Travel inspiration

Winter wellness: relaxing in the cold

Vera Smid 21 October 2025

Winter is often associated with cold days, dark evenings and the longing for warmth. But this season is actually perfect for relaxation. While snowflakes fall outside or the wind whistles around the house, you can unwind in a holiday home with your own private sauna or jacuzzi.

Wellness holidays in winter are the perfect remedy to recharge your energy and bring balance to body and mind. Leisure Time takes you on a journey into the world of winter wellness and gives you practical tips for an unforgettable experience.

Why choose a wellness holiday in winter?

The winter months can be demanding on our bodies. We get less daylight, feel tired more easily, and often experience stiff muscles or the winter blues. That’s why a wellness holiday is far from a luxury, it’s a necessity!

Whether you’re soaking in a jacuzzi or enjoying the deep heat of a sauna, the benefits are both physical and mental:

  • Muscle relaxation: Warmth improves blood circulation, helping muscles recover and unwind.

  • Mental peace: Escape the daily routine and immerse yourself in a world of calm.

  • Boost your immune system: Alternating between heat and cold strengthens your resistance. Ideal during cold and flu season.

  • Quality time: Share moments of pure relaxation with your partner, family, or friends.

 

A wellness holiday home is the perfect cure for the winter blues.

Holiday homes with Jacuzzi: bubbles in the fresh air

One of winter’s greatest luxuries is having your own jacuzzi at your holiday home. Picture this: you’re sitting outside while the air is freezing, yet your body is surrounded by warm, bubbling water. A glass of wine or hot chocolate in your hand, a blanket of stars above you  and suddenly, all your worries melt away.

Many holiday homes now feature covered or fully enclosed jacuzzis, so you can enjoy them in any weather. And for nature lovers, an outdoor hot tub in the middle of the forest is an unforgettable experience.

Leisure Time tip: Bring a warm bathrobe and slippers so you don’t get cold walking back inside. Bonus tip: keep a thermos of tea or mulled wine ready for after your bubble session.

 

Discover here: the best holiday homes with a jacuzzi

Holiday homes with Sauna: deep, soothing warmth

While a jacuzzi is great for relaxation and coziness, a sauna is known for its deep cleansing effect. Sweating helps your body eliminate toxins, and the intense heat relieves stress and fatigue. Especially in winter, when your body often feels tense from the cold.

You’ll find different types of saunas in many wellness holiday homes:

  • Finnish sauna: High temperatures and dry heat, perfect for those who love an intense sweat.

  • Infrared sauna: Gentle, deep-penetrating warmth,  ideal for people with muscle or joint pain.

  • Steam bath: Moist heat at a lower temperature,  great for your airways during winter.

Leisure Time tip: Alternate sauna sessions with a cold shower or, if possible, a roll in the snow to maximise the health benefits. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!

 

Discover here: the best holiday homes with a sauna

The power of contrast: combining hot and cold

The magic of winter wellness lies in the contrast. Stepping from a hot sauna into the crisp winter air, or feeling the cold breeze on your face while sitting in a jacuzzi. This play of hot and cold awakens your senses and leaves you feeling both energized and deeply relaxed.

Leisure Time tip: Combine your wellness moments with a winter activity. Take a long forest walk or go ice-skating, then reward yourself with a warm sauna or jacuzzi session afterward. It makes the experience even more fulfilling.

Where to find the most beautiful wellness holiday homes

You don’t have to travel far to find a stunning holiday home with private wellness facilities. Across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, there are countless options:

  • Veluwe (NL): Surrounded by nature, perfect for long walks followed by a private sauna session.

  • Limburg (NL): Rolling hills and many luxury holiday homes with wellness amenities.

  • Belgian Ardennes: Charming chalets with jacuzzis, often with breathtaking forest views.

  • German Eifel: Peaceful surroundings, spa towns, and wellness-friendly holiday homes.

Leisure Time tip: Choose a holiday home with both a sauna and a jacuzzi. So you can match your wellness moment to your mood.

Create a true Spa experience

Make your wellness holiday even more special by adding a true spa feeling. Think scented candles, soft music, and natural care products.

Leisure Time tip: Bring your own wellness kit. Essential oils, exfoliating gloves, face masks, and fluffy towels. Create a luxurious, hotel-like spa experience, but entirely private and personal.

Wellness with family or friends

Wellness holidays aren’t just for couples. More and more families and groups of friends are booking wellness homes together. While the kids build snowmen outside, the adults unwind in the sauna. Or everyone gathers later in the jacuzzi, laughing and chatting about the day.

Leisure Time tip: Choose a holiday home with multiple bathrooms and enough space so everyone can relax in comfort. After all, wellness is about peace and privacy too.

A gift to yourself

In a world that moves at full speed, a winter wellness holiday is a true gift to yourself. It’s not only about relaxation, it’s an investment in your health and wellbeing. A holiday home with a jacuzzi or sauna gives you the freedom to enjoy whenever you want, without the crowds or time limits of a public spa.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, a cozy trip with friends, or a family escape. Winter truly shines when you combine it with warmth, peace, and relaxation.

Book your wellness holiday with Leisure Time early. Especially for the winter season. The most popular holiday homes with jacuzzis and saunas tend to get booked quickly!

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