Who says vacationing has to be unhealthy? The growing popularity of health and wellness retreats is a testament to our growing interest in fitness and longevity, even while traveling. Say goodbye to the traditional fly-and-flop vacation and hello to a more holistic holiday. Whether it be a chef-led cycling tour of Italy or a luxury yoga retreat in Kenya or a trekking expedition in Patagonia, here are 10 hotspots for wellness seekers:
Belize Fly Fishing & Photography – Join professional photographer and outdoor journalist, Jess McGlothlin on a Frontiers fly fishing, photography and cultural tour. At El Pescador Resort, a world-class fly-fishing lodge on Ambergris Cay, fish for bonefish, permit, and tarpon. At Copal Tree Lodge, an organic farm and 12,000-acre nature reserve, enjoy local food, culture and jungle adventures.
Japan Heritage Cycling Tour – Explore the cities of Kyoto and Nara by bicycle before riding to Mount Yoshino, renowned for its cherry blossoms. On this Grasshopper Adventures trip, visit Mount Koya, a deeply sacred place central to the Shingon sect of Buddhism and World Heritage Site, overnight at a monastic center, and pray with monks.
Rope & Ride at Wyoming Dude Ranch – Horseback riding, zip-lining, target shooting, ATVing, and roping cattle are just a few of the activities at Wyoming’s 27,000-acre Red Reflet Ranch. Farm-to-table cuisine, an extensive wine collection, and private chalets add a luxurious twist to this active cowboy retreat at Red Reflet Ranch.
Luxury Yoga Retreat in Kenya – Enjoy sunrise and sunset meditation and yoga sessions with incredible views across the wildlife-filled plains to Mt Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak. The Frontiers International Travel package includes internal flights, the yoga program, accommodations at ol Donyo Lodge, meals, drinks and activities.
Cycling & Yoga in Provence – Experience a yoga tour in the Provence region of France featuring several of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The Ride & Seek trip offers cycling options to suit all skill levels and daily yoga practice in the morning and afternoon. It also provides opportunities for more experienced cyclists to push themselves on extra loops which include the “giant” of Provence – Mont Ventoux.
Slow Food Tour of Piedmont – Tourissimo is offering a chef-led bike tour of Piedmont where guests will learn about the Slow Food movement at the University of Gastronomic Science in Pollenzo, dine at an array of Michelin-starred restaurants, hunt truffles, overnight at 4-star Albergo dell´Agenzia (former estate of King Carlo Alberto of Savoy), and cycle 140-miles past ancient castles and hidden hilltop hamlets.
India By Bike – Experience the incredible sights, sounds and smells of India from the seat of a bike on TDA Global Cycling’s Hippie Trail tour. Pedal past the enormous Taj Mahal, marvel at the “Pink City” of Jaipur and “Blue City” of Jodhpur, explore the metropolis of Mumbai, and enjoy the pristine beaches of the Konkan Coast.
Trek the End of the Americas – At the end of South America, explore Chile’s majestic Dientes de Navarino massif on the world’s southernmost trekking circuit with Adventure Life. Hike among jagged peaks, through forests and valleys, and alongside lakes and rivers, taking in stunning views across the Beagle Channel and Cape Horn.
Bike the Divide in Glacier – Ride over the Continental Divide on Glacier National Park’s famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, and then explore neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park on a new tour with Sojourn Bicycling & Active Vacations. Along the way, rest your legs at grand lodges like Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most photographed hotels in the world, and Glacier Park Lodge, with Douglas fir logs towering over the lobby.
Active Glamping – A stay in a luxury tent at Collective Yellowstone at Moonlight Basin offers the opportunity to go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kayaking and more on 8,000 acres outside Big Sky, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park. Afterward, in-tent massages and farm-to-table dining are available.