8 Health, Fitness & Wellbeing Trending well


For Londoners, wellness travel is evolving from indulgence to intention Words: Maria Pieri


In 2026, the wellness evolution has accelerated. No longer just limited to escapism, it’s evolved to help us switch off, slow down and rebuild.


Transformative retreats Tese retreats focus on providing structure and support during transitional periods, from menopause and burnout to career reinvention and post-relationship reset Where to try it: Eremito, Italy Tis modern hermitage offers relaxation and renewal for mind, body and spirit. Enjoy an unplugged experience amid the solitude of nature. eremito.com


Pilates over yoga Pilates-led retreats are increasingly popular, with the holistic mind-body exercise nowadays repositioning itself as a longevity practice, focusing on posture, joint health and functional movement to boost resilience and prevent injury. Where to try it: Reformer Retreats, across Europe Purpose-built Pilates and wellbeing retreats combining structured movement with breathwork, sound healing and restorative therapies. reformerretreats.com


Design-led experiences Wellness with an aesthetic focus. Design-led retreats use light, materials, acoustics and landscape as active wellness tools, creating environments that support calm and mental clarity. Where to try it: São Lourenço do Barrocal, Portugal A restored estate where minimalist design, open landscapes and natural materials are central to the restorative experience. barrocal.pt


Nervous-system regulation With a view to tackling stress, poor sleep hygiene and over stimulation, spas are introducing practices — from breathwork to sound therapy, cold exposure and thermal bathing — that calm your body and nervous system. Where to try it: SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain A clinically informed wellness destination specialising in stress regulation, sleep optimisation and emotional balance. shawellness.com


Longevity travel Prioritising prevention, blending medical guidance and restorative therapies to boost health and


WELLNESS TRAVEL/GETTY


8TH JANUARY 2026


NEW YEAR IN THE CAPITAL AN ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE DISTRIBUTED WITH


resilience. Te focus is on practical habits for long-term wellbeing. Where to try it: Lanserhof Tegernsee, Germany A medical-wellness retreat offering elite facilities and movement spaces designed for measurable results. lanserhof.com


Wholesome indulgence Finally, a move away from rigid ‘clean’ or ‘detox’ eating towards pleasure-forward cuisine. Prioritising seasonal, locally grown, plant-based and pescatarian menus. Where to try it: Euphoria Retreat, Greece Mediterranean-rooted cuisine that balances flavour, creativity and abundance. euphoriaretreat.com


Quiet & nature-first Silence and space are at the forefront of nature-led escapism. Ideal for travellers seeking nature immersion, minimal schedules and time offline. Where to try it: Arctic Bath, Swedish Lapland Embrace cold-water immersion, forest bathing, seasonal rituals and gastronomic adventure at this floating restaurant. arcticbath.se


SOURCES


• Booking.com, Travel Predictions 2026 — survey of around 29,000 travellers across 33 countries


• WTM Global Travel Report 2025 — macro travel and consumer behaviour trends


• Reformer Retreats, Sophie Hatton, Founder — Wellness Travel Trends 2026


• Explore Worldwide, Travel Trends & Consumer Data 2026


New year, no PMS or period pain


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Every January, the same slogan appears – ‘new year, new you’. But for many women, the real challenge isn’t becoming someone new; it’s simply feeling like themselves again


Cramps, low mood, fatigue and anxiety aren’t just inconveniences. Tey can affect focus, sleep, work, relationships — every part of life. Yet some of the options for managing these symptoms have changed little in decades, can come with significant side effects and weren’t designed for (or tested on) women. Tat’s why Samphire Neuroscience, a


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For further information: Nettle is available online at samphireneuro.com or in Selfridges.


to target the areas of the brain involved in pain and emotion regulation. Te technology, known as tDCS, has been safely used in clinical and research settings for over 30 years — and is now available to use at home in a device certificated by the MHRA. Unlike painkillers or hormonal treatments, Nettle works by calming the brain’s pain response and supporting mood regulation directly. Te result is a science-backed, non-hormonal option that fits easily into everyday life. “Neurotechnology has been around


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Neuroscience. “What’s new is that it’s finally available to women — with


research to back its use in women specifically. For too long,


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pain and mood symptoms have been under-researched and overlooked. Nettle was designed to change that — to give women real options without compromise.” Small, discreet and simple to use,


Nettle is worn for just 20 minutes a day, five days before the period. Current users report benefits for PMS and period pain — describing improved calm, clarity and control throughout the month. After selling out


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now available again in the UK with a 90-day money-back guarantee, making it completely risk-free to try for three cycles. So this new year, skip the pressure


to reinvent yourself. You don’t need a new you — just no PMS or period pain, all through the year.


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