Festival season is almost upon us – and revellers from all over the world are getting ready to book tickets. But something has changed in this evergreen summer travelling trend. Yoga and eco travel is one of the biggest travel trends for this year, according to the travel industry, and the festival circuit is tapping into that with wellness festivals all over the globe. There are even predictions that yoga, meditation and well-being retreats might grow as big as Coachella and similar iconic festivals – and with good reason. “It’s about a holistic approach to health,” says Wanderlust co-founder Sean Hoess to FastCompany. And you must have been living under a rock if you’ve missed the wellness trend – seriously, even our grandmas are all making their own face masks and cleansing their auras by now. Intrigued? Read on for a round-up of all the wellness festivals we wish we could visit.
A perfect mix of yoga and music, Soul Circus is the glamping paradise your heart has desired since you got tired of the dirty tents and mud that come courtesy of traditional festivals. From mindfulness sessions to yoga classes with a live DJ, this festival is a modern yogi’s dream. You can either book glamping facilities (possibly the most stylish tent we’ve ever seen) or go for general camping.
Where? Elmore, Gloucester
When? 17-19 August
Celebrating transformation in all its forms, Wanderlust is a legendary festival featuring mindfulness and yoga programmes by day and an array of music and entertainment by night. If you’re the athletic type, then you’ll love the hikes, bike rides and runs the festival offers. In a mood to be inspired? Catch one of the many talks on everything from environmentalism to yoga. And all foodies will be pleased to know that all meals are local and sustainably produced.
Where/When?
Snowshoe, WV, 8-10 June
Stratton, Bondville, VT, 21-24 June
Squaw Valley, North Lake Tahoe, 19-22 June,
Whistler, BC, CA, 2-5 August
Mont Tremblant, QC, CA, 23-26 August
Mind Body Spirit is the largest and most well-known health and wellness festival in Australia featuring over 200 exhibitors focused on healthy food, holistic living, fitness and more. Learn about wellness at the many seminars and workshops – or find your fortune with one of the psychic readings on offer!
Where/When?
Sydney, 24-27 May
Melbourne, 8-11 June
If you’re a fitness lover, this is the festival for you. From HIIT and Boom Cycle to yoga (including for men – Boys Yoga) and meditation, Balance offers the perfect, ehm, balance between sweating and regenerating. Recharge your batteries with some healthy yet yummy food after trying the latest workout and then head to one of the inspiring conferences on health and fitness. If you ever needed a boost to inspire you to get fit, this is it.
Where? Amsterdam
When? 7-9 September
As if visiting the paradise atmosphere of Bali isn’t uplifting enough, Ubud is home to one of the most exciting vegan festivals in the world. Established in 2015, this innovative festival educates its visitors on organic, macrobiotic and raw diets, and offers documentaries, arts and crafts, yoga and entertainment for all ages. And remember: it’s Bali!
Where? Ubud
When? 5-7 October
And now for something truly extraordinary.
More than a festival, the private island of Obonjan, off the Croatian coast, is best described as one huge wellness retreat. The perfect place to unplug from the stresses of contemporary society, Obonjan island is an oasis of wellness with an emphasis on holistic activities, spa treatments and entertainment. The high season for wellness-loving revellers is June to September, when everything from yoga classes and meditation to water sports and stargazing. The stunning views and idyllic beaches are a welcome extra, as is the festival-grade music and entertainment, played out against a beach backdrop. Sign us up.
Where? Obonjan
When? 24 June – 3 September
Let us know if you end up visiting any of these…or if you’ve ever been to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop conference (that one’s just for our curiosity).
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Photos by John Flobrant, Jonathan Forage and Zoe Ra via Unsplash
