The experts at Virtuoso have revealed that wellness is set to be a huge travel trend this summer.
Searches have increased for the following in the past 12 months:
- “wellness retreat” – +280%
- “best relaxing holiday destinations” – +240%
With this in mind, Cult Beauty has done the hard work for you by taking a deep dive into which cities are best for your wellbeing this summer. Using seven different ranking factors – ranging from quality of life to the number of parks, spas and wellness centres to round up the top 20 cities that put self-care first.
| Rank | City | Quality of Life Index | Health Care Index | Cost of Living Index | Pollution Index | Number of parks | Number of spas and wellness centres | Happiness levels | Total Index |
| 1 | Paris, France | 122.6 | 78.6 | 77.6 | 63.6 | 173 | 1000 | 6.69 | 9.81323196 |
| 2 | London, United Kingdom | 127.1 | 69.7 | 82.8 | 57.7 | 187 | 968 | 7.064 | 5.413136186 |
| 3 | Helsinki, Finland | 194.4 | 79.5 | 70.7 | 12.9 | 67 | 54 | 7.842 | 5.362944683 |
| 4 | Copenhagen, Denmark | 182.8 | 76.9 | 83.1 | 22.7 | 55 | 76 | 7.62 | 4.906840497 |
| 5 | Vienna, Austria | 197.7 | 78.9 | 65 | 16.1 | 83 | 101 | 7.268 | 4.854112636 |
| 6 | Prague, Czech Republic | 156.5 | 74.4 | 62.2 | 33.5 | 49 | 230 | 6.965 | 4.74149205 |
| 7 | Edinburgh, United Kingdom | 178.7 | 78.8 | 64.7 | 28.1 | 38 | 121 | 7.064 | 4.588632647 |
| 8 | The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands | 215.7 | 79.9 | 61.6 | 19.2 | 12 | 65 | 7.464 | 4.588049989 |
| 9 | Rotterdam, Netherlands | 202.5 | 79.7 | 64.7 | 24.6 | 65 | 41 | 7.464 | 4.582246213 |
| 10 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 194.8 | 77.3 | 69.2 | 25.1 | 61 | 157 | 7.464 | 4.527275875 |
| 11 | Oslo, Norway | 177 | 78.8 | 84.2 | 21.5 | 77 | 44 | 7.392 | 4.515063414 |
| 12 | Madrid, Spain | 185.1 | 79.8 | 52.3 | 40 | 86 | 300 | 6.491 | 4.513026976 |
| 13 | Luxembourg, Luxembourg | 200.5 | 79 | 71.6 | 19.9 | 55 | 36 | 7.324 | 4.504295031 |
| 14 | Minsk, Belarus | 119.5 | 48.6 | 37.7 | 41.7 | 12 | 46 | 5.534 | 4.490907939 |
| 15 | Reykjavik, Iceland | 185 | 68.1 | 90.8 | 14.9 | 29 | 31 | 7.554 | 4.463828789 |
| 16 | Vilnius, Lithuania | 164.6 | 74.6 | 51.9 | 24.6 | 15 | 59 | 6.255 | 4.441081231 |
| 17 | Berlin, Germany | 158.6 | 68.1 | 71.1 | 39.4 | 58 | 342 | 7.103 | 4.436484944 |
| 18 | Stockholm, Sweden | 164.6 | 66.5 | 69.4 | 18 | 78 | 60 | 7.363 | 4.434624361 |
| 19 | Munich, Germany | 181.4 | 77.2 | 74 | 24.7 | 32 | 73 | 7.155 | 4.422956587 |
| 20 | Barcelona, Spain | 139.5 | 77.1 | 57.9 | 65.2 | 83 | 646 | 6.491 | 4.363592774 |
Paris reigns as the ultimate wellness destination
Already holding the crown for the city of love, Paris also wins the title as the best place for your wellbeing too. Not only did the metropolis come in first for its pollution and health care index, but it also has the most spas and wellness centres – with 1000 recorded to grace the capital’s streets (think Maison Souquet Spa, Dior Spa and La Boutique Aime, to just name a few). What’s more, home to some of the biggest beauty brands, including SISLEY-PARIS, Avène and Caudalie, Parisians are primed to take the spa home with them, indulging in self care whenever and wherever they want.
Coming second place in the rankings is London, home to Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and St James’ Park, London wins it’s runner-up status, thanks to its record-breaking number of green grounds. With 187 parks for recreation and leisure, The Square Mile offers the best of both worlds, fusing rural landscapes with the buzz of an urban lifestyle there is no wonder that London is the second-best city in Europe for wellness.
According to the index Helsinki (3rd) is the city of smiles. With the highest happiness ranking, Finland’s capital maintains its joyful title for the fifth year running. Priding itself on its generosity, the Finnish are renowned for looking after both themselves and others around them.
Copenhagen ranks fourth among Europe’s best cities for wellbeing. Offering free healthcare, education, and optimal work-life balance. Renowned as a global hub for happiness and wellbeing, Copenhagen stands out for its exceptional quality of life. With top-notch scores exceeding 99% in nutrition, water, and sanitation, it’s no wonder the city consistently ranks among the world’s happiest.
Holding on to its title as the world’s most liveable city for the eighth time, it comes as no surprise that Vienna comes in within the top five best places for your wellbeing. Scoring high for the quality-of-life index, Austria’s capital thrives on its unmatched health, education, and housing systems – with a lot of resources put behind infrastructure and housing, so the cost of living is far lower than in comparable European cities.
Spokesperson from Cult Beauty comments on the study: “At Cult Beauty, we’re thrilled to present our latest study, unveiling the European cities that truly prioritize wellbeing. These cities, like Paris, London, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and Vienna, are not only picturesque destinations but havens for self-care and rejuvenation. From serene parks to luxurious spas, they offer an exceptional quality of life. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on these urban sanctuaries that inspire a healthier and happier way of living. Elevate your life with wellness today!”
For further details and insights into the top 20 European cities for wellbeing, please visit: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/blog/2023/08/best-cities-for-your-wellbeing/
To shop the best selection of wellness products please visit: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/body-wellbeing/wellbeing.list
Feature image by Jared Rice on Unsplash
