When we think about restorative holidays – getaways brimming with relaxation – the image that springs to mind is probably filled with lounging on sunbeds in the summer heat, waves lapping in the distance. But restful trips don’t always need to be sun drenched; sometimes wintry winds and a backdrop of snow are the ideal setting for a wellness reset.
Though the weather outside may be chilly, Europe’s colder regions are teeming with cosy retreats boasting crackling fires and spas with warm waters to welcome as you return from your outdoor pursuits, leaving brisk air and snow underfoot at the door. Here, it’s all about that balance, whether taking part in a traditional winter sports holiday or simply exploring these icy landscapes.
For those looking to slow down from the adrenaline highs of a classic ski holiday – or those for whom a reviving getaway was always the ultimate goal – these perspective-shifting retreats are all about restoration through contrast: cold and heat, movement and stillness, wilderness and comfort.
The one for: A full-scale alpine spa immersion
If there’s one thing that’s essential in the most classic of wellness retreats, it’s a spa that goes above and beyond – and Lefay Dolomiti certainly comes up aces here. Set against the backdrop of northern Italy’s stunning Dolomites mountain range, the resort’s 5,000m² Lefay SPA World is a cornucopia when it comes to well-being. Innovative to a T, here, a philosophy rooted in traditional Chinese medicine is blended with state-of-the-art spaces and treatments.
A world of water and fire awaits in the spa’s aquatic and relaxation areas. Think steam baths and dry and wet saunas with varying temperatures, ideal for both couples and families, and a wealth of pools ranging from indoor sports pools, spaces outdoors backed by the surrounding vistas and an ice waterfall.
When it comes to cuisine, the resort’s Vital Lefay concept centres on creating food for the soul. Gourmet meals are prepared with green-cuisine principles, crafted with healthy local ingredients. The Active & Balance programme brings Lefay’s entire wellness philosophy together, combining the local alpine nature with nutritious meal plans and therapeutic movement.
A stay in the Royal Pool & Spa Suite offers the ultimate elevated restorative escape. The suite’s private spa boasts its own bio-sauna, steam sauna, Jacuzzi and a heated whirlpool on the terrace looking out across the Dolomites.
The one for: Geothermal rituals and elemental restoration
The natural wonders of Iceland’s hot springs are well known for their healing properties (especially when paired with the contrast of the wintry air), and the Reykjanes Peninsula’s Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the country’s most famous. The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is the most exclusive stay at the centre of this otherworldly site.
Guests staying at the resort have unlimited access to the subterranean Retreat Spa and Retreat Lagoon, where the soothing blue tones complement in-water massages, float therapy in mineral-rich pools and lava canyons, and more that melt away stresses. Booking out the Lava Cove – a private lounge within the spa – opens the door to a secluded lagoon complete with a roaring fireplace and plush areas to relax.
In the Blue Lagoon Ritual, the geothermal waters’ three natural wonders (silica, algae and minerals) converge in the sanctuary of the ritual chamber. In three interconnected chambers, you’ll cover your body with these treasures, soaking in their rejuvenating benefits for a radiant glow. Plunging rain showers throughout the chambers ensure you leave each step of the experience feeling fully refreshed.
The two-room Lagoon Suite is a cocoon of relaxation. Just steps away from the comforts of luxurious furnishing and heated floors, a private lagoon beckons. The dramatic volcanic landscapes that envelop the space flow from outdoors through the suite’s picture windows.
Get in touch to find out more about The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
The one for: Mindful winter walking and alpine quiet
While spas are often touted as the epicentre of a wellness retreat, for others, it’s the great outdoors that provide renewal. And Switzerland’s Jungfrau region certainly has no shortage of peaceful panoramas in which to lose yourself.
Backed by acres of snowy forests where fresh pine air cleanses the soul, Grand Hotel Belvedere (situated in the car-free village of Wengen) throws the doors wide open to alfresco healing in all its forms. Hiking and snowshoeing are an ideal way to slow down in Switzerland’s frosty climes if you’re looking to avoid the adrenaline of the slopes, and with access to over 100km of clearly signposted trails and quiet viewpoints, here you’re spoilt for choice. A particular standout is the trail to Kleine Scheidegg, and the hotel is in a plum position to access the route via the nearby Männlichen cable car.
For those guests that do crave the classic, Grand Hotel Belvedere’s Japanese-onsen-inspired spa proffers a zen space in which to unwind. Mineral-rich waters and Susanne Kaufmann treatments beckon, all set against striking views of the Jungfrau. Sitting within gardens on the edge of the surrounding forest, the Wellbeing Yurt is a welcoming space to unlock your flow with yoga classes complemented by an Alpine breeze.
A stay in Wengen would not be complete without waking up to views of the mountain it calls its neighbour. The Junior Suite Jungfrau View is bedecked with a vintage Alpine aesthetic – think wood panelling, cosy furnishings and paintings celebrating the local vistas rivalled only by the views of the peak from your balcony.
The one for: High-tech wellness between days in the mountains
A well-rounded winter getaway should have something for everyone. They say opposites attract, and that’s certainly the case at Six Senses Crans-Montana, a double-sided coin where the high octane and the slowed down intermingle.
For those looking for a reprieve from the chills of the slopes (or for those who are happier to leave the thrills of winter sports to their other halves), the Six Senses Spa is 2,000m² of revitalising sanctuary. Pools ranging from indoor to outdoor and cold plunge to heated; private hatha yoga sessions and guided meditations; top-of-the-range fitness facilities – this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Here, ancient therapies blend with modern wellness to create truly bespoke programmes. In the Biohacking Recovery Lounge, smart technology tracks sleep and wellness metrics to create personalised solutions to deep rest and recovery (whether that be from the stresses of daily life or the effects of winter sports). In the Alchemy Bar, the more hands-on side of Six Senses’ philosophy shines, and natural local botanicals are transformed into remedies to carry on healing once home.
The Terrace Suite is a haven of modern design elements and classic Swiss charm, where sunlight and crisp mountain air filter in through wide glass-panel doors. The plush king-size bed is the centre of this cosy suite, and the private sauna is the ideal space to recover from the day. But the generous private terrace area steals the show with its breathtaking views of the peaks and forests in the distance.
The one for: Forest immersion and arctic simplicity
Scandinavia is famous for its vast and verdant forests, and Sweden’s Treehotel puts you right in the centre of it all for a restoring winter escape grounded in moments of stillness and seclusion in the Lule River Valley.
Here, you feel totally removed from the mundanities of everyday life, the encompassing woods giving Treehotel an otherworldly feel. The trees beckon for a plethora of winter activities, from forest hikes and snowshoeing adventures to exhilarating husky safaris and night-times spent searching for the Northern Lights.
The Forest SPA calls to those looking for traditional wellness with a tree-lined twist, sinking into the outdoor Jacuzzi as the snow glistens around you or destressing in the sauna while the little details are all taken care of. Stays at Treehotel are complemented by micro-seasonal meals, with ingredients reflecting the natural spoils of the region.
New for 2026, Oasis is a true embodiment of its moniker, its gently sloping walls and tiered structure a calming sanctuary in your own secluded corner of these woods. Here, the eyes are drawn to the treetops which canopy the space, encouraging moments of quiet reflection. Private dining spaces and its own sauna and outdoor bath covered by the trees make for a serene family retreat.
