Europe’s Most Relaxing Retreats

Silver Island Yoga Retreat, Greece.

With a deep-rooted family history that saw the island fall into disrepair when the owners grew old, Silver Island has a heritage that will sound all too familiar for anyone who’s seen Mamma Mia. Comparisons aside, it’s all just coincidence, and the island has been picked back up and resurrected as a private yoga retreat. Guests enjoy a home-made muesli and Greek yoghurt breakfast sourced from the island’s produce, before a yoga class and free time to stroll along the beach or take a kayak trip around the island. You’ll share the entire island with a maximum of 11 other people and stay in a modern, minimalist bedroom, making it one of the most relaxing retreats in the whole of Europe.

Lake Orta, Italy

Less well-known and therefore more peaceful than its neighbouring waters Garda and Como, Lake Orta is just west of Maggiore and is an atmospheric haven. Small, non-hectic and beautiful, Orta makes the ideal holiday destination for anyone wanting to relax whilst surrounded by stunning scenery. It’s fairly remote, with there being just one main town nearby, but there are also excursions to a romantic island set in the centre of the lake and to the ‘holy hill’, which is home to many Baroque chapels.

South West England

Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset all lie in South West England, boasting some of the best countryside spots in the UK. Renting a country cottage or log cabin is the perfect retreat for a busy family looking for some down time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The homes on offer at www.luxuryselfcatering.uk.com offer a retreat complete with barbeque and outdoor hot tub on the plot of an old country farm, so it’s perfect for those who want to unwind as a family.

Anti Paxos, Greece

So small it doesn’t even have an airport, the tiny island of Anti Paxos has a population that fluctuates between just 30 – 100 people. A few small, stunning beaches are surrounded by vineyards and flowers, with just one tiny village and a few taverns to visit. Most visitors leave with the last taxi boat at 5.30pm, as hotels are pretty much non-existent on Anti Paxos, but it’s well worth a visit for a relaxing beach day if you ever have the chance. For more information on this tiny island, visit www.paxos-greece.com.