The Alps, both in winter and summer, are the perfect environment to improve your health and refine your sense of well-being.
A quick search online will throw up many articles and reports on the various health benefits that holidaying – or living – in the mountains offer, such as reduced stress, improved cardiovascular health and a stronger immune system.
And although there are many package deals offering wellness retreats, planning your own wellness holiday in the Alps offers greater flexibility. Explore activities such as yoga and paddleboarding at your own pace, visit some of the first-class spas or book a private chef to cater to your dietary needs.
Here are some ideas on how to plan your own wellness holiday in the Alps…
Choosing your accommodation
When it comes to choosing accommodation for a wellness holiday in the Alps, look for properties which include some of the following features; spa facilities, provide fitness equipment, spacious outdoor areas, or great cooking facilities.
Chalet Le Mousqueton in La Clusaz is a perfect example of a wellness haven!
With a fully-kitted fitness studio, a state-of-the-art swim spa, a hot tub, a sauna and a treatment room, you can enjoy all the luxuries of a spa without leaving your doorstep!
In summer, the large terrace can also be used for outdoor dining or practising yoga.
Browse more wellness-friendly chalets
Picking activities
We all achieve a sense of well-being in different ways.
For some, it may mean eating well, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep. For others, self-care routines such as mindfulness, listening to music or reading a book help to calm the mind.
Whether it’s peace and tranquillity you’re after, or simply trying a new activity, there are endless options in the Alps.
Here are some ideas…
Yoga
As well as relieving stress and brightening your mood, another fantastic advantage of yoga is that it can be practised anywhere. All you need is yourself, a mat and enough space.
Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced yogi, there are a number of different styles that can suit you. And if you’re not sure where to begin, there’s a vast choice of instructors in the Alps who can help.
With online classes, retreats and even private lessons available at your chalet, you’re sure to find an approach that you enjoy.
Join a yoga session in the heart of the mountains at Lo Garâjo in Manigod, enjoy an outdoor yoga experience in the Three Valleys or embark on a retreat in Morzine with Emily Ruth Yoga.
Mindfulness in the mountains
Meditation and mindfulness are techniques that many people find effective for relieving stress and anxiety.
Meditation is often incorporated into yoga sessions with guided, focused breathing.
However, with apps such as Calm and Headspace gaining popularity, many people are deciding to adopt this practice into their daily routines.
With vast, open spaces, quiet surroundings and very few distractions, the Alps are the perfect location for practising meditation.
Stand-up paddle boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding, or ‘SUP’, is an increasingly popular low-impact water sport.
Water is known to have a relaxing effect on the body and mind, and stand-up paddle boarding is a wonderful way to get a full body workout, whilst immersing yourself in the incredible surroundings of an Alpine lake.
For an all-round wellness experience on the water, why not try Paddleboarding Yoga? By practising yoga techniques on the water, you can challenge yourself further by testing your balance and engaging your muscles while resisting the movement of the board.
You can book guided Paddleboarding Yoga in Aix-les-Bains from 39 € per person.
Visit a spa
Your wellness experience doesn’t have to be physically demanding!
Making time for yourself is essential to your well-being, and what better place to relax than at an Alpine spa?
Some health benefits of spa treatments include: better sleep, relief from aching muscles, improved blood flow and decreased stress. And luckily, there is a fantastic range of spas offering treatments to help you unwind and improve your wellness in the Alps.
If you are holidaying near Chamonix, we highly recommend taking a trip to QC Terme Spa.* Combining breathtaking views, with a unique Alpine experience, QC Terme is a day out you won’t want to miss.
If you’d rather be pampered in the comfort of your own home, why not take a look at Massage Me – The Mobile Alpine Wellbeing Service.
Massage Me offers a range of treatments that are customisable to your body’s specific needs, and their experienced practitioners are on hand to discuss any requirements you have before your session so that you get the most out of your massage.
Take a hike
With fresh mountain air, beautiful views and endless options of trails for all levels, hiking is the perfect way to clear your mind.
If you’re visiting in the winter, then you can still enjoy this activity by renting out snowshoes. Their large surface area helps improve grip, meaning you can discover snowy terrain with ease. If it’s your first time, we’d recommend joining a guided tour, which can be booked through your local tourist office.
If you’re planning to bring your dog on your next wellness trip, then check out these dog friendly hikes.
Healthy eating
Hire a chef
There are a great number of private chef services operating all across the Alps that can cater to a variety of different dietary needs.
For example, Emma, founder of Cham Chef uses plenty of fresh produce and can create menus tailored to your personal tastes, including amazing vegetarian dishes.
Chef Morzine can provide you with a restaurant experience from the comfort of your accommodation. Choose from a range of menus including gluten/dairy-free and vegetarian delivered to your accommodation or cooked fresh at your chalet.
Source your own organic ingredients
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to high-quality ingredients in the Alps. In France, there is a strong market culture, so you’re likely to find a great deal of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish that can be enjoyed at home.
Alternatively, head to one of the many ‘bio’ shops or look for the ‘bio’ label in supermarkets.
Eat alfresco!
Spending time outdoors has numerous benefits when it comes to our health and well-being, so when the sun is shining, why not make the most of it and eat outdoors?
The mountains are home to hundreds of picture-perfect picnic spots, and many OVO Network chalets boast brilliant outdoor dining setups!
We hope you found some useful ideas for your next wellness holiday in the Alps.
Don’t forget to check out our fantastic range of wellness properties or speak to one of our friendly team members who can help you find your dream chalet.
