Tag: wellness travel

Top 3 Transformational Retreats

These Retreats Will Change You – Mind, Body & Soul

There are holidays, and then there are retreats — the kind of soulful sanctuaries that realign your perspective, clear the emotional clutter, and reignite your sense of purpose. At Pippa Rose Travel, we believe in experiences that don’t just pamper, but transform. Because sometimes, what you really need isn’t just a break — it’s a breakthrough.

Here are three of the world’s most powerful transformational retreats that promise more than rest and relaxation. They offer renewal and change.

🌿 1. Lanserhof – Austria, Sylt & Tegernsee

Best For: Total mind-body reset through cutting-edge medical wellness
Transformation Type: Physical and mental clarity, detox, longevity

At the pinnacle of European medi-wellness lies Lanserhof, a retreat that marries modern science with ancient healing. With locations in the Austrian Alps, Sylt, and Lake Tegernsee, Lanserhof’s approach is clinical yet deeply holistic. From diagnostics to detox, naturopathy to neuroscience, you’re taken on a fully personalised journey that strips everything back — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Expect medical-grade treatments, silent fasting, therapeutic massages, and guidance from world-class physicians and healers. It’s less spa weekend, more full-system reboot. Many guests call it “life before and after Lanserhof” — and we completely understand why.

Think: Less croissants by the pool, more cellular regeneration and a profound sense of clarity.

🐎 2. Aerial BVI, British Virgin Islands

Best For: Emotional breakthroughs, empowerment, and equine therapy
Transformation Type: Emotional healing, purpose finding, spiritual awakening

Where else can you swim with horses in turquoise waters, journal under the stars, and participate in equine therapy that literally helps you release trauma and limiting beliefs?

Welcome to Aerial BVI, a private island retreat designed for true emotional elevation. These intimate, purpose-driven retreats bring together coaching, nature immersion, group sessions, and powerful animal therapy — all wrapped in barefoot luxury. Each retreat is themed — from “Abundance” to “Healing” — and every detail is crafted to help you shed your fears and connect to your highest self.

This isn’t about escaping life — it’s about becoming who you were always meant to be.

Think: Transformational therapy meets tropical luxury, with a side of saltwater soul searching.

🌺 3. Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand

Best For: Stress, burnout, emotional exhaustion
Transformation Type: Restorative healing, nervous system reset, deep inner peace

Tucked into a lush hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Kamalaya is a retreat for the weary — a sacred sanctuary for those who are running on empty. If life’s pace has left you feeling frayed, Kamalaya’s renowned Stress & Burnout program is the antidote.

Blending Eastern wisdom with Western diagnostics, Kamalaya’s approach combines traditional Chinese medicine, emotional coaching, herbal therapies, and soul-soothing rituals. It’s gentle, nurturing, and deeply restorative. You’ll find stillness, strength, and support — with every massage, every ocean breeze, and every nourishing meal.

Think: Floating in a jungle-fringed pool, realising for the first time in years — “I can breathe again.”

Your Transformational Journey Awaits

These aren’t just holidays — they are turning points. Whether you need to detoxify, heal, or rediscover your purpose, these transformational sanctuaries offer space, support, and soul-level change.

Get in touch to start planning your transformation.

+447990824249 or +351914249592
[email protected]
Instagram: @pipparosetravel

Top 10 Spa Retreats for Foodies

For those who believe that true wellbeing begins on the plate, we’ve curated a list of our favourite spa retreats where food is a transformative experience. These aren’t just places to detox — they are destinations to reflect, reconnect and rejuvenate. Each one pairs nourishing cuisine with restorative wellness programmes, proving that indulgence and health can live deliciously side by side. From the refined Ayurvedic plates at Six Senses Vana to the rustic, hyper-local feasting at The Pig in the Cotswolds, these destinations combine gastronomic artistry with soul serenity.

1. Six Senses Vana, India

A sacred sanctuary in the Himalayan foothills, Vana marries ancient Ayurvedic principles with contemporary wellness. Meals are customised, plant-forward, and spiritually grounding.

2. Forestis Dolomites, Italy

Breathe in the mountain air and savour pine-infused cuisine at this ultra-sustainable alpine hideaway. Every dish is a tribute to nature’s rhythms and raw beauty.

3. Como Shambhala Estate, Bali

An immersive wellness retreat with a holistic food philosophy. Expect raw delights, fresh tropical produce, and a tranquil jungle setting that feeds body and mind.

4. Lime Wood, Hampshire, UK

Where forest-to-fork meets fine dining. With menus crafted by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, Lime Wood celebrates unfussy food using homegrown ingredients.

5. Amanemu, Japan

Set on the shores of Ago Bay, Amanemu blends traditional Japanese wellness with refined kaiseki cuisine. Every bite is as healing as the mineral-rich onsen waters.

6. Chiva-Som, Thailand

A pioneer in holistic health, Chiva-Som crafts gourmet wellness menus that are delicious, balanced, and beautifully presented. Think spa cuisine with serious soul.

