka, specializing in yoga, Ayurveda, and holistic wellness. Designed for holistic rejuvenation, blending yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic therapies in a tranquil, eco-friendly setting.

The resort’s peaceful setting and expert instructors help guests reconnect with nature and themselves. Daily yoga sessions and a full-service spa are available. Tailored wellness programmes support healthy habits, even while away from home. The focus on both physical and mental wellbeing appeals to travellers seeking balance during their trip.

Maldives

Resorts in the Maldives thoughtfully integrate wellness into the guest experience. Most, if not all offer gyms, special cuisine, and spas as well as activities which encourage exercise while having fun.

One such resort is The Residence Maldives, which, on both Falhumaafushi and Dhigurah offers a holistic approach to wellbeing. Visitors can take part in daily yoga and meditation sessions with ocean views.

Spa treatments take place in peaceful overwater settings.  Guests can also maintain their fitness routines in well-equipped gyms or through a variety of outdoor activities.

Dining focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients, with menus designed to accommodate different dietary needs, and farm-to-table experiences are often available. Multi-day wellness retreats and group classes set in the Maldives’ calming atmosphere encourage both physical and mental rejuvenation.

What are you waiting for?

Are you keen to start planning your next trip after reading about how wellness can be maintained on holiday?

Contact one of our travel experts on the reservations hotline on +442084233000. They can help to get the ball rolling planning an amazingly unforgettable escape.

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