A Globetrotter’s Guide to Health
February 3, 2009 by holisticanswers
Filed under Exclusives
Info on the best spots worldwide to maintain your healthy active lifestyle.. without having to climb Everest!
HAWAII
The Fairmont Orchid resort, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, is an activity-seeker’s paradise. The landscape is unmatched globally with soaring mountains, lush rainforests and colorful underwater sea life. This tropical island is famous for its verdant nature and diverse ecosystems. It is also home to the world’s most active volcano. The Fairmont stretches out across 32-acres of this remarkable island with the promise of something for everyone. The hotel’s luxurious Hawaiian “Spa Without Walls” extends to a full Salon and 24-hourFitness Center, an oceanfront 10,000-square-foot swimming pool, world-class tennis courts, 36 holes golf course, great shopping and many more activities to keep you busy during your stay.
For those seeking the ultimate relaxing retreat, The Fairmont Orchid offers a 90-minute seaside yoga program that’s appropriate for enthusiasts of all levels and ages. Classes take place every morning beside the ocean. A greater sense of calm, acceptance and flexibility will overcome participants in 1 of the 4 different yoga approaches that The Fairmont offers. The yoga sessions are offered through the Spa Without Walls. Liberating outdoor classes begin at 8am daily.
To compliment your relaxing yoga experience at The Fairmont, energize your body and mind with activities such as hiking, volleyball, snorkeling, surfing, tennis, arts and crafts or water aerobics. The Fairmont offers an activities package; a pass purchased at the beginning of your getaway experience that allows for unlimited access to many of the resort’s best sport, cultural, fitness or water activities. There are also off-site excursions available including horseback riding and deep-sea fishing.
AUSTRALIA
The Gaia Retreat and Spa, Australia
A stay at the Gaia Retreat and Spa in Byron Bay, Australia, feels like home away from home among a utopian panorama of hills and valleys for as far as the eye can see. Guests of this reputable nook get the opportunity to delve deep into their souls to uncover energy that is sometimes lost in daily hectic city life. The Gaia Retreat gives you the chance to become one with nature and rebalance your being. Finally!
At the center of Gaia’s secret is the Amala Day Spa. This is a place where visitors are meant to lay back, relax and be 100 percent pampered with holistic, revitalizing treatments. Aside from all types of massage, reflexology and beauty care, this is the venue to experience The Gaia Retreat’s yoga program.
Emphasis is on the cleansing of the mind, body and soul. Sessions occur twice a day and guests at Gaia are strongly encouraged to participate as frequently as possible for optimal results. Morning sessions are based on the Vinyasa style of yoga; while afternoon sessions concentrate more on core strengthening and meditation. Personal instruction and one-on-one attention guarantees a stress-free yoga experience, appropriate for enthusiasts of all ages and levels.
Continue your relaxation vacation with long walks along the stunningly green, fresh ridges or engage in more vigorous exercise activities offered at the resort including tennis or Tai Chi. An on-site pool is located outdoors under the invigorating Australian sun. Follow up your swim with a rest in the sauna. This awesome retreat will leave you with a new outlook on life and a fresh self-realization. Imagine that.
Not to mention Australia’s many trekking, biking and water sports!
ARIZONA
This Southern Arizona landscape provides a picture-perfect setting for a luxury resort and spa. The Miraval Resort, in Catalina, is not your average vacation getaway – it’s an experience all its own! Internationally acclaimed and ranked as the number one spa in several international surveys and publications, expect greatness from Miraval.
Amongst its remarkable range of activities, services, and unlimited spectacular scenery, one of the resort’s most popular, main attractions is its comprehensive yoga program.
Activity is a large part of Miraval’s philosophy. Take a dip in the pool, visit the state-of-the-art fitness center, join in a tennis or volleyball game, go for a leisurely horseback ride, or take in a sunny round of golf nearby.
PATAGONIA
Patagonia is a vast region in the southernmost tip of South America. Civilizations with magical rites, sailors and pioneers have contributed to its fame. It is a mythical place, synonymous with exploration.
Located in the heart of Patagonia, 250 miles north of Punta Arenas, Torres del Paine National Park encompasses 598,000 acres, and the park is surrounded by the impressive Paine mountain range. With unusually-shaped granite peaks, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls, plus unique flora and fauna, Torres del Paine Park is considered one of the most beautiful places on Planet Earth. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
Strategically set on the shore of Lake Pehoé, Explora’s Hotel Salto Chico was conceived as an exploration base site. It features refined comfort for total relaxation and the best gear ideally suited for exploring Patagonia.
The nearby Casa de Baños del Ona features an indoor heated pool, exercise machines, sauna, massage room and open-air Jacuzzis.
VANCOUVER, BC
Travel to the west coast of Vancouver Island in Canada, and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Over the years the stretch of coastline encompassing the West Coast Trail has been many things to many people. Here, the influence of the ocean on the human history has been dramatic. Native people, lighthouse keepers, shipwreck survivors, homesteaders, prospectors and missionaries all have traveled along these trails and beaches. Today, visitors come to experience the beauty of the coastal environmental and the challenge of hiking one of the most arduous hiking trails in North America.
The West Coast Trail is one of three components of the Pacific Rim National Parks system to protect the outstanding natural features of this area, both terrestrial and marine. The beauty of this craggy sea stacks; dramatic rocky headlands; wide, sandy beaches and lush rainforests all intertwined with a vibrant cultural history, are but a few special features on the West Coast Trail.
And oh the variety! Climb precipitous ladders, wade mud bogs, ride cable cars, scramble slippery ocean boulders, walk drift logs, race the tide crossing sandstone shelf, skirt dangerous surge channels, insert body parts into the maws of carnivorous giant green sea ananomes, photograph shipwreck relics, haul yourself up rocky cliffs on pull ropes.
Bring plenty of film for the fantastic Pacific sunsets, photogenic sea stacks, coastline & wildlife. Hear whales spout and smell sea lions! Meet hikers from all over the world in sociable, though undeveloped, wilderness campsites. The West Coast Trail is open for hiking from May 1 to September 30.
Coastal Trek Health & Fitness Resort on Vancouver Island, British Columbia is a luxury health resort specializing in health, fitness, wellness and weight management. Hiking, yoga, exercise, spa, gourmet cuisine and luxury accommodations make this the perfect spot to stay on track, or even get back on track.
At Coastal Trek Resort we provide a structured, fully personalized seven day health, hiking & fitness program, guiding you through integrated activities and wellness education giving you the tools to maintain a new, healthy lifestyle.
AFRICA
Singita Lodge, South Africa
A safari is an ideal way to kick start an active vacation. And what better place than beautiful South Africa and the Singita Lodges. Yes, I meant to pluralize that, as there are several different lodges across the Sabi Sands game reserve. All of the lodges are high on design and service but with different atmospheres. From the cliff-hugging Lembombo lodge to the river side Sweni lodge, the different locals give you a taste of the varied wildlife and terrain of Africa. Personal expeditions into the reserve allow for encounters (from the safety of a jeep) with many of the wild animals that travelers flock to see. Daily game excursions to check out the wildlife leave on your timetable and be prepared to come face to face with elephants, rhinos, and lions. Afterwards, you can lounge in private pools or get a massage, the choice is yours.
THAILAND
Rock climbing in Krabi
Southern Thailand Scuba Diving & Muay Thai Boxing
Trekking in northern Thailand
COSTA RICA
Retreats in the village of Pachamama (http://pachamama.com) explore the depths of the soul as well as cleanse, refresh and recharge body, mind and spirit..
