Expert reveals why wellness trips are the key to a revitalised 2024

While the nights are still dark and it feels like the 91st day of January, many Brits will be looking ahead to summer. So far this month, travel company First Choice has seen a 77% increase in those viewing summer 2024 holidays, in comparison to pre-Christmas.*
In January, as many embrace the ‘new year, new me’ mantra, Brits are increasingly drawn to holistic health goals – shaping not just resolutions but also travel preferences.

Wellness trips are ‘en vogue’ for 2024

Forbes highlights the surge in seekers of immersive wellbeing experiences abroad**, with people going on holiday to enhance their overall wellbeing – beyond the spa.

While the new year often heralds’ promises to prioritise our mental and physical wellness, 2024 is on track to be the year where we really see the shift.

In 2023, Alcohol Change UK reported that 175,000 people signed up to take on Dry January. Fast forward to 2024, and they are now estimating that a huge 8.5 million British adults will banish booze for the month, affirming our widespread need for a reset and the immediate desire for a general wellness overhaul.

What’s more, when it comes to travel trends, Fortune reports that Gen Z and Millennials have a desire to head off the beaten path and discover new places that their friends and family back home don’t know about.

Harley Street psychologist, Dr Becky Spelman explained:“Come mid-January, New year’s resolutions begin to take their toll, and the reality of sticking to self-made rules to break unhealthy habits can prove to be more difficult than first thought.

“The eagerness for change often faces the complexities of real-life application, leading to moments of stress, as the determination to break established habits encounters the practicalities of everyday life.”

“Which is why we are seeing more and more clients looking ahead to travel as a means to cultivate healthier behaviours in a longer term and more sustainable way.

“When spaced periodically throughout the year, wellness trips offer a transformative escape, providing a crucial reset to break detrimental cycles. They serve as powerful tools to rejuvenate mental and physical health, fostering a revitalised perspective for a brighter 2024.

“This is through factors such as improved air quality, exercise, social cohesion, stress reduction and having the opportunity to embrace new experiences. While also enhanced by particular holiday activities with documented health benefits which we tend to enjoy, such as swimming, hiking, yoga or meditation, for example.

“Foreign cuisine, new activities and alternative surroundings during a wellbeing break can also encourage personal growth and support the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices when holidaymakers return home.

“What’s more, wellness breaks can help contribute to reduced absenteeism throughout the year – meaning our batteries are recharged so we can remain healthy and productive.”

For those who find themselves daydreaming of warmer climes this January, First Choice is on hand to help. The travel company has compiled a list of lesser-known spots across the globe, ideal for achieving 2024 wellbeing goals or exploring new wellness avenues.”

To help ease the strain on customer’s wallets after the Christmas period, they’re even offering £100 off £1,000 holidays and £250 off £2,500 trips for people who book their summer holidays before the end of February.

Dalmatia, Croatia

Dalmatia is located on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, primarily within the borders of modern-day Croatia.

The region’s coastal areas provide opportunities for natural salt therapy, sometimes referred to as halotherapy, which is great for your skin. 

The salty air from the Adriatic, combined with the area’s specific microclimate, is believed to gently and effectively boost exfoliation, removing dull, dead skin cells and debris from the surface. The environment is effectively like one big outside salt room.

And, legendary 20th century filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, publicly declared that Zadar, one of the region’s biggest cities, has the best sunsets in the world because of the consistent high cloud positions. 

What to do?

Slana Soba Split – Relax body and soul with a trip to Slana Soba Split. Enjoy halotherapy, chromotherapy and music therapy in the spa’s state of the art salt room facilities – perfect for those enjoying a health and wellbeing focused trip.

Where to stay? 

The Salona Palace Hotel in Split is surrounded by ancient history. Nearby, major archaeological sites are within a 15-minute walk, including the ancient amphitheatre where Roman gladiators used to walk.

In terms of relaxation, there’s a sleek pool with plenty of loungers beside it, a spa and a nearby beach within walking distance of the hotel. 

Prices from £837 per person*. Price based on two adults sharing a Twin Balcony Room on a bed and breakfast basis for seven nights, flights departing from London Luton on Wednesday 19th June, 2024. Flights, transfers and hand luggage included. The Slana Soba Split is a 15-minute drive.

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk. 

Madeira, Portugal

Long sought after for its therapeutic qualities, Madeira’s subtropical, year-round climate with calm, clear waters and beautiful surroundings make it a top European health and wellbeing hotspot. One which is often overlooked by holidaymakers.

Its cuisine is rich in fresh, local foods – and the slow-paced lifestyle, low crime rate, and plethora of wellness resorts and spas further contribute to a relaxed atmosphere.Its wellbeing reputation has a lot to do with the purity and cleanliness of the air there. In fact, the oxygen is so fresh, it’s believed to have a positive impact on those suffering with respiratory ailments.

What to do?

