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Transformative Travel: The Dreamiest Destinations for Your 2019 Wellness Retreat
Bring on the palm trees and yoga flow.
There is something wildly transformative about travel. Ask anyone with a serious case of wanderlust and they’ll likely tell you that you never come home the same person you were when you left. And wellness retreats are no exception!
No matter what your goals are for the new year, there’s one intention just about anyone can get behind: having more adventures!
Picture this: you’re meditating on a secluded beach with soft, white sand and a vibrant, humming rainforest behind you. The air is the perfect temperature and you’re in the moment — so present it doesn’t seem like you’re still on earth. There’s a steady breeze blowing through your hair and you can hear the soft trickle of a waterfall in the distance.
No, this isn’t the opening scene in Eat, Pray, Love 2. It’s actually possible to have this — and 6 other equally magical and transformative wellness experiences if you know where to look (or, rather, book).
So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to check out the top 6 dreamiest destinations on our 2019 wellness retreat wish list.
1. Ubud, Bali
Meditate, manifest & deepen your connection with yourself.
The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a tropical paradise. From the exquisite flower-petal offerings to the stunning natural waterfalls, dramatic volcanoes and ancient monuments, it’s easy to see why so many call this the ‘island of the gods’.
If it’s yoga and meditation you’re after, you might want to head to one of Rochelle Fox’s self-love retreats in Ubud between April and July.
Guests will experience daily yoga classes, a powerful cleansing ritual at a holy water temple, journaling, flower mandalas, waterfall adventures and Pyramids of Chi sound healing. Sounds divine!
2. Paros, Greek Islands
Train in one of the most beautiful and luxurious places on earth.
Paros is one of the most popular islands of the Cyclades in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Sun-drenched rocks anchored in azure seas with snow-white villages and blue-domed churches are the backdrop. Throw in golden beaches, long exquisite lunches and sweet traditional villages, and you really do have the best of Greece’s charms!
Active Escapes are running two fitness retreats in Paros this year between June and July at a private villa.
Bringing together expert trainers, windsurfing, jet skiing, scuba diving and hiking adventures, this is the destination for you, if your idea of wellness is less stillness and more adrenaline. Get fit while meeting new people, relaxing and having fun!
Get ready for glacial fjords, ancient rock formations, mammoth national parks and dynamic Māori culture. Described as a destination where “the planet's pulse pumps close to its scarred skin”, New Zealand is a destination like no other!
Geothermally heated beaches, glaciers melting into rushing rivers and towering redwood trees make NZ the perfect destination for those who love the outdoors and want to experience nature at its best.
Aro Hā in Glenorchy is *the* place to stay for a transformative wellness adventure, fusing sustainability and soul cleansing activities. Experience sub-alpine hiking, vegetarian meals from the garden and vinyasa yoga classes with views of Lake Wakatipu. Ermmm….yes, please!
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
An inspiring journey of inner and outer exploration.
Northern lights, hot springs, saunas, waterfalls and ice-covered volcanoes? Oh, YES! With cinematic landscapes and geothermal pools, Iceland is a truly epic and magical destination for a 2019 wellness retreat.
People say the country reminds travellers of their utter insignificance in the greater scheme of things. There’s nowhere else in the world where the culture, people and spectacular scenery offer such magnificent lessons on gratitude, self-reflection and being present.
Pair that with daily vinyasa yoga, influential wellness teachers, glacier hikes, delicious Icelandic food and a crew of similar minded fun-loving people from around the world — and you’ve got yourself a Yogascape. The perfect, handcrafted, off-the-beaten-path adventure!
For chilled vibes, epic jungle-clad mountains and spectacular aquatic playgrounds, look no further than the Cook Islands in the heart of the Pacific. Rarotonga, the hub of the Cook Islands, is an unspoilt tropical paradise. For decades, travellers have praised the laidback lifestyle of the colourful locals.
Escape on a week-long adventure to this slice of heaven with yoga teacher and stand-up paddleboarding queen, Charlotte Piho, from Work Out On Water.
Hire a scooter and explore the island. Or soak up the sun by the crystal-clear lagoon and head out on a stand-up paddleboard at sunset. Guests will learn how to husk a coconut and Hula Dance, as well as enjoy a plethora of exotic fruits and seafood. If you’re lucky, you might even see the local island boys perform a fire dance!
6. Mallorca, Spain
Rediscover yourself in a place where time truly stops.
Mallorca is a classic Mediterranean postcard. Think: limestone spires, golden vineyards, sapphire waters and charming olive groves. So dreamy!
Trek to hilltop monasteries, pedal through honey-stone villages or take a stroll along snow-white beaches to the hum of cicadas. Mallorca’s culture is all about fun, laughter, live music and true connection!
To truly transform, why not stay at the Cal Reiet Holistic Retreat? Set in beautifully lush Mediterranean gardens, this wellness retreat is a unique country hideaway complete with a swimming pool, gym, yoga classes and organic, buffet-style meals. *Packs bags immediately*.
