Experience unique activities with health and wellness benefits

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to relax, rejuvenate, and focus on self-care can be a challenge. A good way to regain focus and re-energise is with a well-timed trip away from daily stressors. Taking time for yourself or spending it with loved ones, can help you unwind. By unplugging, even for a little while you will feel refreshed and more prepared to handle modern day living. Time away can improve your relationship, health, job performance and perspective.

Novotel Hotels in Australia Pacific offer wellness-seekers a chance to restore balance and connect with nature through numerous wellness offerings. Discover why these Novotel hotels should be your go-to destinations for those times you're in need of a recharge and reboot.

What: Cairns is the jewel of Far North Queensland and the ultimate base if you’re looking for an adventure. Fringed by a World Heritage-listed tropical rainforest, it’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The closest island is Fitzroy, an easy forty-five-minute boat ride away. In Cairns you can commune with nature, snorkel, dive and hike in rainforests.

Where: If you’re looking to relax in lush tropical splendour then a stay at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, is just the ticket. Located within walking distance of the Cairns Esplanade, the resort is a tranquil oasis in this bustling city.

The sprawling freeform lagoon pool with coveted swim up bar is a highlight of the resort and offers a refreshing escape. Adjacent to the pool is Moko Grill where you can enjoy healthy poke bowls, fresh salads and shared vegetarian tasting plates.

On Cairns’ Esplanade you will find a range of free fitness and wellness classes that you can participate in including Aqua Zumba at the lagoon, beach volleyball at the esplanade court, and you can also join an early morning Pilates class at Fogarty Park which is located on the southern end of the esplanade. Check online for the latest information about these and other social fitness activities.

Insiders Tip: Try bouldering. This agile fitness activity involves climbing up and around a man-made rockface without ropes and harnesses. It’s great for cardio and strength training and improving your focus and wellbeing. You’ll find the bouldering park across from Cairns Base Hospital on the Esplanade.

What: Even in the middle of Perth’s city centre, nature is never far away. Kings Park offers scenic views from its Mount Eliza perch, where you can be immersed in various health and wellness activities within the park. A popular wellness experience is Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku), the Japanese practice of absorbing the natural atmosphere using all your senses. Join a three-hour session which blends mindfulness techniques with the healing power of the natural environment. Or if you want something more active, you can go on a six-kilometre guided walk through the park. Kings Park regularly hosts different wellness events and workshops including meditation classes and ecotherapy sessions. Check online to get the latest information. 

Where: Conveniently located near Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay, Novotel Perth Murray Street, offers a city escape ideal for relaxing.  Unwind or swim laps in the heated outdoor pool. Maintain your fitness routine in the modern gym and enjoy a steam or a sauna after a rigorous workout. Good nutrition is important if you are looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-workout. Dine on delicious broccolini, sesame and roasted almonds and buck wheat noodles with sweet soy, ginger and garlic at the modern Miss Mi.

Insiders Tip: An indulgent spa day can be just what you need to feel refreshed. The hotel's Keisha Day Spa uses aromatherapy-based treatments to achieve deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

What: The Barossa Valley in South Australia is a region of great beauty and diversity. The area’s scenic tranquillity contributes to a restorative experience. Bushwalking in Barossa allows you to immerse yourself in natural beauty. The eucalyptus and wildflower trails offer a fragrant and peaceful escape from life's stresses.

Where: Overlooking the vines of Jacob's Creek and the Barossa Valley Ranges Novotel Barossa Valley Resort offers comfortable accommodation, great food and wine in a goregous setting. The Cellar Kitchen features seasonal produce grown by small local farmers and growers. Seasonal menus feature paddock-to-plate fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits and cage free eggs. Whilst here, relax and indulge your senses at the resorts Endota Day Spa.

Insiders Tip: Unwind with an unforgettable winelands experience - a relaxing red wine soak. This wine therapy treatment is a combination of organic red wine, grape extracts and essential oils.

What: Towering Mount Keira frames the city of Wollongong in southeastern New South Wales on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. A ring track encircles Mount Keira offering a serene running trail through cool sub-tropical bush and red cedar forests. North Wollongong Beach, patrolled year-round, has rock pools, wading areas and good surfing breaks.

Where: Only ninety minutes from Sydney, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is a wonderful base for all kinds of health and wellness activities. Kayak across crystal-clear waters on Lake Illawarra. Swim laps in the hotel's outdoor pool and workout at the fitness centre. Or simply retreat to your room for restorative afternoon naps, waking to panoramic ocean views.

