Now more than ever, people are investing into their physical and mental health, particularly in regards to travel, according to statistics from The Global Wellness Institute which show that the wellness tourism industry will hit $1.3 trillion by 2025.
From mountainside yoga in Aspen, Colorado to bathing in volcanic hot springs in Japan, discover nine wellness breaks and experiences that will set you up for a stress free 2023.
USA
Live like a monk at Shasta Abbey, Mount Shasta
Achieve a more profound sense of self through a stay at Shasta Abbey in northern California. This Buddhist monastery welcomes outsiders into its beautiful, sacred space, located on a 16-acre forest near the base of Mount Shasta. The three-day Introductory Retreat encourages visitors to try the Serene Reflection Meditation (Soto Zen) tradition through guided meditation, Dharma talks and mindfulness. visitcalifornia.com
Refresh the mind mountainside in Aspen, Colorado
During the summer months the mountains of Aspen, Colorado provide the perfect backdrop for the ultimate wellness holiday. Take a trip to the top of Aspen Mountain and take part in a mountain side, open-air yoga experience, a sanctuary for the body, mind and soul. Experience star filled skies and unobstructed mountain views with The Little Nell’s spectacular sunset off-road adventure tour. After being whisked up to the top of Aspen Mountain to soak up the stunning views of the Elk mountain range, you will be treated to a charcuterie board and wine from The Little Nell’s award-winning wine list, whilst an experienced astronomy guide points out constellations, shooting stars and even meteor showers. aspenchamber.org / gosnowmass.com
Visit world-renowned wellness retreats in Tucson, Arizona
With its other-worldly landscapes, year round sunshine and mystical energy vortexes, wellness retreats in Arizona are not hard to come by. Canyon Ranch in Tucson is a five-star wellness retreat in the foothills of the Santa Catalina mountains, with four decades worth of experience in full spectrum wellness. Guests here can delve into health and fitness, spiritual practices, arts and mindfulness and technology-led wellbeing. Another Arizonan wellness retreat in Tucson is the Miraval Arizona resort and spa, with casita-style accommodations and intention-led stays for each guest to have a personalised experience. visitarizona.com
Relax at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Colorado
A historic resort, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is home to the world’s largest hot spring pool, complete with water slides, a children’s pool, a spa and 107-room lodge. Visitors can soak in mother nature’s natural heated water to renew tired muscles after hitting the surrounding hikes and trails. For fitness fanatics, lap lanes offer swim workouts teamed with a magical mountain view. If visitors want to make the most of their wellness experience, the dreamy lodge welcomes a place for guests to rest their head overnight. Overnight stays can enjoy unlimited access to the pool and include breakfast. colorado.com
Keep it moving in West Hollywood, California
The walkable West Hollywood and its iconic districts are a celebrity hub, a city where gyms and coffee shops are casually graced by award-winning stars. Take on an unmatched workout experience made for natural movement at CLMBR, where primal movement meets state-of-the-art training, while for a calmer experience, head to Sweat Yoga. These infrared hot yoga classes offer an athletic flow with creative playlists. Alternatively, outdoor lovers can avoid the gyms and experience the best of the LA sunshine with views of the Hollywood sign by signing up to a Bikes and Hikes LA tour. The tours run daily and are ideal for learning more about the city and keeping active at the same time. visitwesthollywood.com
Digital detox in Yosemite Mariposa, California
Start the year with White Wolf, a private tour company located in Yosemite offering digital detoxing hikes. Hike amongst the tall evergreens of the Sierra Nevada, swim in the pristine waters of alpine lakes and share time with family and friends after a rewarding day of hiking without the internet. The excursions help to boost the physical and mental health of those on the tour, enabling them to connect with friends and family whilst seeing Yosemite’s iconic spots including El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Private digital detox Yosemite treks from San Francisco start from £3,665. yosemite.com
Beach front yoga and forest bathing, Florida’s Paradise Coast
Retreat to the wilderness of Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – with sunrise yoga and Japanese forest bathing. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s Paradise Coast is a serene sunshine region with pristine beaches, chic downtowns and the unique landscape of the Everglades National Park. Reconnect with your most peaceful self with yoga classes along the coast, run weekly by donation. While for more of a rustic wellness experience, head to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary north of Naples for a forest bathing meditation amongst the Sanctuary’s dense forest, the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Florida’s Paradise Coast
Japan
Explore Japan’s Onsen Island of Kyushu, Japan
Kyushu’s volcanic landscape allows for a wide array of hot springs scattered across the island, earning it the title of ‘Japan’s Onsen Island’. Over 1,300 years old, the hot spring resort town of Takeo Onsen has garnered a reputation for its high-quality alkaline hot spring waters, aiding those on their long journeys, with the surrounding gardens covered with colourful flora set against Mt. Mifune. Inside the former public hot spring bath turned museum of Takeo Onsen Shinkan, modern-day visitors can walk the halls to learn more about the different types of baths exhibited. welcomekyushu.com
Spiritual volcano wellness in Hokkaido, Japan
Experience the natural landscapes of Japan’s northern island and the countries’ traditional wellness practice with a stay at the hot spring ryokan, Kai Poroto. Japan’s onsens, from volcanic activity across the islands, are thought to hold spiritual power as well as offer therapeutic benefits due to the high levels of sulphur. Kai Poroto offers cone-shaped bath houses inspired by indigenous Ainu architecture, as well as outdoor hot mineral baths looking out over Lake Poroto. The ryokan also invites guests to follow the Ainu people’s harmony with nature through cultural crafting, local produce and selected traditional decor throughout. Prices from £382 per night.japan.travel
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