UK ranked 13th best wellbeing destination in Europe
The UK ranks among the best countries in Europe for relaxation and wellness, with Ireland taking the number-two slot, according to a new report.
Statistics specialist Slot Tracker created a points-based index system that evaluates the number of spas, yoga/pilates centres, hiking trails and national parks per 100,000 people to award each country a relaxation score out of 10.
The top European destinaitons for wellbeing
| Rank |
Country
|
Hiking trails per 100,000 people
|
Spas per 100,000 people
|
Yoga/Pilates centres per 100,000 people
|
National parks per 100,000 people
|
Relaxation score /10
|
| 1 |
Iceland
|
168.50
|
12.01
|
1.76
|
2.34
|
9.26
|
| 2 |
Ireland
|
56.06
|
7.37
|
1.01
|
0.34
|
8.13
|
| 3 |
Malta
|
10.87
|
15.40
|
2.49
|
0.68
|
7.84
|
| =4 |
Croatia
|
102.58
|
3.78
|
0.51
|
0.41
|
7.33
|
| =4 |
Portugal
|
58.20
|
4.75
|
1.01
|
0.22
|
7.33
|
| 6 | Norway |
125.52
|
3.01
|
0.39
|
0.55
|
7.10
|
| 7 |
Andorra
|
100.95
|
12.94
|
0.00
|
1.29
|
6.82
|
| 8 |
Denmark
|
108.09
|
1.99
|
0.54
|
0.26
|
6.71
|
| =9 |
Greece
|
36.39
|
5.51
|
0.97
|
0.18
|
6.59
|
| =9 |
Switzerland
|
142.66
|
6.51
|
0.83
|
0.02
|
6.59
|
| 11 |
Spain
|
43.82
|
4.53
|
0.91
|
0.19
|
6.48
|
| 12 |
Finland
|
50.35
|
2.53
|
0.38
|
0.83
|
6.42
|
| 13 |
United Kingdom
|
29.63 |
5.66
|
0.70
|
0.11
|
6.14
|
| 14 |
Latvia
|
10.39
|
4.45
|
0.53
|
0.32
|
6.02
|
| 15 |
Slovenia
|
28.72
|
3.94
|
0.48
|
0.24
|
5.97
|
The UK was found to be the 13th most relaxing European destination with a relaxation score of 6.14/10.
The UK has 83% more national parks and 59% more yoga/pilates centres than neighbouring country France (which has 0.06 and 0.44 per 10,000 people respectively).
However, people residing or holidaying in Iceland have the highest chance of stress relief, with an overall score of 9.26/10.
Ireland, famous for its countryside, follows in second place with a score of 8.13/10.
Ireland has the fourth highest number of spas per capita among the top 15 and over three times the amount of national parks than in the UK (29.63).
Which country has the most spas?
Malta, has the highest number of spas per capita among all countries analysed at 15.40 per 10,00 people, and also has more yoga and pilates centres than any of the other countries on the list.
European countries with most spas per capita
|
Rank |
Country |
Spas per 100,000 people |
|
1. |
Malta |
15.40 |
|
2. |
Andorra |
12.94 |
|
3. |
Monaco |
12.74 |
|
4 |
Iceland |
12.01 |
|
5 |
San Marino |
8.84 |
|
6. |
Ireland |
7.37 |
|
7. |
Switzerland |
6.51 |
|
8. |
UK |
5.66 |
|
9 |
France |
5.52 |
|
10 |
Greece |
5.51 |
James Roy, technical director at Brainworks Neurotherapy commented on the importance of relaxation and the benefits travel has for the brain: “A relaxing time away is one of the healthiest things you can do for your brain. The more foreign and the further from your daily routine the better.
“A change in environment helps brain flexibility and weakens our mental habits, while the unfamiliar sights and sounds stretch our brain in new ways. As our brains flex and come alive, colours become brighter, smells more intense, our sense of touch and intimacy is heightened. This experience is often called the travel high. Some can find this greater brain flexibility quite addictive.
“The real power of a relaxing time away is clear when we arrive back home. The greater mental flexibility (increased neuroplasticity) brings more awareness, giving us the chance to see our lives afresh. This is the time to break the old habits, usher in the new and change your routine for the better.”