Travelista Editor Jessica Ruth Gibson explores the concept of healing holidays and how this intentional style of travel is set to be a 2026 travel trend.
At Travelista, we’re increasingly drawn to travel that feels restorative rather than relentless. It’s less about ticking off sights and more about how a place makes us feel. This shift towards intentional travel has given rise to what many are now calling healing holidays – trips designed not just for tourism or adventure, but for genuine mental and physical renewal.
The concept of a healing holiday first came onto my radar last year when I was invited to the Italian Alps with Visit Trentino, to explore the concept of Alpine Wellness. This alpine region of Italy immerses its visitors amongst mountains, forests and thermal waters, encouraging travellers to slow down, reconnect with nature and embrace movement. It made me see how healing doesn’t always have to happen in clinics or retreat centres. Sometimes all you need is to place yourself in the right environment.
What Is a Healing Holiday?
A healing holiday isn’t about fixing or curing. It’s about honouring the connection between mind and body and recognising that our surroundings can either support or drain us. It’s about choosing destinations that align with what our bodies and minds truly need. Whether that’s rest, warmth, clarity or calm – healing holidays offer a gentle form of self-care.
For some, that might mean mountain air and quiet trails. For others, it’s the rhythm of the sea, the warmth of the sun, or the grounding ritual of thermal bathing. Healing holidays are deeply personal, and their power lies in intention rather than prescription.
Here are some of the best environments for a healing holiday and our Travelista-approved destinations for each one.
Mountains: Space, Perspective and Mental Clarity
Mountain environments have long been associated with clarity and calm. Clean air, altitude and wide-open landscapes naturally encourage slower breathing and mental stillness. Gentle hiking and mindful movement can also support physical wellbeing, while the psychological effect of expansive views often brings perspective and emotional relief.
Travelista-approved mountain destinations:
• Trentino – Alpine wellness, hiking and thermal spas
• Zermatt – Car-free calm beneath the Matterhorn
• Chamonix – Alpine air and restorative scenery
Read: The Power of Alpine Wellness; 13 Unexpected Benefits
Forests: Oxygen, Calm and Nervous System Reset
Forested environments are rich in oxygen and sensory calm. Often referred to as forest bathing, simply spending time among trees can help reduce stress, ease mental fatigue and restore emotional balance. The combination of filtered light, birdsong and earthy scents encourages the nervous system to slow down.
Travelista-approved forest destinations:
• Black Forest – Deep woodland walks and spa towns
• Lapland – Silent forests and winter stillness
• Slovenia – Green landscapes and sustainable retreats
Warm Climates: Gentle Support for the Body
For many people living with chronic pain, stiffness or fatigue, warmth can feel deeply supportive. Stable, warm climates help muscles relax and reduce the physical stress caused by cold or damp conditions. This can be particularly relevant for conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, where temperature sensitivity is common.
While travel environments can offer comfort, they work best alongside appropriate medical care and personalised support, such as evidence-based fibromyalgia treatments in the UK.
Travelista-approved warm destinations:
• Cyprus – Consistent sunshine and gentle pace
• Andalusia – Warm winters and relaxed living
• Abu Dhabi – Year-round sunshine, Arabic culture and luxury hospitality
Thermal Springs: Skin, Circulation and Deep Relaxation
Thermal and mineral-rich waters have been used for centuries to soothe the body. Warm bathing can help relax muscles, support circulation and can ease inflammatory and chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Beyond the physical, the ritual of soaking – slow, warm and immersive – encourages mindfulness and deep rest.
Travelista-approved thermal destinations:
• Baden-Baden – Historic Roman baths and elegance
• Trentino – Natural thermal waters and Alpine Wellness
• Budapest – Grand bathhouses and thermal culture
Read; A Travelista Wellness Guide to Baden Baden
Cold Climates: Resilience, Circulation and Mental Clarity
Cold environments offer a different kind of wellbeing benefit. In Scandinavia, wellness traditions often centre around contrast therapy – alternating between intense heat and cold through sauna sessions followed by cold water plunges.
This practice is believed to support circulation, reduce inflammation and promote mental resilience. Cold exposure can heighten alertness and encourage deep breathing, while sauna heat helps muscles relax. Together, they create a powerful ritual that leaves many people feeling energised, grounded and mentally clear.
Travelista-approved cold climate destinations:
• Finland – The birthplace of sauna culture
• Iceland – Hot springs and icy plunges
• Sweden – Forest saunas and cold-water swimming
By the Sea: Rhythm, Calm and Emotional Balance
There’s a reason so many of us instinctively seek the coast when life feels overwhelming. The rhythm of waves, expansive horizons and fresh sea air encourage slower movement and reflection. Coastal environments are often associated with reduced stress and improved mental wellbeing.
Travelista-approved coastal destinations:
• Cornwall – Sea air and wild coastal walks
• Amalfi Coast – Mediterranean light and beauty
• Nova Scotia – Ocean rhythms and space to breathe
Healing Is Personal, Not Prescriptive
Healing holidays aren’t about following a formula. What feels restorative for one person may feel overwhelming for another. Some thrive in silence, deep rest and solitude; others need warmth, water or gentle movement.
What matters most is intention – choosing travel experiences that respect your energy levels, sensitivities and needs at that moment in time. Travel becomes less about escape and more about alignment.
While environment can play a meaningful role in wellbeing, healing holidays work best as a supplementary holistic concept, not a replacement for professional medical care. When chosen thoughtfully, travel can offer space, comfort and clarity – helping us reconnect with both body and mind in a way that feels gentle, grounded and empowering.