‘Me-time’ is huge. Mindfulness is big business and the popularity of wellbeing festivals is soaring. From hippified spiritual gatherings to mindful triathlons and hardcore fitness, here are the stand-out events your mental and physical health will thank you for this year. Namaste.
Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria
High in Bulgaria’s eye-scorchingly beautiful hills you’ll find Mountain in the Meadows. The type of authentic experience others have tried to copy for years, this is Europe’s adventure playground for all things wild and psychedelic. Burning Man magic and Secret Garden Party romance collide at an event that ends at a Bulgarian Spa with high-grade health facilities. Open your mind, soothe your soul and focus on friends, love and, of course, the music.
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Legends and rising stars from Romania’s sporting scene can be spotted at the country’s annual Sports Festival. This epic event promotes health, sport and wellness and is the perfect spot for amateurs to meet professionals, children to meet champions. Come to compete or purely to watch, learn and soak up the positive vibes at a festival designed to encourage more Romanians to get active through taster sessions, talks and masterclasses.
3 Wild Islands Running Festival
Atjan, Faroe Islands
The fjord-filled Faroes are an 18-piece volcanic jigsaw. Their sea air, salt swims and adrenaline-inducing trails will clear your head and tone your body in no time. Dramatic sea cliffs, sharp ridges and black sand beaches are the perfect backdrop for Atjan – the Islands’ first running and adventure festival. This isn’t for voyeurs. You must be able to trail run 10km just to attend, or perhaps you’re more of a 63km Ultra Trail kind of person? Good luck!
Rishikesh, India
Where better to attend a Yoga Festival than in the Yoga Capital of the World. Every year, spiritual gurus, yogis and enthusiasts flock to Parmarth Niketan ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas for this global gathering. Come to enjoy a diverse menu of yoga from Iyengar to Kundalini, enhancing your technique and improving your health and happiness through this ancient art. It’s authentic. It’s immersive. It’s revelatory. It just needs you and a yoga mat.
5 Good Grief Festival of Love and Loss
Bristol, UK
A festival about death may sound contradictory, yet why not face and celebrate the thing that ultimately brings us all together? Good Grief invites you to think and learn about grief, healing, love and loss in a creative, supportive space. The festival includes speakers, screenings, expos, workshops, music, spoken word and a Memory Kitchen. If you want to heal, let something go or allow something new to flourish, come to share your Good Grief.
Hawaii
Every year the paradise that is O’ahu, in Turtle Bay, becomes a world of wellness. It attracts meditation gurus, yogis, chefs, musicians and fitness experts, all keen to help light your path to wellness. Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling creativity author, is a big fan. Enjoy immersive experiences, psyche up for outdoor adventures and book unique workshops to create a rich, deep experience. Blissology, anyone? Sending sea salt and Savasana from Hawaii.
Parks worldwide
If you’d love to do a triathlon but just aren’t a fan of training, this one’s for you. Wellness company Wanderlust has devised the world’s first Mindful Triathlon series. It’s a fantastic concept for those who seek contentment not competition. Start with a 5km run. Next, ease into a yoga session with DJs to keep the spirits up. Third is arguably the hardest discipline: the meditation. This event comes with a warning. Impromptu dance parties may form.
