The ultimate healthy holiday looks different for everyone. But we can probably all agree that it involves returning feeling better than we left, and a general increased sense of well-being. Sometimes that means hiding away in a spa resort and intensively detoxing our body and mind. And sometimes that means taking the time to nourish our mind, body and soul…

Portugal is fast becoming a wellness destination, with health-seekers flocking to its growing number of luxurious spa and well retreats. The Algarve region, blessed with a warm climate, wild coastlines and cliff-backed beaches, offers the perfect haven for wellness retreats, and all of Portugal’s sun-drenched landscapes create the perfect backdrop for a journey towards wellbeing.

Switzerland’s spa and wellness offerings go above and beyond. Home to world-class medical resorts, as well as exceptional luxury havens, each excels in all areas of spa, pushing boundaries and challenging conventional wellness ideas.

Straddling the border between eastern Europe and western Asia, Turkey has a long history of spa excellence. Hammam have been part of Turkish culture for more than 1400 years and some of Istanbul’s marble bath houses have been in use since the early 18th century.

The award-winning Lefay Resorts in Italy has unveiled two autumn wellness retreats, inviting guests to embrace the season as a time for reflection and renewal.

Experts from the globally-acclaimed wellness retreat, Ananda in the Himalayas, are travelling to the enchanting Celtic lands of Mid Wales for a brand new healing retreat, held in partnership with Charlotte Church, world-renowned singer and custodian of The Dreaming.

This September, Maria Sharapova will host a four-day curated wellness programme at Amanzoe, Greece, designed to build mental and physical resilience.

There’s a new treatment in town, courtesy of the award-winning spa at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, combining hypnotherapy and massage in a luxurious double whammy – designed especially for troubled sleepers.

Cooling crystal facials, bamboo sheets and a side of Michelin-star dining on the edge of Dartmoor… Women’s health has become one of luxury wellness travel’s fastest-growing frontiers, and menopause is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Boringdon Hall’s new GAIA MenoPAUSE break is among the UK’s most thoughtfully realised examples.

Italy may just be Europe’s ultimate wellness hub, with sensational spas and wellness retreats sprawled across the entire country. Wellness and wellbeing are embodied as cultural norms – and as picture-perfect destinations go, it’s got that nailed, too.

Swiss Alpine elegance harmonises with Asian luxury in this five-star affair with rejuvenating spa rituals, exquisite cuisine – and one of Europe’s longest pools.

Going it alone is becoming increasingly popular for wellness breaks. Here’s our edit of the best spa and wellness retreats for solo travellers.

Gut health is a hot topic in wellness circles, and for a good reason. We now know that looking after your good gut bacteria is as crucial to overall health as regular exercise and a balanced diet. Probiotic, prebiotic, microbiome, alkaline… with so much jargon flying around about gut health, it can be hard to know where to start. To kick-start your journey toward optional gut health, The Luxury Spa Edit have selected the very best luxury retreats.

Here is our pick of six of the best luxury yoga retreat destinations around the globe.

Arriving by sea plane guarantees an A-list feel before even stepping foot on the island of Halaveli…

If you’re looking for a hotel with a spa that oozes luxury and promises relaxation, from holistic hideaways to results-driven wellness centres, here is our pick of the best…

Nestled in the idyllic setting of Paradise Bay, along the coastline of the Turkish Riviera, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is a beacon of luxury that exceeds expectations.

Spain is a haven for uber luxurious wellness escapes. Where better to soothe the soul and focus on your health than on a sun-soaked retreat in the Iberian Peninsula?

World-renowned health destination Clinique La Prairie has announced the launch of their ‘Brain Potential Programme’.

With its stunning rocky coastline, pine forests, olive groves and vineyards the Peloponnese is as rich in natural beauty as it is in history. The wealth of archaeological sites in the area include the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, with its renowned amphitheatre, and the legendary citadel of Mycenae – both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Stella Photi, the Pioneer of wellbeing travel and Founder of Wellbeing Escapes will be hosting the first ‘Wellbeing Escapes’ retreat at Tofte Manor from 5 – 8 September

The original – and many say still the best – therapeutic fasting clinic, Buchinger Wilhelmi is a no-nonsense medi-spa that promises to restore and revive body, mind and soul.

Overlooking the terraced forests in the cooler central region of Ubud in Bali, Como Shambhala Estate sits within one of the most serene locations I have ever experienced. With forest noises ranging from an evening frog chorus from the lily ponds to the robust chattering of the larger variety of gecko, the ‘Tokay’ often found in Southeast Asia, you really do feel if not at one, then certainly close enough to nature.

VIVAMAYR Medical Health Resort Maria Wörth has introduced a new medical treatment program, ‘Active Breath’, designed specifically for the treatment of respiratory and lung conditions.