7. Babylonstoren, South Africa

Unpretentious yet elegant, Babylonstoren brings the concept of eating seasonally to life. Every plate reflects the garden’s current bounty, paired with world-class wines.

8. Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany

A 13th-century villa turned luxury retreat, where Michelin-starred dining meets biodynamic farming. Rich, rustic and endlessly romantic.

9. The Pig in the Cotswolds, UK

Expect crackling fires, comfy sofas, and menus that change by the day. The Pig’s 25-mile ethos means nearly everything on your plate is from nearby fields or forests.

10. Arantza Hotela, Spain

A serene, design-forward hideaway in the Basque hills where local produce meets inventive cuisine. The perfect pairing of peaceful spa days and bold Basque flavours.

These exquisite spa escapes show that taking care of yourself doesn’t mean sacrificing joy. In fact, when you eat well, you live well. So here’s to celebrating wellness in all its delicious forms — fork in one hand, rosé in the other.

Ready to treat yourself to a glorious mind and body reset? Let us craft your perfect foodie retreat.

+447990824249 or +351914249592
[email protected]
Instagram: @pipparosetravel

Treat Yourself to the Joy of Solo Travel

Valentine’s Day is all about love—and that includes self-love, self-care, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or just flirting with the idea of an adventure for one, there’s nothing quite like exploring the world on your own terms. No compromises, no schedules—just curiosity and possibility.

So, in the spirit of treating yourself, here are five destinations that promise a mix of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable experiences—perfect for the intrepid solo traveller.

🌿 1. Bali, Indonesia – The Ultimate Soul-Soothing Escape

Bali is where solo travellers go to find themselves (or at least a really good smoothie bowl). Start in Ubud, where boutique hotels, lush rice terraces, and serene temples create the perfect backdrop for a journey of self-discovery. Take a morning yoga class overlooking the jungle, wander through the Monkey Forest, and sip turmeric lattes in an organic café. If you’re craving a beach scene, Canggu offers surf, sunsets, and a buzzing social scene.

💡 Solo travel tip: Bali is a hotspot for solo adventurers, so you’ll never be short of company if you want it. Join a cooking class, take a surf lesson, or strike up a conversation at one of the island’s many stylish co-working cafés.

🎋 2. Kyoto, Japan – A Love Letter to Tranquility & Tradition

For a solo trip that feels like stepping into a living work of art, Kyoto is the place. Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering green stalks sway in the breeze, and take a moment of zen at a centuries-old temple. Wander the narrow streets of Gion, where geishas still glide between tea houses, and sip matcha in a traditional garden.

💡 Solo travel tip: Kyoto’s omakase sushi counters and ramen bars are perfect for solo dining, and the city is one of the safest in the world—ideal for late-night wanders through lantern-lit alleyways.

🏔 3. Cusco, Peru – Adventure, Culture & Altitude-Fuelled Bliss

If your idea of romance is falling in love with a destination, Cusco will steal your heart. A gateway to Machu Picchu, this charming city blends Incan history with lively markets, colonial architecture, and high-altitude adventures. Start your day at Plaza de Armas, sipping coca tea while people-watching, before heading to the San Pedro Market for a feast of local flavours (don’t miss the quinoa soup or fresh fruit juices!).

💡 Solo travel tip: Cusco is a backpacker’s dream, meaning it’s easy to meet fellow travellers. Book a small-group trek to Machu Picchu, or opt for the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train if hiking isn’t your vibe.

🐘 4. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Temples, Street Food & Slow Living

Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai is a dreamy solo destination, offering a mix of spirituality, adventure, and incredible food. Start your day watching the sun rise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a dazzling golden temple perched high above the city, before indulging in the local street food scene. Head to the Chang Phueak Gate area, where you’ll find the famous “Cowboy Hat Lady” serving up some of the best khao kha moo (stewed pork leg) in the city. Trust us, you’ll be dreaming of this forever. And with the recent season of White Lotus set in Thailand, the country is about to get hotter than hot—so now’s the perfect time to go if you love a bit of buzz. 

💡 Solo travel tip: Chiang Mai’s digital nomad community means you’ll always find fellow travellers. Join a meditation retreat, take a Thai cooking class, or simply spend the afternoon café-hopping in the city’s trendy Nimmanhaemin district.

❄️ 5. Reykjavik, Iceland – Otherworldly Beauty for the Independent Explorer

If you’re after epic landscapes and a little self-reflection, Iceland is the ultimate solo travel destination. Start in Reykjavik, where you can soak in the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon, stroll through colourful streets, and hunt for the Northern Lights as night falls. If you’re up for a road trip, drive the Golden Circle for waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy novel.

💡 Solo travel tip: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, making it ideal for solo female travellers. Join a small-group Northern Lights tour, or rent a car for a drive through the wild, untouched beauty of the Icelandic countryside.

💌 Fall in Love with the World (and Yourself!)

Solo travel is the ultimate act of self-love—a chance to explore at your own pace, follow your whims, and fully immerse yourself in a new destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, these destinations promise experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags.

