Date of publication 30/07/2026
Wellness tips for your vacation
Spa hotels are just the beginning — the first decision on the way to a trip built around self-care. Choose peaceful accommodations with a wellness offering that suits you, and you're already on the path to complete disconnection, in both body and mind.
The tips that follow are an invitation to care for yourself while stepping away from the world: balanced, realistic nutrition, gentle movement in nature, deep rest by the sea, and a stay in resorts where well-being takes center stage.
The art of caring for yourself while disconnecting from the world
Switching off and taking care of yourself are not opposing goals. You can enjoy a break while prioritizing what makes you feel good through simple, enjoyable habits. For example, you might find it motivating to approach exercise as just another form of fun, inspired by the surroundings of your destination and our five-star hotels. Physical activity releases endorphins, one of the body’s happiness hormones. One idea that blends movement and exploration is renting bikes instead of using a car for short trips or to discover coves and scenic trails.
Without extremes, true wellness begins with a holistic perspective. In other words, the body, both physical and mental, needs not only stimulation but also care and attention to balance the nervous system. That is why one of the keys to a healthier vacation is addressing well-being from a holistic angle, through relaxation and beauty treatments, moments of rest, and meaningful time shared with others.
Nourish your body with the freshest flavors of summer
Local and seasonal cuisine
During a vacation, local ingredients and seasonal recipes help nourish both body and mind. Through food, you have the opportunity to prioritize yourself while gaining a deeper understanding of each destination’s culture. After all, cuisine says a great deal about a place, its natural environment, and the way its people live. In our hotel restaurants and bars, we focus on offering a wide variety of flavorful, locally inspired options, including responsibly sourced fish and seafood.
Stay hydrated in the most natural and refreshing way
Can you imagine staying somewhere with filtered water stations where you can refill your bottle whenever you like? Helping you stay hydrated without single-use plastics is part of our commitment to protecting the oceans.
Other drinks are not only delicious but also support your well-being, like smoothies, fresh juices, and herbal infusions. So when you're settling in for a sunset at a beach club, opt for something fruit-forward and refreshing. Your senses will thank you, the photos will be beautiful, and the magic of the moment will stay with you.
Perfect balance without giving up vacation treats
Before imagining a list of restrictions, take a look at the menus in restaurants and buffets. At our resorts, fresh, real food is always a priority. From breakfast through dinner, each culinary offering is designed to make things easy for you. You can vary your choices at every meal and try local dishes from each destination, naturally moving toward balance. And all without giving up those vacation treats. If you feel like enjoying a cocktail or an ice cream after a moment of calm at a spa hotel, why not savor it?
Energize yourself with activities that connect you to your surroundings
Walks by the sea
Walking by the sea is a simple way for children to stay active on vacation or to add a romantic touch to a trip for two. Take advantage of the idyllic setting of the beach and sunset to stroll along the sand without watching the clock. This activity has been shown to improve circulation, muscle tone, and mood. Setting a small goal, such as spending a little time each day walking along the shore or reaching that picture-perfect cove on foot, makes it even easier to keep up. Sharing the experience with family, a partner, or friends adds an extra layer of motivation.
Try new disciplines that awaken your senses by the beach
The coast, the countryside, the cities... the places you discover on vacation are much more than scenery. Beyond water sports, the beach is also the perfect setting to try new disciplines, such as a yoga session or a dance class by the sea. There are experiences for every type of traveler. Spa hotels, with treatments offered on open terraces overlooking the ocean, provide another kind of sensory nourishment.
Give your mind the deep rest it truly needs
A digital detox agreement
What if you made a digital detox agreement with yourself? Giving your mind the deep rest it needs requires moments of mindfulness or full awareness. Creating those screen-free moments becomes far easier when you step away from daily routines and obligations.
This does not mean giving up the benefits of technology. The key may lie in using your phone or tablet more consciously. One option is to download an app with meditation plans, training programs, or nutrition tips to support your efforts with personalized guidance.
Sleep cycles
Enjoying a private in-room jacuzzi or staying at a spa hotel will certainly help you rest better, but the real key lies in aligning your sleep cycles. Vacation offers the perfect opportunity to do so. Try going to bed and waking up at a similar time each day. The best alarm clock? Natural light streaming through the window, along with the sound of the waves.
Small rituals can help you ease into a restorative night’s sleep. For example, turning off screens two hours before bed, using soft, warm lighting, having a light dinner, and engaging in a relaxing activity such as a walk or gentle dancing.
