Best All Inclusive Resorts with Wellness Programs
Wellness. By definition it is simply “the quality or state of being healthy”. Taken a step further, Dr Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute developed “The Six Dimensions of Wellness”. This nonprofit organization devoted to global wellness further defines the state of wellness. “Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment. Wellness is positive and affirming”.
The Six Dimensions of Wellness are Emotional, Occupational, Physical, Spiritual, Intellectual and Social.
So where would you find a great all inclusive wellness program? A wellness getaway of sorts? I found some perfect places for you to experience!
Body Holiday at LeSport in St Lucia
This all inclusive haven in St Lucia was designed with a focus on the elements of relaxation, restorative beauty, exercise, eating well and refreshing the mind. Services include holistic and Ayurvedic therapies, Reflexology, Martha’s Vineyard Foot Therapy, Synchronised Abhyanga, Indian Head Massage, Shirodhara, a variety of facials including Mukhalepam Organic and Kapha plus endless choices. Body treatments run the gamut and you’ll find the Marine Prelude (natural Dead Sea mud application), Thalgomince Warm Body Wrap, Three Algae Wrap, Detox Light Leg Treatment, and more! Holistic therapies include Sujok Acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, Reiki, Cupping, Meditation and Life Coaching. Practice Qi Gong to stimulate the immune system or participate in Yogo overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Trataka is spiritual eye-gazing and available at the Body Holiday Wellness Center. Additional cleansing therapies complement a wide variety of Massage. The Skin Clinic provides revitalizing treatments for both men and women.
Elemis Treatments are cutting edge technology treatments from a luxury British spa and skincare brand. Is there anything Body Holiday Resort doesn’t offer? Wow! No wonder they have been voted one of the world’s leading Spas! Skinceuticals Facials, Couples therapies, and a plethora of other options await!
The best thing about Le Sport and Body Holiday? All inclusive spa treatments! Yes, you will receive one 50 minute inclusive treatment every day except your arrival and departure day!
And the list goes on….All inclusive activities are abundant here! Tai Chi, spinning, fencing, aerobics, dance and stretch classes, water exercises, cycling, volleyball, morning walks, golf academy, scuba diving (shore dives), archery, tennis, and more is included!
Cuisine at Body Holiday is sourced locally when available and the award winning Tao Restaurant features a fusion of East and West in a tropical setting.
Live music and a warm, friendly staff set the tone in the evenings as a cool ocean breeze calms the nights after sun-filled days.
I can think of no better place than the Body Holiday at Le Sport to fulfill those dimensions of wellness!
Yes, we are talking the expansive, 2,000+ room Moon Palace Resort just outside of Cancun. Now this is the polar opposite of the boutique-style Body Holiday Resort. Enormous….a resort you could get lost in….But now for the twist! The management of Moon Palace is in tune with trends and they get pretty creative to keep up! Just this past year, 19 suites were renovated and transformed into the Palace Wellness Suites. These select accommodations double as swim-up suites with direct access to a private pool where you can participate in aqua spinning with a private instructor. Moon Palace is home to two state-of-the-art fitness centers and features yoga, CrossFit-sytle classes, spinning, Pilates, and more.
CHI beauty amenities are provided in each suite. Aromatherapy and room diffusers set the mood. Herbal teas and premium coffees are included with your in room Lavazza machine. A pillow menu is provided, along with hydrotherapy salts and natural soaps for use with the in-room whirlpool. A mini-bar is stocked with vitamin beverages and natural juices and a 24 hour room service menu of heart healthy and gluten-free meals is just a phone call away! An in-room sports kit comes with yoga mat, jump rope and dumbbells so your suite doubles as a mini-fitness center!
If you book a stay of 5 nights or longer, there is a $1500 resort credit for use in the full-service spa, at the 36 hole golf course, and for outside excursions. This resort is a bit more suited to the mainstream but the elements of great all inclusive wellness program are there! Where else can you get all those spa treatments and top quality golf included?
Open air spa treatments? Cliffside treatments rooms where the Caribbean sea laps against the shore just below you? Yes. Couples Sans Souci is home to one of the Caribbean’s most unique spas, nestled within a rainforest feel with lush tropical foliage and the smells of pristine saltwater fills the air. The Couples spa features all of your standard treatments and a number of “couples” options where you can experience the pampering with your partner. Spa treatments are at an additional charge. However, use of the mineral pool and grotto are complimentary.
Couples Sans Souci is home to a natural mineral spring that flows under the resort grounds. There is a mineral pool with filtered mineral water for soothing your body or try a dip in the grotto where the water is in its most natural state!
Yoga, pilates, tennis and land sports are just a few of the activities included at San Souci. By the way “San Souci” is translated as “Without Care”, meaning that relaxation and stepping away from the stresses of the day to day back home is the mantra here!
Golf greens fees are included at the Upton Course in Ocho Rios and Scuba Diving is included for certified divers! For those looking to experience the au naturel side of things, there is a private beach area and pool for this activity.
More than anything Couples Sans Souci has all the elements of a resort for wellness. Local and organic greens, fruits and vegetables are sourced for your dining pleasure and there are items you’ll rarely find elsewhere! There is plenty of activity on land and on the high seas. And it’s included!
One note: Jamaican culture in general can teach one about the dimensions of wellness. The Jamaican people are in great physical shape and eat a healthy diet of lean meats and lots of natural fruits and vegetables. There are more churches per square mile than any country in world. You’ll see mothers and children dressed to the max on Sundays, making their way to the local chapel.
And then there isThe Rastafari movement. It focuses on limitations on consumption of meats, with many Rasta relying on a vegan or vegetarian diet. Alcohol is considered unhealthy and spiritual use of cannabis is a part of this culture. Keep in mind that it is currently illegal in Jamaica but use is widespread. Rasta reject materialism and are very spiritual people. I would tend to think they are very kind and caring people who have explored the emotional and intellectual side of life.
Jamaica is about an experience. Couples provides your home for the week, but the people are the experience!
Summary
There are many different ways to look at Destination Wellness Vacations! The Body Holiday has the most comprehensive program that I have ever seen! However, there are other resorts that have the elements of an all inclusive wellness program.
If you have thoughts on other resorts or just a general comment, please email me at
Sincerely,
Tom
