Questions and Considerations When Planning a Wellness Vacation or Wellness Retreat

by Anne Dimon

Once this global crises is resolved, lockdowns are lifted and we are all able to travel again, we are confident that Wellness Vacations and Wellness Retreats will, along with general health and safety, be top of mind for many of us. While waiting until the time to travel returns, you might want to take this time to give some thought to the INTENTION of your future Wellness Vacation or Wellness Retreat. Giving thought to this now, will help you find the best fit. Something YOU will feel comfortable and happy with, and that will help you achieve your goal. 

So start by giving some serious thought to these questions:

• What is my Wellness Travel Personality? Read more about that here

• What is my specific goal or intentions?
It could be a) weight loss b) kick starting a wellness-lifestyle c) time to reconnect with self d) general overall reboot e) learn to manage stress f) learn to cook health meals, or any number of other goals and objectives.

• What kind of accommodations am I looking for?
For instance: a) an intimate country inn b) a city hotel c) a family resort d) a luxury resort without children e) a designated wellness resort or wellness retreat.  You’ll find the Wellness Tourism Association’s glossary of definitions for wellness resort, wellness retreat and other wellness travel terms here

• What kind of food do I want?
For instance: a) international gourmet b) basic and nutritious c) lighter spa cuisine d) vegetarian, gluten free or other special dietary e) menus specifically targeted to weight loss

• What do I want to do during the day?
For instance: a) simply rest and relax b) physical and recreational activities c) take part in educational programs d) shopping or sightseeing e) spa treatments f) something else?

• How do I want to spend the evenings?
For instance: a) dine in-house then read and relax b) take part in educational workshops c) enjoy live in-house entertainment d) take in local attractions e) other

• If I’m travelling with a partner, a family member, friends, what are their main interests?
For instance: a) relaxation and renewal b) recreational facilities and physical activities c) off-site shopping or sightseeing d) socializing and nightlife. What your travel companion(s) wants to do might effect how YOU experience your vacation.

• How much do I want to spend?
Budget, in most cases, will determine how far you travel from home, how long you stay and the type of accommodations you choose. Remember you do not have to necessarily travel far to find the type of wellness vacation or wellness retreat you seek. In fact, we feel the new Wellness Staycation – which will focuse on closer-to-home travel by car or shorter, direct flights –  will be kinder to the budget.

Your answers to these questions will help you determine your needs and objectives, and help you find a wellness vacation that’s a right for you.

Other things to keep in mind:

• General health and safety protocols of the destination and the accommodations
• If you are booking a spa resort, what is there to do between spa treatments?
• If you are on a cleanse do you want a licensed restaurant on the premises to tempt you. Maybe not.
• What else should you pack? Hiking boots? Wet shoes for kayaking?
• Do the rooms have TVs, telephones and Wifi? Or, are you looking for a digital detox?
• What else is there to do in the immediate area?
• How far is the inn/resort/hotel from the nearest town/city/airport?
• Do you want access to medical testing? Heart, blood pressure, body fat ratio, for instance.
• Do you want a structured program or something more self-guided?
• Do you want a learning opportunity, cultural immersion, classes and lectures?

You get the picture. To find the wellness vacation that is the right fit and allows you to achieve your objectives, it’s important to ask yourself these types of questions. If you need more help planning check out our list of wellness travel agent specialists    Plus here is a list of top wellness travel blogs and websites (yes Travel to Wellness is included) from FeedSpot