Spring is the ideal season to recharge your batteries and find a new balance. The longer days and milder temperatures encourage contact with nature and the renewal of cycles.
The start of spring marks nature’s renewal – and why not take advantage of the invitation to reset body and mind? In these eight hotels, a wellness retreat takes the shape of experiences that combine spas, gyms, healthy eating and contact with nature – be it by the sea, in historic cities, or in scenarios surrounded by greenery.
Pestana Alvor Praia, Algarve
Perched on the Praia dos Três Irmãos cliffs, the Pestana Alvor Praia has direct access to the sea, which sets the tone of the stay. Daytime in the 5-star hotel in the Algarve can start with a morning walk on the beach or on the walkways of Ria de Alvor, before returning to the hotel for a spot of training in the gym or a session of stretching by the pool. Other features to enjoy include the indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and the massage rooms. The direct link to the beach and the extensive gardens make it easy to alternate between physical exercise, rest and light meals – just the type of balance that defines a spring retreat.
Pestana Rio Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro
Few scenarios are as stimulating for nurturing the body as this hotel by Copacabana beach. At the Pestana Rio Atlântica, the day can begin with a run or walk at the famous seafront promenade (calçadão) designed by Burle Marx, followed by a dip in the hotel’s panoramic rooftop pool. The gym makes it possible to maintain certain training routines, while massages and relaxing treatments help guests recover after an active day. Among exercise sessions and rest breaks, the nearness of the beach and the city’s energy create an urban retreat that combines movement and relaxation.
Pestana Promenade, Funchal
On the island of Madeira, contact with nature is part of everyday life. This 4-star hotel by the sea in Funchal is very close to the Lido promenade, which connects the Lido zone to Praia Formosa, and is ideal for morning walks with a vista of the Atlantic. After exercising, the spa and indoor pool offer a moment of recovery. Outdoors, but very close to the hotel, we find levadas (irrigation channels) and trails throughout the island, perfect for leisurely strolls during spring, when the landscape is particularly green and flowery.
Pestana D. João II, Algarve
In Alvor, the Pestana D. João II is known for its direct access to the beach and the ease with which we can move between the hotel and natural surroundings. Walking on the beach at sunrise or pedalling along the ria’s walkways are simple rituals that are part of a stay geared towards wellness. The hotel in Alvor with spa and pool, facing the beach is ideal for a physical recovery programme, while the calm ambience of the small town of Alvor encourages light meals and unhurried days.
Pestana Chelsea Bridge, London
An urban retreat can also happen in the heart of London, especially off peak. In this 4-star hotel with spa in London, the secret is right in front of you: it’s Battersea Park, one of the city’s biggest green spaces. Start the day with a run among the lakes and florid gardens, take a break for some outdoor yoga or hire a bike and explore the park trails. Back at the hotel, the spa and gym allow guests to maintain wellness routines even during a city break.
Pestana Sintra Golf, Sintra
Between the Sintra mountains and the Atlantic, the hotel with golf and spa in Sintra provides a unique atmosphere for those looking to slow down. The spa includes an indoor heated pool, sauna and relaxing treatments, while the gym allows guests to keep up with their workout routine during their stay. Nearby, there is a wide range of outdoor activities, like the hiking trails in the mountains, not to mention Sintra’s historic gardens to explore, or walks along the Cascais coastline. Once back at the hotel, enjoy a massage or a swim, at a pace that combines nature and comfort.
Pestana Palácio do Freixo, Porto
Housed in an 18th-century Baroque palace, on the banks of the Douro, this 5-star hotel in Porto, with spa and pool, transforms the historic building into a haven of rest and relaxation. The spa occupies what were the old industrial areas and includes the indoor pool, sauna and therapeutic treatments that help guests unwind. Outside the hotel, the riverside promenade allows for walks and runs along the river Douro, while the outdoor panoramic pool is one of the most unexpected spots in the city to relax in the sun.
Pousada Caniçada-Gerês, Gerês
Located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the Pousada Caniçada-Gerês is the right place for a wellness retreat, starting with the landscape. From the mountain hotel in Gerês, the view over the Caniçada reservoir is stunning and, in the spring, the lush vegetation in the park’s trails is at its peak – it’s a great time to take advantage of the bicycles made available by the pousada’s staff, so guests can pedal to their heart’s content. Walking in nature, taking a boat trip or simply enjoying moments of rest on the panoramic terrace, or by the pool can provide simple but memorable experiences, combining fresh air, silence and time to slow down.
