Greetings! I was honored to be profiled in Hamlet Hub last week thanks to Kerry Anne Ducey. Here’s the link ICYMI: https://news.hamlethub.com/wilton/places/49826-why-small-businesses-matter-in-wilton-hidden-gem-travel-consulting.
Question for you – was your New Year’s resolution about getting healthier or losing weight? If so, you are like millions of others who start out each new year hoping to improve their overall health, wellness, and fitness (I put myself in that category too) in the coming year. Are you now wondering what this has to do with travel? The answer to that question is in this week’s newsletter.
Wellness journeys are one of the key trends in travel in 2020. Since I live and breathe travel, I hear about all of the amazing destinations where you can focus on self-improvement. Virtuoso has a Wellness Travel Community which curates the “best of the best” in wellness getaways, and it’s an invaluable resource for clients who want to take this type of vacation.
No, you don’t have to starve yourself or spend your entire vacation thinking about losing weight. You can have an amazing time and come back home fitter and healthier. And you can bring your kids of all ages with you on some of these amazing experiences and reinforce the value of personal wellness! Read on for some hidden gem vacations where you will come home better than before….
Wellness in the Caribbean, Arizona, Europe & Hawaii
There are MANY options for wellness vacations, and the destination and resort options are based upon your personal wellness goals (examples include increasing your fitness level, losing weight, improving work/life balance) and personal preferences (i.e. all-inclusive, location, budget). Below are a few options in the Virtuoso network to inspire you:
Caribbean – St. Lucia or Jamaica
St. Lucia’s BodyHoliday is an all-inclusive, adults-only wellness retreat on a white sand beach. Virtuoso perks include a resort credit and spa treatment. Each vacation is personalized to you, such as focusing on a weight loss goal, overcoming fears like rappelling or deepening your yoga practice. Endless watersports and ayurvedic cuisine are part of the experience. In 2020, BodyHoliday will have theme months for yoga, fitness with Olympic athletes, dance and more.
Half Moon in Jamaica is set on 400 acres of manicured grounds with two miles of beachfront. Guests enjoy very extensive offerings, including the largest spa oasis in the Caribbean – Fern Tree Spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis, squash, fitness classes (including a spin studio), yoga, Pilates, meditation, an Equestrian Centre, and many watersports. Kids will have lots to enjoy at the Anancy Children’s Village Pony Park and specially curated children’s menu. Virtuoso valuable perks include breakfast daily and spa credit. Golfers and tennis players will love the “muscle memory massage.”
Arizona – Sedona or Tucson
Sedona’s Mii amo is a world-class, boutique destination that defies the imagination. A place like no other. It is a spa getaway where rejuvenation is an inspired, transformative event. Set within the soaring red rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona, Mii amo is surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty and offers customized, all-inclusive packages featuring private accommodations, two spa treatments daily and delicious, healthy cuisine. From fitness and nutrition counseling to rejuvenating spa treatments and Native American-inspired therapies. Virtuoso amenities include breakfast daily and resort credit.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson (also in Austin, Texas) is a top-rated all-inclusive destination resort and spa located on 400 scenic acres at the base of Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains. Offering an array of dynamic growth and development programs, one-of-a-kind, luxurious spa treatments, authentic, flavorful and healthful cuisine, as well as an expert staff of renowned wellbeing specialists, Miraval helps guests live life in the moment. Luxurious accommodations, gourmet meals, unlimited fresh smoothie bar and freshly prepared snacks throughout the day and over 120 complimentary wellness activities, lectures and fitness classes weekly. Enjoy three pools and 24-hour access to our newly renovated Body Mindfulness Fitness Center. I’ve been to Miraval in Tucson myself and can personally attest that the experience is transformative.
Active Europe – Land Tour or Cruise with Backroads for All Ages
Backroads isn’t a singles biking tour company, although that may be what the name conjures. As a leader in active travel on land, sea and river Backroads offers deluxe biking, walking, hiking, multi-adventure, and family vacations PLUS active river & ocean cruising, culinary tours, and snow adventures. All Backroads trips are fully escorted by 3 – 4 trip leaders and 2 support vans while guests travel at their own pace, enjoying exhilarating activities, cultural encounters, scenery, camaraderie, and fun. The “shifting gears” philosophy allows individual flexibility so you can customize your own experience.
Hawaii – Lanai (Brand New!)
The newly opened Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele, A Sensei Retreat, is truly luxurious. The Japanese spa experience, Nobu restaurant, and culinary excellence, adventure center with zip lines and ropes courses and outdoor sculpture garden transport you to a world of relaxation, exclusivity, and pampering. The Virtuoso amenities are outstanding and include daily breakfast for two, resort credit, complimentary flights from Honolulu and shuttle transfers to/from the airport. Suggestion – add a visit here after visiting other Hawaiian Islands for some amazing R&R before heading home.
Inspired and excited
to learn more? I can be reached by email
at susan@hiddengemtravelconsulting.com
or phone/text 203.247.3396.
Hidden Gem Tip: As a Virtuoso client, you will be treated like a VIP at these in-network resorts. I can communicate your wellness goals to the management to ensure that your experience meets your expectations and needs!
Warmly,
Susan
Referral bonus: Do you know someone who would benefit from my services? Forward this email and have them mention your name during their complimentary consultation. You will receive a special perk! They may also sign up for this weekly newsletter and access our free Hidden Gem guide at www.hiddengemtravelconsulting.com.
