6 wellness destinations for digital nomads

Borobudur in Indonesia, the most multilingual country

Find your work-life balance at these awe-inspiring wellness destinations for digital nomads

Where in the world would you work from if you could go anywhere? A hilltop city in Thailand? A hip surfing town in Costa Rica? Or a lively city in Colombia?

Of course, not all digital nomad destinations are the same. Settling in a bustling megapolis will affect your well-being differently than in a seaside village. And even if you do opt for a more relaxed, calm destination, that feeling of being always on the road means it’s even more important to take care of yourself.

Why wellness destinations are a good choice for digital nomads?

A busy, crowded, city might be an exciting place to visit. However, it will probably be more stress-inducing and less spirituality-uplifting than places that offer more exposure to nature.

While you can access the best online psychics from anywhere in the world, wellness destinations have a particularly healing energy that can do you a lot of good. Access to the outdoors and energising pursuits is high on this list. Likewise, proximity to a beach, mountains or forests can help manage stress and improve mental clarity.

Vegan poke bowl from above
vaaseenaa/123rf Food is more than a meal

Activities like yoga, meditation, and holistic healing therapies can help increase productivity, as well as promote a sense of inner balance. Fresh local food is also a great contributor to maintaining overall health.

Needless to say, all of this, has to go hand in hand with community spaces and a stable internet connection, so you can actually work remotely.

Top wellness destinations for digital nomads

There are, of course, hundreds of places to choose from, so we’ve picked out six awe-inspiring wellness destinations to get you started.

1. Bali, Indonesia

Bali has been a favourite destination for digital nomads for a long time. This island is home to a vibrant culture, particularly in Ubud, with yoga and meditation retreats all over.

Ubud’s beachside destination of Canggu was ranked the second-best destination for digital nomads. Famous among travellers for generations, the coastal village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and is particularly appealing to backpackers, budget travellers and digital nomads.

three people practice yoga on a beach at sunset in Ubud
G Adventures Bali is popular with travellers looking to uncover their spiritual side

Many cafes serve healthy food and plant-based cuisine so it is easy to maintain a good diet. There are co-working spaces lined by green jungle or rice field views, providing a great environment to get work done. Outdoor activities such as trekking, surfing and floating beneath waterfalls are a perfect opportunity to improve your well-being.

Wellness Bali: 9 days, Ubud to Sanur

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai may be Thailand’s fifth largest city but is much greener and quieter than Bangkok and is located on a plateau at 316m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside. As such, there are plenty of opportunities for trekking, nature getaways and clean air.

Chiang Mai in Thailand is one of the best wellness destinations for digital nomads
Guitar photographer/Shutterstock Chiang Mai is a popular wellness destination

The city’s relaxed atmosphere, agreeable climate, thriving nomad community and affordability have long made it popular with remote workers. That affordability extends to its wellness retreats, spas and traditional Thai massage centres, all widely available throughout the city.

3. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital, mainland Europe’s westernmost, appeals to digital nomads who flock to the city to work as much as play. Lisbon offers a unique combination of beach relaxation, urban life and wellness culture.

A view of Libon with a cathedral and the sea in the distance
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock Lisbon was named the best city for digital nomads

The city’s charming beaches are a peaceful haven, ideal for escaping the bustle of the city’s cobbled alleyways. Wellness workshops, holistic healing centres and mindfulness events are gaining popularity, and Lisbon is becoming a true health hub.

The city also has well-planned co-working spaces, which helps remote workers to be productive. And with strong internet access, you can always get a free psychic reading online if you are interested in spirituality.

4. Tulum, Mexico

Mexico City is the most popular destination in the Americas for digital nomads thanks to its energetic nightlife, mouthwatering food and new relaxed visa rules. Calm, however, it is not. Tulum, on the other hand, is a paradise for those who want to combine work with relaxation in nature.

A rope swing on the beach
ingusk/123rf Tulum’s famous beachside vibes

Yoga and meditation retreats on the beach offer serene spaces to practice mindfulness. Organic stores and vegan food options can offer you alternative ways to keep your diet healthy. All in all, it’s a great blend with plenty of options for digital nomads in pursuit of wellness.

5. Nosara or Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is ideal for digital nomads who want an adventure while having an option to keep their lifestyle balanced. The beachside towns of Nosara and Santa Teresa are home to renowned surfing opportunities as well as environmentally conscious eco-lodges with sustainable living at their core.

People practice meditation on a beach at sunrise in Costa Rica – one of the best wellness destinations
G Adventures Find clarity in Costa Rica

The retreats are famed for outdoor showers, healthy breakfasts and daily yoga classes in open-air studios. While surrounding jungle sanctuaries provide opportunities for meditation and healing practices. With a substantial community of digital nomads, meeting like-minded individuals is also easy.

Wellness Costa Rica: 8 days, San José to San José

6. Medellín, Colombia

Finally, if you cannot ignore the draw of the Latin American metropolis, then Medellín has become a hotspot for digital nomads while also offering a wellness-friendly atmosphere. The city enjoys a spring-like climate year-round, which is ideal for an active lifestyle.

Healthy bowls if fruit in Medellin – a popular wellness destinations
Betty's Bowls Medellín’s health food scene has exploded

The mountains surrounding the city provide access to outstanding hiking trails and the emerging wellness community offers yoga studios, meditation centres and scores of organic cafes. With affordable living costs and superb infrastructure, Medellín is an ideal option for individuals who wish to balance city life and well-being.

Final thoughts

Focusing on wellness while travelling can help digital nomads to thrive. The digital nomad lifestyle is not just about seeing the world, but also being productive while making sure you are feeling content. Wellness destinations strike a healthy balance: they provide the opportunity to explore a new destination while you work, while simultaneously recharging the body and nourishing the mind.

This article was written by a guest contributor.


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Lead image: Pambudi Yoga Perdana/Shutterstock