You book a vacation and plan to relax on a beach for a solid week. You’re committed to doing absolutely nothing the whole time. Except after your week away, you don’t feel any better. It’s like that vacation never even happened.
A vacation is supposed to be a break from the daily routine and stress in your life so why does the restful feeling end the moment you arrive home? This is where the difference lies between normal vacations and wellness vacations.
Imagine returning home and feeling like a stronger, happier person. Imagine that being not just a feeling but instead being who you are now. Your vacation hasn’t just rested you, it has transformed you. It’s given you new abilities to deal with whatever obstacles arise.
Wellness vacations aren’t a fad. They’re a conscious way of improving any aspect of your health you’d like to work on.
Read on to learn more about what wellness travel is and how to find the best wellness vacations.
What Is a Wellness Vacation?
There are no one-size-fits-all wellness vacations. Your idea of wellness is as individual as you are, and we all have different parts of our lives we need to improve.
A wellness vacation can take many forms. Some wellness vacations focus on healthy eating, often with exercise such as yoga programs. Others might be fitness retreats such as surf camps or hiking vacations.
The idea of a wellness vacation is to consciously improve your health by focusing on proactive physical, mental, and spiritual health. By taking the time to focus on your body and mind, you won’t just be resting, you’ll be actively improving your health.
This allows you to take those improvements home with you and into your daily life.
Mental Health
Around 1 in 5 people in America suffer from a mental health issue. Still more experience daily stress that impacts their quality of life. Given that stress can have profound negative effects on your health, it’s vital that we all take steps to reduce it.
Wellness vacations can be a powerful way to reduce stress and learn how to manage it upon your return home. Vacations might include meditation retreats, spiritual guidance, and even therapy.
By taking the time to engage in mental self-care, you can return home with a stronger mental ability to live your life to the fullest.
Physical Health
We’re all run off our feet in our daily lives, and often exercise and physical health is left at the bottom of our priority list. When you stop taking care of your body though, your overall health will suffer. This can lead to increased stress and risk of illness.
Wellness travel is often geared towards physical health with both exercise and healthy eating. Retreats focus on excellent quality food that complements the program, whether it’s yoga, cycling, or water sports.
These vacations are usually run by experienced instructors who balance physical and nutritional well-being so you can get the most out of your trip. They give you the space and time to get physically stronger or even learn a new sport such a paddle boarding or Pilates.
The Best of Both
Many wellness vacations will offer blended programs that allow you to work on all aspects of your health. You might start your day with yoga and meditation practice before going for a hike or taking a surf class. All while enjoying nutritious food that gives you the energy you need.
As wellness travel is becoming more popular, there are variations and options to suit every traveler.
The Best Wellness Vacations
From wellness resorts with hundreds of classes to dedicated wellness vacation programs, you can choose from a huge variety of options.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want to find a package that suits your needs exactly, you can also speak to wellness travel consultants who’ll help you create the vacation of your dreams.
Yoga and Mindfulness
A popular type of wellness vacation, focusing on yoga and mindfulness offers you a refreshing balance of mental and physical self-care. Resorts and destinations all over the world offer yoga wellness retreats and there are options for every budget.
The Art of Living Retreat in North Carolina is a popular choice for those seeking yoga, meditation, and detoxing. They offer a range of programs, allowing you to focus on the type of yoga or self-care that you want.
In Goa, India, the Bamboo Yoga Retreat offers packages that include yoga sessions, healthy meals, and sightseeing.
Fitness
Alternative Aquitaine is a wellness vacation company focused on fitness. Programs at their base in the southwest of France include cycling, surfing, and boot camp fitness sessions. You’ll even get a health check-up and expert guidance.
The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort offers hundreds of classes to pick and choose from with everything you need in one place. With pools, acupuncturists, and nutritionists on hand, you can embrace fitness and health while looking at ocean views.
Nature
The calming power of nature is well documented and many retreats like the Lake Austin Spa Resort offer wellness vacations closely tied in with nature. You can enjoy spa treatments and take yoga classes outside and even classes on the beautiful lake.
The Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona also links wellness with nature. They offer numerous outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking so you can spend time in nature. Enjoy yoga and healthy meals too for an all-round wellness vacation.
Rediscover Yourself on a Wellness Vacation
When you take the time and space to consciously rest and improve your health, the benefits don’t disappear the moment you get home. Wellness vacations give you the guidance and facilities you need to reconnect with your mind and body in a constructive, liberating way.
With so many options to choose from, you can choose packages around the world or talk to a wellness travel consultant who’ll listen to what you need and find you the perfect vacation.
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