Breathe in front of the vastness of the ocean
Connecting with your breath requires no preparation. You can do it anytime, anywhere. This form of active meditation calms your nervous system instantly while fostering a sense of presence.
If you have the chance to focus on your inhales and exhales by the ocean, the sea’s negative ions will help bring you into a state of awareness. Combine mindful breathing with outdoor activities such as playing golf with a view or snorkeling to unite breath, prana in Sanskrit meaning “life force,” with the landscape of your vacation.
Set aside time each day to do absolutely nothing
At its core, mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment, enjoying each second, and allowing immediate perception to expand in the mind. It sounds simple, yet in practice it is not always easy. Make the most of your five-star stay by setting aside time each day to do absolutely nothing.
By booking Star Prestige, you will have access to private retreats, such as a rooftop infinity pool, exclusive amenities, and rooms where the connection with yourself and your surroundings comes naturally.
Design a stay tailored to you, where well-being takes center stage
Iberostar Waves Royal Andalus
If you are looking for spa hotels in Cádiz right on the beachfront, Iberostar Waves Royal Andalus is located in the heart of La Barrosa, a beach recognized with distinctions such as the Ecoplaya flag, the Q for Tourism Quality, and the Blue Flag. Its wellness center, featuring a hydrotherapy area, Turkish bath, massages, and treatments, is designed for both adults and children, with younger guests able to enjoy it when accompanied and during designated hours.
Iberostar Waves Gaviotas Park
Iberostar Waves Gaviotas Park is a spa hotel in Fuerteventura, located on the beaches of Jandía and designed for reconnecting by the shore. Its extensive family-focused offering strikes a balance between activity and relaxation, with spacious, adapted rooms and a family spa experience (subject to availability) featuring marine gold rituals, hot stone massages, and purple grape baths.
Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma
Well-being in Mallorca has a name: Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma. This is one of those spa hotels where attention to detail and a sense of freedom redefine adults-only vacations. Its 1,300-square-meter spa is among the most complete on the island, with innovative water treatments and the ancient Ayurveda Shirodhara ritual, based on the flow of medicated oil over the forehead. High-quality gastronomy completes the experience.
Iberostar Selection Anthelia
Iberostar Selection Anthelia ranks among the best spa hotels in Tenerife for those seeking a pause by the ocean. This five-star all-inclusive resort offers rooms designed for comfort, where life unfolds at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm, relaxed service that has been widely recognized. In the spa, water jets and cascades, a 104°F pool, a cold plunge, Finnish sauna, hammam, and sensory showers create a complete wellness circuit.
Iberostar Selection Montenegro
If you have come here looking for an elegant and hedonistic spa hotel in Montenegro, Iberostar Selection Montenegro is the answer. Its 3,700-square-meter wellness center includes a spa with personalized treatments and fully equipped fitness facilities. With a private beach and suites open to the sea, it offers the perfect setting to continue unwinding in complete privacy.
Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve
Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve is a spa hotel in the Algarve, located beside the beautiful Meia Praia and just five minutes from the historic center of Lagos. This resort is ideal for those looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation with spa experiences and long days by the shore. Its treatment cabins and heated indoor pool set the tone before discovering traditional Portuguese dishes at its à la carte restaurant.
Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour
At spa hotels in Tunisia such as Iberostar Selection Royal El Mansour, the only thing you need to focus on is reconnecting with your best self. The version of you that flows freely in a spa with hammam and thalassotherapy, over a traditional Arabic coffee or mint tea, or in a light-filled room. The Double Wellness room includes a dedicated wellness plan and a spa voucher.
Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancún
Tropical gardens, views of a postcard-perfect beach, and Swim Up suites with direct access to a semi-private pool. A modern spa with warm, natural décor, featuring a hydrotherapy area, beauty salon, and steam room among its highlights. Iberostar Selection Riviera Cancún is one of those spa hotels in Cancún you will not want to leave.
Iberostar Selection Zanzibar
With direct access to a white-sand beach and turquoise waters, Iberostar Selection Zanzibar is designed to awaken the senses by the Indian Ocean. All rooms are suites with terraces and sea views, some with private jacuzzis and connecting layouts. Its carefully curated gastronomy, signature cocktails, and menu of massages and treatments make it one of the best spa hotels in Zanzibar for experiencing the island at your own pace.
Are you planning to visit another destination? Explore the rest of our spa hotels around the world to find your next oasis.
