Hidden Doorways Holistic Retreats
December 6, 2021 by Tiffany Figueiredo
Photo courtesy of The Retreat Costa Rica
Even the most serene and focused amongst us can find ourselves off track physically, emotionally or both. The new year is an ideal time, both literally and symbolically, to begin again with fresh intention and energy. One of the best ways to reset is with a holistic retreat, where the mind, body and spirit are recognized as inextricably linked and addressed as such. This approach, carried out in inspiring locales removed from the routine, noise and temptations of everyday life allow us to reconnect with the planet, our travel companions and most importantly, ourselves.
Photo courtesy of The Retreat Costa Rica
At The Retreat Costa Rica, 60-acres of lush rainforest overlooking the Pacific and the high-vibrational quartz Atenas mountains serve as a beautiful backdrop to the host of activities included in the Signature Wellness Journey for Whole Mind-Body Health. Just a short car ride from San Jose’s busy international airport, The Retreat feels a world away with flowering gardens, soothing contemporary décor and one of the most gorgeous spas in the Americas. A dedicated wellness practitioner guides each guest through the program’s many offerings ranging from yoga sessions, meditation and crystal healing to forest bathing, hiking and fitness training. Mixing modern modalities such as BEMER bio-electromagnetic therapy and ancient healing arts such as Pranayama breath work, the program is designed to help participants get back in touch with nature and themselves.
Good to Know: The Retreat Costa Rica was started by celebrated chef, author and wellness coach Diana Stobo whose belief in the power of food to heal is on display in the delicious farm-to-table meals as well as cooking classes, targeted eating plans and even edible spa treatments.
Photo courtesy of BodyHoliday
BodyHoliday Saint Lucia allows guests the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a comprehensive, targeted wellness program or enhance a traditional beach holiday by picking and choosing from the vast array of mind and body experiences on offer. This all-inclusive island resort was built around the four tenants of relaxation, exercise, restorative beauty and diet. Relaxation begins with yoga and meditation enhanced by detox and de-stress practices and rooms set up for optimal sleep. Daily massages are included in each stay and can be complemented by Eastern and Western body treatments and dozens of fitness offerings ranging from personal training to spinning to PADI certification. The high-tech skin clinic and beauty salon focus on enhancing outer beauty, while five restaurants offer delicious healthy options ranging from smoothies to fine dining without any sense of deprivation. BodyHoliday will create individualized eating plans or guests are free to eat and drink as they please, including wines and alcohol. The Clubhouse and Piano bars set a fun tone each night, making for a true holiday feel.
Good to Know: Highly structured holistic programs, including one for Covid-19 convalescence, are available from five to 21 days throughout the year, along with regularly scheduled theme weeks featuring globally renowned fitness and wellness experts.
Photo courtesy of Six Senses Ibiza
With its reputation as one of the world’s most renowned party spots, Ibiza may seem an unlikely choice for a wellness resort, but the newly opened Six Senses Ibiza brings the brand’s years of wellness experience along with groundbreaking new ideas that are a breath of fresh air on the Spanish island’s peaceful and private northern tip. With sustainability and the natural Balearic environment in mind, Six Senses accommodates guests in a Bohemian chic environment that feels luxurious yet doesn’t distract from the unending ocean views. Six Senses’ high-tech and high-touch pioneering approach to wellness is constantly in play, not only in daily activity offerings, but in days-long retreats focused on everything from detox and fitness to longevity and immunity. Celebrity chef Eyal Shani brings a buzzy vibe to his locally sourced menu of healthy dishes inspired by his home of Tel Aviv and the resort’s island location. Meals can be complemented by an extensive wine list featuring more than 500 biodynamic wines. And as this is Ibiza, no matter what program one chooses, a full-service beach club operates day and night.
Good to Know: Health-centric families will love Six Senses as extra care is shown to little ones with fun and interesting activities centered around six wellness pillars that promote positive well-being: social, environmental, physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual.
Photo courtesy of SANGHA Retreat by Octave Institute
Just west of Shanghai in Souzhou lies SANGHA Retreat, a lakeside wellness community created by the OCTAVE Institute, a platform that aims to combine the best of Eastern wisdom and Western science in creating opportunities for societal healing and harmonious communities. During one- to three-night immersive retreats on property, guests begin with a full-body and mind assessment by AT ONE clinic’s medical doctors and healing experts. Customized programs address needs and goals such as well-woman and well-man, peak fitness, gut health, Chinese wisdom and weight management, but all are centered around a holistic and mindful approach to everyday living. The marriage of clinical modalities like food tolerance and bone density testing and Eastern practices such as sound therapy, breath work and meditation ensure a holistic experience, and all programs include follow-up consultations.
Good to Know: For the ultimate reset, the 29-night Life Renewal Sabbatical offers participants a chance to truly focus on breaking habits, fulfilling goals or achieving an overall change in lifestyle, energy, health and abundance.
Contact
Scott Bull
Hidden Doorways Wellness Expert
Email: scott@hiddendoorwaystravel.com
Website: https://hiddendoorwaystravel.com/destinations/wellness-travel/