Insiders Tip: Visit the small rock pool on Cliff Road, known as Gentlemen’s Pool. It offers natural saltwater therapy in a serene setting. Swim laps at sunrise and warm up afterwards by basking on the rocks in the sun. 

What: Queenstown, New Zealand on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is set against the dramatic Remarkables. This is quite possibly, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Skiing, snowboarding and hiking here opens up new levels of wellbeing. The solitude and being surrounded by beauty grounds you. The total focus and rhythmic movements while skiing make it easy to slide into a flow state and hiking long distances helps to strengthen and condition your heart, lungs and muscles. Plus, there's the added mental health benefit that comes from exercising in nature.

Where: Enjoy a tranquil escape with Novotel Queenstown Lakeside located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Every inch of this welcoming hotel offers comfort. From the friendly staff to the log fireplace in the lounge to the hot tub that soothes sore muscles after hiking or skiing. Rooms offer uninterrupted views of the lake, the southern alps or the tranquil gardens. They are spacious and warm; the beds are super comfortable, and the heavy black throws wrap you in comfort.   

Insiders Tip: If you want to maintain your exercise routine, workout at the hotel’s fitness centre which offers cardiovascular equipment or enjoy some downtime in the Spa pool.

What: In search of a tropical paradise? Explore Suva, Fiji’s southeast coast on the island of Viti Levu. Health and wellness activities include hiking in Colo-I-Suva Nature Reserve and swimming in pebbled rock pools beneath beautiful waterfalls. Soak up the high content of magnesium, calcium and potassium in the Sabeto Mud Pools and natural hot springs. These minerals are particularly helpful with bone and joint health. 

Where: Discover harmony and tranquility at Novotel Suva Lami Bay. Located on sheltered Lami Bay with its pristine warm waters, the resort offers a restful respite from city life. Reawaken body, mind and spirit at beautyLab Novotel SPA. The extensive repertoire of treatments include spa packages, stress-relieving massages, restorative body scrubs, wraps and anti-aging facials. 

Insiders Tip: Try the local Lomilomi massage - the rhythmic kneading mimics the oceans waves - a continual rolling pressure, to loosen tight muscles and stress knots.  

 With so many options available it isn’t always an easy task choosing a wellness holiday that suits your needs. Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect wellness getaway:

You need to ask yourself, if wellness is the destination or the journey. If you are looking for scheduled wellness activities from morning to night, then you should consider going on a focused wellness retreat.

If wellness activities are something that you want to incorporate into your holiday and not be the main feature, then you need to decide what type of activities you want to do whilst on holiday. It could be as simple as being somewhere unfamiliar or quiet. You don’t necessarily need a major activity to feel a sense of renewal.

Holidays with a side of wellness could include short walks in nature, meditation and yoga sessions, spa time, snorkelling in tropical waters, or even snowboarding. The idea is to unplug from daily stressors, giving your mind, body and spirit time to rejuvenate.

Be in the moment. Try to reduce your screen time or do a complete digital detox whilst travelling. Constantly being on social media, or taking Insta-reels, can keep you from being present in the moment. 

Your holiday doesn’t need to be jam-packed with activities every moment of the day. So much so, that by the time you return home you’re exhausted from your trip. Slow down and just be. Sometimes the most important selfcare is to simply rest. 

Create quiet moments just for yourself. Spend some quality time alone. These moments help to ground you and boost your energy. 

While it can be tempting to lie by the pool all day on holiday. Physical activity helps to reduce stress and conquer feelings of being overwhelmed. 

The great thing about being on holiday at a resort is that someone else is doing the cooking. Let your hotel know in advance if you have any dietary requirements, especially if you’re on an eating plan. If not, try and find a balance between indulging in special treats and eating healthy meals. 

Travelling, particularly long distance can play havoc with your sleep patterns. Getting enough sleep is an integral element of sustained health and selfcare. Novotel has long prioritised a good night’s rest. Every Novotel guestroom features an incredibly comfortable Live n' Dream bed to ensure you get all the support you need, all night long.

From mud pools to spa massages, Novotel Hotels strike a great balance between relaxation and wellness activities. Tropical paradises for snorkelling and beach days. Alpine skiing getaways to energising city breaks. Spas dedicated to revitalisation and health. Whatever you are looking for in a wellness getaway, you are sure to find it with Novotel hotels.