By Nicola Bridges
Wellness is a priority for all of us, and travel industry data is proving it. The Global Wellness Institute reports that the wellness economy reached $6.3 trillion in 2023 and estimates its growth at almost $9 trillion by 2028.
It's no surprise that on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept people sheltered in place, wellness travel takes the top three spots in the largest-growing wellness sectors. According to the GWI — wellness tourism at 30.3% (No. 1); spas, 29.3% (2); and mineral-thermal springs, 28.7% (3), together equate to a wellness travel boom.
I'm blessed to have experienced some of the nation's and world's sybaritic spas and wellness retreats. Top of mind was a stay at Southern California's Golden Door, which promises personal transformation through rejuvenation sessions, including sound-bowl meditations, learning to develop your "love legacy" through self-love rituals and finding peace through "the art of presence." Also memorable was the fire suction technique of cupping to detox and release stagnant energy flow at the Chuan Spa at The Langham, London.
I've meditated and journaled my jet lag away in yurts and teepees at more retreats than I can remember, ridden the ranges of Montana and Mexico, and stood statue still and silent perfecting equine bonding, staring into the eyes of my steed to instill inner calm. I've Zen'd out at heavenly yoga retreats and even hippie-danced, arms flailing wildly to bongo drums, bells and my own beat to let loose my inhibitions at a Colorado cannabis retreat (one, I confess, that I barely remember at all).
For now, though, I just want to escape to exotic destinations and lean into luxurious pampering in far-flung peaceful places. If you're contemplating splurging on a relaxing, reviving or self-discovery break in nature's embrace or at a five-star culturally cocooning resort, here are a few wellness destinations currently on my must-go agenda.
Ananda in the Himalayas, India: Here is where ancient wisdom meets emotional renewal at one of the world's most renowned holistic wellness retreats. It sits within the sprawling 100-acre former palace estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. This is where nature from the surrounding forest and spiritual views from the Ganga River to a Himalayan mountain horizon permeate the gardens as you heal with holistic yoga, Dhyana deep meditation or perhaps a Panchakarma cellular cleanse.
Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica: The SAVIA Forest Immersion experiences are my top wellness menu picks at this eco-retreat nestled in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Its sensory-rich guided forest excursions take you across high-altitude suspension bridges to glorious waterfalls, with relaxation hangs (literally) on tree canopy-level hammocks. From dawn birdwatching to nightfall expeditions, five unique immersions are designed to deepen the breath, slow the nervous system, foster emotional clarity and enhance your relationship to Earth.
Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, St. Lucia: If you're looking just to kick back at a more traditional spa stay, this adults-only east Caribbean resort sits on a hillside, its infinity pool overlooking a secluded private beach. The resort's Ti Spa offers sumptuous island-themed treatments, including sea salt scrubs, seaweed cocoons and volcanic mud masks.
7132 Hotel, Vals, Switzerland: In the idyllic, archaic Alpine landscape, the village of Vals is home to the minimalist, modern architectural dream destination of the 7132 Hotel, known for its thermal baths and two-Michelin Star restaurant. For the ultimate retreat treat, the 7132 helicopter will whisk you away to chill on a remote glacier for a private eight-course meal, then back for a serene soak in the hotel's thermal bath waters, offering the height of luxe, Alpine style.
Naya Traveler, anywhere worldwide: If you'd rather curate your ultimate retreat adventure, Naya Traveler works with you to craft "trips that transcend boundaries": personalized storytelling-centric wellness excursions to the globe's far-flung reaches. From meditating in Moroccan riads or journaling in the Andes to stargazing in South America, Naya's bespoke itineraries tap into indigenous wellness traditions, whether you want to experience cacao ceremonies in Peru, hammam baths in Morocco, or Navajo earth rituals in Utah.
No matter where my wellness travels take me, I'll be taking these easy-pack treats for the journey:
Formulary 55 Nourish Daily Body Oil, Jasmine & Marigold: This favorite sensuously aromatic and sublimely light oil nourishes your skin with a delicate, long-lingering scent, enhancing your yoga savasana and deep meditation moments.
JuicePlus+ Superfood Powder: These clinically curated stick packs pack along the nutrient-dense power of 30 fruits, berries and veggies to protect your cells from oxidative stress, support immune system function and more while you're cleansing your body and soul at a wellness retreat.
Silver Orange Crystal Essential Oil Blends Rollers: Each glass roller vial containing crystals suspended in delicately scented oils helps set an aromatic affirmation for the day — no matter your mood — in Calm, Healing, Brave, Beautiful and Loved fragrances.
Skinbuzz Bee Safe Mineral Sunscreen: A palm-sized jar of this creamy light sunscreen enriched with royal jelly, aloe vera, jojoba and cucumber protects while rejuvenating your skin and promoting deep moisturization and healing.
WHEN YOU GO
7132 Hotel: 7132.com
Ananda in the Himalayas: anandaspa.com
Calabash Cove Resort and Spa: calabashcove.com
Formulary 55: formulary55.com
Golden Door: goldendoor.com
Hotel Belmar: hotelbelmar.net
JuicePlus+ Super Powder: juiceplus.com
The Langham, London: langhamhotels.com
Naya Traveler: nayatraveler.com
Silver Orange Crystal Essential Oil Rollers: silverorangeboutique.com
Skinbuzz Bee Safe Mineral Sunscreen: skinbuzz.com
Nicola Bridges is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Recenter your body, mind and soul through a healing yoga program at Ananda in the Himalayas, India. Photo courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas.
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