Book It: Luxury wellness getaways with added feel-good factor
Enjoy the great outdoors, tuck into organic Michelin-starred cuisine and relax in a holistic spa at these four stunning places to stay.
Conrad Algarve, Portugal
Best for… wellness worshippers
The low-down: This luxurious hotel should carry a warning: you’ll dread checking out. There are reasons to stray – guided nature walks in the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park, miles of sandy beaches, golf courses galore. There are reasons to stay – chic spa, infinity pools, an enormous gym, Pilates and yoga classes, amazing aromatherapy massages. And there are definitely reasons to eat: hello Michelin-starred Gusto by Heinz Beck (oh, the tasting menu!). You’ve been warned…
Out and about: Stroll over Europe’s largest wooden bridge and bag yourself an outdoor table at Gigi’s restaurant. As well as serving superb fresh fish and seafood, it overlooks the white sandy beach with stunning views of the idyllic Ria Formosa National Park. Literally over the road from the hotel is the very chi-chi Quinta boutique shopping mall where you will find plenty of high end labels as well as bars and restaurants.
Stella Loves: The three-night ‘Life Reset’ package, which includes two massages, a bespoke treatment, plus yoga, pilates, a nature walk and a rejuvenating pamper kit with aromatherapy bath and shower oil (from €1,315/£1,142 per person in a single room).
From £158 based on two adults sharing a grand deluxe room, b&b; conradalgarve.com
Read the full review: Conrad Algarve, Portugal
Euphoria Retreat, Mystras, Greece
Best for… pressing reset and fully unwinding
The low-down: Three hours from Athens, this holistic spa, located within the Unesco World Heritage site of Mystras at the foothills of Mount Taygetos of Peloponnese, has indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam, infrared sauna and daily activities (yoga, tai chi and workouts). It also offers a personalised range of programmes, including detox, weight loss and de-stress.
Out and about: Take an early morning hike to Mystras. (Hikes can be arranged by the hotel for free.) The route has stunning views of the Peloponnese.
Stella Loves: The pools, especially the outdoor heated infinity pool and indoor sphere pool with calming underwater sounds.
From £1,186 (single) or £1,070 per person (double) for a three-night Wellbeing Detox; wellbeingescapes.com
Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany
Best for… laid-back romance
The low-down: From the moment you arrive at this palatial villa, surrounded by cypress trees, fountains and exotic flowers, the emphasis is on making you feel at home rather than on holiday. Rooms are filled with antiques and have a homely touch. Retire there after a day spent riding one of the estate’s vespas or visiting the onsite skincare laboratory, which has its own natural product line, Seed to Skin. And be sure to have dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred organic restaurant Meo Modo.
Out and about: There's too much to do on the estate to consider leaving… Try your hand at truffle hunting with a local expert, take pizza making lessons and sign up for an art class.
Stella Loves: The romantic fireplaces in bedrooms, which can be lit on request each evening.
From £495 b&b for a deluxe room, b&b; visit borgosantopietro.com or seed-to-skin.com
Read the full review: Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany
Es Princep, Palma, Mallorca
Best for… buzzy city spa
The low-down: This modern beachfront hotel has the best of both worlds: City buzz and calming sea views. The spectacular basement spa offers treatments by French brand Anne Semonin, known for its smart-ageing essential oil method. Try the Tip to Toe treatment, which combines a nourishing facial and body massage - we recommend the lavender and eucalyptus oil for the ultimate calming experience.
Out and about: There are restaurants aplenty in Palma - top of our list is Abaco, decorated to look like a sumptuous French Renaissance banquet space, with candles, enormous flower displays, exquisite murals and piles of fruit. A must-see.
Stella Loves: The striking city views from the hotel’s slick rooftop - recline in a sun lounger by the pool, order a fresh mint tea and watch the sun set in style.
From £210 b&b; esprincep.com and annesemonin.com
Read the full review: Es Princep, Palma, Mallorca
