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Winter Getaways for Body and Mind

Choose adventure this winter with these wellness and fitness destinations

Winter Escapes

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as a paradise the world over. Although many people are attracted to the destination for the white sand beaches and incredible surf, if you’re on a mission to find the country’s fitness paradise, look no further than La Fortuna. The small town is in the northeastern highlands of Costa Rica at the base of the Arenal Volcano.

La Fortuna itself is a quaint, laid-back haven with great local eateries and plenty of yoga studios where you can find your Zen. But if you’re looking for some adventure, you don’t have to go far for amazing hiking—with many trails allowing you to explore the base of the Arenal Volcano. Hike and swim at the waterfall sharing the same name as the town, try your hand at canyoning and waterfall repelling and get an added boost of adrenaline from whitewater rafting. Basically, if you can dream it, you can do it in La Fortuna.

Taghazout, Morocco

Chances are, if you aren’t an avid surfer, you’ve never heard of Taghazout, Morocco. However, even if you aren’t an avid surfer, we think you’ll fall in love with this village.

Boasting year-round waves, there is a reason that this southern Moroccan fishing village has made a name for being a surfer’s paradise. But don’t get discouraged if you’ve never surfed before. Taghazout is a great destination no matter your skill level. If you’re a beginner, sign up for a surfing camp and become a pro in no time.

There is more to Taghazout than just surfing. You’ll find an array of yoga studios in the village and surrounding area, stunning snorkelling opportunities with vibrant reefs to explore, and visitors are only a short drive from the Paradise Valley, a spectacular area of the Atlas Mountains that hosts breathtaking hiking.

Winter Escapes

Lapland, Finland

You may be a little surprised to see Lapland, Finland on this list. After all, how could heading to Finland’s northernmost region in the middle of winter be good for your well-being? That’s easy —the Finns invented the sauna. For more than 2,000 years, the Finns have been using saunas, and although the sophistication of them has come a long way, they have remained integral to the Finish culture.

Saunas have a host of wellness benefits beyond relaxation. Emerging evidence suggests that sauna use could reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and inflammation as well as treat the common flu, various skin conditions, headaches and more.

There are some wonderful resorts and accommodations in Lapland offering sauna experiences (and cold plunges if you’re feeling brave!), and since winter is Finland’s darkest time of year, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights as they dance across the night sky.

Brand G Vacations

Dead Sea, Jordan

Jordan may already be on your bucket list because of the world-famous archeological site of Petra, but there is another reason we think you’ll love the Middle Eastern country. People flock to the western side of the country to experience a wellness phenomenon like nowhere else. The Dead Sea is nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean, and with that saltiness comes some impressive wellness benefits.

The water of the Dead Sea contains ample minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, that are beneficial to the skin. The minerals are said to help reduce inflammation, while the salty water helps to detoxify the body.

As Eric Poole, director of marketing at Brand g Vacations, LGBT+ tour and cruise operator put it, the resorts surrounding the Dead Sea are also something to behold. “[There are] stunning 5-star resorts that front the sea—like the Kempinski Ishtar—offering large mounds of dark gray clay that you can apply to your face and body to remove toxins.”

Winter Fun

Whistler, British Columbia

Not everyone wants to run from winter. After all, we are Canadians, and braving the snow is in our blood. Whistler is a unique place in that it is a phenomenal destination all year long. When the soft, clean snow blankets the mountains, the town doesn’t sleep. It comes alive. After all, there is a reason the 2010 Vancouver Olympics chose Whistler as its spotlight. With endless winter activities, you won’t want to hide away inside.

Hit the slopes for some adrenaline-boosting skiing and snowboarding or try your hand at something new. Did you know you could learn to ice climb? An expert instructor will teach you how to climb on ice formations.

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, take in the fresh mountain air and spectacular views on Whistler’s snowshoeing trails. You can even go winter ziplining in the old-growth forest. Back in the village, skate under the wide-open sky in Whistler Olympic Plaza.

Niseko, Japan

If you’re looking for a winter getaway that offers both outdoor adventure and an unforgettable cultural experience, look no further than Niseko, Japan. Located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Niseko is famous for its powdery, white snow—and is even said to have the best powder snow in the world. As they claim, Niseko snow is the perfect combination of quality, quantity and consistency. With the fluffy powder typically covering the mountains from November to March, this may just be the dream location for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

You’ve spent the day powering up your muscles at Niseko’s four interlinked ski resorts, now it’s time to relax and experience traditional Japan. Visit one of the many onsen around Niseko. These public bathing facilities and hot springs are an integral part of Japanese culture. Experience the benefits of “toji,” the practice of relaxing in the geothermally heated, mineral-rich water.

YOGA

Ahangama, Sri Lanka

If you’re looking to feed your inner yogi, look no further than Sri Lanka. Neighbours to India, the birthplace of yoga, Sri Lanka has its own rich history in the spiritual practice. Sure, many of your yogi friends have probably gushed about their yoga retreats in Bali, and we can see why the lush, tropical vibe might be attractive. Well, we’re here to tell you that you can have all that in Sri Lanka too, but with a fraction of the tourists.

The truth is, Sri Lanka isn’t short on towns, cities and villages where you can indulge in a yoga practice. However, Ahangama is arguably one of the best. Ahangama is a small beach town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka with amazing restaurants, shops, views and activities. Also famous for its surfing, the town boasts an impressive number of yoga studios offering expertly led classes, courses and retreats. The relaxed atmosphere and tranquil seaside setting will help you dive deeper to absorb the full benefits of your practice.

Pilgrimages

Aussie Camino, Australia

Where better to go on a “pilgrimage” than the land down under, famous for the “walkabout.” The Aussie Camino, also known as the Mary MacKillop Way, is a 250-kilometre track from Portland, Victoria to Penola, South Australia. Unlike the famous pilgrimages you might find in Europe and Asia, this route isn’t abundant in modern comforts like accommodation or food stops, meaning booking a guided tour is a good option if you’re new to long treks. This is a great way to meet and connect with like-minded trekkers too.

One of the benefits of an off-the-beaten-path-style pilgrimage like this is the opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of your life and reconnect with nature. Cherish tenting along the way as you sleep under the stars and enjoy trekking through Australia’s natural wonders—from white-sand beaches to towering, rocky cliffs and then inland through farms and forests.

Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way, Ireland and Wales — WPPW

There are many famous pilgrimages that attract people from around the world. We’re talking the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. But since we’re on the lookout for the “off-the-beaten-path” fitness and wellness locations, there is a newly rediscovered trail that should have your attention. The Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way is a 260-kilometre trail from Ferns, Ireland to St. Davids, Wales. If you’re good at geography, you might recognize that the Irish Sea separates these two locations. What’s special about this pilgrimage is that it is separated into nine stages with a ferry journey to the Pembrokeshire Coast in the middle.

This epic path exposes travellers to the rugged wilderness and rich cultural history of Ireland and Wales. Although your body will get a workout, your mind will relax in the natural beauty.