There are some vacations where you go, go, go. Must-see sights, museums, and activities dictate your schedule and there is very little down time.* Often after a trip like this, you need another vacation simply to recover.
Then there are the getaways where you can relax and enjoy some well-deserved “me time.” These are the trips that leave you rested and rejuvenated, ready to take on whatever life brings your way.
If you’re in need of this kind of vacation (and let’s face it, we all are!), we’ve got just the thing. Use our guide to figure out your perfect wellness retreat based on how you like to spend your down time.
IF YOU LIKE ACTIVITIES AND THEN LOUNGING:
Stay:
Rancho Valencia in California
Named the #1 hotel in the US by US News and World Report in 2015, Rancho Valencia has fabulous dining, bountiful activities, and a top spa – not to mention that year-round sunny California weather!
Do:
There are 5-7 complimentary daily fitness classes (including Pilates, yoga, and TRX), golf, and spa. And for tennis lovers, this is your spot – Rancho Valenica has been ranked the #1 tennis resort by Tennis magazine every year since 2008! If you want to explore the area, guests have complimentary half day access to the resort’s fleet of Porsches.
Insider Tip:
Try one of the hottest trends in fitness – Pilates Reformer. Be sure to reserve your spot in one of these popular classes early – and schedule a massage for your sore muscles the next day!
IF YOU LOVE DISCOVERING NEW RESTAURANTS WITH FARM-TO-TABLE CUISINE:
Stay:
Belle Mont Farm in St. Kitts
Situated on a 400-acre organic farm, Belle Mont Farm is more than just an island escape. Guests can connect with the community, learn about sustainable farming, and explore the area.
Do:
Enjoy fresh produce grown on the farm, hike up Mount Liamuiga, relax on the beach.
Insider Tip:
Want to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? You can participate in mango foraging July-September or avocado picking October-November.
IF YOU RECHARGE BY BEING ZEN IN THE SUN:
Stay:
Jamaica Inn in Jamaica
There’s nothing like relaxing in tropical paradise, but you can take it step further during Wellness Week at Jamaica Inn!
Do:
From September 18-24, 2017 during Wellness Week, you can balance fitness, wellness, and relaxation with yoga, “Reggaelates”, and a variety of other classes + healthy dining options.
Insider Tip:
If you can’t make the official Wellness Week, you can make it your own during your stay at Jamaica Inn with complimentary beach sports (like paddle boarding and snorkeling) and the Ocean Spa.
IF YOUR MANTRA IS WORK OUT, RELAX, INDULGE, REPEAT:
Stay:
The Marker in Dublin, Ireland
The Marker is an urban retreat in a prime location in Dublin that aims to keep guests balanced through their innovative program Equilibrium – it’s all about me !
Do:
Enjoy the best of both worlds – fabulous dining with nutritious options (and you don’t have to sacrifice flavor!), fitness activities (explore the city on a complimentary bike), and a fabulous spa with the exclusive “Marker Equilibrium” treatment.
Insider Tip:
As you get your equilibrium back center, be sure to check out the hotel’s rooftop bar and terrace for amazing views.
IF YOU PREFER PRIVACY AND PAMPERING:
Stay:
Nayara Resorts in Costa Rica
Experience personalized service in a lush tropical setting at Travel + Leisure’s 2016 #1 resort in Central and South America, Nayara Resorts.
Do:
Relax in your villa and private plunge pool fed by natural mineral thermal springs or be one with nature in the open air spa. If you’re feeling adventurous, the area offers biking, hiking, white water rafting, zip lining, and more.
Insider Tip:
Indulge in a wine tasting at Nostalgia, the resort’s wine bar and taste wines from around Central and South America.
IF YOU LIKE FITNESS IN DISGUISE + SPA TIME:
Stay:
NIZUC Resort & Spa in Mexico
NIZUC is perfect for both adults and families (it has separate areas for both) and is easy to access (a quick 15 minutes from the Cancun airport).
Do:
Sometimes you don’t want to sweat it out in a fitness class (but NIZUC does have them) on vacation but still want a little activity. Enter NIZUC’s water sports. As you discover what’s under the sea while snorkeling or glide across the sea on a paddle board, you won’t even realize you’re exercising. You can even get a few laps in as you swim back and forth from the pool bar. Fitness never felt so simple! And to really recharge after the all the activity, the 30,000 square foot ESPA facility is just the place.
Insider Tip:
Family trip? No problem! NIZUC has a complimentary children’s program for ages 4-12. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the Mexican wine tasting!
IF YOU NEED TO RENEW YOUR CREATIVE ENERGY AS WELL:
Stay:
Nekupe Sporting Resort & Retreat in Nicaragua
Nekupe, Nicaragua’s first luxury countryside resort, is an intimate 8-room property situated on a 1300-acre nature reserve.
Do:
Your dedicated Ranger will help orchestrate your experience, whether you want to explore the property in your luxury ATV, hike winding trails, play tennis, go bird-watching, reach new heights on the ropes course, or simply relax in the spa. And get out your creative energy as well with painting, cooking, and music classes.
Insider Tip:
Visit the animal sanctuary where the resort owners have provided food and shelter to over 200 animals, including people-friendly Capuchin monkeys (like Marcel from Friends ! ).
IF YOU ENJOY GOLF, HIKING, FISHING, HORSEBACK RIDING WITH INCREDIBLE SCENERY:
Stay:
Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa in Ireland
Located only 30 minutes outside of Dublin, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa offers breathtaking scenery, Irish charm, stunning gardens – the Powerscourt Gardens are the most visited attraction in Ireland!
Do:
Whether you go the traditional route with fishing and horseback riding or would rather hike or cycle, the main thing to do is get out and explore this beautiful area. After a day of being out in nature, toast to your day with a pint at McGill’s Pub, the hotel’s traditional Irish pub.
Insider Tip:
With a 30,000 square foot spa plus access to two golf courses, Powerscourt is perfect for a golf and spa getaway!
Contact a Brownell Advisor to start planning your wellness retreat!
*This type of trip is not recommended by Brownell.