Sofia Mascotena, co-founder of bespoke travel planning company Naya Traveler, says that travelers have a lot to gain from taking self-care-focused vacations. “We’ve noticed as well, that those who embark on wellness trips have a tendency to feel inspired to stay on the wellness path long term, even planning to revisit the destination, or exploring new, unknown ones,” she says. So there are more than enough reasons to travel for self-care, the first being, quite simply, that you deserve it. Travel, however, can be a hassle, and the planning is often a nightmare that mounts extra stress. So to make the process easier, we’ve gathered tips below for self-care vacation ideas, and advice on how to make your getaway a truly relaxing one from start to finish.
How to Make the Most of Your Self-Care Vacation
To make the most of your retreat, start by considering the type of self-care you need, be it physical, emotional, social, spiritual, or sensory. This will help you determine what kind of self-care activities you want to guide your vacation. Sensory self-care, like meditation or intentional time spent outside, can help calm your mind or help you reconnect with nature. Physical activity, like yoga or hiking, can also act as self-care, helping you to get more in touch with your body. No matter what type of self-care activities you choose, though, make sure to keep the goal of relaxation in mind. “Don’t try to tackle too much,” Henley Vazquez, founder of the travel agency Fora Travel, warns. “Self-care doesn’t mean running yourself ragged between planned activities and events.” She adds that it’s important to “allow for downtime” and “forget the schedule for a minute” without entirely under-planning. A great self-care vacation offers a balance between time to rest and time for activity. With this in mind, it’s time to plan your own getaway. Keep reading for more ideas on where to go and what to do for a rejuvenating vacation.
Self-Care Vacation Ideas
How about a farm stay in the French Alps for just $89 per night and plenty of the local delicacy (cheese) to taste and go around? Or an Alpaca Retreat with sweeping views of Port Susan and Mt. Rainier in Washington can host you and nine friends on a farm with close to a hundred alpacas. For something more active, a horse ranch in California offers a private horseback riding lesson with each Airbnb booking. Looking for a day trip? Search nearby farms and eco-conscious efforts to find opportunities to go hug a goat or volunteer with the animals. Sponsored by Capital One A vacation at Palm Heights in the Cayman Islands may be the perfect Caribbean medicine, or the Rockaway Hotel on New York City’s Rockaways is a lovely way to breathe in the salty air away from the city noise. A serene option might also be located in Santorini’s Canaves Oia Suites and even Mexico’s AZULIK villas. RELATED: 8 US Beach Vacations That Aren’t Budget-Busters In fact, even science says it’s a good idea. Studies have found that frequent sauna treatments can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, massage therapy can reduce inflammation, and week-long stays at health spas can lead to decreased cholesterol and risk of type 2 diabetes—all in addition to the mind-soothing effects. These could span across a variety of treatments from a simple massage to beautifying and/or anti-aging retreats and even health sanatoriums. “For wellness journeys, we tend to delve deeper into [patients’] health concerns, and what practices they are interested in experiencing and learning about,” says Mascotena. And sometimes, she says, bringing one’s health history might be helpful. Spa trips are highly customizable, according to one’s needs and desires. But first, she starts off with the question: “What is your goal?” From there, a spa trip takes shape. If you’re looking for a full-on spa vacation, you could head to The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz.—a short flight away from most major cities—or make an international visit to Las Catalinas in Costa Rica. For travelers who just want to add a spa day to their trip, Miami’s NOBU or Calabash Cove Resort and Spa in Saint Lucia are options that feature extensive spa menus. You’ve surely seen Utah’s Mystic Hot Springs on Instagram with its viral bathtubs located in the middle of a hot spring. The 24-hour spa offers entry for $15 per adult. Or, if you’d like to spend a whole luxurious vacation bathing in natural springs, a trip to Costa Rica’s Tabacón Resort (featuring an azure private spring, of course) or France’s swanky Evian-les-Bains Resort (yes, like the water brand) is sure to satisfy your desires. “As adults, the modern world can be so draining,” yoga instructor and retreat leader Kiki Duvault says. “Naturally, by routinely taking time out to see ourselves in a new group all with the inspiration to make a change or dive deeper is refreshing.” No matter the retreat, she says, human connection and the opportunity to see that you’re not alone, is powerful. Mexico’s Holistika offers both the option to participate in solo physical practices as well as group events, while also offering exchanges and residencies for artists and teachers. With their dorm-living option available too, it is a lovely escape that could be budget-friendly and yet enriching. A drive out to the Adrirondack’s magical little village of Lake Placid could land you a storybook cottage (it’s been featured in magazines for how quaint it is). Or you can book a stay at a remote Vermont chalet—that is literally located above the cloud line—for gorgeous mountain and sunset views. Beyond the U.S., many European mountain getaways offer chalet service, spa options, and skiing altogether. Beauty brand Valmont just opened their Valmont Residences earlier this year, with a ski chalet in Verbier, Switzerland. Filled with the owner’s exquisite art collection, all amenities provided by Valmont skincare, a spa, and ski access, the space offers prime self-care opportunities. At Newfoundland’s Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, there is no TV, no phone service, and no WiFi—it’s just you and the Arctic, and all its majestic creatures. Enjoy a fully disconnected experience and reconnect with what really matters: you. If you’re looking for the option of WiFi, guests can actually turn off their internet connection and electronics—with the touch of a button—at Villa Stéphanie in Baden Baden, Germany. The Spa and Medical Center follow a European model that joins medical benefit and pleasure in a digital detox destination.
