When it comes to the modern-day concept of “wellness travel,” there are a whole lot of different ideas out there about what it entails. But, according to the Wellness Tourism Association the definition is quite simple. Wellness travel is any type of travel that allows the traveller to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase one’s sense of wellbeing.
As we enter a new decade, wellness travel will continue to be in high demand, and the best news for travelers is that there will be an increasing number of options in all price categories and to suit any special interest.
So whether you are looking to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle in 2020, here are 10 wellness travel options to have on your list:
Top 10 Wellness Travel Locations 2020
Red Mountain Resort recently unveiled its all-new Metabolic Booster Retreat, which combines state-of-the-art wellness testing with the resort’s proven mindful approach to meal planning, eating and exercise. Beginning with a personalized and comprehensive physical assessment performed by one of the resort’s wellness professionals, the Metabolic Booster Retreat determines each guest’s specific caloric needs to optimize and maintain their metabolism and achieve their health goals.
Program highlights include: Resting metabolic rate testing, in BODY composition analysis, mindful meal planning and a cardiovascular workout workshop—in addition to three healthy and gourmet meals daily, guided hikes, and access to the resort’s robust fitness, personal discovery, and activity calendar. The result of this three-night, four-day stay, leaves guests with strategies that can be implemented in their daily routines well beyond their stay.
Nestled in Southwestern Utah’s red rock bluffs, Red Mountain Resort is a one-of-a- kind active destination retreat, inspiring guests to pursue health, wellness, balance, and joy. With one of the country’s most breathtaking natural settings as its backdrop, the resort features a comprehensive selection of fitness classes and programs, outdoor, and hiking adventures, nutritious cuisine and personal discovery seminars.
Be the hero of your body and make your vacation count for something with Skyterra Wellness Retreat’s newest specialty program, LoseSmart. LoseSmart is a four-week curated program launching in late 2019 and is designed to assist guests with new approaches to fitness, a reset of nutrition and eating habits, and weight loss.
LoseSmart includes private coaching, structured classes and nutritional support, as well as access to Skyterra’s wide array of spa services, yoga, fitness, recreation and education classes to bolster guests’ health and wellness journey. Following completion of the program, guests receive support and a plan for home to ensure continued progress.
Skyterra opened in June 2016 as a holistic health retreat and
already has earned several accolades, including being named as USA Today’s Best Wellness Retreat in the country in 2018. While other wellness resorts accommodate hundreds of visitors, Skyterra maintains a maximum capacity of just over 20 guests on its 300-acre wooded campus just outside of Brevard, North Carolina, United States. The benefits of their approach are evident in the 5-star average ratings from guest reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook. Guests call the experience transformative, life-changing and an excellent travel value.
Eupepsia is an award-winning wellness sanctuary resort in the heart of Virginia, which was just voted #2 Best Wellness Resort in the nation in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice awards. Set on 256 acres of farm and woodland, the resort is nestled at the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley and borders the Jefferson National Forest, offering both tranquility and comfort with far-reaching and lasting benefits.
Founded on the science and philosophy of Ayurveda, Eupepsia offer an immersive experience through an integrated approach centered around sound sleep, clean ‘farm-to-table’ eating, advanced health, fitness and yoga therapies as well as mindfulness for optimal energy.
With the help of a team of specialists, the Eupepsia Wellness Resort customizes its wellness retreats to each person’s bio-individuality, health condition and personal goals, for optimum benefits. The advanced assessments enable guests to understand the root cause of their lifestyle challenges. These include advanced thermography scannings, iridology assessments and Ayurvedic body consultations.
4. LE MONASTÈRE DES AUGUSTINES
Live an unforgettable experience within the historic walls of Le Monastère des Augustines in Quebec, site of the continent’s first hospital north of Mexico.
Sensitively restored and redesigned, Le Monastère offers its guests a unique experience in holistic health, along with a rare opportunity to connect directly with the Augustinian Sisters’ remarkable heritage. We welcome people of all cultures and beliefs, and are proud to operate our facilities sustainably.
Enjoy a unique experience in a former “cell” filled with antique furniture and restored to modern standards of comfort, or relax in a room of simple and contemporary design, in perfect harmony with our heritage site and in total comfort.
Anchored in the history of Le Monastère and its founding sisters, Le Restaurant offers healthy, northern-inspired cuisine which combines the well-known virtues of local and organic foods. At the Monastère des Augustines, the museological experience merges with the place, rich of nearly four centuries of history.
The spirit of Le Monastère, embodied in its soothing sights and sounds, and in the reposeful rhythm of activities, support a deep sense of tranquility and relaxation. The site’s heritage value stems from its European architectural tradition, perimeter wall, vast garden dating to 17th Century New France, and to the powerful social role it played right from the beginning.
5. FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers immersive adventures among the sparkle and mystery of Lake Louise that elevate self- discovery and rejuvenate the spirit. Those who are curious, and seek nature-inspired experiences become deeply touched at the breathtaking, alpine oasis.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has been collaborating with local wellness experts to bring unique retreats to the heart of the Canadian Rockies for almost a decade.
Their retreats range from yoga and meditation retreats to self-love and self- discovery retreats; all of which are rooted in reconnection with the self and with nature. Wellness retreats in Lake Louise inspire transformative, life-changing experiences within the incredible backdrop
of Banff National Park.
Turkey’s first and still only “destination spa,” Richmond Nua Wellness-Spa is located two-hours’ drive from Istanbul Airport where Lake Sapanca meets the forest and resorts’ each room features lake views. Richmond Nua Wellness-Spa has 131 rooms, 20 of which are suites, and a 2,700 m2 spa area which houses steam baths, Turkish baths, hot tubs, recreational areas with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 110°C. There are a number of different all- inclusive programs available on a year-round basis, they include the following:
The three to 14-night Green Juice and Raw Food Detox programs available year-round; The Hypoxi Marathon program, and a healthy body contouring method, designed to help guests to get fit fast by using proper exercise and healthy nutrition plans to give guests long-term and realistic results.
The minimum-stay, seven-night Nua Slim and Nua Fit programs, specially developed for Richmond Nua by experts, has been designed to help participants get rid of excess weight and gain a stronger and fitter body.
Tucked into the shoreline of the Saanich Inlet, Brentwood Bay Resort is just a short drive from the vibrant city of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. The contemporary west coast property offers 33 sophisticated, suites—each of which, in a great twist of design, face the waterfront. The understated elegance of the resort provides a peaceful setting for one of BC’s best wellness havens to indulge in relaxation, rejuvenation, and personal growth. The Arbutus Room’s thoughtful menu is an ever-changing expression of the local produce from the Saanich Peninsula, paired with a variety of regional and world renowned wines. The ocean-view spa offers a full array of treatments focussed on promoting holistic wellness and restoration. Slip into the fully licensed pool or hot tub after a treatment to indulge in the peaceful environment found here.
The Leadership Centre provides workshops, like The Human Element1⁄3, that deliver tools to allow individuals to become more engaged, joyful, and purpose-driven within their lives. With a focus on eliminating the mental and emotional restrictions we face, we are able to progress when liberated from these barriers. The Leadership Centre provides impactful change for individuals who are willing to initiate self-work to find joy.
8. FOUR SEASONS WESTLAKE VILLAGE
Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is a AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property. The urban retreat is a true hidden gem, immersed in natural beauty— yet close to many of California’s most exciting attractions. Set amidst 11 acres of exotic gardens, featuring a dramatic waterfall and a gorgeous adults-only serenity pool, it is an accessible escape, perfect as a home base to experience the Southern California lifestyle.
An award-winning spa and fitness center covers 41,000 square feet, and offers an array of pampering, therapeutic treatments, and fitness classes. California Health & Longevity Institute is the wellness component of Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. The expert team is proactive about health, embracing scientific innovation and time-tested healing traditions. California Health & Longevity Institute offers culinary experiences, lifestyle consultations and medical services all within the luxury of Four Seasons hospitality.
It’s time to live your “wellest.” At least that’s what the employees of Greater Palm Springs have always done in their magical, sun-kissed land. They have created an environment for wellness, since the days of the earliest Native American settlers and later when Old Hollywood came to relax in the healing waters. It could be said that Greater Palm Springs started the California wellness movement. Besides the legendary hot springs, the first meditation centers began in their mountains—and still exist today.
Their nine distinct cities—Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella—merge into a single serene and natural escape. There are epic hikes through the Indian Canyons, ancient waterfalls, light-filled spas surrounded by whispering palms…whatever brings you joy, you’ll find it here. Greater Palm Springs: nine resort cities, one “wellest” oasis.
In March 2019, the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel revealed its new haven of well-being between the pine forest and the Mediterranean, ideal for reconnecting with oneself and with nature. Le Tigre Monte Carlo offers a re-energizing interlude in a unique setting on the French Riviera, where the warm coloured stone is in perfect harmony with its environment. Harmony with oneself, with others and with nature is the philosophy of Le Tigre Monte Carlo.
Le Tigre Monte Carlo proposes open air yoga treatments in a spa covering 80m2. Yoga, meditation and Pilates classes in three spaces close to the elements: on the water and to the sound of the lapping sea on the pontoon of the Monte Carlo Beach Club. They also have an organic juice bar with homemade recipes. The 2020 season will be from late March through mid-October.
More Inspiration: Check out this great article on why traveling is good for your health!
Author: Alexa Hurst is a staff writer for Optimyz and Silver Magazines based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
