A wellness escape is something all of us should do every once in a while to recharge our bodies and minds. These kinds of trips have been the rage lately. They give you the chance to switch off and chill in a pretty place to focus on yourself, even if it’s only for a few days. Whether it’s hammocks or mountain trails that get you going, we’ve put together this guide about organizing a self-care escape to help you hit the reset button.
How to Plan the Perfect Wellness Retreat
Before you go forking out any cash, stop for a second and ask yourself what your idea of relaxing is. Is it chilling in a swanky resort amidst lush jungles? Or is it more of a yoga retreat, where you wave goodbye to your phone for a few days and connect with your spirit? And then there’s the crew who love getting lost in the mountains; you’re my type of people. We all have our own version of downtime, so make sure to book a trip that actually allows you to relax.
Where you go will make all the difference as well (and yeah, don’t worry, we’ve got some recommendations coming up for you). Maybe it’s chasing cascading waterfalls and volcanoes in Bali (good choice), catching some waves at a surf camp in Costa Rica, or soaking in the dreamy lagoons of Iceland.
Your itinerary is going to be key, too. You’ll want a good mix in there to add some structure, but avoid making it so jam-packed that you end up needing a holiday after you return home. Keep it something like this: a run on the beach on day one, a planned dinner every second night, and a sunset swim whenever you get bored; you get the idea.
Possibly the biggest factor in how your trip goes is whether you go solo or with others. Sure, having people around can be great for company, but will you be able to unwind properly with others around? Only you can answer that.
Top Wellness Destinations for a Rejuvenating Escape
Bali, Indonesia
Dubbed the Mecca of wellness, we’ve got to start with Bali. Aspiring gurus and yoga fanatics have been flocking to this Indonesian island for a slice of serenity since the 1960s, and its popularity only seems to grow with time. Ubud has always been a hit with travelers seeking peace. It’s all here, from sunrise yoga on mountainside pavilions to Balinese purification sessions. Seminyak is awesome if you’re curious about sound healing, and in Jimbaran, you’ll find a collection of serene spa villages along the stunning coastline.
Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh is where yoga began. No joke, this city nestled at the foot of the Himalayas is the birthplace of yoga. The second I got here, I felt an energy shift that was unlike anywhere else in India, a far cry from the chaos of New Delhi. Between the ashrams and those adorable mountain temples, you’ll really experience what peace feels like.
Multi-day yoga retreats are a big deal in Rishikesh. People fly in from here, there, and everywhere to spend time learning the ropes from world-class yoga instructors. Imagine mornings spent meditating by the Ganges, followed by days filled with Ashtanga poses linking the breath with movements. After a few days of feeling completely zen, you’ll be itching for a bit of adventure: whitewater rafting down the rapids, anyone? There are plenty of tour companies that will take you tearing down the Ganges in an inflatable boat.
Lofoten, Norway
Norway has some of the finest nature on the planet, especially in the Lofoten Islands. Just picture yourself in a jacuzzi overlooking the Norwegian Sea as the cold air hits your face and the piping hot bubbles warm your body. Evenings in Lofoten are saved for the sauna as the Midnight Sun phenomenon occurs, where the sun can be seen around the clock (only between May and July). The hiking trails of Helvetestinden and Ryten Mountain are perfect for those wanting to stay active.
Nosara, Costa Rica
Situated along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, Nosara is a quaint village and the spiritual capital of this Central American nation. You may have heard of Nosara in the past because it’s also one of five of the world’s blue zones. These are regions of the world where the population has a longer life expectancy than the average person due to a variety of factors like diet, routine, and climate. So, if wellness is the goal, this is definitely the place to be. Nosara is also known for its excellent surfing conditions due to its location on the Pacific Ocean, which offers nice waves and warm waters that are ideal for anyone just starting out on the board.
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Most people who visit Iceland have the Blue Lagoon at the top of their bucket list, usually just to tick it off. However, there has been a growing trend of some visitors coming here for more than sightseeing, using it as a wellness destination. The famed Blue Lagoon Resort, which is right on the grounds, has some excellent packages, especially the Retreat Spa option. Starting at ISK 79734.00 (€548) for two people, this five-hour deal gives you prime access to all the facilities for a blissful break. You’ll be treated to lagoon visits, drinks, restaurant access, spa passes, and much more. The Comfort option is cheaper if you’re not pushed on spending that much. For ISK 10039.50 (€69), you’ll get entry passes to the lagoon, mud masks, towels, and one drink; it’s not too shabby.
