Travel can take many forms, such as a beach holiday or visiting a popular attraction, but many times it just feels like ticking places off a list, and nowadays most travelers are looking for something deeper, something that resets our stress levels and something that feels safe, like we can finally exhale and if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community that matters even more, because not every destination gives us that.

Fortunately, wellness travel has been rising in popularity a lot, and Europe, as its base of operation, is a huge piece of good news. The continent is slowly becoming the go-to for the most powerful places in the world for inclusive, deeply healing travel. 

Let’s explore the countries where that magic is happening.

Spain

By itself, Spain is an amazing country to travel to, not just for wellness, but for any type of travel you can imagine. Are you looking for outdoor activities like hiking? You have Camino de Santiago, are you looking for medieval towns? There are a TON of those across the country. Maybe you are looking for a beach holiday? Spain is home to Costa del Sol and a ton more stunning beaches.

But that’s not it, the country is open, warm, and expressive as well as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. A good example is Barcelona or Madrid, which are not only stunning but also home to some of the best ayahuasca retreats on the continent. 

I know that you must be thinking: “wait, Ayahuasca?”, and yes, it’s one of the deepest healing experiences you can ever find in today’s wellness landscape. That's where Avalon stands out.

Avalon's Ayahuasca retreats in Europe are becoming the leading source for those types of retreats and experiences, where each package is crafted deeply rooted in tradition while meeting the highest standards of safety and care in the industry.

The perfect example of this love and care is their facilitators and shamans, who are not only highly experienced but also deeply grounded, focused, and knowledgeable enough to create a space where you feel supported. 

Portugal

Portugal is a top-tier option, and not only for wellness retreats, but I would recommend it for any type of travel you want. The main difference is that compared to Spain, Portugal feels softer and slower, which are the qualities that best suit wellness.

Most people say that this is where Europe’s wellness scene starts to go deeper, into real inner work. More and more travelers are coming here not just to rest but to transform. Not only that, but also, like Spain, Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe for LGBTQ+ travelers, and that sense of safety changes everything.

A good example is the Algarve region, which is packed with wellness retreats that are focused on simplicity. Here you will have ocean views, a clean design, and peaceful routines. 

Netherlands

If you ask any regular traveler which is the safest country in the world, most of them, if not all, will point to the Netherlands. The best part is that it’s not only safe, but also this is a country that has been leading the way in LGBTQ+ rights for decades, making it the go-to for several travelers. 

Not only that, but thanks to that culture of openness, the Netherlands is home to some of the best wellness centers in the world. It’s not flashy, it’s thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in mental health and conscious living.

That’s why most retreats you find here are focused on mindfulness, breathwork, and emotional intelligence. Most spaces are tailored to welcome vulnerability, not avoid it, and because inclusivity is already deep in society, you don’t have to question whether you’re accepted or not. You just are.

Germany

Another option that surprises most travelers is Germany; at first, it may not look like the best country to go to for wellness, but it’s a well-known country thanks to its structure and efficiency. Traits that are easily reflected in their wellness culture.

You can find anything, from traditional spa towns that offer thermal baths to full retreats that offer physical relaxation and other packages. The interesting part is that most modern wellness spaces are adding something new… emotional depth.

Berlin, in particular, has become a hub for LGBTQ+ inclusive wellness experiences. From meditation studios to alternative therapy spaces, there’s a strong focus on self-exploration and identity acceptance.

Conclusion

Travel just like the world is changing, and so are we. Each day, more and more people start to ask themselves bigger questions, to look for real solutions to the stress caused by the fast-moving daily life, and to look for deeper experiences. That’s why choosing the right location can make or break your experience, remember you’re not just choosing a destination. You’re choosing a space where you can be fully, unapologetically you.

That’s what makes Europe the best option, it’s a country that is rapidly and increasingly open to the LGBT+ community and has an amazing culture of wellness and inner care.

Featured Image from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-women-having-fun-with-cosmetic-masks-3851677/