Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale / Welcome to Fife

Wellness Breaks in Scotland

Escape the stresses of modern-day life and nurture your mind, body and spirit in Scotland. There are plenty of relaxing experiences and activities on offer across the country.

Find experiences

Search a wide range of accommodation, events, food & drink options and things to do from indoor and outdoor attractions to activities, tours and more.

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Find the best retreat holidays in Scotland

A wellness holiday is one which makes your physical and mental health the number one priority. Find some bliss with a calming escape by the water or book an outdoor walking holiday.

Slow Travel Adventures in Scotland

Slow travel in Scotland - what does it mean?

9 Slow Travel Experiences in Scotland

Discover the joys of slow travel with these incredible adventures you can experience at a relaxed pace.

Short coastal holidays in Scotland

Get away from it all with a lochside or coastal break or canal holiday in Scotland.

8 rural and remote escapes in Scotland

Try some of these remote stays in Scotland and you’ll be rewarded with the most serene and undiscovered places.

Wellbeing Escapes and Holidays for the Mind

Escape your busy everyday routine with a peaceful retreat to the Highlands, a mellow wander around a museum or gallery, or why not spend a night or two in a delightful spa? There are plenty of attractions and locations across the country that will help relax your mind and leave you feeling rejuvenated.

The pools at Glen Rosa with a view of Goat Fell on the Isle of Arran

RELAXING WELLBEING RETREATS

Head off on a relaxing wellbeing retreat where you can disconnect from your phone and busy life and feel your stresses melt away.

In Dumfries & Galloway, the Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist Temple is a hidden gem in the south that offers guided tours, an inviting Tibetan tearoom, a gift shop, as well as courses in meditation, mindfulness and more.

Revitalise your mind with some Tai Chi, yoga and meditation at the Holy Isle - Mindfulness Retreat on the Isle of Arran. On this peaceful Buddhist island, you can book wellness retreat packages to relax, master your yoga moves, learn how to calm your mind with meditation and more.

In Beauly, near Inverness, join in a workshop or stay for a holiday at Wild Rose Escapes who offer craft courses, relaxation retreats and more in the serene 100 acres of woodland on the edge of Glen Affric.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Scotland's museums and galleries are gems in themselves, and often very peaceful and quiet places where you can admire centuries old art, modern creations, and wander at your own pace through years of creativity and expression.

Across Scotland you can visit hundreds of museums and galleries in many nooks and crannies you wouldn't expect as part of a wellbeing break, from tiny heritage museums in traditional crofts, to modern buildings big enough to house the Concorde.

Kirkcudbright Galleries in Dumfries & Galloway, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the Shetland Museum & Archives, and the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore are just a few of the places you can uncover fascinating facts about Scotland's history and heritage on your wellness holiday.

A golfer plays the Old Course at St Andrews.

© Visit Scotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

WELLNESS SPAS AND RELAXATION RETREATS

Book yourself in for a luxury spa day at one of the many spa hotels, resorts and getaways located across the country. Head to a prestigious castle, relax amongst towering Scottish mountains, indulge in four-star hotels, or pamper yourself on a city break - the opportunities are endless.

On Loch Tay, why not spoil yourself at the Taymouth Marina? This lochside hot box sauna is a new addition to the shores of Loch Tay and is surrounded by a fire pit, panoramic windows, and gorgeous woodland views wherever you turn.

Other places that won't disappoint is the Fairmont St Andrews and the Isle of Eriska Spa in Argyll, to name a few.

Ever fancied a relaxing retreat amidst the swooping valleys and towering mountains of the Highlands? The Body Toolkit Retreat teaches you the key tools and techniques to combat stress and negative thoughts, all whilst relaxing in tranquil surroundings of the Scottish Highlands.

These retreats are guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and nourished, with the skills and mindset to achieve your goals at a health spa in Scotland.

Why not relax your body with a soothing massage at a health retreat in Scotland? A deep tissue or Swedish massage is great for putting your muscles at ease and getting rid of all the knots and sore spots. Stobo Castle in the Scottish Borders will be offering a range of body treatments among the stunning southern landscapes.

Wellness Retreats for the Body

Stretch your legs, explore a tranquil forest, breathe in the crisp seaside air, or enjoy a range of watersports on a retreat in Scotland. Head out into the countryside and explore some of Scotland's most peaceful spots, or why not challenge yourself to climb a Munro, or chill out on a steady stroll around a picturesque loch on your wellbeing holiday.

YOGA RETREATS

If you've discovered yoga recently or are an advanced yogi, consider swapping your studio or bedroom floor with a retreat centre in Scotland. In South Scotland, yoga days and retreats are available from Roulotte Retreat, near Melrose, and Galloway Holistic Retreats in Auchencairn in Dumfries & Galloway.

