UK's Best Wellness Travel Specialist 2026: Healing Holidays Recognised by Condé Nast Traveller

We're thrilled to share that Healing Holidays has been named the UK's leading wellness travel specialist by Condé Nast Traveller. This prestigious recognition validates what we've dedicated ourselves to for over two decades: creating transformative wellness journeys tailored precisely to your needs. Since our founding, we've been committed to connecting discerning travellers with the world's finest retreats, spas, and medical wellness centres—and this accolade confirms our position as the trusted authority in wellness travel. Discover more about our story and values.

Why Condé Nast Traveller Named Us the "Michelin Guide" of Wellness

Condé Nast Traveller's endorsement isn't simply flattering. It's a testament to our rigorous standards. The publication described Healing Holidays as "the leading authority on wellness travel" and praised our approach of "thoroughly testing all spas" before we recommend them to clients. Just as the Michelin Guide wouldn't award stars without personal visits, we won't feature a retreat we haven't personally vetted.

What does "Best Specialist" actually mean for you? It means you benefit from:

• Exclusive Access: Priority bookings and room categories that aren't available to the general public
• Negotiated Rates: We secure preferential pricing and added-value packages you won't find by booking directly
• Personal Site Visits: Our consultants travel extensively to experience treatments, meet practitioners, and assess facilities first-hand, from palace spas to intimate holistic retreats
• Impartial Expertise: Unlike resorts promoting their own properties, we offer unbiased guidance across our entire global portfolio

This recognition confirms that when you choose Healing Holidays, you're working with specialists who have earned the trust of the world's most discerning travel authority.

20 Years of Wellness Expertise: The Healing Holidays Difference

Healing Holidays was founded by Frances Geoghegan, a wellness travel pioneer who recognised that transformative health journeys require specialist knowledge. For over 20 years, Frances and our expert team have built relationships with the world's finest wellness destinations: from Ayurvedic ashrams in Kerala to cutting-edge medical spas in the Austrian Alps, from Thailand's tropical sanctuaries to Italy's therapeutic thermal springs.

Our consultants don't simply book holidays; they craft tailor-made wellness holidays that align with your specific health objectives, whether you're seeking stress recovery, weight management, or rejuvenation. Each journey begins with an expert consultation where we listen carefully to your goals, medical considerations, and preferences before recommending the ideal retreat.

What sets us apart is our portfolio of exclusive wellness packages. We've negotiated special arrangements with prestigious properties—complimentary treatments, room upgrades, extended checkout times—benefits you simply cannot access when booking independently. This combination of deep expertise, personal service, and exclusive privileges defines the Healing Holidays difference.

Our Award-Winning Retreat Collections

Don't miss the opportunity to explore our carefully curated wellness collections. Each retreat has been personally inspected and rigorously assessed to ensure it meets our exacting standards:

• Top Detox Retreats – Cleanse your body and reset your system at Europe's finest detox destinations
• Best Ayurveda Spas – Experience authentic Ayurvedic healing, including our featured retreat Ananda in the Himalayas
• Medical Spas – Access world-leading diagnostic programmes and medical wellness protocols
• Yoga Holidays – From Bali to Portugal, discover transformative yoga experiences
• Emotional Healing Retreats – Nurture your mental health with expert-led therapeutic programmes
• World’s Best Spas 2026 – Explore our exclusive selection of the planet's most exceptional spa destinations, from Spain to Thailand.

Each collection represents the pinnacle of wellness travel in its category, carefully selected to deliver genuine, lasting results. Whether you prefer the holistic approach of traditional healing or the contemporary style of modern fitness and wellbeing centres, we have the perfect destination for you.

Expertise & Recognition

Why is Healing Holidays considered the UK's best wellness travel specialist?

Recognised by Condé Nast Traveller for our unparalleled expertise, we personally vet every retreat in our portfolio. Our team offers impartial advice, exclusive benefits, and tailor-made itineraries that you cannot find elsewhere. With over 20 years of experience and trusted relationships with the world's finest wellness destinations, we've established ourselves as the leading authority in wellness travel—combining deep knowledge with a genuine commitment to your wellbeing.

How does Healing Holidays select its partner wellness retreats?

We act as the "Michelin Guide" of wellness. Our experts visit and rigorously test spas, medical clinics, and resorts worldwide—from Lanserhof to Ananda in the Himalayas, from Six Senses Vana to destinations across Spain, Italy, and Thailand—ensuring only the highest standards of treatments, facilities, and hospitality make our collection. We assess everything from the qualifications of practitioners to the quality of organic cuisine, from the authenticity of traditional therapies to the effectiveness of modern medical protocols. Only retreats that meet our exacting criteria earn a place in our portfolio. 

Value & Service

What are the benefits of booking with a wellness travel specialist? 

Booking with a specialist guarantees you receive expert guidance to match your health goals, whether that's detox, menopause support, stress recovery, or weight management, with the perfect destination. We often secure exclusive room upgrades, complimentary treatments, and the best available rates. Additionally, you benefit from our concierge service for flight arrangements, transfers, and any special requirements, ensuring your entire journey is seamless and stress-free.

Does booking through Healing Holidays cost more than booking directly?

No. We offer a price match guarantee. You pay the same (or often less) than booking directly with the retreat, but with the added value of our expert consultation, concierge service, flight arrangements, and financial protection through ATOL. Many of our clients actually save money thanks to our negotiated packages and exclusive offers, whilst also gaining peace of mind from our comprehensive support before, during, and after your wellness journey.

Specialist Programmes

Can Healing Holidays arrange bespoke medical spa programmes?

Yes, as the UK's leading specialist, we create bespoke medical spa packages focusing on weight loss, post-operative recovery, preventative health, and comprehensive diagnostic check-ups at world-class European clinics including Lanserhof, Chenot, and SHA Spain. We work closely with doctors to design programmes tailored to your specific health profile, ensuring treatments are both safe and effective for your individual needs.

What types of wellness retreats do you specialise in?

Our expertise covers an extensive range of wellness experiences including Ayurveda in India and Sri Lanka, luxury detox programmes in Europe, emotional healing and mental health retreats, yoga holidays worldwide, dedicated menopause programmes, fitness and weight loss boot camps, stress management sanctuaries, and medical wellness centres. Whatever your wellness goals—whether you seek a holistic approach to wellbeing, a resort-style escape, or a focused fitness programme—we have the knowledge and connections to create your perfect transformative journey.