While the early sunsets and chilly temperatures may not be everyone’s cup of tea, one thing’s for sure about winter in New Hampshire — the season lends itself perfectly to wellness-centric activities.

Luckily for Lakes Region residents and visitors, our picturesque pocket of the Granite State boasts numerous ways to focus on self-care this season, and we aren’t just talking about the inherent mental health benefits of our lakefront setting. Whether you prefer to indulge in a pampering session at a spa, traverse snow-covered trails on snowshoes, or participate in hands-on activities like a painting class, these 13 wellness experiences will have you beating the winter blues and feeling completely refreshed.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

1. WellNest Spa at Owl’s Nest Resort

Situated inside Thornton’s Owl’s Nest Resort, WellNest Spa is a premier destination for full body, mind, and soul rejuvenation. From holistic skincare rituals to body care treatments tailored for ultimate relaxation, every experience can be fully customized to suit your individual wellness goals.

2. Lake Estate on Winnisquam

A new luxury resort is making its way to the Lakes Region! Welcoming guests in 2025, this premier lake resort will house a 5,000-square-foot, full-service spa — open to both resort guests and day visitors. With eight treatment rooms, sustainable treatments, and a nature-inspired ethos, it’s plain to see why this Tilton property is such a highly anticipated addition to the area.

3. Seasons Spa at The Manor On Golden Pond

From a signature hot stone massage to a targeted muscle melt therapy designed to release tension, the on-property Seasons Spa at The Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness offers a small but mighty menu of relaxing treatments. The 700-square-foot spa is tucked inside the historic manor, offering views of the White Mountains from a beautiful, pine-dotted landscape.

4. Meredith Whole Living Center

Meredith Whole Living Center — located on Main Street in Meredith — is home to a float tank, infrared sauna, and an extensive menu of head-to-toe treatments. Spa packages range from the “System Reset,” a 60-minute infrared sauna session coupled with a 60-minute floatation therapy session, or the “Head to Toe Glow,” which combines the sauna and floatation therapy with a deluxe hydra facial.

5. Cascade Spa at Mill Falls at the Lake

Mill Falls at the Lake knows a thing or two about finding respite by the lake. The Meredith resort’s Cascade Spa offers up a collection of bespoke treatments, from a two-hour rooftop massage experience to a signature pedicure and aromatherapy foot soak.

6. Tranquility Springs Wellness Spa at Lake Opechee Inn

This lakeside retreat’s on-site Tranquility Springs Wellness Spa has seven treatment rooms, infrared healing saunas, and a fireplace to cozy up by for ultimate comfort. Choose from a range of spa packages, including the “Time for Two” offering for couples to “The Great Escape” package, a four-hour experience consisting of a natural facial, sugar or salt scrub, 60-minute massage, and signature pedicure.

7. The Common Man Inn & Spa

Whether you’re on a girls’ getaway weekend or a solo, self-care-focused vacation, The Common Man Inn & Spa in Plymouth invites relaxation from every corner of the property. The inn’s full-service spa offers a heated pool, light therapy relaxation room, and a rock waterfall hot tub to boot. As far as treatments go, choose from a selection of body treatments, facials, and massage therapies (with the option to add enhancements like hot stones or a back scrub).

Find Your Favorite Form of Movement

8. winter hiking

Going for a scenic, pulse-quickening hike is a great way to prioritize wellness and movement in the colder months. Castle in the Clouds is home to nearly 30 miles of trails, all carefully maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. After a trek, visitors can enjoy a prix fixe winter lunch at the Castle for $35 per adult. Looking for additional trails in the area? Consult our list of the best hikes around the Lakes Region.

9. pickleball

With the surging popularity of pickleball, it was only a matter of time until the Lakes Region had its own indoor pickleball facility. Enter Club Piklbal, a new, state-of-the-art pickleball club located in the Belknap Marketplace. The community-centered club welcomes players of all skill levels — there’s even a dinking practice area and ball machine for those who are new to the sport. Owl’s Nest Resort also has a Racquet Club, where you can reserve courts in advance from May through October.

10. snowshoeing

If you’re seeking a low-impact, outdoor exercise for your next snow day, you can’t beat snowshoeing! The Lakes Region has a variety of Nordic trails and businesses where you can rent snowshoes — among the list are Prescott Farm in Laconia, Gunstock Mountain Resort, and the Bretton Woods Ski Area. While at Bretton Woods, save time for a ride on the Skyway Gondola. The 12-minute experience brings visitors up to a scenic summit, where you can opt to enjoy a meal at Switchback Grille or grab a quick snack at Peaks Café (both located in the Rosebrook Lodge).

11. yoga

With a focus on mind-body-soul balance, yoga is, naturally, a popular wellness practice — boasting benefits like reduced stress and improved flexibility. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, Satya Yoga Studio hosts an all-levels flow yoga class inside the LakeHouse at Owl’s Nest Resort. If you prefer your yoga with a wintry twist, Prescott Farm is hosting a snowshoe yoga class on Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1, and March 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, participants will practice yoga on snowshoes for a stable base atop the snow. The experience will also include an introduction to shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” Register in advance.

Pick Up a New Hobby or Skill

12. art classes

Pick up a paintbrush and nurture your inner Picasso with a guided painting class at the Lakes Region Art Gallery. The Tilton gallery hosts an adult watercolor workshop, a Saturday morning drawing and painting course, and more — see the calendar for the full schedule of events. As a bonus: The exhibit “Love is in the Air” will be on display at the gallery through Feb. 22, highlighting artwork that celebrates what local artists love most.

13. culinary programming

In addition to educational, environmental programs, Prescott Farm offers a selection of culinary-focused events. One example? The “Herb-Infused Oil & Salves” course, where participants learn to turn commonly found herbs into simple oils. The center also hosts a homemade pasta-making class, a sourdough bread class, and even a course on how to make maple candy. Peruse the full calendar for more details.