Central Travel shares the top three health retreats for the coming year.
With the calendar turning over to a new year, it’s time to begin thinking of new goals to make this year great. Why not combine your health and travel goals into one with a health retreat destination in 2019?
“Health and wellness travel is on the rise — it allows one to relieve the pressure and stress from everyday lives, to relax, rejuvenate, and find their inner self,” says Jackie Coakley, manager of Central Travel in Jefferson City. “This new style of travel, whether it’s through fitness, food, or nature, permits oneself to take a deep breath, reset their minds, and focus on their mental and emotional well-being.”
Cruising: The New Option for Healthy Vacations
“While cruising always had the reputation for over-indulging with food and drink and lounging, the cruise line industry has recognized that there are large segments of vacation travelers that are looking for healthier lifestyle options, and they have risen to the challenge,” says Colleen Taylor of Central Travel. “Gone are the couple of treadmills and stationary bikes collecting dust in the corner. Cruise lines are now installing state-of-the-art gyms with views of the ocean, optional fitness classes like Pilates, yoga, and spinning, and some are now offering sessions with personal trainers and wellness coaches.”
Several mainstream cruise lines have also begun collaborating with well-known spas such as Canyon Ranch Spa Clubs on Celebrity Cruise’s Solstice Class ships and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Holland America now features the Greenhouse Spa on their Pinnacle Class ships and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships offer the Vitality Spa.
The active lifestyle options don’t stop on the ship either. Many are now offering more active shore excursions in port such as hiking, biking, or kayaking with sports guides or expert naturalists.
While you can still indulge on the cruise, you now have the option of healthy gourmet choices on the menu to go along with your healthy cruising. “So, think about the new style of cruising where you can continue your healthy lifestyle while enjoying the trip of a lifetime,” adds Taylor.
Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts
“One of my favorite resort brands is the Zoetry Wellness and Spa resort,” says Lindy Capps of Central Travel. “There are four boutique all-inclusive properties spread across Mexico and the Caribbean. Each property has 100 rooms or less to provide that small, personalized experience.”
While at the resort, activities include yoga, nutrition, and wellness cooking lessons; meditation; fitness classes; and cultural experiences unique to each destination. “The restaurants focus on healthy gourmet food, but you can still find a nice, rich chocolate cake on the menu,” adds Capps.
The Zoetry Wellness and Spa Resorts are also part of the Rainforest Alliance, which works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainability in their local areas. The resorts also place an emphasis on social responsibility and creating a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Guests can even participate in volunteer programs that support the local community.
Prices for the all-inclusive resorts vary based on locations and dates, but typically range between $3,500 and $5,500. The price includes airfare, transportation to the resorts, stay at the resort, and all food and drinks for two adults. Each location offers a unique spa experience as well, but there are extra charges to utilize the spa treatments.
The Elms Hotel & Spa
The Elms Hotel & Spa is located just north of Kansas City, Missouri, and is a short two-and-a-half-hour drive from Jefferson City. “Located in Excelsior Springs, The Elms Hotel & Spa offers spa packages for individuals, couples, bridal parties, mother–daughter packages, and corporate packages,” says Renee Christian of Central Travel. “These packages include massage therapy, manicure, pedicure, makeup application, and mud wraps.”
Excelsior Springs has been known as “America’s Haven of Health” since the 1800s with the discovery of healing mineral waters in the area’s springs. Today, The Elms continues the healing tradition of wellness with their spa.
The Elms Hotel & Spa also allows you to create your own personal spa experience for individuals or groups. In addition to the spa, The Elms has dinning and beverages available at 88 at The Elms.
Here are a few examples of their relaxing spa packages:
Elms Ultimate: $615 per person and includes a salt scrub, 50-minute Elms relaxation massage, 50-minute European facial, spa manicure, spa pedicure, shampoo and style, makeup application, mud wrap, and lunch.
Head to Toe: $275 per person and includes a 50-minute relaxation massage, 50-minute European facial, spa manicure, and spa pedicure.
Baby Moon: $320 per person and includes a 50-minute prenatal massage, 50-minute soothing springs facial, manicure, and pedicure.
Twice as Nice: Great for couples or girlfriends! $610 per couple or $305 per person and includes couple’s 50-minute Elms relaxation massages, bath ritual, 50-minute European facial, spa manicures, and spa pedicures.
Bridal: $330 per person and includes a 50-minute relaxation massage, 50-minute contour falls facial, ultimate pedicure, and ultimate manicure.