Traveling and returning refreshed has always been a desire of many travelers. In the past, this was synonymous with leaving your eating and exercise routines at home, but today the scenario is different. There are trips planned to prioritize self-care and well-being, which makes wellness one of the fastest growing trends in the tourism sector. In addition to a simple trip to the spa, travelers seek contact with nature, holistic treatments and ancient wisdom to find balance between body, mind and soul.
Check out 5 wellness trips around the world to inspire your next itinerary curated by Four Seasons, a leading luxury hospitality chain, around the world:
Led by experts
Have you ever imagined crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon and having a special menu prepared by a chef for before and after the race? Chef Patrice Martineau, from the Four Seasons Hotel Boston, is a marathon runner and guides a group of guests on a 5-kilometer route through the city’s historic neighborhoods, ending at the famous finish line of the official race. It also offers a special menu to participants to guarantee all the nutrients before and after the activity. For those looking for more intensity, six-time IRONMAN champion Dave Scott will organize two triathlon preparatory meetings at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, in June and December. Dave will share his experience for the races in Kona, where the championship is held.
If you’re looking for a lighter activity, Pi’iali’i Lawson, an ambassador of Hawaiian culture, shares all his knowledge in a plant collection and prayer workshop. He also organizes a weekly Mu Hala Sound Journey ritual, which uses sound as a guide to realign energies.
Ancestral wisdom
Medicinal traditions that span the centuries are still a source of inspiration for modern treatments. Thai medicine is based on the forces of Earth (Din), Water (Nam), Wind (Lom) and Fire (Fai) and guides therapies at The Secret Garden Spa, at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.
In Mexico, the temazcal ritual dates back to the Mayan civilization and is guided by a shaman to cleanse the body of impurities and elevate spiritual consciousness. You can experience the ceremony in Tamarindo and Punta Mita. Still in Mexico, at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, you can try an ancient massage technique that combines tequila and sage oil to relax muscles, stimulate circulation and improve joint mobility.
Strength of natural elements
The medicinal properties of plants and flowers are widely explored in Hawaii, with emphasis on the use of sandalwood, or iliahi. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s tip is the Iliahi Farm and Spa Experience, which explains the uses of sandalwood and its representation in local culture, and ends with a personalized treatment with exfoliation and massage.
Another unique massage option is mud treatments, a tradition dating back over 150 years in California. The region is famous for its mineral-rich hot springs and excellent wines. The perfect combination can be enjoyed at the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, located on a private winery. In the mountainous region of Jackson Hole, nature is the basis for skincare products from local brand Alpyn Beauty, harvested sustainably. The line is used at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole.
Immersion in nature
Those who prefer to be outdoors can choose guided trails amid unusual settings. The Canadian mountains of British Columbia and the American desert of Arizona create distinct landscapes and invite an immersion to activate all the senses. Whether “forest bathing” in Whistler or “desert bathing” in Scottsdale, the curiously named and Japanese-inspired techniques propose a deep connection with the surrounding environment during the walk.
If the choice is by sea, Sharm El Sheikh, in Egypt, is one of the most renowned diving sites in the world. The experience leads you to encounter the rich life of the Red Sea, which includes turtles, rays and corals. If you want to see humpback whales, take a guided tour in Hawaii between December and May, aboard a traditional local canoe.
Wellness centers
A wellness trip is not just about outdoor activities. You can include moments of self-care in any destination, as hotels and resorts are increasingly paying attention to creating a complete experience. The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills has a floor entirely dedicated to well-being. From the light and airy design of the rooms, air purification system with chromotherapy and ambient sound machines to cutting-edge exercise equipment and ergonomic work areas, everything was designed with a focus on well-being.
At the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, a Healing Tent was opened, where holistic practices are combined to help guests deal with anxiety, depression and burnout, as well as improving emotional balance. In the Seychelles, you can choose between treatment days lasting three to five days, which combine spa treatments, yoga and sound therapy.
Tags: wellness experiences world
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