So, what’s stopping you? Book the ticket, pack your bags, and treat yourself to the best gift of all—an adventure that’s just for you.

+447990824249 or +351914249592
[email protected]
Instagram: @pipparosetravel

Romantic Hotels in Portugal

Roses are red, violets are blue, and this Valentine’s Day we have the hotel for you…

Dia dos Namorados, as it’s known here in Portugal, is a day to celebrate love or essentially an excuse for us to all eat lots of chocolate and hope someone sends us flowers. Over the years the day has evolved to galentine’s day or palentine’s day, however we’re all about the romance this February and this glorious country is filled with lots of glorious hotels to explore. So why wait, take your Valentine to one of our selected nine;

 

1. Valverde Santar Hotel & Spa, Viseu
Located in the North of Portugal, this gorgeous spa hotel is ideal for a few days away. The property boasts 21 rooms and suites, a series of living and meeting rooms full of history, a restaurant serving Portuguese haute cuisine, an impressive spa with a large indoor pool and an idyllic post-Renaissance garden with an outdoor heated pool and plenty of picture-perfect places to walk or relax. Being a Relais and Chateaux property their culinary expertise are set to impress.


2. Vila Vita Parc, The Algarve
Often famed as a more of a family friendly place, this stunning coastal resort also caters for couples. They have an adults only wing with breathtaking sea views that are so good you may want to just order room service and not leave. If you travel with your little ones their kids club and babysitting services are fantastic, which gives you time to have lunch on the beach or a romantic dinner for two in their wine cellar.


3. Octant Furnas, The Azores
With direct flights from Faro to Ponta Delgada it couldn’t be easier to travel to the Hawaii of Europe. The Azores is an adventurer’s playground with whale watching and dramatic volcanic scenery. Time to get steamy at the Octant Furnas, by this we mean bathing in the hotel’s hot springs of course. This romantic boutique’s interiors pay homage to the island’s natural beauty with accent walls showing off waterfalls and calderas, plant pots aplenty and natural colourways. You can also bring your furbabies here, who will actually be VIPd more than you!

4. Quinta do Porto Nogueira, Óbidos
An undiscovered gem lies 40 minutes north of Lisbon. Quinta do Porto Nogueira is the essence of a family owned boutique hotel, which to our delight is also housed on a vineyard. You can spend your afternoons strolling through vines and sipping on wines before enjoying a homemade candlelit dinner. The interiors are boho chic with cosy touches such as a fireplace overlooked by your king bed. We also loved their outdoor fire pit which should be coupled with a glass of one of their vinho tintos.

5. The Rebello, Porto
New to the Portuguese hotel scene, The Rebello is not to be missed! Perfectly positioned for jaw dropping views over Porto and the river Douro, if not from your room then from their rooftop bar. Think industrial chic meets Portuguese heritage. They also have an unbelievable spa, which let’s face it is all we want from a weekend getaway (and wine, which is definitely on the menu). Nothing says I love you like booking the latest trendy hotel.

6. The Six Senses Douro Valley, Douro Valley
The current grand dam of luxury hotels in Portugal, and for good reason might we add. Located in one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine regions, The Six Senses is perched on a hilltop in a 19th century manor. As a brand their focus is on wellbeing and this Portuguese edition is no exemption to the rule – spend your afternoons making your own body scrubs or perfecting your yoga form with views of the valley. The food is also very much garden to table and the hotel can even arrange a romantic picnic for you.

7. Casa de S. Lourenço, Serra da Estrela
If snow capped mountains and cosying up by a fire doesn’t scream romance then we don’t know what does. A humble bed and breakfast turned sleek mountain lodge, Casa de São Lourenço is an ideal hideaway with your loved one. Explore the many mountain trails near the hotel before heading back for a spot of soothing R&R in their spa. Their floor to ceiling glass-fronted restaurant with jaw-dropping views is just the place for dinner for two.

8. Immerso, Ericeira
From snowy mountains to surfer’s paradise, Immerso is a super trendy zen-like hotspot for the ample surfer who wants the lap of luxury to boot. The decor is simple with modern touches and this is very much a “slow” hotel with sustainability at the forefront. The Hopeless romantic in you can swoon over endless horizons, pine-scented breezes and starlit evenings wine in hand soundtracked by crashing surf.


9. Dá Licença, The Alentejo
If this place isn’t on your radar, it should be. Dá Licença is the labor of love from a successful duo. Vitor Borges and Franck have brought their aesthetic ideas, sensibilities, tastes and ways of looking at the world to create a unique hotel noticeable for its commitment to quality and artistry. Plus, it’s adults only and a real place to unplug from the outside world.

All of these hotels are available to book through Pippa Rose Travel, who will tailor make your trip and ensure you are VIPd during your stay; whether that’s a complimentary upgrade, a food and beverage credit or a massage.

Contact us on:

+7990824249 or +351914249592
[email protected]
Instagram: @pipparostravel