By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Resorts, destinations and operators around the world are responding to the surging demand from wellness seekers for new active, immersive, fulfilling experiences. Here’s a sampling to inspire your next wellness trip:

Hotel Belmar offers new wellness experiences in Costa Rica: Carbon neutral Hotel Belmar, a family-owned luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s renowned Monteverde cloud forest highlands, adds to its wellness offerings with new yoga programs. Arantza joined in April as a certified yoga teacher, breathwork and lightwork facilitator, gene keys student, and dedicated guide. With over five years of experience, she curates mindful experiences, blending traditional yogic practices, tantra, pranayama. The hotel now offers a new Wellness Enhancement add-on package to elevate any stays into a thematic self-retreat. This add-on package includes daily farm-to-table breakfast, daily yoga sessions, healthy juice smoothies, a relaxing massage, a private breathwork session, and immersive nature experiences ($220). For corporate or group travelers, Hotel Belmar also has new wellness packages available for groups of 8 – 20 people. (https://www.hotelbelmar.net/)

Scenset invites travelers on an Indonesian island getaway: Luxury travel-tech company Scenset, promises wellness, adventure and luxury in the captivating Indonesian islands on an exclusive itinerary prepared by Carl Junior, Senior Travel Curator. Discover the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury on this exclusive journey to dream destinations including Bali. Indonesia invites travelers to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit in a culturally rich environment that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being. Whether it’s yoga in Ubud’s lush rainforests, exclusive spa retreats in Uluwatu’s cliffside havens, or Sumba’s pristine beaches, Indonesia provides a perfect backdrop for immersive wellness experiences. Top-tier resorts, beach yoga, wellness consultations, sunset horseback rides, and gourmet dining are all part of the itinerary (scenset.com)

Naya Traveler takes wellness seekers to Argentina’s Patagonia: Offering tailor-made experiential journeys to a curated selection of destinations, Naya Traveler invites travelers to the heart of a 50,000-acre working cattle ranch in Argentina’s Patagonia region where Tipiliuke Lodge puts wellness at the forefront, welcoming guests to indulge in a variety of relaxing experiences. Naya Traveler works with local hosts and expert guides to design a personalized wellness journey from the very start. Amenities like a nutritionist, wood-fired sauna, hot tub with stunning vistas, and yoga studio with views of natural beauty are all part of the package, helping guests reconnect with nature and themselves. Personal treatments from masseuses, yoga instructors, physiotherapists, and osteopaths from the nearby town of San Martin de los Andes complete the wellness offer. End each rejuvenating day under a canopy of stars, savoring renowned Argentinian Malbecs around a fire. Learn more about Naya Traveler’s wellness journeys (https://www.nayatraveler.com/).

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa provides top-notch rejuvenation in Saint Lucia: Known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-minded practices, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia. Its 26 villas feature old Caribbean charm coupled with luxurious and modern resort amenities. The resort’s Ti Spa offers a wide range of treatments that combine European technique with St. Lucia’s storied tradition of using plant and food-based curatives. Treatments are designed to cleanse the body with locally produced coffee or papaya scrubs. The signature Spa Sampler features holistic treatments like hot stone massage, aromatherapy, and counter stretching among other techniques. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s diverse vegan and vegetarian menu. The resort is one of the only properties in Saint Lucia to offer a vegan menu (https://www.calabashcove.com/).

Nomade Holbox, The Less-Touristy Hotel In Isla Holbox:  Nômade Holbox is an adults-only beach sanctuary located on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, an unspoiled natural refuge. Choose to stay in the Treehouse Suite fully immersed in the jungle and perched 7 meters above ground, the Oceanfront Suite just steps away from the clear blue water, or the Moon Temple Room crafted with natural canvas walls and unique copper tub.  Embark on a Lucid Dreaming Sound Journey, a guided dream immersion with binaural sounds that induce deep relaxation and creative frequencies in the mind, or release all control during Agua Magica, Nomade’s signature program rooted in water and  accompanied with a ritual prayer to reconnect with your center and remove all emotional blockages.

Sattva Land, eco-resort in the heart of the Mayan jungle in Belize, is a multi-generational family-owned retreat property renowned for its friendly vibe, wellness amenities, and a setting that lets nature work her healing magic on guests. Nestled on 20 acres in the jungle, retreats at Sattva Land offer transformational programming along with spa treatments, jungle hikes, meditative garden walks, dips in the natural swimming pool and healing, plant-based cuisine. Sattva Land offers local excursions to waterfalls, caves, Mayan Temples and the Placencia beach. On-property programming ranges from yoga and sound healing to chocolate tasting and a tour of the Sattva’s Land Project. Accommodations at Sattva are eco-friendly with a nod to creature comforts: a jungle castle, cabins, garden homes and modern suites overlooking a creek and cater to individuals, couples and families. The natural setting coupled with an array of family-friendly activities make the resort perfect for multi-generational getaways. Sattva offers two ongoing retreats. The Threshold is a personal retreat immersion designed specifically for your needs and wants; The Entwined retreat is for couples looking to relax, reconnect and grow together (https://www.sattvaland.com/).

