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The fabled work-life balance has been the subject of many a discussion over the years. Going on vacation – specifically, wellness retreats – is the popular go-to activity to bust out of the stress and monotony of the daily grind. Studies published all over the Internet reveal a myriad of benefits to be had from a relaxing, stress-free wellness trip.
Since it’s already the middle of the year, don’t pass up the opportunity to check out at least one of these wellness vacation spots that we have curated especially for you.
INDONESIA
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11 out of 10 times people would name Bali as their top destination for body and soul rejuvenation. While there are certainly soul-searching yoga retreats aplenty all over the island, you should definitely try the Balinese massage therapy.
A traditional massage perfected over time and passed down from generation to generation, the Balinese massage brings together several alternative medicine practices such as massage therapy, acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy with the use of essential oils with striking aromas of jasmine, rose, sandalwood, coconut, cempaka, sandat or frangipani.
Take your pick from any of the hotels listed in our XChangeWorld directory and make your own arrangements for wellness and cultural highlights while in this exotic island. We highly recommend a visit to the Tirta Empul, a Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring, in which the Balinese bathe in for healing and other petitions.
THAILAND
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People seeking to transform their lives from inside out are spoilt for choice with destination spas in the tropical islands and coastal regions of Thailand. The world famous Thai massage is perhaps the most popular among Thailand’s cornucopia of pampering services available. Drawing significant influence from India's ancient Ayurvedic traditions of medical practice, this type of massage focuses on circulation and pressure points, promoting internal health as well as muscular flexibility. Rhythmic compressions, rolling of limbs, and gentle rocking are Thai massage methods employed in order to relax and realign energies in the body.
Our very own Prana Beach Villas in Koh Samui, offers a unique opportunity to experience total rejuvenation amidst a refreshing combination of stunning nature, a beautiful Thai-inspired accommodation, and unforgettable pampering by the staff – all elements that conspire to make a perfect tropical getaway.
SRI LANKA
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Fast becoming a destination for people seeking traditional Ayurvedic healing, Sri Lanka is home to a plethora of healing resorts, captivating wellness seekers in pursuit of improved health. Do you find a little piece of history rejuvenating for your curious heart and mind? Then the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tamarind Hill Grand might just be the place for you. Don’t forget, too, that Sri Lanka has some of the region’s most beautiful beaches. A worthy destination if you are in need of Vitamin Sea.
INDIA
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Over the years, India has become synonymous with the words healing and inner peace. The birthplace of yoga, not too far from the sacred river of Ganges, India is bursting with yoga ashrams and temples for those who are seeking healing that transcends the physical. If you are craving something less profound but still in the midst of nature’s wondrous glory, then we recommend the Mountain Club in Uttarakhand for the kind of tranquility occasionally punctuated by the wild calls of some of the 350 species of birds in the protected area.
HAWAII
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Listed as one of the biggest health spots in 2016, this fiery island offers a range of wellness opportunities, from yoga classes to peaceful activities. Currently making waves is the recently introduced bamboo massage available in one of the upscale spa resorts in the island. This massage incorporates bamboo stalks and essential oils into a deep tissue promoting circulation and relaxation.
If you want to experience an age-old, time-tested form of therapy, you must try the La’au Lapa’au, a form of traditional healing using herbs and spirituality, administered and protected by the Hawaiian Kahuna Lapa'au 'O Hawai'i or medical high priest. Though only a few of them remain today, their therapies are said to be very effective in curing many forms of ailments.
For a relaxing stay, we recommend one of our listed properties on the island, Alii Kai Resort, situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by tropical landscape neatly decorated with lush gardens and exotic Hawaiian flowers, guests can also enjoy the romantic sunsets from their private balconies.
MEXICO
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Wellness, fitness and mindfulness are the very core of the burgeoning wellness destination industry in Mexico. Cabo San Lucas and Cancun are two very popular spots for holidaymakers.
The Mayan-inspired spa therapy treatments are all the rage, especially in the modern beach destinations in Cancun, which sits on the edge of the ancient Mayan empire, surrounded by centuries-old ruins and mysterious traditions. The Mayan shamans were spiritual leaders that performed rituals to cleanse the body and spirit, and many of the region’s natural elements, such as cacao and honey, were believed to hold special healing properties.
Luckily for you, there is a long list of properties to choose from on XChangeWorld to suit your specific wellness requirements. Fancy a touch of mystery? Hacienda Encantada in Cabo San Lucas is a resort and spa designed in a contemporary Mexican Hacienda style set in one of the most picturesque and tranquil settings amidst the mysterious Baja desert and the stunning blue of the Sea of Cortez at the tip of the 1,000-mile long southern Baja California Peninsula.
FRANCE
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If indulgence, style, and elegance are your thing, then you must book a trip to France! Places like St Tropez, Provence, and Cannes have all the right ingredients to soothe your tired elegant bones.
Created by Frenchman Jacques de la Bonnardière in 1876, Thalassotherapy uses seawater and marine products like algae, seaweed, and marine mud to help restore the body's natural chemical balance. Thalassotherapy has been exported to some countries outside of France where it still remains very popular and the principle behind it is repeated immersion in warm seawater, marine mud, and protein-rich algae.
But if you want something less glitzy, close enough to the beach, where you can experience the healing nature and a splash of the intoxicating French culture, then we recommend Residence Vaugrenier in Villeneuve Loubet located in the south of France. If you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, the three-week hydrotherapy session in the healing waters of Avène-les-Bains in Southwestern France could be something for you to consider, given its very high success rate.
JAPAN
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A country of many attractions, Japan is never out of travelers’ bucket lists – be it for food, fashion, culture, technology, people, or just overall greatness; but onsen, or the Japanese hot spring, is usually on the top of the list. Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 onsen in Japan, thanks in large part to the geologic activity of the country's volcanoes.
Onsen are created from water heated naturally underground, and the water varies both in degrees and in mineral composition and are found all over Japan. The onsen bathing ritual at many inns and resorts is an elaborate yet popular cultural activity among Japanese. You have ample choice with XChangeWorld to discover Japan and experience the amazing wellness benefits of onsen.
When you visit any of these places, do take a few pictures and share your experiences with us, we love to hear your stories!
SEE ALSO: QVI Club Helps Your World Travel Plans Become Reality