Health Resorts & Wellness Vacations
Self-care is one of those terms that has been trending for several years, but what does it really mean? According to Forbes magazine, self-care can be as basic as going for a run, meditating for five minutes, taking a break from work and responsibilities when you need it, or starting a journal. Self-care is essentially the act of taking care of your own needs without guilt that you should be doing something else. As more and more people learn how to take better care of their needs, health retreats and wellness vacations have become increasingly popular.
As the parent of a special needs child, I can understand how self-care might seem like the last thing on your list of things to do. However, the reality is that taking time to care for yourself is an essential part of caring for others. Self-care is also a healthy practice to teach to your children, so that they understand the value of taking some time for themselves and treating their own bodies and minds with respect.
If you’d like to incorporate self-care and holistic wellness into your travel plans, you’re in the right place. Even If you are traveling with your children, TravelAble Vacations can help you explore incredible health and wellness retreats that empower travelers to be in tune with their holistic health. I’ve selected four of my favorite health resorts and wellness travel destinations below—and if you’d like more ideas, all you have to do is ask!
Our Four Favorite Health Resorts
Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona is a magical place that is known for being a spiritual haven and a place full of vortexes. Visit Sedona describes these vortexes as swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. Not only is Sedona a spiritual place, it is also breathtakingly beautiful.
The family-friendly Enchantment Resort received Travel & Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best award in 2018 and 2019. They also earned the 2018 Readers’ Choice Award from Conde Nast Traveler. Their spa, Mii amo, offers an appealing menu of facials, massages, body treatments, and holistic therapies, all focused on physical, emotional, and mental health.
While you enjoy the spa, your child will love Camp Coyote, which offers nature walks, pottery making, scavenger hunts, and more. Sedona is also home to incredible hiking and Pink Jeep off-road adventures. It’s even close enough to the Grand Canyon for a day-trip.
While in Sedona, you’ll also want to check out Forest Bathing at the L’auberge de Sedona resort. Forest bathing is the practice of soaking in the essence of the forest. According to the L’auberge de Sedona website, “This can be a fun experience for families to explore and enjoy nature in a new way or for couples and solo travelers looking for an opportunity to slow down the busy pace of life and reconnect with what really matters.”
Grand Wailea Resort, Maui, Hawaii
Situated on the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean in Maui, the Grand Wailea is a Waldorf Astoria resort, offering all of the amenities that you would expect from the Waldorf Astoria brand. In addition to spectacular beach views, world-class pools, and mouth-watering food, the Grand Wailea health resort offers a variety of family-friendly holistic treatments and experiences.
Each morning, visitors can start their day with yoga on the beach. Sundays begin with a morning meditation that is open to all guests. If you visit on the third Thursday of the month, you can experience E Ala E: “a sunrise experience with a traditional Hawaiian chant and rejuvenation of mind and body”. Another spiritual experience is the Kaulana Ke Kino journey, which is, “exploration for your body, mind, and soul with the ancient wisdom of Kaulana Mahina”. Each day ends with the Sunset Torch Lighting, which celebrates the end of the day and the coming of night.
The spa at the Grand Wailea Resort offers an expansive array of treatments, including massage therapies, scrubs, and facials. Unlike most spas, kids under the age of 16 can experience the spa services, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian with a signed waiver. If you prefer to experience the spa without your children, there are kids’ clubs for every age where they can play or hang out with their peers. The highlight of their spa is The Healing Waters of Maui™ Hydrotherapy Terme, which is a series of baths, showers, and soaking experiences.
Dunton Destinations, Dunton, Colorado
Dunton, Colorado was once a mining town, then a ghost town. Today, it’s a one-of-a-kind wellness travel destination. Visitors can enjoy the hot springs and take advantage of the health benefits the water provides. According to the Dunton Destinations website, “Our springs are of the calcium bicarbonate type with a strong concentration of dissolved iron and manganese and a little dash of lithium. Bathing in bicarbonate water assists opening peripheral blood vessels and helps to improve circulation to the body’s extremities and magnesium converts blood sugar to energy and promotes healthy skin”. In addition to the hot springs, there are a variety of therapeutic massage options available at the spa.
This resort offers separate rooms and cabins for couples-only trips or family vacations. In addition to the hot springs, winter activities include cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In the summer, visitors can ride horses, hike, bike, and go fly fishing.
The Body Holiday, Saint Lucia
Families with tweens (over the age of twelve) and teens who are interested in a Caribbean vacation that focuses on health and wellness will love The Body Holiday in Saint Lucia. Body Holiday was founded specifically to provide visitors with a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. As part of your holistic health retreat, your hosts will help you focus on Exercise, Good Diet, Weight, and Relaxation in a beautiful and fun-filled environment.
Treatments include a variety of massage options, an Ayurvedic temple, facial treatments, meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. Guests can also enjoy scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, golf, and more. The resort’s six restaurants offer gourmet fare with clearly marked menus that help guests choose items that fit their specific dietary needs.
Wellness, Travel, and Accessibility Can Go Hand in Hand!
If you have a specific destination in mind, let TravelAble Vacations help you find a resort that promotes health and wellness in a fun-filled environment. We can also help you flesh out your wellness vacation with activities that are perfect for families, couples, children, or even solo travelers! The options are endless, and we can help you incorporate a single day of pampering or a full week of self-care into your agenda. Start a conversation and let me know how we can help.
