Welcome to the November edition of Wellness Travel News. This month, I'm sharing my latest review of Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve, introducing a new hotel partner, also in Portugal and highlighting some upcoming retreats and offers for 2027.
I've also been looking ahead to next year and bringing together 12 wellness retreats I've personally experienced, with ideas for where to go and what to consider throughout the year. Whether you're thinking about a restorative break, a more structured wellness program or simply a change of scenery, I hope you'll find a little inspiration here.
This Month's Highlights
Latest Review: Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve, Portugal
New Partner: EPIC SANA Algarve, combining a luxury resort experience with structured wellness
Upcoming Retreats: Specialised experiences at SHA Wellness Clinic, Verdala Wellness Hotel and Absolute Sanctuary
Featured Offers: Advance-booking savings at Chiva-Som and an exclusive 2027 offer at Chenot Palace Weggis
Looking Ahead: Where to go and when in 2027
Discovering Portugal
Latest Review: Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve
Set above the Atlantic in the Algarve, Vilalara combines beautiful gardens and coastal surroundings with a long-standing thalassotherapy heritage and an extensive spa offering.
During my stay, I explored its treatments, wellness activities and facilities, as well as the wider resort experience. It's a lovely option for those looking for a restorative seaside escape with meaningful wellness experiences, without committing to a fully immersive retreat.
Introducing Our New Partner: EPIC SANA Algarve
I'm pleased to welcome EPIC SANA Algarve to The Wellness Travel Expert's collection of hotel partners.
Set along the Algarve coast, EPIC SANA brings together a beautiful beachside setting, contemporary luxury, an excellent spa and the SAYANNA wellness offering. Its approach is a little different from that of a dedicated wellness retreat. Rather than placing the entire stay around a structured health program, it gives guests the opportunity to combine a luxury resort holiday with wellness experiences, from yoga and fitness to more tailored stays.
I particularly like this style of offering for travellers who want to make wellbeing part of their holiday, but aren't necessarily looking for a clinic-style or highly immersive retreat. It's also worth considering for couples with different ideas about what they want from a holiday, or anyone who would like to explore wellness at their own pace.
Having experienced the property myself, I was impressed by the setting, the spa and, especially, the warmth and attentiveness of the team. I'll also be sharing a more detailed review of EPIC SANA Algarve shortly, including my experience of the hotel, its wellness facilities and the type of stay I'd recommend. Keep an eye out for that in the coming weeks.
New Set-Date Retreats Coming Up
A Joyful Transformation With Monique Eastwood at SHA
A unique opportunity to restore energy, improve mobility and reconnect with your body through expert guidance and personalized care.
Join internationally renowned movement specialist Monique Eastwood for an exclusive four-day experience combining her signature approach to movement with SHA’s Rebalance & Energize Health Program.
November 12–15, 2026
Location: SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain
Restore & Reset Wellness Retreat
A four-day retreat designed to help you step away from everyday demands and give more attention to movement, rest, nourishment and recovery. The program combines sunrise yoga, breathwork and mobility with restorative experiences at V SPA, including a wet circuit and 60-minute lymphatic drainage massage. There’s also a nutrition for longevity workshop, mindful time in nature, sound healing and sunset meditation. The retreat concludes with a personal wellness planning session to help you carry some of the practices into everyday life.
Limited to 16 guests, with accommodation, scheduled dining and the wellness program included.
Dates: 17 - 20November 2026
Location: Verdala Wellness Hotel, Malta
Dynamic Duo #1 Rhythm Cycling & Pilates Retreat
A five-day movement-focused retreat combining the energy of rhythm cycling with the strength and precision of Pilates reformer. Led by two instructors from Absolute Bangkok Studio, the program includes four rhythm cycling classes and three reformer Pilates sessions, alongside sunrise beach movement, meditation, infrared hot yoga, contrast therapy and floating sound healing. There’s also a signature spa treatment, wellness cuisine throughout the stay and the choice of a half-day island tour or an additional Pilates class.
A good option for those who enjoy an active holiday with plenty of variety, while still making time for recovery and relaxation.
Dates: 6 - 10 December 2026
Location: Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui
This Month's Featured Wellness Offers:
Save Up to 20% at Chiva-Som
Book your stay at Chiva-Som in advance and save:
20% off stays of three nights or more when booked at least 120 days ahead, or
15% off stays of five nights or more when booked 90+ days ahead.
Book by: 30 September 2027
Travel by: 31 December 2027
Chenot Palace Weggis: Exclusive 2027 Offer
Start the new year with a restorative escape at Chenot Palace Weggis, with an exclusive benefit to enhance your stay.
For visits between January and March 2027, choose between one complimentary night when booking a stay of seven nights or more, or complimentary return airport transfers from Zurich Airport.
Book by: 31 January 2027
Stay period: January to March 2027
Where to Go in 2027?
Planning a wellness escape for next year? I've brought together 12 wellness retreats from around the world, with suggestions for different times of year and a range of wellness interests. From emotional wellbeing in Thailand and active recovery in New Zealand to thalassotherapy in Portugal, the guide explores some of the retreats I would recommend considering throughout 2027.
Feeling Inspired?
Perhaps you've been thinking about taking some time away, exploring a particular wellness program or simply finding somewhere that offers a different pace of life. Whatever has prompted you to consider a wellness escape, I'd be happy to help you work out where to start.
You don't need to have a destination or even a clear idea of what you're looking for. Sometimes it helps to talk through what's important to you and explore what might be possible.
Email hello@thewellnesstravelexpert.com or request a call back at a time that suits you here.