BY LOCALS, FOR LOCALS
1. Nurture Retreat is a somatic yoga experience in Bali, hosted by local yoga therapist and personal trainer, Jamella Stroud. Taking place September 14-21, days include guided meditations, somatic yoga and heart-opening conversations that will empower you to release the past and step into your radiant self. sacredbodyfit.com
2. Sacred Stillness is a winter retreat hosted by local yoga teacher Kristin Rand. Taking place in Blowing Rock, North Carolina February 22-25, participants will reconnect to self with daily meditation, yoga, and sharing circles. Be gently guided out of hibernation and into the light. yogalabbham.com
3. Balance Wellness Retreats are led by certified integrative nutrition health coach Deanna Pizitz, who says, "I was tired of traveling, gaining weight, feeling bloated and undoing all of the good I had done." Her niche is helping women over 40 thrive during the second half of life. Last year's retreat took place on the Mayan Riviera. Follow @wellandworthylife to learn upcoming retreat dates and locations.
RECOMMENDED BY LOCALS
4. SERENBE
spaatserenbe.com
"I chose Serenbe when looking for a wellness community near Birmingham with a great spa and lots of outdoor activities for my family. I enjoyed a facial with dermaplaning and LED treatments, Ashiatsu massage, Reiki and reflexology services. All of the practitioners were knowledgeable, and I loved the botanical products. I recommend popping in Halsa for a healthy lunch, too!"
Megan Wilson, Arlington Family Offices
5. WE CARE SPA
wecarespa.com
"When I came to We Care Spa in Desert Hot Springs, California for six days of rejuvenation and rest, I knew it had a reputation as the “it-spot” for celebrities. This world-class fasting regimen is paired with holistic therapies like mud wraps, infrared sauna, deep tissue massage and shamanic sessions. I came home feeling full of energy and vibrancy — everything from my exercise performance to my mood improved, and I felt like I had the energy of a teenager again."
Mary Frances Dale Fleischmann, Verde Lusso Clean Beauty Shop
6. MIRAVAL ARIZONA RESORT AND SPA
miravalresorts.com/arizona
"Miraval provides the relaxation of a spa with mind-opening modes of therapy like sound healing. I thought I was just going to the desert to get facials and massages, eat organic and relax by the pool. I ended up not only meeting interesting people, but being guided to reflect and challenge myself."
Brooke Wahl, Brooke Wahl Real Estate
7. The Pearl Laguna
thepearllaguna.com
"A few summers ago, I spent a week at The Pearl. Days are regimented and consist of morning yoga, a few hours of very intense hiking, long sessions in the infrared sauna, afternoon yoga, weightlifting and massage (yes, daily massage — the best part)! While there's no alcohol or caffeine onsite, meals are vegan, inventive, and delicious. I've never sweated like that before or since, and I've never been so satisfied to reach the end of a long day with a steaming cup of veggie broth!"
Kali McNutt, Birmingham Lifestyle Publisher
8. Beautiful Nomad
beautifulnomad.com
We asked local frequent flier Catherine Lake for her wellness travel bucket list and discovered Beautiful Nomad, weaving together culture, holistic rituals and celebrations of movement and rejuvenation. Past retreats have taken place in Menorca and Mallora, Spain, as well as Mérida and Oaxaca, Mexico. The next retreat takes place in Moloka'i, Hawaii this April at the Pu'u O Hōkū Ranch, a family-owned, biodynamic, organic ranch. beautifulnomad.com
