The world’s greatest feel-good nations

Hands up if you need a real break. The sort of holiday that leaves you feeling refreshed and revived, glad to be alive. As the world gets more fractured and fraction, wellness travel is booming – and that doesn’t have to mean a spa break.

A hike through a forest of towering trees can leave you feeling rejuvenated in both body and mind, while watching as a sunrise silhouettes mighty mountain peaks may give you a boost for the rest of the day. And then there are the cultures that are so welcoming, a smile spreads across your face as soon as you arrive.

Here are six places guaranteed to get you feeling good.

Thailand

Feel-good factor What really makes us happy? According to the latest scientific research, the practice of mindfulness – focusing on the present moment – plays an important role. The gentle rituals of Thai culture are a blueprint for paying attention to what’s in front of you here and now.
Tell me more The graciousness of Thai culture comes from acknowledging the power of small gestures. You can see it when you check in at your hotel: the wai (palms together, head bowed) greeting, the cold towel, the care with which they will hand back your credit card after registering it. Add in a wellness-focused culture – there’s a reason some of the best spas in the world are found here – and you have a country that helps you reset.
Don’t miss Spa fans know there is nothing like a Thai massage for ironing out the kinks. If that much pressure point release is too intense for you, try a foot massage instead. It’s the same technique but over a limited area.
Make it happen Cheap and cheerful massages are great but if you want a top to toe overhaul RAKxa Wellness, set in the lush green belt surrounding Bangkok, is the reigning champion of wellness retreats, with its blend of medical analysis and holistic healing. From THB97,000 for a three-night personalised program.

Japan

Feel-good factor How does one country get so much right? From their healthy diet to their tradition of forest bathing – the nature-immersion technique that has taken off right across the world – Japan’s embrace of wellness in all its forms makes this a great place to rebalance.
Tell me more If you are into slow travel, walking Japan’s ancient pilgrim paths is an experience that soothes your soul even as you exercise your body. But you don’t need to head into the countryside to get a dose of Japanese wellness. Even in the neon-lit cities, Japan’s traditional cuisine – high in protein-packed raw seafood and nutrient-rich foods like seaweed and natto – gives your body a boost.
Don’t miss A cup of matcha tea is packed full of antioxidants, but that is not the only reason to take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Every single movement is prescribed and practiced over and over again, making this an exercise in mindfulness.
Make it happen For centuries Japan’s traditional ryokan have been built over hot springs so guests can enjoy a soak at the end of the day. KAI Yufuin on the island of Kyushu delivers old-school ryokan hospitality with contemporary architecture by star architect Kengo Kuma. From JPY35,000 per person twin share

Iceland

Feel-good factor “Dazzling” is the best description of a trip through Iceland. Steaming geysers, icy glaciers, and black sand beaches are just some of the otherworldly sights that will leave you astounded, filled with a new sense of wonder about the world we live in.
Tell me more Iceland has activities for every level of traveller. If you are feeling intrepid, you can hike on a glacier, board a Zodiac for a trip through a lake dotted with icebergs or even explore an ice cave. Prefer a gentler approach? There is no effort required to marvel at massive waterfalls such as Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, or watch the mighty Strokkur geyser burst into life regular as clockwork.
Don’t miss A soak in a naturally-heated geothermal pool is a must. You will find them scattered right across the country but if you want an experience with plenty of mod cons – including a spa and restaurant – head for the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Make it happen Guests at ION Adventure Hotel an hour outside Reykjavik can join in a range of activities from horse riding to snowmobiling. From ISK45,900

Fiji

Feel-good factor Sun-drenched islands with white-sand beaches washed by turquoise waters, where the super-friendly locals gather beneath palm trees to greet new arrivals with song: is it any wonder that any trip to Fiji makes you feel happy to be alive?
Tell me more For most people, Fiji’s number-one wellness activity is also the simplest: relaxing by the ocean, letting the murmur of the sea slough off your stress. But there are plenty of other ways to enjoy some natural healing. Explore Fiji’s lush landscapes on a safari up the Sigatoka River on Vitu Levu, or be delighted by the orchids, tree ferns and waterfalls of Taveuni Island off the east coast of Vanua Levu. And of course, eating plenty of super-fresh seafood and tropical fruit helps your body feel great.
Don’t miss Singing and dance are an integral part of Fijian culture and getting to watch a meke performance is guaranteed to leave you with a big smile on your face.
Make it happen Pretty much every resort in Fiji has some sort of wellness offering but it is the range of activities at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa that sets it apart, including everything from surfing to snorkelling as well as excellent massages. From AU$676.

Aotearoa New Zealand

Feel-good factor For a small country, Aotearoa New Zealand packs a big punch when it comes to wellness. Its jaw-dropping landscapes are the perfect backdrop for restoration and rejuvenation, while tapping in to the strong Māori culture is an opportunity to learn from traditional wisdom.
Tell me more Ready to tramp? “Tramping” is the New Zealand word for hiking, and there are plenty of amazing trails to explore, including the legendary Milford Track. Bikers and kayakers are also spoiled for choice across both the North and South Island. If you want to marvel at nature without raising your heartrate, head for Rotorua and its geothermal delights including steaming vents and bubbling mud pools.

Don’t miss In the heart of the Waipoua Forest is New Zealand’s oldest and tallest tree, the kauri known as Tāne Mahuta. A visit with a Māori guide offers a fascinating perspective on this giant survivor.
Make it happen Forty minutes out of Queenstown, The Headwaters EcoLodge in Glenorchy is a regenerative stay that makes a great base for exploring the area’s lakes and mountains. From NZ$815.

Italy

Feel-good factor Long before fashion designers Giorgio Armani and Miuccia Prada came along, Italians already had a reputation for injecting beauty into every aspect of life. You can see it not just in the country’s art-filled churches and museums but also in its picture-perfect towns and villages. No wonder we can’t get enough of Italy – who doesn’t love a deep dive into beauty?

Tell me more Head into rural areas such as Tuscany or Emilia-Romagna, with their exquisite hill towns and elegant villas, to discover the Italian art of living well at its finest. That includes mouthwatering meals made with fresh ingredients, a strong sense of community, and a lifestyle that incorporates plenty of gentle incidental exercise – just watch grey-haired elders briskly tackling vertiginously sloping streets in any hill town.
Don’t miss Much of what’s best about Italy is wrapped up in the ritual of the passeggiata, or evening stroll. It is a chance to dress up, catch up with your neighbours, engage in some gentle exercise and, yes, enjoy an aperitivo or two.
Make it happen Tuscany’s Borgo Santo Pietro is a place that indulges all your senses, from spa treatments using all-natural products to organic farm-fresh cuisine, all in stunning surrounds. From €875 per room