I have been more interested in my wellness ever since I turned 30 years old, a few years ago. Does wellness have anything to do with age?
Am I the only one who felt this way in my thirties?
Disclaimer: High level of responsibilities can be experienced at different stages for different people and while some might feel a high stake of responsibilities at an earlier age, others might feel more responsible at a later age.
Certainly, there is no age set in stone for people to start taking their wellness seriously.
In my case, I felt this overwhelming level of responsibility at this age as I was responsible for the well-being and nurturing of three young children, as well as juggling a full-time teaching role, running a design business and volunteering my skills and other random acts of kindness I get involved in at my local community centre.
My desire to blend wellness into my travels led to an extensive research into wellness and travel.
In as much as I love to delve into adventures on holidays, I also sometimes love to just chill and relax and indulge in health and wellness.
Here are my 5 steps to achieving wellness during a luxurious holiday.
Start with a healthy breakfast
A healthy breakfast will set the tone for a healthy day however, in a luxury hotel setting where you’re spoilt for choice on the food front, establishing a strict approach to food will help you achieve your health goal.
Are you more plant based or paleo or do you prefer sweet and savoury food? Regardless of your food desires, remember to keep things simple and go for the healthier version. I love to be flexible about my choice and I sometimes cross between the plant based and paleo diet.
Take a walk
How would you feel strolling down the promenade after breakfast and glazing into the clear blue skies and endless sea water? What about Yoga on the beach?
Do you wear a pedometer/step counter? Does your watch or phone help record the number of steps you have taken in a day? Well, this is surely a step in the right direction when it comes to your well being. A pedometer is a great motivational tool that helps you see an instant result. I have frequently recorded the highest number of steps taken in a day whilst on holiday.
It is no surprise that I always feel healthier on holiday than when I’m not on holiday. Do you feel the same?
Taking your wellness seriously on holiday by walking either first thing in the morning or at sunset will give you a clarity of thoughts and rejuvenate your wellbeing.
Spa is a must
Luxurious holidays are the best time to indulge in spa experiences. Most luxurious hotels would give you discounted spa sessions or you can look around your location for more affordable spa sessions.
The essentials for a good spa experience on holiday are:
- Arriving early – ensure you arrive early to take in all you have paid for. Spend a good time relaxing in the saunas and Jacuzzi, before your treatment starts.
- Taking your swim wear – this is an essential especially if you’re having a traditional bath. I remember forgetting to take my swim wear to the traditional Turkish bath – Hammam. It was such an awkward experience to say the least.
- Hair essentials – this includes hair clips, hair pins, swim cap, shower cap, hair brush, hair de-tangler and hair oil. The last thing you want to deal with is the battle with your hair which might constantly be falling on your face.
Spa treatments during luxurious holidays gives you the time to go that extra mile while on holiday.
Pampered evenings
I like the idea of dancing all night in a club while on holiday however, I have long decided to use that time for a pampered evening.
How do I achieve a pampered evening in a hotel?
Well, this is what I do.
- I put on my battery powered candles
- I run a bubble bath with scented bath salts
- I put on my tranquil playlist
- I make my favourite drink
- I wrap up warm in a cosy dressing gown.
Seek advice
Some hotel resorts employ a wellness specialist who will discuss, calculate and refine a personalised program that can be continued after your travels are over.
Medical travel tourism is a big industry and while it’s best to seek advice with your private doctor in your country, some wellness resort destinations covers more than you might get in your country.
It is worth enquiring and gaining more information.
I hope you start taking your wellness more seriously and you use my five steps to achieving wellness during a luxurious holiday.