‘A candlelit spa, followed by an ice-cold plunge and a nightcap’: readers’ favourite European wellbeing breaks
From a historic bathhouse in Sweden to forest bathing in Croatia, readers share their favourite places to relax and recharge
Dutch children are unusually happy and healthy. Is it because of this walking ritual?
Once a year, Dutch kids, parents and teachers take part in a walking festival, heading out for four nights in a single week to explore their neighbourhoods, exercise and make friends. It’s a tradition that seems to be genuinely transformative
After three days here I felt like an Olympic athlete: the Montenegro hotel designed for fitness and wellbeing
With state-of-the-art fitness and spa facilities onsite and everything from hiking to kayaking the beautiful Bay of Kotor, it’s a perfect base for an active break
10 of the best retreats in Europe to soothe mind, body and soul
Change your life – or just kick back and relax – by connecting with nature, trying a creative workshop, or taking a yoga course somewhere beautiful
Could a surfing retreat in Morocco conquer my fear of the sea?
The process of learning to catch a wave is an all-consuming activity that can prove to be a powerful therapeutic tool
‘Walking in the Lake District drizzle rewired my head’: readers’ life-changing trips
From the jungles of Colombia to sailing in Croatia, our readers reflect on the life lessons travel has taught them
‘I’ve never felt such a skin-zinging feeling of being alive’: my year of swimming in Nordic seas
Dipping in the freezing waters of Scandinavia, Greenland and Finland was life-changing – and full of warmth thanks to saunas, hot springs and like-minded people
Swim, run, ride and row for charity: 10 challenges for 2026 in the UK, Europe and beyond
Climbing, skiing and paddleboarding also feature in our round-up of this year’s charity challenges
Kicking back in Catalonia: a new eco-retreat in Spain with yoga, ebikes and volcano hikes
Set within a volcanic nature reserve, this charmingly repurposed 17th-century farmhouse has all bases covered for a relaxing, rustic microadventure
Going to the gym was too much effort, until I moved into one
What would happen if you removed the obstacle of having to get to the gym? Brigid Delaney spends a week finding out