With tension and stress induced aches on the rise worldwide, it is little wonder that mental wellness is expected to be one of the most meaningful and powerful well-being trends for decades to come.
The rise of mental wellness tourism and the global luxury destinations that curate this experience
With tension and stress induced aches on the rise worldwide, it is little wonder that mental wellness is expected to be one of the most meaningful and powerful well-being trends for decades to come. Paul Joseph, cofounder of Health and Fitness Travel discusses the rise of mental wellness retreats and the benefits of attending one.
Spotlight on Mental Health
When we analyse our well-being, there are various aspects to take into consideration: physical, mental, spiritual, ecological, social, occupational and emotional health. It is often that we find ourselves focusing on physical well-being alone; however, with increasing awareness raised, we have been reminded not to neglect our mental health.
With longer working hours, increasing pressures both professionally and personally, mental health issues are now more prevalent than ever. In the past 15 years, there has been a 50% increase in anxiety and depression globally, with around 600 million people being affected by mental health issues, according to the World Health Organisation.
de-stressing break at Longevity Medical Spa
THE RISE OF MENTAL WELLNESS TOURISM
Responding to this need and mirroring the rapid growth of wellness tourism, is the emergence
of mental wellness and mindfulness holidays. With most of us looking for ways to boost self-confidence or learn how to manage stress, these healthy mind retreats offer coaching to those suffering from the burnout
of modern living, and offer a new perspective, expansion of horizons, and bring positive energy back into mind, body and soul.
An integral part of these retreats is the practice of relaxation and mindfulness, which plays a
fundamental role in mental and emotional health. Mindfulness gives us the tools to cope with the strain of daily life, reboot our minds and re-connect with our inner-calm. Mindfulness retreats offer practical techniques for staying present, balanced and peaceful – states which are more easily achieved when removed from the stresses and strains of everyday life (and the exotic locations don’t hurt either!).
LUXURY MENTAL WELLNESS RETREATS
These 5 luxury destinations have everything you need to channel a more balanced mind and find inner peace.
Italy: The Mental Makeover Retreat
The Mental Makeover Retreat at Ti Sana will change your life in ways you may never have thought. This treatment developed by expert coach Steve McKeown, a master of mind-improvement; it uses a psychological programme combined with state-of-the-art tools to better your professional and personal performance. Guests partake in private consultations, group classes in meditation, hypnotherapy and NLP – all geared towards transforming your state of mind. This is the perfect location for those wanting to distance themselves and fully focus on mind rejuvenation and clarity.
India: Shreyas Silent Retreat
Begin your journey to recovery with a health consultation designed for a bespoke wellness transformation. The stresses of daily living shall be put to one side on this meditation holiday, as you embrace the art of mindfulness at Shreya’s Silent Retreat in India. Set amongst 25 acres of calming gardens, you can immerse yourself in utter stillness, spending the days relaxing and benefiting from the range of meditation and yoga classes; from Pranayama to Trataka – it’s impossible to not feel renewed.
Portugal: Longevity Mindfulness
At a secluded beach haven in Portugal, you will be surrounded by the practices of mindfulness at Longevity Medical Spa. This destress holiday lives up to its name, as you learn the skills needed to use mindful movement in everyday life through private mindfulness sessions with Longevity’s resident mindfulness teacher. Not forgetting your physical wellbeing, your body is rejuvenated with a healing osteopathy session. Slow down the pace and experience a greater sense of inner peace as you discover the power of meditation.
Bali: Maya Ubud Spiritual Journey
Bali’s long tradition of spirituality and wellbeing restoration is carried through the charming island villages at Maya Ubud Spiritual Journey. Wake up to yoga and meditation sessions which will kick start your day with positivity. You shall visit a traditional local healer on an energising walk to the nearby village, and receive a fresh perspective on your wellbeing. Recount your experiences in your retreat journal as you relax after luxury spa treatments; your memories shall boost the feeling of health and happiness.
Mental Makeover Ti Sana outdoor grounds
Ibiza: The Body Camp
Experience a full mind and body transformation on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza with The Body Camp. Your new home is a stunning villa nestled within terraced gardens of olive and citrus trees. Here, you will discover the art of mindfulness during one-to-one coaching sessions, and reflect during silent short walks. Shape up with other like-minded guests on a singles holiday, which offers a variety of revitalising activities; from circuit training and sea swimming to an unwinding yoga class, full body massage and dip in the mineral-rich salt water pool.
Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph and Adam Heathcote as a result of their passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people’s well-being to lead happier and healthier lives. www.healthandfitnesstravel.com. ◼
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© This article was first published in Apr-May 2017 edition of World Travel Magazine.
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