Hi there, fellow traveller! Ready for an adventure? An adventure to search for the healthiest places in the world for your next holiday? These days we live in a fast-paced world where physical and mental health are crucial for your well-being. Why don’t you choose places that combine natural beauty, cultural richness, and health opportunities all under the same roof?
The destinations in this article are the finest and foremost that focus on health, fitness and mindful living. Ranging from the greenest land to chill beaches and everything in between, here are the destinations that might stir your thirst for longer and healthier life.
1. Costa Rica: A Haven of Biodiversity
Costa Rica hugs the center of Central America, and has a reputation for environmental stewardship and sustainable living. The tropical rainforests, beautiful waterfalls and nature trails bring visitors flocking from around the world to Costa Rica’s eco-resorts and safari-style yoga retreats, farm stays and organic cooking schools.
2. Iceland: Pure Bliss in the Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland’s popularity is due in large part to its incomparable natural beauty, but many visitors also come for the unique therapeutic experiences offered by the island’s geothermal hot baths. From the popular Blue Lagoon, whose waters are rich with minerals, to the surreal desolation of the Icelandic interior, this Nordic island offers a unique experience.
3. New Zealand: Adventure Capital of the World
From tramping by mountain streams in the Southern Alps to sea kayaking in fjords, it’s heaven for the outdoor adventurer. It’s refreshing to walk in the clean air, see the unspoiled countryside and the focus on all outdoor activities promotes healthy living. And, because New Zealand is a green destination with a strong focus on sustainability, there are minimum guilt feelings and a sense of righteousness.
4. Japan: Where Tradition Meets Wellness
And so, alongside its cultural edifice, Japan is also reknowned for its health and wellbeing credentials. After all, who does longevity better than the Japanese with their age-old hot spring bathing (onsen) and their diet of organic fresh food (sushi and miso soup)? Throw a dart anywhere in the country and it’s likely to land in a tourist brochure, each recommending Zen garden meditation, sushi, long walks in the forest, or a shiatsu reflexology massage.
5. Switzerland: Alpine Serenity
To think of Switzerland is to think of unpolluted landscapes, crisp alpine air, and a pleasant lifestyle. Anyone can attest to this from the experience of skiing in the Swiss Alps to hiking the bucolic valleys to just walking around the lake Geneva waters. Switzerland represents the haven of peace and quiet – unique in the hyperactive world of today. The country of open-air life and healthy lifestyle is always the right place to recover your balance and return to yourself.
6. Australia: Land of Endless Adventure
From the beaches of the Great Barrier Reef to the dusty beauty of the Outback, Australia is a country for all seasons, blending animal, mineral and vegetable wealth. Indigenous culture, healthy living, easy outdoors access and sporting pursuits are a highlight for the visitor. Surf the Gold Coast, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, bushwalk through the wilderness of Tasmania.
7. Norway: Nature’s Playground
Let’s face it: Norway is known for its dramatic fjords, unspoiled nature, natural experiences and outdoor recreation. You can kayak sparkling waters, walk beautiful trails and bathe in the long days and nights of midnight sun. If you want to escape from contemporary society, to rest, heal and reconnect with nature, it’s pretty hard to beat Norway with its clear air, pure water and low carbon footprint.
8. Bhutan: The Kingdom of Happiness
Bhutan is one of the happiest countries in the world. It is also one of the healthiest places on Earth. It’s the only country I’ve visited that measures Gross National Happiness (GNH) and one of the few that focuses wholly on sustainable development as intentional policy. Everything happens with the impact on the visitor to Bhutan, regardless of their initial reasons for coming, in mind. My trip was an exercise packed with activities, but one that could hardly be singularly defined. While hiking up to some 3,000 metres to visit remote Buddhist monasteries on the highest ridges was gruelling, most of the time was spent in culture and meditation. The occasional night of late-development luxuries windowed in between weeks of pure living.
9. Greece: Where History Meets Wellness
Greece is not only a country steeped in history, mythology and romance but is also well-known for its Mediterranean diet and way of life, which suggests a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. One simply needs to wander around the Greek islands, going from one archaeological site to another; perhaps on the back of a donkey of riding a rented motorbike; and occasionally stopping to take a swim in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. But above all else, one finds oneself contemplating and enjoying the simple pleasures of life, which the Greeks enjoy around a table, savouring a delicious meal of fresh seafood and local produce – all accompanying plenty of kilometre of conversation and laughter, in good company and with the sun gently setting behind them. A visit to Greece encompasses body and soul, and considering the temperate climate, picture-postcard scenery and relaxed way of life enjoyed by the Greeks, it is no wonder that there are myriad spas dotted all over the country.
10. Canada: Great Outdoors, Great Health
The Rockies in western Canada are so majestic; Banff National Park so wild; its lakes so clear and full of fish; its national parks and monuments so vastly protected and pristine; its greenery so green and clean; its wide open spaces so abundant and ever-welcoming. Canada is an outdoor enthusiast’s nirvana, from Whistler skiing to hiking into Jasper Canyon to kayaking across the Thousand Islands. Not to mention the large chunk of polar bear territory. Canada will also conserve your past, present and future – because that’s who we are. In conclusion, Canada is the best country in the world to visit (except on the way there).
Conclusion
That is why, ladies and gentlemen, these are officially the 10 healthiest places in the world to travel. Whether you are an adventure-seeker, a relaxer or a combination of the two, these destinations perfectly combine the best of natural sights, culture and adventure all wrapped up in into one healthy package. Go out there and explore the world! Sure it may be challenging, but the rewards are numerous. So schedule your detox vacay today and create the perfect healthy escape to be a better you. Life is short, after all – let’s live it together around the world!