Blue lagoon in Iceland
New to cruising Mediterranean Norway and Iceland

4 of the best destinations for wellness experience

Let us focus your mind on the wonderful wellness experiences that await you on your travels with P&O Cruises - we've picked four of the best destinations that combine unique cultural traditions with rejuvenating rest and relaxation

3 min 28 Mar 2023

Editorial Team

Author

1. Find peace with al fresco yoga in Stavanger, Norway

 

The wild landscapes and extraordinary beauty of Norway’s fjords are spiritual experiences in themselves. Some choose to hike off into the wilderness to find peace; others take to fjordic waters in kayaks to find calm. And others find true sanctuary in a sun salutation. Whether you join a group or simply do your own thing, an al fresco yoga session surrounded by the glories of Norway can help you become at one with nature and find inner harmony. And worry not – you won’t be alone. Yoga is a huge part of the Norwegian lifestyle (Oslo has hosted an International Yoga Day for five years on the trot) so don’t be surprised if on your travels you see locals stopping to stretch, breathe and meditate, inspired no doubt by their country’s magnificent mountains, natural wonders and pure waters. 

 

View cruises to Stavanger here.

2. Try stand-up paddleboarding in Barcelona, Spain

 

The beaches closest to Barcelona’s centre are popular with locals and tourists alike and are lively spots during the warmer months. To enjoy cooling sea breezes and escape for some me-time, head out onto the calm coastal waters for a spot of SUP stand up paddleboarding. Originating from the home of surfing, Hawaii, these wide boards are a lot larger and more buoyant than a classic surfboard, making balancing much simpler especially in the mostly wave-free waters of this vibrant Catalan city. Once you’ve got the hang of using the paddle, you can glide blissfully along the coastline, filling your lungs with fresh ocean air, soaking up unique city views and getting a workout without even realising it.

 

View cruises to Barcelona here.

Person paddle-boarding in the sea

3. Lose yourself in Bonaire Marine Park’s underwater wonderland, Bonaire, Dutch Antilles 

 

Don your mask and snorkel to find paradise in the seas of Bonaire, one of the most serene and best-preserved islands of the Caribbean’s Dutch Antilles. The locals’ dedication to sustainability, ecotourism and preserving the wonders of their crystal-clear seas and marine life are showcased in Unesco World Heritage Centre, Bonaire Marine Park. The protected underwater area safeguards the reefs, seagrasses and mangroves that surround the island. The reefs are the least degraded in the entire Caribbean Sea and boast more than 50 varieties of stone coral and more species of reef fish than anywhere else in the Caribbean. They’re also home to Green and Hawksbill turtles and a seemingly infinite array of other marine creatures. 

 

View cruises to Bonaire here.

A turtle off the coast off Bonaire

4. Soak up the geothermal goodness of the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland

 

Seawater, silica and algae work their wellbeing magic at Iceland’s number one visitor attraction, the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik. This unique milky, aqua blue pool simmers at 37-39 degrees centigrade courtesy of the Svartsengi geothermal energy plant – it’s powered by geothermally heated seawater, which is pumped from 2,000 metres below the ground before it is released into the Blue Lagoon. What started out as an eccentric bathing ritual for hardy locals in the early 80s is now a mecca for those seeking deep relaxation and the lagoon’s skin-healing benefits. Wallow in the balmy waters; breathe in the soothing steam; enjoy massages and spa treatments based on the algae and silica’s health-boosting properties… And hold on forever to those ethereal vistas and volcanic landscapes, like nowhere else on Earth. 

 

View cruises to Reykjavik here.