Vacations have always been about taking time to escape from the ordinary and hopefully come back refreshed after an adventure or a restful beach stay. However, a significant percentage of travellers are now seeking to spend their entire holidays focusing on wellness, frequently in an exotic destination that also includes luxury accommodations and outstanding cuisine.
Tammy Petersen of Wellness Marketing designs and executes some of these programs. These range from “A Break Free Retreat” aimed at teaching participants how to live in the moment and remember how to experience joy to a “Secrets of the Empowered Woman” aimed at helping women regain energy and find a purpose. She shares her tips on finding a wellness program that can meet your expectations and perfectly balance learning with play.
Q: Why is a vacation the perfect time to focus on a wellness goal?
Vacationers today are looking for more than just a break from routine—they’re seeking self-awareness and renewal. Many travellers crave immersive wellness experiences in luxurious locales.
They want more than just comfort; they are seeking holistic healing and an opportunity to educate and learn about themselves. A break from work or your usual activities combined with a carefully curated program can result in a lasting positive impact.
Q: How do travellers find the right program?
We suggest you take a moment to reflect on what you are going through or want to accomplish. Maybe you’re becoming an empty nester, working through a divorce, or entering a new phase of life.
Some people are facing sobriety issues and others are experiencing mental health challenges that include burn-out and loneliness or lack of community. Or it’s possible that you just want to spend time improving your health while being pampered in a beautiful environment.
There are times when life can seem like a whirlwind, making it easy to lose sight of your own dreams and goals. That’s why it’s important to choose a wellness program that resonates with where you are emotionally and helps tackle the specific issues you’re facing.
We hear this often, finding a supportive community is incredibly comforting and often strengthens your resolve while empowering you to navigate a new path. A retreat provides an instant community and is so much more fun than travelling alone.
Q: What types of resorts or hotels do you recommend?
Retreat goers should look for more than the basics when choosing a resort. Be sure the property provides tailored programs and other enriching onsite and offsite activities.
I think a wellness retreat needs to take place in a beautiful location surrounded by nature. Rooms should be luxurious and the food should be really good.
And when you look at resorts, spend some time examining their spa offerings. A traditional massage is always welcome, but it’s also a bonus to try something new. This is your chance to experience sound therapy, meditation or a spiritual healing ceremony.
Q: Does anyone show up alone to a retreat?
Traveling solo is often an ideal choice since it forces you out of your comfort zone and opens up opportunities to make new friends, try activities you might usually skip, and gain fresh perspectives.
You can be free to establish new patterns and to focus on your own personal goals. This is particularly important for anyone who is entering a new phase of life or who seeks change.
Q: What is a reasonable expectation for transformation?
Most attendees seek some level of transformation. While there are some reasonable expectations for what you can accomplish, each individual’s experience will be different. Remember to set realistic expectations, commit and realize small steps are big wins.
One of the biggest takeaways is emotional and mental clarity, as retreats provide a space away from daily distractions, allowing you to reflect on your life, goals, and challenges.
This can lead to less stress and more excitement about the future. Fitness and health retreats benefit participants by introducing new habits; exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, detox and renewal are transformational benefits for the long-term.
Personal growth and self-discovery programs provide new perspectives on mindfulness, stress management and a renewed sense of direction and purpose. You should expect to have a terrific vacation with a bonus amount of personal growth.
This article first appeared on forbes.com.
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