Wellness retreats in Scotland

Relaxing wellbeing retreats

Take some time for yourself and recharge in Scotland's nature. From courses in meditation and mindfulness at a Tibetan temple, to Tai Chi and yoga on a peaceful Buddhist island, to reiki, reflexology and sound therapy sessions, there's a great choice of holistic activities on offer.

• Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist Temple in the south in Dumfries & Galloway
• Holy Isle - Mindfulness Retreat on the peaceful Isle of Arran
• Scotshaven and Wild Rose Escapes in the serene Highlands
• Naturally Restorative Health & Yoga Retreat at Ardtornish House in Argyll 
• Brucefield Estate in Clackmannanshire 
• Wander Women outdoor experiences for women in East Lothian
• Alladale Wilderness Reserve for a dramatic Highland wildlife retreat

Creative writing retreats 

It’s time to unleash your creativity. Scotland has helped to fuel the imaginations of many writers alike through its wonderful scenery and rich, historic past. Creative writing can be a great way to express your thoughts and feelings whether that’s through journaling, short stories or poetry. Here in Scotland, you’ll find lots of writing retreats and workshops throughout the year, giving budding writers the time and space to work without any distractions.  

Put pen to paper on a creative writing retreat 

Outdoor sauna experiences

Embrace Scandi-Scot culture and reap the benefits of an outdoor sauna experience. It’s been proven that adding hot and cold water therapy can do wonders for your body, from boosting your immune system to easing muscle tension. You’ll even be treated to some of Scotland’s most stunning views and landscapes. 

• Watershed Sauna, Findhorn 
• Elie Seaside Sauna, Fife 
• West Coast Wellness, Loch Fyne 
• The Hotbox, Taymouth Marina, Loch Tay 
• Eastwood Forest Sauna, Newton Mearns, Glasgow 

Check out more fabulous outdoor saunas in Scotland 

Walking routes

If there's one thing that Scotland can boast in all corners of the country, it's walking routes. There are hundreds you can uncover, but there are a special few that have a spiritual element to them:

• The Way of St Andrews, revived as one of the greatest pilgrimages of the world
• Fife Pilgrim Way covers 64 miles of medieval landmarks
• Borders Abbeys Way in the Scottish Borders, joining up the magnificent abbeys of Kelso, Melrose, Jedburgh and Dryburgh
• Beirhope Alpacas, offering a chance to take a fluffy alpaca for a walk

Check out more walking routes

Restorative sleep retreats

Step away from the demands of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of restorative sleep breaks. These carefully designed retreats offer the perfect opportunity to reset your mind, refresh your body, and nourish your soul.  

• Sheepy Sleepover Wellness Retreat – enjoy yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation, all while staying overnight in a quirky hideaway surrounded by nature and the delightful company of pet sheep Fergus and Finn.  
• Rest, recharge and connect with Hostelling Scotland – if you’re travelling solo, it’s a great opportunity to rest, recharge and connect while on a hostel stay. Hostelling Scotland’s peaceful, scenic locations offer a quiet escape, while shared spaces encourage conversation, laughter, and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and promote better sleep.  
• Stay in a castle – the charm of stone walls, grand rooms, and peaceful surroundings creates the perfect atmosphere, allowing you to fully disconnect.   
• Sleep under the stars at Kinnaird Woodland Lodges – relax in your hot tub under a star-filled sky with pristine, light-pollution-free views. Stargazing here is pure bliss and makes for the perfect wellness escape.  

Find out more about hostels in Scotland  

Check out Hostelling Scotland's exclusive winter offer  

Explore more unique places to stay  

Meditation

Meditation doesn’t just soothe the soul – it breathes new life into it. Whether you’re seeking a silent retreat or perhaps a peaceful place to meditate, there are so many spots where you can sit quietly and soak in the beauty of nature:  

• Fearless Space Retreats – step into your fearless space with a meditation retreat combining yoga, meditation, and the soothing warmth of a horse box sauna.  
• Scott’s View – the peaceful isolation of the viewpoint, away from urban noise, allows for uninterrupted moments of nature meditation and reflection.  
• Ramnahol Waterfall – why not experience waterfall meditation in Shetland as a unique way to connect with nature while nurturing your soul?   

Combine meditation with some waterfall walks   

Discover more of Scotland’s nature