Relax and unwind, leaving the stresses of everyday life and even feeling younger: Whether you prefer yoga, anti-aging treatments, a day at the spa, or a leisurely bike ride through scenic trails, the wellness island of Gozo offers comprehensive preventive healthcare options. Experience the benefits first-hand and indulge in a range of wellness options on offer.
The magic word for relaxation and regeneration is wellness! But is chewing a few lettuce leaves in a dreary environment really good for your wellbeing? To be honest, I think a wellness programme that noticeably improves your health is much more interesting. Which brings us to Gozo. Here it is easy to choose from a wide range of good ideas for relaxation and regeneration, and to combine your personal choice with the necessary dose of fun. The Mediterranean island is only 67 square kilometres in size. But, as we have already said, the choice is all the greater. If you seek relief from the daily stressors of life and yearn for effective health promotion, heightened emotional well-being, and sensible body optimization, look no further than the wellness island of Gozo. You may now choose from a plethora of options to achieve your goals…
Indoors, outdoors - or preferably both...
Let me give you a taste of what’s on offer straight away. It doesn’t matter if you prefer indoor or outdoor activities because there are plenty of options available for both. Whether you want to unwind in a well-maintained spa or explore the hills and valleys on a trekking bike, you’ll find what you’re looking for. If you wish to attain a better equilibrium between your mind and body via a yoga programme, Gozo is the perfect place to find an appropriate class. You can even reserve a premium package, something that is not easily available everywhere. On Gozo, such a yoga session can be held at a spectacular rock plateau and offer a stunning view of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea.
Relaxing, letting go, unwinding – you can do all of this while taking long walks along the spectacular coastline. Not to mention the extra dose of goodness that comes with being on the small island of Gozo. After all, many people can’t wait to get (back) into the fascinating underwater world of the many dive sites around the island. We have a short interview with Barry and Charlotte, two experienced divers from England who now live in Gozo, about the calming and inspiring effects of diving.
The world-renowned spa and fitness centre - in Gozo, where else?
And talking about Brits with a strong affection for Gozo: Jenny Powell, a British TV host, visited Gozo this summer for an extensive health treatment. The spa and fitness centre “Amchara Health Retreats” (www.amchara.com) provided a detox, tailored diet and Reiki therapy as part of the bespoke treatment for Jenny.
Additional information: Well-known global media sources rank the Amchara resort in the village of Għarb, located in the island’s north, among the world’s top destinations for relaxation and wellness. The resort’s treatments come at a cost. However, this does not imply that anyone else cannot fulfil their desires for relaxation and rejuvenation = wellness on Gozo. For ideal holiday planning, as always, promptly conduct a Google search to stay informed. By searching for terms like spas, health centres, beauty treatments, or even “wellness in Gozo”, you can quickly discover the names of a variety of providers. This allows you to verify if the information you find online meets your expectations and budget.
The yoga class on the magnificent rock plateau right by the sea: no problem!
Oh, right! I remember mentioning something about yoga courses on this rocky plateau. Here’s the perfect recommendation: “Yellowrockyoga.com” offers an exceptional experience. The provider is located in the quaint town of Żebbuġ and provides a wide range of short or long duration courses in Qbajjar Bay, right by the seaside.
You can envision that these are only some of the options Gozo provides for relaxation, wellness, and health vacations. These include adventurous kayaking trips along the shoreline, cooking courses, aroma treatments, acupuncture, Ayurvedic therapies or Pilates sessions, all led by professionals and recognised specialists in their respective fields. It’s worth mentioning that you can also access top-of-the-line fitness studios for strength training. The Kinetika fitness centres (www.kinetikagozo.com) in the village of Xewkija and in the capital Victoria are two of them.
Fascinating Underwater World in Gozo: Barry & Charlotte explain why.
