We all know how connected the world has become and some of us are realizing the importance of disconnecting, even for a little while, to positively impact our wellness. Physically and mentally removing ourselves from the attachments we have all grown accustomed to; these social media interactions, continuous cycles or news, messages, games, and digital glue that have made life somewhat convenient yet they stick to us and our unconscious minds are more active than they have ever been. This can lead to stress that goes unrecognized, and nobody needs that. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. So we did a bit of research for you, no stress, and a few of our picks for hitting the necessary reset button are here in one place. If taking a flight halfway around the world makes your head spin, we have suggestions close to the United States. We know some love the journey and relaxation begins the moment the plane takes off, so we brought you a range, from Indonesia to the Caribbean.
“A little learning is a dangerous thing.
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring;
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
and drinking largely sobers us again.”
― Alexander Pope, An Essay On Criticism
We dive deeply to begin this wellness journey.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Located in Rishikesh, India is a world-renowned holistic wellness retreat in the Himalayan foothills in North India, overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and river Ganges. Immunity, vitality, all-round well-being is the singular focus of this immersive wellness destination. Located in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, the retreat spans 100 acres of lush grounds and gardens and is surrounded by forested hillside. As the birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation, this spiritual destination embodies and facilitates wellness and enlightenment. The philosophy of Ananda revolves around Ayurveda, holistic wellness, yoga, meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy cuisine.
The heart of Ananda lies in its 25,000 square foot wellness center, offering beautifully designed therapy rooms with captivating views of nature. The open-air yoga and meditation pavilions, outdoor pool, a physiotherapy center, gym, and a vast range of Ayurvedic and international therapies for holistic cleansing of the body, mind, and soul take guests on an authentic dive into the depths of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Back to a spot we mentioned in our summer issue, located in Monteverde, Costa Rica is the carbon neutral Hotel Belmar. Feeling great about the planet and yourself can go hand-in-hand here. If you recall, this family-owned boutique luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s renowned Monteverde cloud forest highlands from that issue, we put it on this list because it has recently added to its wellness offerings with new yoga programs and more. The property is intimate, making it easy to personally connect with their new certified yoga teacher, breathwork and lightwork facilitator, and dedicated guide. With over five years of experience, she curates mindful experiences, blending traditional yogic practices, tantra, pranayama, and more. Her name is Arantza and her sessions, grounded in self-empowerment and love, invite guests to discover their dharma, embrace transformation, and connect with the elements.
The hotel now offers a new Wellness Enhancement add-on package to elevate any stay into a thematic self-retreat. This add-on package includes daily farm-to-table breakfast, daily yoga sessions, healthy juice smoothies, a relaxing massage, a private breathwork session, and immersive nature experiences—all for $220 USD. Some retreats can lead to more anxiety when seeing the prices, but this one is transparent.
BodyHoliday, Santa Lucia
The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean are often all that is needed to melt away tension. Heading over to Saint Lucia we find a resort known for its commitment to being a one-of-a-kind resort designed to provide the most relaxing and rejuvenating wellness holiday in Saint Lucia. Come for the treatments, but stay for the food! This pioneering wellness resort opened its farm-to-table dining experience, I-TAL, in 2017, promoting a holistic and sustainable approach to food and healthy eating for its guests with a two acre garden on property. After several years of offering impeccable plant-based meals inspired by the Rastafarian diet, the I-TAL the team is now offering a new menu of beverages to complement the fresh bites. BodyHoliday’s I-TAL restaurant is based on the I-TAL culinary movement, which originated in Jamaica and is closely associated with the Rastafarian lifestyle. The term is derived from the word “vital” and emphasizes natural, unprocessed, and organic foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and herbs, avoiding processed or artificial ingredients, as well as meat and dairy products. They say that this way of eating aligns with the Rastafarian principles of health, simplicity, and respect for the environment. Guests dining at I-TAL embark on an uphill journey through the garden guided by one of BodyHoliday’s gardeners, exploring various plants and farming methods used onsite. Guests are invited to participate in the harvest activities, where they’ll help gather fresh produce directly from the garden, tasting and smelling ingredients as they go. Gardeners will also provide insight on other homeopathic or medicinal uses for the various ingredients along the way. Once at the top, guests will discover the intimate 12-seat restaurant overlooking the azure expanse of the Caribbean Sea. In addition to its commitment to organic dining, I-TAL proudly supports local ecosystems, with honey harvested onsite providing a flavorful accent to the menu. All fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the gardens are used at the I-TAL restaurant and throughout the other five food and beverage venues of the resort. The starting rate at BodyHoliday is $714 per night., based on a Garden View Twin Room for 2 guests. The ITAL experience is an additional $75 per person for lunch and $90 per person for dinner. Yummy! This sounds like food for the soul. www.thebodyholiday.com
Santarena Hotel, Costa Rica
Hungry for more Costa Rican wellness, we head to the Pacific side of the country, Las Catalinas. Santarena Hotel is a tropically elegant oasis inspired by a palette of people and places – a true bohemian pearl that puts wellness and nature at the forefront. Stylish accommodations and inviting public spaces are seamlessly woven with gracious hospitality to make this the ideal urban seaside getaway. All 45 guest rooms (including 3 suites) feature crisp, linear design, and contemporary sleek-but-mellow touches throughout, providing the perfect place to rest, recover and recharge between active sunny days and sophisticated social evenings. Guests enjoy peaceful yoga sessions on the hotel’s rooftop terrace where sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the sounds of birds set the ambiance for ultimate relaxation. Here is where you can immerse yourself in an oasis of peace and well-being. The Santarena Hotel’s exclusive Harmony and Well-Being package invites those seeking the ultimate tropical relaxation retreat to renew body and mind in a dreamlike setting. Valid for travel dates through October 2024, the package includes:
- Two nights and three days in our Danta Standard room for two people.
- $200 credit for rejuvenating treatments at the Wake Spa.
- Breakfast included at Ponciana, perfect for starting your days of relaxation.
All this for $675 USD, taxes included.
Patagonia, Argentina
Staying in Latin America, we find ourselves exploring with Naya Traveler as it takes wellness seekers to Argentina’s Patagonia
This company, known for curating “trips to transcend boundaries”, is offering tailor-made experiential journeys to a curated selection of destinations. Naya Traveler invites travelers to the heart of a 50,000-acre working cattle ranch in Argentina’s Patagonia region where Tipiliuke Lodge puts wellness at the forefront, welcoming guests to indulge in a variety of relaxing experiences. Naya Traveler works with local hosts and expert guides to design a personalized wellness journey from the very start. Amenities like a nutritionist, wood-fired sauna, hot tubs with stunning vistas, and a yoga studio with views of stunning natural beauty are all part of the package, helping guests reconnect with nature and themselves.
Personal treatments from masseuses, yoga instructors, physiotherapists, and osteopaths from the nearby town of San Martin de los Andes complete the wellness offer. End each rejuvenating day under a canopy of stars, savoring renowned Argentinian Malbecs around a fire.
These journeys all sound dreamy to us. When you’re ready to relax, just scan the QR code or click the tiny URL and we can get you ready to unwind and reset in paradise. (We know it means picking up that cell phone or opening the laptop, but we promise, these trips won’t keep you glued to your devices for long!)
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