As you look ahead to the new year, a certain wellness goal may be in your sights. Whether you’re hoping to deepen your yoga practice, commit to meditation, transform your eating habits, or explore an alternative health regimen, you may find that marking your calendar for a trip devoted to that objective—plus a whole lot of relaxation and exciting adventures in breathtaking locales—will provide just the motivation you need for a new commitment. Here, we’ve rounded up five incredible wellness retreats you can book now to help you achieve your goals or just make the most of your down time in 2017.
A Mountaintop Yoga and Spa Experience in Canada
Nita Wellness Retreat at Nita Lake Lodge
Whistler, British Columbia
If group retreats aren’t your preference and you’d rather enjoy a serene escape where you can nurture your mind and body on your own schedule, consider booking the seven-night wellness package at this beautiful lakefront property just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver. The experience includes modern accommodations for two, three spa treatments, a naturopathic health consultation, access to the resort’s Scandinavian bath, daily breakfast, a dinner with wine pairing at Aura restaurant, and a five-class pass to Loka Yoga, the impressive on-site Jivamukti yoga studio owned by Tina James, an advanced teacher who studied Ashtanga yoga with Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois and also trained with Jivamukti founders David and Sharon Gannon.
During free time, skiers can hit the slopes of Whistler in the winter and spring, while warm-weather outdoor adventurers can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking during summer months. Since this program can be booked individually throughout the year, stays of different lengths can be arranged through Nita’s guest services. (And for those looking to save a dime, keep in mind that the favorable exchange rate of the U.S. dollar makes a visit to our neighbors up north more affordable than other popular wellness destinations stateside.) $2,999 +tax for two guests sharing a suite. Learn more.
A Culinary-Inspired Week in Hawaii
Matthew Kenney Wellness Retreat at Kukui’ula
Kauai, Hawaii
Award-winning raw food chef Matthew Kenney is branching out beyond the operation of restaurants around the world to launch Matthew Kenney Wellness, a new brand devoted to holistic mind-body well-being, kicking off this May with an inaugural retreat experience in Kauai, Hawaii. The program will take place at Kukui’ula, a breathtaking private club and community set on over 1,000 acres on Kauai’s South Shore, featuring gorgeous pools, a luxury spa, high-end accommodations, incredible views, and an on-property farm where chefs source fresh, vibrant ingredients for daily farm-to-table meals. Over the course of your eight-day stay, you’ll experience a wide variety of what the island paradise has to offer, from relaxation to all-out adventure. The program’s itinerary includes hiking, yoga and meditation, and optional activities such as snorkeling, ziplining, tubing, spa treatments, cooking classes, hula lessons, and more. Dates are currently scheduled for May 13-20, September 2-9, and October 14-21. $8,500 single room, $7,200 shared accommodations. Learn more.
A Meditation and Spa Escape in the Southwest
Satori Mindfulness Meditation and Spa Retreat at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Paradise Valley, Arizona
Meditation expert and author Sarah McLean will lead this three-day program January 22-25 at one of Arizona’s top luxury resorts nestled in the beautiful foothills of Camelback Mountain. The retreat will cater to both beginners and seasoned meditation practitioners and is an opportunity to reset the mind and body at the beginning of the new year. McLean is a Chopra Center-certified instructor who has lived in numerous meditation communities including a Zen Buddhist monastery and a Hindu ashram. In addition to guided meditations and self-awareness exercises, guests will enjoy four calming 60-minute spa therapies at Sanctuary Spa, daily meals courtesy of elements restaurant, and three nights of high-end accommodations. $2,264 per person all-inclusive (companion discounts available). Learn more.
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An Action-Packed Adventure in the Caribbean
Refresh Your Soul Retreat at Paradise Beach Resort in Nevis
Nevis Island, Caribbean
Paradise Beach Resort is one of the smallest, most luxurious properties on little-known Nevis Island, complete with a private beach and only seven villas. All villas are massive with two to four bedrooms, full kitchens, private pools, and personal 24-hour butlers. The three-night wellness retreat is available to book throughout the entire year and the experience includes a guided rainforest tour or a climb of Nevis Peak, an in-villa or beachfront massage, a private dinner prepared and served by the resort’s private chef in your villa, and a choice of horseback riding, cycling, catamaran sailing and snorkeling, or a guided island tour. The package can also be adjusted for five-night stays and includes return airport transfer from St. Kitts. $7,800+ for up to six people. Learn more.
Ashtanga Immersion in Italy
Yoga in Salento Retreat at Agricola Samadhi
Salento, Italy
From September 30 to October 28, level 2-certified Ashtanga yoga teacher Susanna Finocchi will be in residence at the 19th century farmhouse and noted retreat center on the incredible Italian coastline. Join to study with Finocchi for a week or the whole month as she explores the three parts of Tristhana—asana (postures), breathing and bandhas (locks), dristhi (focused gaze)—and relates them to the three elements of Patanjali’s Kriya Yoga—tapas (self-discipline and austerity), svaadhyaaya (self-study), ishvarapranidhana (surrender). This physical and intellectual journey will deepen over the course of four weeks, making this a compelling offering for advanced Ashtanga practitioners, but beginners are also welcome as long as they know Suryanamaskara A&B and the standing poses. Email info@yogainsalento.com for pricing and more information. Learn more.
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