Let’s face it — this summer has been a bit of a bust. Just as the sun peaks out, the threat of rain and gloom is around the corner (July, we’re looking at you). So if you’re sick and tired of this version of British summertime, you may be tempted to look further afield for a much-needed escape.

Below is Stylist’s edit of the very best retreats outside the UK to try this summer and into autumn 2023. From a pilates retreat in Portugal to a wellness weekend in Turkey, these getaways are sure to leave you feeling rested.

1. Oona Series, Ibiza

More than just a few days away basking in the sun and drinking spinach-tinted juices, Oona Series is a retreat focused on science and stress management. The programme was launched earlier this year by Catie Miller, founder of the London-based class workout Barre Series, and Boniface Verney-Carron, an osteopath with a London practice. Stylist was there to experience the inaugural retreat at Six Senses Ibiza.

The retreat offers attendees a four-day programme filled with a mix of workouts (Miller teaches her signature barre class each morning), breath work (a two-hour session taught by a local practitioner, which left people in tears when we visited) and cold-water plunging in the chilly Xarraca Bay. You can also expect an osteopathy session with Verney-Carron, two treatments in the spa and nutrient-dense evening dinners with your fellow guests. While there’s time factored in for lounging around, you’ll leave this retreat feeling as though you’ve done some proper work on yourself too – from challenging yourself with a dive into the cold sea to analysing your lifestyle with Verney-Carron and amping up your workouts with Miller, it’s a holiday with a purpose. 

Then there’s the venue – for those in the know, Six Senses Ibiza is a wellness-haven in the making. The hotel’s ‘longevity-focused’ RoseBar (that’s wellness-speak for biohacking) led by the world-renowned Dr. Mark Hyman has just opened, meaning you can try its latest weird-and-wonderful wellness offerings while you’re there – the hyperbaric oxygen chamber is certainly a must-see. However much you choose to indulge, it will be an unforgettable (and rejuvenating) experience.

Where: The always-wonderful Six Senses Ibiza

When: A four-night stay in Ibiza, 26-29 October 2023 

Price: £3,886-6,481 (€4,512-7,524)

2. The Body Camp in Mallorca, Spain

This unique wellness experience in Mallorca is designed to give you a full reset. From fitness and food to relaxation, The Body Camp has a little bit of everything. 

You’ll stay in a beautiful, modern hotel that offers a pool, tennis courts, a gym, a running track and a yoga studio. The on-site plant-based dining room is open five times a day and hosts talks on nutrition and cooking. With fitness classes and meditation on offer throughout your stay, you’ll never wonder what to do next.

Situated in the stunning town of Sencelles, you will also have the opportunity to explore a quaint history Spanish town, filled with ancient rural churches and winding streets. You’ll also find a few wineries and hiking opportunities in the surrounding countryside.

Where: The Body Camp Mallorca hotel, in the charming town of Sencelles, Mallorca

When: A 7-night stay from Friday to Friday, any time you like

Price: £2,475 to £4,950 per person

3. Five-day wellness retreat at Andronis Arcadia in Santorini, Greece

This retreat is perfect for families looking to embark on a wellness journey together. The five-day retreat will feature a number of family-oriented wellness workshops to help you strengthen your mind-body connection and find a deep sense of wellbeing. You’ll also find plenty of children’s activities on the itinerary. The retreat will feature food from an on-site chef and throughout your stay, you’ll have access to a private pool from your suite.

Staying in the coastal town of Oia, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a stunning cliffside town with classic white and blue Grecian architecture. The town is also home to a number of gorgeous beaches. Be sure to catch the breathtaking sunset that paints the white homes a soft shade of pink each evening.  

Where: Andronis Arcadia, Oia, Santorini, Greece

When: 16-20 August 2023

Price: £425 per night

4. Alexa Idama pilates retreat at Octant Praia Verde in Faro, Portugal

This pilates retreat promises to bring you strength and rest all in a gorgeous coastal location. Led by renowned American pilates instructor Alexa Idama, the retreat features meditation, yoga and pilates each day, to leave you feeling strong and open after your six days in Portugal. The itinerary also features local wine tastings, sailing trips and community dinners.

You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the local town of Faro, which is known for its ancient Moorish wall. Filled with gorgeous historical buildings, pedestrian streets and sandy beaches, you’ll love wandering around Faro and maybe snapping an Instagram photo or two.

Where: Octant Praia Verde hotel in Faro, on the south coast of Portugal

When: 2-7 October 2023

Price: £2,760 (€3200) per person

5. Return to Yourself at Spa Village Resort in Bali, Indonesia

A yoga and wellness treat in Bali that aims to help you slow down and reconnect with yourself. “This yoga and wellness retreat was crafted by a woman who has been travelling alone for many years to provide solo women travellers or in the company of friends, a nurturing environment to explore regular and speciality yoga classes, expand the mind through guided meditation, indulge in spa treatments, enjoy opportunities to discover Bali, its people, culture, food and natural wonders, and meet new like-minded friends,” reads the description.

During the retreat, you’ll receive a foot bath treatment, three meals a day made from local ingredients, lifestyle coaching, meditation classes, yoga classes, nightly spa treatments and several local group excursions. The fourth day of the retreat is observed as a day of silence.

Where: Spa Village Resort in Tembok Bali

When: 4-7 September 2023 and 4-7 December 2023

Price: £900-£1,565 ($1,150-$2,000)

6. Araṇĭ Yoga and Meditation at Finca Cortesin in Málaga, Spain

This private yoga and meditation retreat in Spain is ideal for those looking for a quiet option. Stay for two, three or four nights in the tranquil villa at Finca Cortesin. You’ll get one yoga session and one meditative yoga session every day, along with breakfast, lunch and access to the beach club.

In between sessions, explore the city of Málaga, where you’ll find bars, restaurants, museums, architecture and more. 

Where: Finca Cortesin hotel in Málaga, Spain

When: 2,3 or 4 nights, any time

Price: £1,805-£3,650 (€2,092-€4,349)

7. Pillar Wellness Retreat at Yazz Collective, Turkey

This luxury retreat will leave your body feeling strong and your mind relaxed. Located in a stunning resort on the coast of Turkey, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, from fitness to food to spa treatments. 

During the retreat, you’ll be treated to two movement sessions each day along with a number of activities, including a low alcohol cocktail workshop, a jeep safari, a hike and a private boat trip. Meals and spa treatments are also included in the package. 

Where: Yazz Collective, a hotel on the west coast of Turkey

When: 18-22 September 2023

Price: £3,675-£3,751

8. Tarant Retreat at Vair Spa in Puglia, Italy

This one-of-a-kind ritualistic retreat is reserved for female guests only. “Tarant is an exquisitely feminine and liberating path, infused with the essence of the phenomenon of tarantism — a century-old purifying ritual for souls who needed help,” reads the website. “Women who, according to local legends, had been bitten by a spider, the ‘tarantula’, and had to soothe internal vulnerabilities.”

During this retreat, you’ll have two fitness classes, one yoga class, three personalised treatments, two dance workshops and an introduction to aromatherapy. You’ll also get the chance to rent a bike to explore all the ‘heel of Italy’ has to offer.

Where: Vair Hotel in Brindisi, Puglia, Italy

When: 4 nights, enquire for availability

Price: £2,570 (€2980)

Image: courtesy of Six Senses Ibiza