It used to be that when I mentioned Wellness Travel, it conjured up visions of sitting alone on a mountain top meditating in silence. While this may still be the case for some, the new idea of wellness is centered around what you need most at any given time. This may just be a quiet respite away from the demands of your work and family or it may be an active vacation focused on doing what you love the most, whether that be biking, golfing or surfing. Wellness travel may mean that you need a reset and are seeking out a place to help you get back on track with healthy eating and a regular fitness routine. It may also mean you are needing to reconnect with your spiritual self and are looking to grow or transform yourself from the experience.
More than ever, a wellness getaway means taking your healthy/active lifestyle on the road. Most of us make every effort to eat healthy and take care of ourselves when we’re home and this is what we’re looking for when we travel. Although there are times we may select a wellness resort for a specific outcome, such as weight loss or managing health issues, we more often than not are looking for a getaway which allows us to disconnect from our devices and offers us choices. We want the option to eat healthy, but have our glass of wine in the evening. We want the option to enjoy fitness classes and outdoor activities but also relax by the pool. For the majority, it’s not an “all or none” approach but rather a balance which allows us to be healthy but also indulge on occasion.
For this reason, there is a wellness getaway that’s the right fit for everyone. For those that really want to focus on “getting back on track”, there are boot camp style programs that are very regimented to help you attain your goals. For those that want a more balanced, relaxed approach, there are programs that offer a variety of fitness options with fresh meals and your favorite cocktail.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when selecting a wellness escape:
- How many days can I get away?
- How far am I able/willing to go?
- What type of environment am I wanting: beach, lake, mountains, city, etc?
- Do I want a structured program or do I want a more free-flowing approach?
- Do I have a specific objective in mind (weight loss, preventing Alzheimers, stress management, kick-start a fitness routine, managing high blood pressure or diabetes, just “me time”)?
- Do I want diet-specific meals (low salt, no sugar, calorie count) or am I just interested in farm-to-table fresh cuisine?
- Is having alcohol available going to be a distraction from my goals or do I want to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail on occasion?
- Do I need a program with on-site wellness professionals available (nutritionists, personal trainers, dieticians, life coaches, etc)?
- Do I need a program with a medical team or medical testing on site?
- Am I looking for a program which offers outdoor activities/fitness classes either onsite or nearby?
There are so many amazing wellness options both in the U.S. and abroad. The key is creating an experience which will have you returning to your daily routine feeling refreshed and recharged. Wellness travel today is about getting away to serve whatever intention you have at that time and it’s up to you to define it.
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