If focusing on your health is one of your New Year’s resolutions, you might want to travel to one of the wellness-centric places. Wellness travel is one of the hottest sectors of travel this year. Here are five wellness resorts and destinations to put on your travel wishlist.
Go for a Globally Inspired Steamy Soak
Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop is 800-miles and Glenwood Springs is one of the premiere destinations.Iron Mountain Hot Springs and Glenwood Caverns were recently named a National Natural Landmark. In the WorldSprings area, they replicate unique mineral formulas at hot springs around the world like Blue Lagoon in Iceland in 10 pools. The adults only are has a cold plunge if you want to do contrast bathing. There’s also two larger pools. One is filled with freshwater. The lower saltwater pool in inspired by the Dead Sea. All pools have a great view of the Colorado River. I even saw a bald eagle soaring over the river while I soaked in the pool inspired by the waters of Osack Hot Springs, South Korea. Stay at Hotel Colorado. The historic hotel was built in 1893. The Molly Brown Suite, decorated in honor of Titanic survivor “Unsinkable Molly Brown,” is a unique experience. The suite has two balconies including one of the hotel’s two bell towers with a fabulous view of Glenwood Springs. I had forgotten how much I enjoy this quaint Colorado mountain town. I’m already planning a return soak and stay visit since it’s only 2.5 hours from Denver.
Get Some “Vitamin Sea”
If a beach vacation is what you’re craving, go for a beach resort for “Vitamin Sea.” The Conrad Fort Lauderdale is a wellness-focused resort and just steps away from the beach. Get up early to enjoy the sunrise and yoga on the beach. Keep a self-care day going with a soothing massage in their fabulous spa. Relaxing with a cocktail or mocktail at Spinnaker Pool Bar and Grill. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious Asian cuisine dinner at Takato. I stayed two nights and would have loved a third!
Unexpected Spot for a Yoga Retreat
If you’re searching for a yoga retreat, Wisconsin probably isn’t on your radar. It wasn’t on mine until I stayed at Wild Rice Retreat. It’s on the outskirts of the charming town Bayfield and nestled on the shore of Lake Superior. The Scandinavian-inspired cabins are wonderful and the locally-sourced meals are nutritious and delicious. They are open year-round and would be great in winter, especially if you enjoy snowshoeing or cross country skiing. It’s a place to getaway if you need to hunker down on a major project for a few days but want to add some mega self-care to a work retreat or if you simply need to get away and focus on yourself. It’s just a couple of miles from downtown Bayfield so it’s close enough if you want to pop into town, yet feels miles away from everywhere. My only regret is that I didn’t get to stay longer.
Undiscovered International Yoga Destination
I took a solo trip to El Salvador as I was completing visiting all countries in Central America. While researching where to go, I found Balancé Surf and Yoga Retreat. It’s perfect for a rest, rejuvenate, and recharge solo trip with doses of adventure thrown in. El Tunco is one of the top surfing destinations in Central America. Balancé is owned by a young American family. The staff is phenomenal and I enjoyed multiple lengthy conversations outside of yoga classes, excursions, and time exploring the beach and El Tunco. I slept better here than I had in ages. I stayed 3 nights and could have easily stayed longer.
Feel the Earth’s Energy
Sedona is a world renowned spiritual and wellness destination. It’s a soul stirring experience to visit what’s considered one of the most sacred spots on earth. People visit this red rock country in northern Arizona for healing, meditation, and self-exploration. I wrote about my two-night stay in Sedona as part of a 3 Days in Northern Arizona article for AAA Colorado. I stayed at Element Sedona in Village of Oak Creek. It’s about 20 minutes from Uptown Sedona and West Sedona but in a wonderful location for some of Sedona’s iconic rock features like Bell Rock.
Hiking to vortexes, which are swirling centers of kinetic energy, is a must. Bell Rock is one of those and you can easily do a 1.5-miles or longer round trip hike. I was going to hike Cathedral Rock but the parking lot was full and opted to Little Horse Trail to see the Two Nuns formation and marvel at Chapel of the Holy Cross. Take a scenic drive on Schnebly Hill Road and up to the Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook, A short hike from the overlook takes you to the Airport Vortex where you can feel the earth’s mystical vibrations that are a big reason Sedona is so enchanting. I did a mini retreat with Sedona Soul Adventures. I multi-day retreat is still on my wishlist. The food scene in Sedona might surprise you as it did me. Don’t miss dining at Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano, Butterfly Burger, or Creekside American Bistro while you’re there.
Enjoy traveling while focusing on your health. Author Jennifer Broome loves finding fabulous wellness destinations centering on yoga, nutritious food, and outdoor adventures. Another one of her favorite wellness getaways is the Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
