If recent festivities have left you feeling decidedly frazzled, a rejuvenating escape could be just what you need. Whether it’s a dip in a therapeutic mineral pool, or a bracing mountain walk amongst some of the world’s most stunning scenery, our guide has something for everyone. Get 2017 off to a happier and healthier start with our pick of the best places to realise your New Year’s resolutions in Europe.
Trek amongst Europe’s stunning landscapes
Christmas is a time of indulgence, so it’s little wonder that many of us resolve to live more healthily in the weeks afterwards. Trekking provides an ideal and exhilarating challenge, and makes for a great way to see in the New Year. While the French resort of Chamonix is popular with skiers, it also offers great walking routes, with trails of varying difficulty taking you across ice-capped ranges and tumbling glaciers. For seasoned walkers, the Tour de Mont Blanc starts just south of Chamonix and takes you 170km across the Italian, Swiss and French alps.
Ireland’s incredible landscapes offer up plenty of beautiful walking routes too. The isolated Bangor Trail in County Mayo takes you 30 miles across the uninhabited rocky terrain of the Nephin Beg. For a more leisurely beach stroll, Brandon Bay in Ireland’s beautiful Kerry countryside offers coastal views with the imposing Brandon Mountain as a backdrop.
Europe’s spas and natural hot springs
While running a bath after a long day is one of life’s little luxuries, there’s nothing quite like a soothing dip in a mineral-infused lagoon. These therapeutic plunge pools and hot springs are set in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations – and many of them can be found across Europe.
Fontana Nieuweschans in the Netherlands, is a two hour drive from Rotterdam port, and offers beauty treatments and restorative massages alongside its famed thermal baths. Once you’ve experienced the hot stone steam room and Finnish sauna, cool down with a scenic stroll in the aptly-named bathrobe park.
For respite in the fresh mountain air, France’s Bains de Dorres can be found amongst the rolling valleys of the Pyrenees. Here you can enjoy unrivalled vistas while soaking in thermal waters of up to 40°C.
Escape to a European wellness retreat
If Christmas and New Year have left you in need of refuge, a wellness course could be the ideal tonic. Lanserhof Tegernsee near Munich is a Bavarian mountain retreat that overlooks the idyllic Lake Tegern. Spend your days relaxing by the pool in this tranquil setting while a whole host of dieticians, doctors and personal trainers wait in the wings to offer advice and treatment. On days where you want to be active, there are plenty of cycling and walking routes available nearby.
Main image by Heather Cowper
If this has inspired your very own getaway, take a look at our adventure planner, where you can tailor your next trip to your own preferences.
