Better of the World 2026: Greatest wellness locations

This middle is dwelling to a custom-built wood sauna, a country red-roofed hangout known as the Seed Store, and two tangerine-colored tin tanks for cold-water dunking set beneath towering pines. Slipping out of the gown, I step into the sauna earlier than strolling barefoot over pine needles to the orange tubs and gingerly decreasing myself in.

Glen Dye, on the jap fringe of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, is a forward-thinking, ever evolving Highlands property, its 15,000 acres a ready-made wild wellness retreat. Besides cold-water remedy, I strive forest bathing, laying a mat among the many blaeberry bushes and listening to birdsong. I swim in a peaty pool alongside the River Dye after a lung-busting hike to the summit of Clachnaben. I additionally discover ways to whittle across the campfire, a surprisingly aware expertise.

Owners Charlie and Caroline Gladstone’s ethos is of course nurturing. The property’s vintage-chic cottages all have sizzling tubs, libraries, turntables, and stacks of vinyl—no televisions. This is a spot to reconnect, with one another and with nature. And amongst all the character, there’s artwork not usually present in these settings: Giant billboards peppered by the woods give life-affirming, feel-good messages. A vibrant pink one by the river asks, “Shall we just love each other?”  

New this 12 months, an artist-led natural-ink workshop begins with a meditative stroll to assemble supplies. Along the best way, friends be taught in regards to the historical past, folklore, and makes use of of vegetation earlier than creating the inks and expressive artworks, of issues not seen, however reasonably felt. At Glen Dye, the restorative energy of nature works its magic. 

How to do it: The Discovery and Adventure Centre at Glen Dye presents a variety of programs and nature-based actions costing between about $40 and $70 per particular person. It’s a part of the Glen Dye Estate, which features a assortment of cottages for hire, with charges from about $918 for a three-night keep to about $1,883 for a one-week keep in a property sleeping two. — Lucy Gillmore