All About Wellness Vacations

Vacationing at a wellness resort is one of the hottest traveling trends right now. No longer do people want to just come back refreshed from vacation; they want to come back as new and improved versions of themselves. Our vacation time is quite the precious resource, and more people like to multi-task by combining vacation and self-improvement at the same time. And it’s never been easier to accomplish this!

Wellness_Vacations

This multi-billion dollar industry has been growing in leaps and bounds, which translates to plenty of options for every budget, body and locale. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices and don’t know where to start, take a look at our list that breaks down the 4 different types of wellness vacations to help you find the one that best suits your goals, comfort level and frame of mind.

 

1.) Traditional Wellness Retreats

Traditional_Wellness

Photo by Merlin Phuket / CC BY-ND

Traditional wellness retreats have been around for a long time and used to only cater to the mega-wealthy crowd.  Thankfully, these classy resorts have realized that middle class travelers need truly relaxing vacation experiences, as well, and have become a lot more affordable in the past decade. These luxury resorts incorporate beautiful and peaceful locales with calming activities, an abundance of pampering and world-class presentations that encompass everything from health management to stress relief to massage technique. Some of the best (and most affordable) to research are The Oaks at Ojai, The Cooperhood Retreat in New York, or the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa located in Tucson.

 

2.) Wellness Festivals and Cruises

Festivals_Cruises

Photo by Hypnotica Studios Infinite / CC BY

Easily the newest member of the health travel crowd, wellness cruises and festivals have been gaining popularity for a few years now, and for good reason. Despite cruises being known for the gluttonous buffets, there are some that are shattering that stereotype. They combine healthy meals with informative lectures, food preparation classes and an abundance of healthy activities. Add in the beautiful ports of call and the rejuvenation of watching the water go by, and you have a fantastic all-inclusive vacation. Check out SilverSea cruises for a posh choice or Windjammer Angelique Yoga and Wellness Cruise in Maine for a more relaxed atmosphere. If you can only devote a couple of days to a wellness vacation, or can’t splurge on a week-long cruise, festivals are another great option. Wellness festivals are a bit harder to plan since they only happen in certain cities for set days, but they are worth it if you can fit them into your schedule. For some of the best, check out Wanderlust Festival which tours several cities throughout the year. Or, head to the Healthy Living Festival that’s held in Del Mar, California yearly. Yoga lovers will thoroughly enjoy the Sat Nam Fest which is held twice a year on both coasts.

 

3.) Adrenaline Fitness

Adrenaline_Wellness

Photo by Micah Craig / CC BY-SA

Although it’s hard to believe that a resort that specializes in adrenaline resorts could be considered a wellness retreat, it’s actually quite the genius pairing. More and more resorts are offering high-thrill activities such as circus schools, whitewater rafting, surfing and ziplining during the day, which are then coupled with relaxation activities in the evening. Those that frequent resorts such as these rave about the otherworld-like bliss they feel while on vacation. Pushing your body to its extreme and then relaxing with a massage or guided meditation produces endorphins and creates a beautiful feeling of calm. For the best of the best, head to Creactive by Cirque du Soleil in Punta Cana to test out your circus skills. Or try Costa Rica’s Rio Perdido which seamlessly melds extreme thrills with calming hot springs.

 

4.) Spiritual Wellness

Esalen_Spiritual_Wellness

Photo by Brad Coy / CC BY

For travelers looking to connect with the natural world more, as well as their own spirituality, a holistic retreat is your answer. Temazcal getaways are gaining popularity due to their ability to connect one to nature. Temazcal is an ancient ritual that involves a trained shaman using herbs, heat, steam and ancient prayers or chants to connect your physical and spiritual wellbeing. If that’s too native, there are a variety of meditation spas that tout relaxed mindsets and better self-understanding upon departure. To experience the best of the best, head to Shambhala Mountain Center in Colorado or Esalen Institute in Big Sur.

ParkSleepFly

ParkSleepFly.com brings you the essential travel news and deals. You can keep up through our email newsletter and social channels.