Experience Wellness in Japan

With the Japanese yen the lowest since 1990, this is an opportune time for Americans to experience the tranquility, cultural immersion and wellness afforded at these resorts:

HOSHINOYA Okinawa – Okinawa, Japan: Situated in central Okinawa Island in the village of Yomitan, in one of the world’s five “Blue Zone” regions, known for longevity and wellness, HOSHINOYA Okinawa offers a year-round program sharing the secrets of the region’s diets and customs. During the 3-day program, participants engage in activities reflecting the Blue Zone’s pillars: connection, movement, wise eating, and positive outlook. Experiences include underwater stretching, a vegetable-rich hot pot dinner, Yuntaku Garden tours, Sanshin music sessions, Awamori tasting, and a traditional weaving experience unveiling techniques dating back 600 years. These initiatives underscore HOSHINOYA Okinawa’s commitment to providing a culturally immersive and wellness-oriented escape, elevating guests’ understanding of Okinawa’s heritage and healthy lifestyle. HOSHINOYA Okinawa is a serene enclave spanning 1km where each 100 suites and villas face the ocean. The architecture pays homage to Okinawan heritage, evident in the 4.5m Gusuku stone walls mirroring historical upper-class residences and castles. The Island’s traditions are showcased widely from Ryukyu karate and sanshin music lessons to Ryukyu court cooking tutorials that expand travelers’ expectations of Japan beyond destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto. The property remains relatively undiscovered by international travelers since its debut amid the pandemic, though is a coveted escape for Japanese locals since its opening.  

Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu – Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan: Located in the Kitahama district in an area famous for its hot springs overlooking Beppu Bay, Hoshino Resort’s KAI guests enjoy indoor and outdoor baths where the hydrogen carbonate spring water flows directly from the source and has properties to soften and smoothen the skin. The lobby’s open terrace also houses hand and foot baths where guests can relax as the sea breeze passes by. KAI Beppu was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. All 70 guest rooms feature a ‘picture window’ with pristine blue ocean views. To enhance the color of the sea, the walls, shoji doors and glass in the bathroom all incorporate a pink-brown (Kakishibu) color for a vibrant contrast drawing inspiration from the earthiness of lava plateau where the hot spring is found. These signature rooms also incorporate bungo tie-die fabrics and regional handcrafts showcasing the area’s culture. Part of a Kaiseki meal courses capture the essence of Oita prefecture with ingredients like lobster, Wagyu beef, sashimi plates and more served in a semi-private dining room. Reminiscent of a lively hot spring town, KAI Beppu also features Toji Jug band entertainment with musical sounds created by wooden pails and an arcade area.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu: Take in the blue hues of the Natori River flowing from the Ou Mountains at the newly opened KAI Akiu opening in Akiu Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture. This hot spring ryokan property is located in Sendai City, a popular destination for relaxation and wellness in northeast Japan known for its 1,500-year history as a hot spring spot overlooking a picturesque river valley. As Hoshino Resorts’ newest KAI resort, KAI Aiku is a stunning retreat where guests can relax, recharge, and take in the sounds of the water all year round. KAI Akiu is perfectly positioned between local sight-seeing spots including the breathtaking Akiu Otaki Falls and Matsushima, a bay home to 260 islands known as one of the most scenic places in Japan. All 49 guestrooms will offer views of the Natori River, and guests are encouraged to enjoy open-air rock baths and the two indoor public baths to absorb the antibacterial properties of metaboric acid and the beautifying effects of calcium that can promote smoother skin. After a day of relaxation, guests will dine kaiseki cuisine with ingredients sourced from Miyagi Prefecture, one of Japan’s major rice production areas.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Osaka (at Hyatt Regency Osaka) – Osaka, Japan: Founded on the concept of playing with creative ideas, Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Osaka (at Hyatt Regency Osaka) nurtures the imagination of children based on the Reggio Emilia Approach developed in Italy. The hotel features one of the largest ateliers in the country designed to foster children’s big ideas, as well as concept rooms that allow pint sized guests the freedom of expression by drawing on walls and windows. RISONARE Osaka’s Atelier is a dynamic space inspired by the port of Osaka and features colorful palettes stacked on top of one another. The atelier is divided into four different areas guided by the Reggio Emilia Approach that focus on interest, hands-on exploration, expression and reflection. Children will be guided through this journey of creative expression by in-house art specialists, also known as atelieristas.

HOSHINOYA Fuji, Yamanashi, Japan: Set right above Mt. Fuji’s Lake Kawaguchiko, the award-winning HOSHINOYA Fuji is the perfect balance of modernity and nature. Perched right on the mountain, HOSHINOYA Fuji is Japan’s first glamping resort and offers whimsical, yet elevated camping amenities and programming. HOSHINOYA Fuji’s modular-like hotel rooms are integrated into the mountain’s landscape and are stark contrasts to the lush forestry that surrounds the property. Outside of the rooms, guests can surround themselves with hundreds of red pinewood trees on the Cloud Terrace where they can sit beneath the pines and enjoy stargazing, forest concerts, and even an outdoor movie. At this nature oasis, guests can partake in outdoor activities including canoeing on Lake Kawaguchiko, Jyukai Forest hiking, a food smoking workshop or aerial stretching.

See also: Going Places: Health & Wellness Offerings Expand in Response to Exploding Demand by Travelers

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