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For many Australian and New Zealand travellers, winter is the perfect time to slow down, recharge and escape the pace of everyday life. Whether it’s soaking in natural hot springs, enjoying a luxury spa retreat or waking up to breathtaking mountain scenery, wellness travel continues to grow in popularity.

Today’s travellers are looking for holidays that leave them feeling refreshed as well as inspired, creating excellent opportunities for travel agents to recommend destinations that combine relaxation with unforgettable experiences.

Here are six winter wellness escapes where clients can reconnect with nature, indulge in world-class spa experiences and return home feeling revitalised.

Hakone, Japan

Just a short journey from Tokyo, Hakone has long been one of Japan’s favourite wellness destinations.

Renowned for its natural onsen hot springs, peaceful mountain scenery and views of Mount Fuji, Hakone offers the perfect balance of relaxation and cultural discovery. Clients can soak in mineral-rich thermal waters, cruise across Lake Ashi or visit traditional ryokans and art museums.

Winter adds an extra layer of tranquillity, with crisp mountain air making the warm outdoor baths even more enjoyable.

4* Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora

Blending contemporary comfort with traditional Japanese influences, Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora offers stylish accommodation complete with natural hot spring facilities, making it an ideal wellness retreat.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers much more than adventure.

Clients can spend their days enjoying lakeside walks, scenic cruises, luxury spas and wine tasting in nearby Central Otago before unwinding beside roaring fireplaces as the sun sets over the Remarkables.

It’s the perfect destination for travellers wanting to combine relaxation with spectacular natural scenery.

5* The Rees Hotel Queenstown

Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Rees Hotel offers luxurious lakeside accommodation with breathtaking mountain views, providing a peaceful base for a restorative winter escape.

Bali, Indonesia

When winter arrives in the Southern Hemisphere, some clients simply want to swap cool mornings for tropical warmth.

Bali remains one of Asia’s leading wellness destinations, with yoga retreats, holistic spas, healthy cuisine and peaceful surroundings all contributing to its enduring appeal. Ubud, in particular, continues to attract travellers looking to unwind among lush rice terraces and jungle landscapes.

5* Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

Nestled within the Balinese rainforest, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa combines luxurious accommodation with an award-winning spa, yoga facilities and tranquil natural surroundings.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua has built its reputation around geothermal activity, making it one of New Zealand’s premier wellness destinations.

Clients can soak in naturally heated mineral pools, experience traditional Māori wellness practices, enjoy forest walks among towering redwoods or indulge in luxurious spa treatments overlooking geothermal landscapes.

It’s an ideal destination for travellers looking to reconnect with nature while enjoying a slower pace.

5* Pullman Rotorua

Located in the heart of Rotorua, Pullman Rotorua provides contemporary accommodation within easy reach of the city’s geothermal attractions, wellness experiences and cultural highlights.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Northern Thailand offers a completely different style of wellness escape.

Chiang Mai is renowned for its peaceful temples, meditation retreats, mountain scenery and traditional Thai massage. Visitors can enjoy wellness programmes, healthy local cuisine and quiet cafés while exploring one of Thailand’s most charming cities.

The cooler winter months make it an especially pleasant time to visit.

5* Melia Chiang Mai

Offering contemporary luxury with an excellent spa and wellness facilities, Melia Chiang Mai provides an ideal base for clients seeking relaxation alongside cultural exploration.

Noosa, Australia

For clients who prefer wellness by the sea, Noosa delivers the perfect combination of beautiful beaches, boutique spas and outdoor living.

Morning walks through Noosa National Park, beachfront yoga sessions, fresh local produce and luxury wellness treatments create an itinerary focused on rest and rejuvenation.

It’s an ideal choice for couples, solo travellers and anyone looking to escape the demands of everyday life.

4* Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas

Surrounded by tropical bushland just moments from Hastings Street, Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas offers spacious accommodation, an indulgent day spa and easy access to Noosa’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Tips for Travel Agents

  • Wellness means different things to different travellers. Some clients are looking for luxury spa experiences, while others prefer nature, mindfulness or simply time to relax.
  • Recommend longer stays where possible. Wellness holidays are most effective when clients have time to slow down and fully immerse themselves in the destination.
  • Look for hotels with dedicated wellness facilities. Properties offering spas, thermal pools, yoga classes or peaceful natural surroundings can significantly enhance the overall experience.
  • Combine wellness with exploration. Destinations that balance relaxation with cultural experiences, scenic walks or local cuisine often appeal to a wider range of travellers.
  • Use Stuba’s Wellness Curation. Stuba’s Wellness Curation makes it easier to identify hotels that prioritise wellbeing, helping you match clients with properties designed for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.