For many people, enjoying a long-awaited holiday and planning on thoroughly indulging in the local foods and wines and lounging in the sun while they’re abroad is what it’s all about, but for others some time away can be an entirely different type of trip. We’re of course talking about the growing trend for wellness holidays, which sees those weary of their day-to-day lives seeking out something to rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
Wellness travel can involve anything from sound meditation, mindful movement and Ayahuasca retreats, to those that offer medical treatments, fitness focused getaways like yoga and ones that promise restorative journeys that tap into all five senses. Luxury wellness retreats will involve physical movement in stunning natural surroundings, delicious and healthy meals, sumptuous and restorative spa treatments, and spiritual awakenings all in a plush environment.
From Barcelona to Bali to British Columbia, there are seemingly endless places that you can head to across the globe for a rejuvenating trip and here we are going to focus on three different escapes you can book now.
Avalon’s Ayahuasca Retreat, Barcelona
Hosted on Spain’s sunny southern coast, Avalon’s Ayahuasca retreat in Barcelona aims to take its guests on a ‘holistic self-discovery and deep healing journey combining wisdom of sacred plant Ayahuasca with a string integration programme and personalised care’. Ayahuasca is a medicinal plant from the Amazon, with leaves producing hallucinogenic properties, that is drunk as a tea.
It has been used for centuries to treat ailments, solve problems and achieve enlightenment and, on Avalon’s retreats, an Ayahuasca ceremony will take place to help participants in a number of ways including finding clarity or inner peace and expanding their consciousness, while also dealing with a variety of potential ailments such as PTSD, burnout and anxiety.
Avalon is committed to creating a sacred and safe space for personal growth and transformation. Their holistic programme is ‘especially effective in bringing new realisations into your daily life, creating new belief systems and habits, and ensuring lasting change’.
Retreat by Raffles, Bali
A new concept for immersive wellbeing in select locations across the luxury brand, Retreat by Raffles offers a sumptuous sojourn characterised by a distinctive weave of elements: spa treatments and rituals for rejuvenation, wellness cuisine with a nutritional focus, cultural or community connection and mindful movement in nature, the greatest healer of all.
Itineraries at Raffles Bali incorporate the wealth of local wisdom on the island; chakra balancing, sound bowl therapy, meditation in the secret cave, yoga and reiki healing, all offered by community experts. Each day starts and ends with a sunrise and sunset blessing ceremony and journaling, and throughout the stay, guests can choose from a range of activities including cooking classes or the preparation of Jamu – a traditional herbal medicine native to Indonesia.
Further activities include a cultural exploration to a Balinese house and relaxing spa treatments at the resort’s state-of-the-art facilities, while delicious and healthy cuisine is guaranteed. Guests are invited to stay active using the 250 sqm beachfront infinity pool, fitness centre, hard-floored tennis courts, and multiple outdoor jogging trails throughout the resort.
Nimmo Bay wilderness resort, British Columbia
Head to the western shores of Canada to immerse yourself in the highlights of nature with Nimmo Bay. Leave it all behind and reconnect with the wilderness, while enjoying culinary and wellness experiences to enhance your stay. Meditative activities, which are set in movement and far out in nature, are order of the day here and you can personalise your stay with adventurous pursuits or moments of reflection.
A ‘rhythms of nature wellness week’ event invites you to explore your relationship with the natural world to create a healing shift within. Whatever you seek – deep rest, a recharge, nourishment, inspiration or to gain wisdom, you are sure to find it here with the help of six wellness masters.
