Forget sightseeing or lounging on the beach. These days, finding some \u201cme time\u201d on vacation is taking on a whole new meaning, with more and more travelers booking getaways with a purpose: Self-improvement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this fast-paced and often chaotic world, it should be no surprise that wellness retreats are an increasingly popular trend,\u201d says Steve Jermanok, founder of Boston-based Active Travels travel agency. \u201cPeople need to de-stress, turn off, and replenish the well.\u201d<\/p>\n
While most wellness retreats emphasize self-exploration and stress reduction, there\u2019s usually no shortage of fun ways to break a sweat and interact with others, he says. Check out these conveniently packaged out-of-the-box getaways to find one that\u2019s just right for you.<\/p>\n
Unplug and unwind. <\/strong>Meditation-focused retreats are great if you\u2019re looking to escape information overload. You\u2019ll unplug from life\u2019s distractions\u2014and part with your cell and laptop upon checking in. Expect meditation workshops where you\u2019ll not only engage in much-needed silence and meditative sessions, but learn tips for practicing mindfulness at home. Also expect activities like sunrise yoga, tai chi, aromatherapy massages and organic meals.<\/p>\n Try:<\/em> *Insight Meditation Retreats at Vallecitos Mountain Ranch and Retreat Center,<\/strong> Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico; dedicated wildlife refuge nestled in a national forest that allows just 40 guests at a time and serves only vegetarian meals;\u00a0www.vallecitos.org<\/a><\/p>\n *Rest & Rejuvenation Getaway Retreats at Omega Institute<\/strong>, Rhinebeck, New York; spend your days taking meditation classes or cleansing saunas, or simply relax in a hammock under the trees (programs for children, teen and families available); www.eomega.org<\/a><\/p>\n Call to action.<\/strong> Sit at the computer all day long or have a schedule that\u2019s so stretched there\u2019s little wiggle room to fit in an exercise routine? You might need a kick in the pants to get fitness back in your life. Thankfully, there are action-oriented adventure wellness retreats to give you that energy boost you crave\u2014as well as massage and relaxation. Expect to spend most of your time on your feet, doing guided activities like mountain climbing and paddleboarding. You\u2019ll also get healthy, organic meals.<\/p>\n Try:<\/em> *BodyHoliday,<\/strong> St. Lucia; try the resort\u2019s Adventure Programme, where you\u2019ll trek through the rain forest and up mountains to take in the island\u2019s scenic vistas;\u00a0www.thebodyholiday.com<\/a><\/p>\n Back on track. <\/strong>Life gets busy, and it\u2019s so easy to let things go\u2014including your health. If you have newly discovered health issues or need to refocus your health goals (such as weight loss), there are retreats to help you get on track. Expect a meal plan, fitness routine, and massage services all customized to your needs. The idea is to leave with specific tips for sustaining your newfound wellness routine back home.<\/p>\n Try:<\/em> *Health & Wellness Retreats at Red Mountain Resort, <\/strong>St. George, Utah; individualized getaways range from weight-loss to self-care and feature one-on-ones with physicians and experts in fitness and nutrition; www.redmountainresort.com<\/a><\/p>\n *Healthy Getaway at Hilton Head Health, <\/strong>Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; kick-start a healthy eating and fitness routine in a gorgeous beachfront setting; www.hhhealth.com<\/a><\/p>\n Getting to know you. <\/strong>Part of life is about being there for others, and that\u2019s important. In the meantime, it\u2019s easy to become disconnected from your own cares and needs. A mindfulness retreat is an ideal way for you to reconnect with yours-truly through relaxation activities like yoga, meditation, and massages (yes, plural!)\u2014and there\u2019s often fine wine and gourmet meals because this type of getaway isn\u2019t as much about being health conscious as it is about celebrating you.<\/p>\n Try:<\/em> *Power of 7 Package at Lake Austin Spa Resort, <\/strong>Austin, Texas; create a week-long personalized spiritual adventure that includes events with celebrity chefs and artists, plus fun lake activities like riding water bikes to turkey groves;\u00a0www.lakeaustin.com<\/a><\/p>\n
\n *Mindfulness Reflective Classes at Rancho La Puerta,<\/strong> Tecate, Mexico (five minutes from US border in Southern California); build your own getaway with meditation walks along a full-scale labyrinth or classes on chanting, tai chi, and more;\u00a0www.rancholapuerta.com<\/a><\/p>\n
\n *Enchantment Resort,<\/strong> Sedona, Arizona; hike or bike through the Boynton Canyon, take a walking lecture to learn about vortexes, or really break a sweat with a HIIT Bootcamp\u2014there\u2019s something for every fitness taste here;\u00a0www.enchantmentresort.com<\/a><\/p>\n
\n *Wellness Experiences at Canyon Ranch, <\/strong>Tucson, Arizona, and Lenox, Massachusetts; meet with a board-certified physician and experts in nutrition, fitness and stress reduction for a personalized lifestyle program;\u00a0www.canyonranch.com<\/a><\/p>\n
\n *Mind & Body Package at Miraval Resort and Spa, <\/strong>Tucson, Arizona; choose from more than 100 spa treatments, but don\u2019t forget to get outside and challenge yourself on the desert tightrope course;\u00a0www.miravalresorts.com<\/a><\/p>\n