The Benefits of Detox Vacations: Cleanse Your Body and Mind
Detox and wellness vacations may sound similar on paper to someone who’s never looked into this type of trip before, but they’re actually slightly different. A wellness getaway is more about giving the body a chance to rest physically and mentally. It’s essentially a holiday, sticking around in one area rather than taking the run of yourself, hitting a few cities in one trip. Detox vacations, on the other hand, are structured retreats where you follow a schedule focused on detoxifying your body from toxins using strategies like fasting, dieting, and exercise.
Some might say detox vacations are a bit ‘hippyish,’ while others swear by them. There’s no denying their incredible benefits, though you’ll need to follow the rules to get the most out of them. Here’s a rundown of what you can gain.
Immune System Support
As time goes on, our bodies accumulate an insane amount of toxins from the lifestyle we lead. It could be from the foods you eat or your environment, particularly if you live in an area that has high pollution levels. By following a carefully designed detoxification plan, you’ll be able to flush all of these toxins out of your body, making you feel more rejuvenated than ever.
You’ll Feel Recharged
A knock-on benefit of getting rid of all the rubbish from your insides is the increased levels of energy it will bring after they’ve gone. Since your body no longer has to focus on processing the bad stuff, it frees up energy that would have otherwise been spent managing it.
They Help With Weight Loss
If you’ve been struggling with your weight recently or would love to shed a few pounds, a detox vacation can help. Adding whole, nutritious foods to your diet and cutting out the sugary snacks will allow you to get all the nutrients you need. This way, you’ll feel less inclined to reach for the packet of crisps when you’re laid out on the sunlounger.
Delay the Onset of Aging
Aging is part of life, and we all go through it, but how fast it hits you can depend on your lifestyle. Stress, for example, can speed up the aging process because of all that cortisol running through your body, which can wreak havoc on your skin. But since you’ll be focusing on lowering your stress levels on your wellness trip, your skin will eventually start to look fresh and feel youthful again.
How to Stay Healthy During Your Vacation: Nutrition and Fitness Tips
Keep the Alcohol Consumption to a Minimum
A drink or two might be your perfect idea of relaxation, but if you end up going on a bender every night, you’ll spend most of the days away hungover. And we all know how rough that can be, especially in the scorching sun; no thanks.
I’m not saying don’t treat yourself to a piña colada in the evening; rather, keep consumption to a minimum. Maybe you decide that every few nights, you’ll have a drink with dinner, but just don’t go crazy on the booze, or you’ll end up hating yourself the next day.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s easy to get into the habit of calling the bartender for a diet Pepsi when the heat gets too much. But staying hydrated should be your number one priority because the body’s fluids are depleting at a faster pace as you’re sweating it all out.
A general rule of thumb is 64 ounces of water a day for a grown adult. Depending on where you go, you might not be able to drink the tap water, so just buy a couple of 2-liter bottles of water to store in the room. That way, you can easily grab one to take with you whenever you go outside.
Don’t Forget Your Own Stash of Snacks
What’s the one thing you do when you’re bored on holiday? I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s snacking. It’s so easy to fall into the trap; one minute, you’ve had a piece of chocolate, and the next, you’ve finished the entire bar. Instead of putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation with lots of goodies around, bring your own stash of healthy snacks with you. At least when you’re hungry, you won’t have to starve.
Exercise at the Beginning of the Day
The further you kick the exercise can down the road, the less likely you are to do it; it’s simple. You’re better off getting your gym class or run done and out of the way early in the morning. At least when it’s finished, you can do whatever you want without worrying about sweating it out before your crew heads out for dinner.
Unlike at home, you’ll most likely be eating out quite a bit on your vacation, with a few meals cooked in your apartment if you go for an Airbnb. Since you’re at the mercy of what’s on the restaurant’s menu, it can be tricky to pick dishes that are 100% healthy. Try to stick with options filled with fruits and veggies that are good for the body. Of course, you’ll be tempted to indulge in that mouthwatering cheesecake one of the evenings, but as the saying goes, everything in moderation.
Recharge Your Body With a Restful Wellness Getaway
A wellness getaway isn’t just an opportunity to visit somewhere awesome as hell (although that’s a good part of it). It’s your chance to break away from the demands of everyday life, kick back and relax, and enjoy things at a slower pace for a while.
Before heading off on your trip, ask yourself if you want to unplug and do nothing, or are you drawn to something more restorative like a detox vacation? Either way, your mind and body will thank you for that much-needed rest.