With flu cases rising across the UK, wellness experts at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti – the award-winning eco-spa in the Italian Dolomites – are urging travellers to harness the restorative power of the winter season. Colder months offer an ideal opportunity to embrace regenerative treatments, as seasonal spa rituals can help rebalance the nervous system, enhance circulation and support the body’s natural defences. Drawing on its holistic wellness philosophy and specialised treatments rooted in Chinese Medicine, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti shares five expert-backed tips to fend off colds and flu this winter.
1. Embrace the Sauna: Trigger a Natural Immune Boost
Heat therapy is one of the body’s oldest tools for warding off illness. The elevated temperature of a sauna mimics a fever response, stimulating immune activity and helping the body fight off germs more effectively. Improved circulation counters winter sluggishness caused by lower barometric pressure and reduced activity levels.
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti enhances this experience with its signature Sauna Stretching ritual, combining gentle movement, aromatherapy and guided breathing within a Finnish sauna heated to 70°C with 20% humidity. Small-group sessions begin with a refreshing shower before 30 minutes of guided stretching, punctuated by cooling breaks and aromatic inhalations of essential oils such as stone pine, Siberian fir, lavender and citrus blends. The result: reduced tension, increased flexibility and a deep sense of restoration.
2. Cold Exposure: Harness the Power of Contrast for Immunity
Cold exposure has been widely linked to improved immune resilience. Short bursts of cold can activate brown fat, stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation and increase the production of immune-supporting white blood cells. When paired with heat therapy, contrast sessions can improve cardiovascular elasticity and bolster the body’s stress-response systems – key factors in fighting flu. At Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, guests can immerse themselves in an ice pool maintained at 10–14°C, followed by invigorating barefoot outdoor walks on grass or snow to encourage grounding and reconnect with the natural energy of the landscape.
3. Stay Active Outdoors: Let Nature Become Your Spa
Winter often leads to reduced movement, but being outside is a powerful ally in supporting vitality. Moderate outdoor activity stimulates circulation, oxygenates tissues and releases endorphins – all of which help maintain immune strength and mental clarity.
At Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, the Active & Balance Programme encourages guests to fully embrace this seasonal boost with guided outdoor activities each morning—ranging from gentle hikes to energy-activating movement – followed by restorative spa treatments in the afternoon. This creates a balanced rhythm of movement, recovery and reconnection with nature.
Simple activities such as a brisk cardio walk, star jumps or body-weight exercises in the fresh air can activate vital energy pathways and help regulate mood during darker months.
4. Massage: Boost Circulation and Release Winter Tension
Treat yourself to a massage; it supports immune health by stimulating lymphatic flow, encouraging the removal of toxins and enhancing nutrient delivery to muscles and organs. Improved circulation, reduced tension and deeper relaxation all contribute to a stronger, more resilient body, especially valuable during flu season.
Lefay’s signature massages combine natural oils, energy-balancing techniques and rhythmic movements to release stagnation, ease joint stiffness and restore harmony throughout the body.
5. Breathwork & Mindful Relaxation: Reduce Stress to Strengthen Immunity
Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to seasonal viruses. Incorporating mindful breathwork, meditation or guided relaxation can lower cortisol levels, regulate the nervous system and improve sleep quality – one of the most powerful shields against winter illness.
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Italian Dolomites. The 1500 sqm Lefay SPA is one of the largest in the entire Alpine region and includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms of varying temperatures and aromas, state-of-the-art gym and several relaxation areas.