But of course this doesn’t always happen, despite our best intentions and no matter how great the destination is. Sometimes vacations just aren’t as relaxing as we hope and stress finds a way to creep into the itinerary.
If your last trip didn’t include the relaxation and leisure you expected, maybe it’s time for you to jump on the popular vacation trend: wellness vacations.
Wellness vacations give you the opportunity to see the world while improving your inner and outer self along the way. There are resorts around the globe that are dedicated to helping you maintain, promote or kick start a healthy lifestyle, relaxation included.
These specific types of trips used to be focused solely on spa resorts. While those are still alive and kicking, the industry has grown to include healthy hotels, holistic cruises, hiking and backpacking trips, yoga retreats, weight-loss programs and more.
The type of wellness vacation you choose really depends on your goal of the trip. Here are some of the best wellness destinations that can satisfy your need to relax, reset and ramp up a healthy lifestyle.
Uma by COMO, Ubud
This luxury hotel is located in central Bali with a focus on active approach to wellness, engagement with the community, culture and events in and around the town of Ubud. Activities offered include yoga sessions, walks through the rice paddies, hiking, biking, and visits to temples, festivals and artisan workshops.
Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat and Health Spa, Ainsworth Hot Springs
At this British Columbia retreat, guests are promised weight loss, a natural hormonal balance, deep sleep, fitness, detoxification, realigned and improved metabolism, stress release, illness and disease prevention and improved nutrition education and eating patterns. All of this is achieved through days that include sunrise yoga, hiking, fitness classes, lifestyle talks and massages, not to mention healthy and nourishing food.
Rancho La Puerta, Tecate
Mexican Rancho La Puerta offers its guests fitness, mindful meditation, soothing yoga, an exploration of the surrounding nature, a variety of workshops and education, cooking classes and a wide range of spa treatments. The whole goal of this retreat is for guests to begin a healthier and more balanced life.
Ananda in the Himalayas
In the tranquil Himalayan foothills and surrounding Sal forests, this retreat works to unite its guests’ mind, body and soul. They do this through their spa, a specialized diet program, yoga and meditation, reiki healing, reflexology, one-on-one or group fitness classes and more.
Bodhi Khaya Retreat, Capetown
This South African retreat hosts different programs based on the goal’s of guests. In the yoga spirit retreat, all levels of yogis can work on their technique while finding more joy and peace as well as facilitating positive emotional shifts. There are also cooking and meditation retreats.
Jungle Spa Adventure, Dominica
Here you can explore nature and relax in the Caribbean. Your day starts with gentle yoga surrounded by the rainforest. The days are filled with hikes and activities around Dominica, including excursions to explore hidden waterfalls, ocean pools, and natural hot springs. Guests also go ocean kayaking and snorkeling. The daily spa treatments are the cherry on top of this trip… a very healthy cherry.
Photo from healthandfitnesstravel.com