6 Incredible Wellness Retreats to Try in 2017
Sometimes, we need a little help hitting that reset button and getting back to a state of mindfulness when it comes to taking care of our physical and mental health. Tom Marchant, co-founder of travel company Black Tomato, told CNN that wellness vacations are on the rise. “Mindfulness and emotional well-being have become increasingly important in a time when constant connectivity can leave us exhausted and overstimulated,” he said. Embrace your new surroundings, stay present in the moment, and work on your mind, body, and soul with these amazing wellness retreats.
1. KETANGA FITNESS & WELLNESS DESERT ESCAPE
When: April 6-10
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
What: Sweat it out surrounded by the red rocks of Arizona’s desert. P.E. Club owner Nedra Lopez and holistic health expert Holly Goodwin lead a mixture of high and low intensity workouts in the mornings and evenings. During breaks, guests will have plenty of time to explore the desert through hikes and excursions. After your last workout class, you can hit the town for dinner and drinks.
When: April 15-22
Where: Oahu, Hawaii
What: What better excuse to spoil yourself in Hawaii than a retreat led by Barry’s Bootcamp star Rebecca Kennedy? You’re going for your health and wellbeing, after all. During your week-long excursion to Oahu, you’ll surf, climb waterfalls, and hike the Stairway to Heaven trail. All 3,922 steps of it. In between all those workouts, Kennedy created a special stretch and recovery class so you won’t skip a beat the next day.
3. LE SOLEIL D’OR HOLLISTIC HIDEAWAY
When: May 4-7
Where: Cayman Islands
What: If you’re looking for a luxurious and revitalizing getaway, the Le Soleil d’Or resort in the Cayman Islands is your next destination. The Explore Your Core Chi Chi Life program taught by certified pilates and TRX instructor Lauren Chiarello, is five days of empowering workouts, r&r on the gorgeous beaches, and mindful stretches to end your day.
(Rido / Shutterstock.com)
When: Now-August
Where: Amanbagh, India
What: The Amanbagh hotel in Rajasthan, India offers 4-21 day programs focusing on preventative medicine, ancient teachings of ayurveda (holistic healing systems), and immersion courses that focus on relieving stress and toxins from your body. Activities include hikes overlooking beautiful gorges, yoga and meditation sessions, and meals made with organic, locally harvested produce.
When: August 18–28
Where: Reykjavík, Iceland
What: If you’re more of a sprint to the finish line kind of person, the Mile High Run Club in Iceland could be just what your body is craving. After landing in Reykjavík, runners can work towards their best time in the annual marathon, half marathon, or 10K. Post race, you’ll soothe your muscles in the geothermal Blue Lagoon spa and hit the ground running again with guided runs through Thórsmörk National Park. Do we even have to mention Skaftafell’s insane glacier views?
When: August 20–27
Where: Korcula Island, Croatia
What: The seven day retreat in Croatia is all about balance. Founder Heather Lilleston and guest teacher Jamie Lugo teach two daily yoga classes (a challenging am class and a restorative pm session). In between, guests can kayak, hike, and head out for a night (or six) of dancing in one of the coastline’s lively clubs and bars. Who said yogis couldn’t bar hop and practice yoga?