Rabaçal Valley, Risco Waterfall and 25 Fountains hiking tour – become one with the great outdoors and enjoy a guided hike in the Valley of Rabaçal, one of mother nature’s greatest masterpieces. Admire a spectacular waterfall and stunning natural springs along the way.

Where to stay?

Pick a stay at the peaceful Hotel Baia Azul, with an on-site spa and wellness centre offering a range of massages and treatments, indoor pool, Turkish bath, yoga room, cardio fitness and sauna. 

Prices from £576* per person (including discount). Price is based on two adults sharing a Twin Room, on a bed and breakfast basis for seven nights, flights departing from London Gatwick on Wednesday 18^th September. Hand luggage and return transfers included. 

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk. 

Beruwela, Sri Lanka 

With everything from pristine beaches and tropical rainforests to wildlife-rich national parks, Sri Lanka is a haven for nature lovers. The history of the island stretches back thousands of years, and it is home to the world’s oldest human-planted tree.

Spending time in nature is known to help restore mental energy and alleviate mental fatigue, as well as boost positive feelings of wellbeing.

Sri Lanka is home to several excellent luxury wellness retreats where guests can hit the waves and surf, explore their natural surroundings and engage with wildlife – all of which will help aid that much sought-after holiday detox.

What to do?

Sinharaja Forest Trek – As Sri Lanka’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, the Sinharaja Forest is home to almost two-thirds of its endemic trees. It also boasts endemism rates of 50% for mammals and an astonishing 95% for bird species. Connect with nature on a guided tour followed by lunch. 

Where to stay?

A huge pool, a seafront setting and a long list of restaurants make the Eden Beruwala a top pick for hang-loose holidays. A scattering of palm trees is all that separates this hotel and a golden beach where guests can relax and soak up the sun.

Prices from £1,268 per person* (including discount). Price is based on two adults sharing a Superior Double Room with a Balcony on a bed and breakfast basis for seven nights, flights departing from London Heathrow on Tuesday 10th September, 2024. Flights, transfers and 2 x 30kg luggage allowance included. 

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo is a fantastic destination for wild swimming, mainly because of its abundance of natural, clean water sources such as fjords, lakes, and rivers. 

Immersing yourself in cold water in the wild – in its purest form – can enhance blood circulation, potentially boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation. The activity may also trigger the release of endorphins, leading to improved mood and stress reduction.

The city of Oslo is surrounded by breath taking landscapes, allowing people to embrace the beauty of the Norwegian wilderness while enjoying a quick dip. Good for the soul. 

What to do?

Visit the Nordmarka Lakes – The Nordmarka forest area north of Oslo is home to several lakes, including Maridalsvannet and Movatn. These lakes offer clean and refreshing water for wild swimming, and the surrounding nature provides a peaceful escape.

Where to stay?

The Scandic Holberg hotel is located in the centre of Oslo. It has a friendly atmosphere and modern, tastefully furnished rooms, perfect for all kinds of holidaymakers. Plus, the world-famous fjords, and the surrounding mountains, are just a short drive away. 

Prices from £686 per person*. Price based on two people sharing a Double Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis for seven nights, flights departing from Manchester Airport on Friday 8th March, 2024. Flights and 2 x 23kg luggage allowance included. The Nordmarka Lakes are a 35-minute drive away. 

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk.

Sardinia, Italy

Forbes* emphasised the importance of longevity for wellbeing in 2024, reflecting a widespread desire for improved, extended quality of life—a trend clearly visible in the global ‘Blue Zones’.

‘Blue Zones’ are regions of the world where people are known to live longer, healthier lives than the global average. Sardinia is one of only five of these geographical areas in the whole world, known for its thriving population and pristine living conditions. 

The island’s enviable Blue Zone status is down to several factors, including the population’s simple, plant-based diet with minimal processed foods, their active lifestyle and their strong sense of community.

The clean environment, mild climate, and connection to nature also play a role in supporting the overall wellbeing of the Sardinian people, making it an attractive destination for tourists set on putting their health first. 

What to do?

Kayak rental on Coghinas river in Valledoria – Take to the river by kayak and explore the natural and wild beauties of Coghinas, the third longest river in Sardinia, which you can enjoy by yourself or with loved ones. Be mesmerised by breath taking views of the Mediterranean as you paddle 6 kilometres downstream in the glorious sunshine.

Where to stay?

Nestled on a hill northeast of Olbia, Hotel dP Olbia in Sardinia offers a tranquil getaway surrounded by Mediterranean greenery. With 74 charming rooms, each with a unique touch and modern comforts, guests can enjoy a peaceful stay with access to a pool, hotel restaurant and nearby beach.

Prices from £1,063per person*. Price is based on two guests sharing a Double Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis for seven nights, flights departing from London Luton on Saturday 3rd of August, 2024. Flights and hand luggage included.

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk.