Today, wellness isn’t just some hyped-up term that refers to cleansing chakras using crystals or spiritual healing of some kind. It might be different from the regular mind and body restoration methods, but wellness as an ethos has grown big in the last few years, and wellness leisure travel might have something to do with that. Enter wellness retreats, which are resorts, hotels, or special accommodations offering travelers wellness-focused stays away from home. Trip.com makes your wellness retreat planning a whole lot easier, allowing you to zero in on one that actually meets your needs.
Not only can you choose your wellness retreats based on activities offered, such as healthy meals, alternative therapies, or yoga and fitness classes, but it also allows you to look for wellness-focused tours, activities, and even restaurants around. All in all, it helps you plan the perfect all-around wellness vacation, and here’s a guide on how to go about doing the same. For this article, we’ll be including the examples of various wellness properties and how Trip.com makes it easy for travelers to plan wellness-focused vacations at them.
Type Of Retreat
Choosing wellness retreat stays depends on what you are looking for from your wellness sojourn. Some of the brands and resorts most widely considered to be the best across the world include the all-inclusive Miraval, who has activities like spiritual drumming in Arizona and farm-style activities in Austin, Canyon Ranch, which is famous across the US, SHA (the Spanish Mediterranean coast, with UAE and Mexico propping up soon), and Aman, which has 34 resorts across 20 countries. Even though it’s a hotel brand, many of Aman’s properties are either located in far-flung locations ideal for connecting with nature or include extensive wellness offerings in tandem with ultra-luxury amenities.
Next, and most importantly, you need to decide whether you’re looking for an actual “retreat” that is purpose-built for wellness or a luxury hotel that also offers retreats. Usually, traditional retreats have schedules with spa treatments, meals, and yoga classes every day, with all-inclusive ones even including meals and drinks. Hotels and resorts with a wellness bent of mind, on the other hand, are more flexible, allowing guests to do whatever they want and whenever they want without requiring them to be somewhere at some specific time every day.
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Destinations
Wellness destinations exist all around the world now, right from the mountains of India and the rolling hills of Tuscany to the white sand beaches of Fiji (Six Senses, anyone?). However, you need to pick a wellness retreat destination that you and your mind, body, and soul agree with. For instance, if you’re not a fan of beaches, then beachfront wellness centers with water activities are definitely not the place for you. Likewise, if you’re not exactly a fan of cold weather, then it’s best to skip retreats in colder places like Switzerland, Iceland, or Finland.
Deciding the kind of destination you actually like to visit is one of the first factors to consider when trying to gravitate towards the right retreat. For instance, if you love cooking and fabulous wines, then why not consider a visit to the newly opened urban luxury wellness retreat that is Six Senses Rome?
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Facilities and Amenities
When it comes to wellness stays, there can be different types of wellness-focused retreats. Do you want to indulge in spa treatments? Meditate and do yoga? Lose weight? Decide your wellness goals before you check their amenities out on Trip.com and see whether they suit you and your goals.
For instance, Amanpuri in Phuket (an Aman property) has an entire health and wellness section on its Trip.com page. It includes everything from yoga and fitness sessions, a gym with personal trainers, kayaking, and tennis courts, to even a spa and a sauna. The page even mentions the resort’s highlight, the “Holistic Wellness Center,” which offers everything from medical check-ups and high-tech IV infusions to crystal healing sessions.
On the other end of the spectrum is Amangiri in Utah, USA, which, aside from the above, also has off-site activities integrated into its wellness offerings. These include rock climbing, mountain biking, and even horse riding and watersports. In fact, it even has a wellness-focused three-night stay, which includes meals, mindfulness/movement sessions (yoga, pilates, jiu-itsu/Thai boxing, etc.), and personalized treatments as well.
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Budget and Accommodations
One of the most crucial factors to consider before embarking on a wellness journey is deciding the budget. After all, budget yoga retreats do exist, and the budget also varies based on the kind of accommodation in the retreat. Are you okay with a more eco-styled retreat that doesn’t have any frills? Or, are you looking at a more luxurious escape where you want for nothing? Is air-conditioning mandatory for you? Do you want a room that’s spacious with mod-cons and a touch of the outdoors, or will simpler rooms do for you?
Trip.com helps you pay attention to all the details as you browse through your options. For instance, no wellness retreat article is complete without mentioning Bali or COMO Shambhala Estate. It’s neither a basic property nor an extremely pricey one, but it offers real luxury without having to break the bank. For instance, peeps on a budget can consider the Garden Rooms, while those seeking luxury can go for villas with private pools. At the same time, it offers every wellness option under the sun, from Ayurvedic health treatments and rice field walks to sacred Balinese water blessings.
On the other luxurious end of the spectrum is the upscale The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, which is attached to the country’s most famous hot spring. These uber-luxurious but sleek and minimalist wellness suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows, deep soaking bathtubs, and luxurious touches. Moreover, all roads lead to the cavernous underground spa, which offers a patented wellness cleanse called the Blue Lagoon Ritual. If that wasn’t enough, it even includes access to a more exclusive section of the Blue Lagoon.
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Dining
One of the things you need to pay attention to at wellness retreats is the food. That’s because wellness retreats that are solely wellness retreats have a very specific menu and cuisine.
While some resorts offer all-inclusive dining (along with drinks), others don’t. What’s more, there are some resorts that offer all sorts of options, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals. Moreover, some have special diets and juice bars for each guest, depending on their goals and objectives from the program. If that wasn’t enough, some retreats might offer bungalows or cottages with kitchens, with many offering guests the opportunity to pick vegetables and fruit from the gardens and farms on the property. Some even have cooking and culinary programs and classes.
On Trip.com, you can see details of the food offered by the wellness property. So you can make sure of all the dining options that best suit your requirements and preferences.
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How do I book a wellness retreat on Trip.com?
You’ll do it like you book any other hotel or resort. Search for the specific retreat’s name and head to its Trip.com page. Then, enter your stay dates, choose the kind of room or package you want, and then complete the booking process by making the payment.
For more, read this: Step-by-step guide to booking hotels on Trip.com.
How do I contact the hotel?
If you want to contact the hotel before booking, we recommend that you log into Trip.com and head to the hotel’s homepage. Post booking, you can find the hotel’s contact information on the “Booking Details” page by clicking on “Contact Property.”
Also read: the best Marriott spa resorts for a wellness getaway
Can I check into the hotel early?
While check-in times are mentioned on the hotel’s “Policies” page, arriving early might go one of two ways. One, you might be required to wait as the room might not be ready, or you might end up getting the room if it’s ready. You could also contact the hotel in advance and negotiate whether early-in is possible.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Trip.com.