Holistic Getaways

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5 Replenishing Holistic Getaways

Where to go to truly get away from it all 

Going on vacation to unplug is one thing but getting away from it all to fully decompress, detox and do a little soul searching is sometimes just what you need. Many destinations have a reputation for their holistic virtues where visitors can immerse in natural beauty, dine on organic cuisine and focus on bettering mind, body and spirit with activities like hiking and outdoor yoga. With a new wave of New Age trending in travel, there’s no better time to visit these five spiritually driven destinations.

Aspen, Colorado

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Colorado culture is so laid back, there’s no surprise it was the first state to legalize marijuana. With its leftist sensibility, farm-to-table cooking, history in wellness, “bohemian chic” reputation (and proud of it!) and, of course, the iconic natural setting of theRocky Mountains, Colorado attracts inner-peace seeking visitors from all over the world. Known for its winter skiing scene, Aspen’s summer months are equally enticing, with perfectly warm weather, lush foliage and myriad outdoor activities. Fitness enthusiasts who like to catch up on “me” time take to the mountains for leisurely nature walks, mountain climbing and biking, all of which have a meditative quality. Healthy, locally sourced eats abound (vegetarianism is popular in Aspen), including Pyramid Bistro, a nutritarian restaurant, among many other health-minded spots. Travelers can also find a handful of spiritual retreats to participate in throughout the city.
Where to stay in Aspen

Koh Samui, Thailand

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Thanks to its sublime beaches, lush hills and pleasant locals, Koh Samui is one of the most popular island destinations in Thailand. In fact, Koh Samui has built a reputation as a premiere getaway for affluent, holistic-minded travelers who find themselves immersed in unspoiled nature and, for lack of a better term, “good energy” that’s positively abundant on the island. For this reason, Koh Samui is home to many wellness retreats, yoga studios and plenty of meditative water activities like stand-up paddle boarding (even paddle boarding yoga!). A visit to Koh Samui isn’t complete without spending hours in a traditional beachside open-air spa for total wellness, where you’ll benefit from ancient healing traditions.
Where to stay in Koh Samui

Maui

Snorkel in Hana, Maui

There’s no other Hawaiian island that embraces the holistic (and hedonistic) lifestyle like Maui. The island has served as a modern spiritual destination for decades (it was even stomping grounds for ancient Hawaiian royalty seeking a soulful getaway). Thanks to its calming beaches and island culture embracing well-being, Maui is a therapeutic destination that travelers often visit and, well… many never leave (expect to find a large ex-pat community often leading the holistic initiatives). The island is chock-full of holistic and spiritual centers, like Maui Holistic Garden CenterMaui Healing Retreat, and Three Treasures, and visitors can find a range of Eastern treatments like acupuncture and cupping at top spas too. Yoga, meditation, herbal medicines and general wellness are traditional themes found in Maui, but the most reflective moments for most travelers is sitting on the gorgeous beaches and remembering you’re worlds away from every day life in a tropical paradise.
Where to stay in Maui

Bali

Bali beach yoga

If we learned anything from Eat, Pray, Love, it’s that Bali is a destination that touches the soul. It’s the perfect sanctuary for alife-changing vacation, largely due in part to the country’s Hindu background, unforgettable, centuries-old temples, tranquil landscapes—from lush jungles to sublime oceans—and abundant organic farming. Many of Bali’s regions are well known for their spiritual healers, where visitors can get a dose of wellness from a non-traditional perspective and even participate in Hindu ceremonies. Bali is a destination where visitors learns to love themselves physically and emotionally, finding awareness in their philosophical perspectives and taking on personal life challenges, combined with improving their health. In Bali, there’s something magical in the air that inspires travelers to better themselves in all aspects.
Where to stay in Bali

Costa Rica

Costa Rica natural spa

The beautiful country of Costa Rica is known for its commitment to sustainability, and is often regarded as one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world (even the local airline is fully carbon neutral!). The country is proud of its commitment to the environment, an organic lifestyle and natural beauty. With this philosophy and practice, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is constantly voted as one of the happiest places in the world, and the locals are a true testament to this.
Visitors can immerse themselves completely in nature, from the healing waters of the sea to the mineral hot springs surrounding Arenal volcano and the untainted rain forests teeming with beautiful wildlife. There’s a wide range of therapeutic activities – from spas to surfing – that visitors can participate in solo or, for soulful interaction, they can join in on yoga classes and and wellness lectures. Healthy eating is also on the menu as most fruits and vegetables are super fresh and grown locally.


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