This takes us to my two friends Barry and Charlotte, who are particularly fond of diving in the vast ocean around the island. Almost every time we meet, we automatically talk about this – although they are skilled divers, they are especially fond of the local underwater world. They will now explain to us why this is the case in more detail…
Interview with Barry & Charlotte
two experienced divers from England who now live in Gozo.
As you can see, it is worth considering whether your next holiday should focus specifically on the important topic of health. After all, with good health everything is possible in life, with bad health little or nothing. Today we have taken a closer look at what Gozo has to offer on this very important subject. And it goes without saying that having a bit of fun is good for your wellbeing. The people of Gozo seem to know this, they are happy about the beauty of their island and they like to laugh. For example, during the many happy summer festivals, every village and small town is very active in this area.
Up the "Gostra": Little Giacomo on his way to becoming king
Sports are also a big part of one of the fun summer festivals, in Xlendi, where there is an unusual competition called the “Gostra”. The aim is to climb as high as possible up a long wooden pole stretched out over the sea in Xlendi Bay – and whoever reaches the top is king. In the summer of 2023, little six-year-old Gozitan Giacomo had already become a prince – just a few more steps and the ambitious young athlete would have reached the top of the “Gostra” to the great applause of the many spectators (a short video of this spectacle, which has already been clicked on many times, can be seen here…
So make a note of it: If you book Villa Marni in Xlendi as your base for next summer’s health and fitness holiday on Gozo, you can try the “Gostra” for yourself. What you need is not only a lot of energy, but also the right level of fitness – and the willingness to have a lot of fun!
Apartments & Maisonettes
Mare
Mare is a spacious and luxurious one-bedroom unit, boasting a sleek and contemporary design. Located on a single floor, it features an open-plan layout that seamlessly merges the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. The large sliding windows flood the interior with natural light and fresh air, enhancing the bright and airy ambiance. The space is elegantly furnished with a modern oversized couch. A private balcony with rattan seating offers a tranquil view of the expansive communal pool and deck area, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Selene
Selene is a spacious and luxurious one-bedroom unit, showcasing a sleek and modern design. Located on a single floor, it features an open-plan layout that seamlessly blends the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors allow abundant natural light and fresh air to flow through, creating a bright and airy ambiance. The private balcony, furnished with rattan chairs, offers a stunning view of the large communal pool and deck area, making it the perfect retreat to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Aroma
Aroma is a luxurious and airy one-bedroom unit designed with modern elegance. With the addition of a sofa bed, it can comfortably accommodate up to four guests. The single-floor unit features an open-plan layout connecting the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Sliding doors and windows fill the space with natural light and fresh air, enhancing the open, breezy atmosphere. The unit provides direct access to the communal pool and deck area, perfect for relaxation.
Sol
Sol is a bright, airy one-bedroom unit that offers modern luxury and can accommodate up to four guests with the addition of a sofa bed. The single-floor unit features an open-plan design, seamlessly connecting the kitchen, living, and dining areas. Sliding windows allow for abundant natural light and ventilation, creating an inviting atmosphere. The unit provides direct access to the large communal pool and deck area, perfect for relaxation and unwinding.
Skuna
Introducing Skuna, a charming maisonette inspired by traditional Maltese sailing vessels. This single-floor retreat offers modern comforts, including a fully equipped kitchen, cosy bedrooms, and a luxurious bathroom. With air conditioning for year-round comfort and an expansive sun terrace for relaxation, Skuna provides the perfect blend of style and comfort. Just an easy eight-minute walk from Xlendi’s seaside attractions, this maisonette offers an idyllic Mediterranean escape.
Brillanti
Welcome to Brillanti, a charming maisonette within Villa Marni, named after the Maltese word for "Brilliant." Inspired by the timeless song "Inti Djamant," this cosy retreat features separate living and kitchen areas, two comfortable bedrooms, and a welcoming outdoor terrace. Ideal for discovering Xlendi’s coastal charm, Brillanti offers the perfect balance of tradition and modern comfort for a memorable Mediterranean escape.
