You wake up, chug a cup of coffee, work behind your laptop, for hours non-stop, and then rinse and repeat. Although you may argue that the regular five minutes of meditation or a walk around the neighborhood can kick you back into shape, partaking in wellness retreats is also recommended as the body needs something restorative.
So, whenever you need a break from the norm or want a more peaceful setting, here are a few wellness resorts and spas suitable for your next escape.
1. SHO SUGI BAN HOUSE
Image Credit: © Matthew Millman
This idyllic retreat house nestled in Water Mill is the place for you if you are looking for a vacation away from your vacation and is located in the Sendai region, a port city on Japan’s east coast.
This is a space where you can just feel your stress and tension melt away, by soaking yourself in the ocean air, and minimalist architecture. Amy Cherry-Abitol, who has spent many years in Tokyo, brings the healing culture to overnight retreat programs that start with a daily morning movement plan before you soak in the outdoor saltwater plunge pools.
This is followed by a bodywork session, a facial, and a therapeutic bath of your choice. After eating a plant-based meal, you can end the day with one of the Healing-Art programs which range from a ravishing sound-therapy journey, shamanic healing class, and reiki — to a variety of yoga, breathwork, and meditation.
Every part of your journey at Sho Sugi Ban House is intentional, and you can rest assured that you will find something that feeds both your body and spirit.
2. CAL-A-VIE HEALTH SPA
Proudly located in California and thanks to its amazingly great weather, there is no shortage of wellness retreats in the Golden State.
Cal-a-vie sets you up for a French theme. From the thoughts of sunkissed lavender fields, rolling hills, terra-cotta roofs, sitting gracefully in 32-villa style rooms to imported pieces of French architecture to capture the elegance of Provencal village.
Visits are allowed for the duration of three, four, or seven days, in which you have access to tennis, golf, yoga, and a food and wine program with peculiarity to French fare and over 100 spa treatments for ultimate pampering.
They offer familiar offerings such as a body scrub, a brightening facial, an aquatic in the Watsu pool, or an algae jam slimming body wrap. Whatever journey you choose, as there are varieties, it heals.
3. THE SPA AT THE INNS OF AURORA
The spa at the inns of Aurora is accompanied by a breathtaking backdrop of 350 acres of lush greenery and fields of Cayuga Lake, the 15,000-square-foot spa is a one-of-a-kind destination in the Finger Lakes.
Motivated by Ayurveda (this is a wellness approach that takes into consideration retreats that are okay for your body type, temperament, and lifestyle) guests are offered a variety of treatments that appeal to their wellness.
You can start by considering a two or three-day that gives you a bit of all the spa has to offer. The Duet retreat is ideal for couples and this gives you time to bond deeper with your partner, starting with a self-reflection journey, and a contrast bathing circuit, (hot/cold bathing) and forest bathing (a contemplative walk in the woods).
You can also opt for an aromatherapy duet massage and a traditional sauna. When you are not getting treatment, you are encouraged to take leisure strolls along the property shores to clear your mind and ease yourself.
4. RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT AND SPA
Fodor's Travel considers Rancho Valencia as one of the few properties in the United States that has a five-star rating for the resort as well as the spa.
With twenty pink casitas that have 49 style bungalows, each has an outdoor space and fireplace. Among the olive groves is the newly renovated spa and a new salon for hair and nail services.
The spa also has its sauna, watsu treatment pool, an adult-only pool, and a non-intimidating number of wellness treatments to choose from, whether you want a scrub, massage, or a facial.
And if you want a romantic getaway, this is also the place for you. Though it is a few minutes from the La Jolla neighborhood, it is hard to leave this premises, because you would love it here.
5. THE LODGE AT WOODLOCH
Surrounded by 500 acres of woodlands, this spa resort looks to help you shift your everyday mundane and stiff shift to finally focus on yourself.
Each day at the lodge has up to 35 seasonal routines and classes like archery, nature walks, and birdwatching, so if you are looking for just a day out of the norm, then this is it for you.
There is also the chakra balancing massage, designed to balance your inner energy, amongst other offerings present. If you live locally (around the lodge) you do not need to stay the whole day to take advantage of the spa.
All these options can be done daily in just a few hours. An hour before or after your treatment, you can decompress in the sauna room, indoor pool, or any of the whirlpools.
It can be tiring working in and out and not having time to focus on yourself. Taking time to de-stress and ease the tension is something that is a priority. These wellness spots as are after your mental well-being, are places that can ease your tension and relieve you of your everyday activities.
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