In Perthshire, keep an eye out for regular yoga retreats at Pitlochry's Saorsa 1875, a hotel famed for its vegan menu and ethical philosophy. Why not awaken your senses with a Scottish riverside yoga retreat? At EcoYoga, you can perfect your poses in the peaceful, beautiful landscapes of Argyll. Explore more relaxing sessions or try out your first yoga class with Yoga Scotland.

WALKING ROUTES

If there's one thing that Scotland can boast in all corners of the country, it's walking routes. There are hundreds you can uncover, but there are a special few that have a spiritual element to them.

The Way of St Andrews has been revived as one of the greatest pilgrimages of the world. Choose from ten routes that cover central, south and the east coast of Scotland, all of which range from 6 - 279 km and vary in elevation and terrain so there will be something for everyone.

The Fife Pilgrim Way covers 64 miles of medieval landmarks, industrial landscapes, and picturesque villages, alongside stunning views and coastal gems, as it weaves its way to St Andrews.

In the Scottish Borders, why not head off along the Borders Abbeys Way? Joining up the magnificent abbeys of Kelso, Melrose, Jedburgh and Dryburgh, this 64.5-mile circular route is one for the explorers, taking in the magical landscapes of the south of Scotland that will leave you in awe.

For something different, or a retreat for one, why not take a fluffy alpaca for a walk? Head to Kelso in the Scottish Borders where you can meet or trek with the friendly residents of Beirhope Alpacas amongst the stunning backdrop of the Cheviot Hills - a therapeutic afternoon with a cuddly companion.

Check out these 9 alternatives to Ben Nevis for a quiet day hill walking in Scotland.

Try a Wellness Activity

Stunning wild swimming locations in Scotland

Glide into a still loch in the shadows of Munros and castles, or slip straight into the salty seas of the Atlantic Ocean or North Sea.

15 Relaxing Wellness Walks in Scotland

Scotland is a walker's dream. Enjoy the best forest, mountain and coastal trails for free.

8 Water Wellness Experiences in Scotland

Discover all the great water wellness experiences Scotland has to offer including kayaking, paddleboarding, wild swimming, waterfall walks and more!

6 of the Best Yoga Retreats in Scotland

Unwind with our top serene yoga and meditation retreats in Scotland.

16 ways to experience Scotland outdoors

Sail around Scotland on a classic boat, take a guided walk around the beautiful islands, or learn to levitate on the water.

The Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis

Wellness Breaks in Scotland for the Soul

Explore the magical and otherworldly spots across the country that will leave you in awe and itching to uncover more.

Elgol, Isle of Skye

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

From some of the most iconic locations in Scotland, and ancient standing stones, to peaceful forests ideal for self-reflection and the opportunity to camp in an ancient church, there are plenty of spiritual retreats in Scotland to enjoy.

HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Immerse yourself in a magical Scottish retreat. Head to the Isle of Skye for an enchanting wellbeing escape, with mesmerising mountains alongside the iconic Kilt Rock sea cliff in north east Trotternish. This mystical attraction is a beauty to experience, and features the stunning Mealt Waterfall nearby which elegantly freefalls off the cliff for 60 m into the Sound of Raasay below.

On the Isle of Lewis, the ancient Calanais Standing Stones are a real sight to see. These world-famous stones have marked the landscape for over 5,000 years and boast a true enigmatic and magical quality when you see them in person.

There are many other spiritual and sacred attractions across Scotland that you can explore, including the Ring of Brodgar on Orkney, Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders, and Iona Abbey on the Isle of Iona, to name a few.

FOREST BATHING

Did you know, forest bathing reduces stress and promotes your wellbeing? Originating from Japan, it involves immersing yourself in the peaceful sights, sounds and sensations of the woods to relax and re-centre your mind and body. Cardrona in the Tweed Valley Forest Park, Faskallay in the Tay Forest Park and Glentrool in the Galloway Forest Park are great spots for a relaxing wellness retreat in Scotland.

Looking Across The Coast To The Jetty On The Isle Of Iona

UNIQUE ESCAPES

Scotland has its fair share of unusual attractions, locations and historic spots that make for a fascinating adventure.

Join in with experiential workshops, conferences and events with The Findhorn Foundation to learn about the inner voice of spirit, the intelligence of nature, and how we can connect more with ourselves and the people around us.

The foundation has two centres, Cluny Hill and the Isle of Iona, which are both nestled amidst stunning landscapes, tranquil scenery and offer up some of the best retreat holidays to reconnect with yourself.

Have you ever had a wellbeing weekend in a church? Why not try out Champing? This unique idea allows you to appreciate these ancient masterpieces, whilst helping to preserve them for the future as all proceeds go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the churches.

Speaking of ancient buildings, the Isle of Iona is home to the well-known Iona Abbey which is the oldest and most sacred religious place in western Europe. Come along and marvel at this incredible spiritual location for yourself.

In Perthshire, one of the most popular events to grace the calendar is the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry. This magical event brings together stunning light installations, mesmerising music, and a truly unique atmosphere as you wander through Faskally Woods.