5 Best Places to Rest and Recharge

Whereto get well-deserved rest from your daily routine

The Purpose Of Traveling

Vacations are a wonderful time to kick back, sip margaritas, and lounge by the pool. But they’re also a great time to restore your body and mind and come back home feeling healthier than you did when you left.

Wellness continues to be one of the hottest travel trends and it's expected to keep growing.

People are stressed, they're tired, they're worried about the state of the world. They need a break. 

These 5 destinations are good for whatever you prefer. The real purpose of going to these places is to get you away from your devices, social media, and the news, and get you back in touch with nature and the things that really matter to you. 

Whether you prefer the beach, the mountains, the desert or the city, there's something here for everyone. Luxurious yet down to earth and nurturing, each one of these magical places can help you transform your body, your spirit and, at the very least, your attitude.

Electronics-Free Adventures

Let your hair down and you take a stroll on an oceanfront beach, finally get to read that book against the background of a tranquil mountainside, or take a dip sparkling blue waters. Taking advantage of some last minute flight deals to far-off destinations is a great way to let go of your worries. So if you’re looking to recharge or unwind, we’ve got just the spots for you to do so!

Return to a time before smart devices and enjoy the time you have off the grid! Take on an array of hands-on activities such as painting, analog photography, knitting and more.

In the past few years, "wellness retreats" have become so trendy that people are now spending thousands upon thousands of dollars to go on these kinds of adventures.

Places We Recommend Visiting

Las Alamandas

Sometimes all you need to get yourself back on track is a few days in secluded yet stunning natural surroundings, a.k.a. Las Alamandas. 

Set on a 1500-acre nature reserve on the Mexican Riviera, this tropical paradise is so private, you may not run into any other guests during your stay. So, you don’t have to worry about being social if you’re not feeling like it. You can get a massage in the beachfront spa palapa, go for a bike or horseback ride, do yoga by the ocean, explore the organic gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the natural beauty all around you. Or you can choose to spend your time napping in a hammock, doing nothing but making a reservation to come back for regular visits.

Sanur, Bali, Indonesia

Take a picturesque afternoon stroll on the paved walkway along the edge of the sea to get the best view of the stunning Sanur coastline in Bali, Indonesia. The promenade is dotted with quaint cafes, restaurants, and refreshment stalls and is ideal for cycling. As a town swelling with cultural attractions, you won’t run out of galleries, and art events that feature works by local artists and traditional artwork, paintings, photography, and ceramics– all year round.  Once you’re done diving into the local culture, take a plunge into the sparkling blue waters and go swimming or snorkeling with the local aquatic wildlife.

Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah

Surrounded by the powerful natural presence for which it’s named, Red Mountain Resort encourages you to open your mind and step into your courage zone.

That may mean hiking in Zion National Park, canyoneering, kayaking or rock climbing – or it may mean exploring your past through an Intuitive Energy Reading or improving your neurological well-being in a Drums Alive class. Whatever you decide to try, you can go for it, knowing a supportive team has your back.  

Red Mountain also offers field trips, so you can walk a local shelter dog, visit the amazing Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or take a Historic St. George Art Tour. Like life itself, Red Mountain is an adventure.

San Francisco Zen Center

They offer private rooms for anyone to rent that are far cheaper than SF hotels, especially in that central area. And they also provide free healthy breakfasts and affordable vegetarian lunches and dinner in the dining hall. Plus, you have full access to the meditation sessions, Zen Center talks, and yoga classes every day. San Francisco Zen Center, located at Page and Laguna streets, offers charming guest rooms for short-term stays. This is a convenient and economical way to stay in the city while experiencing life in a Zen Buddhist temple and enjoying the serene elegance of a building designed by Julia Morgan.

Rates are per night and include breakfast with the resident community. Delicious vegetarian meals are available for lunch and dinner by donation; lunch is offered Monday – Saturday, and dinner Monday – Friday. Bathrooms are shared with resident Zen practitioners, except for Rooms 1 and 48, which have private bathrooms. A wake-up bell is rung at 5:00 am. All guests are welcome, but not required, to join the daily meditation schedule and other activities.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand

One glimpse of this tropical paradise is all it takes for your shoulders to relax and to feel like you're able to breathe again.

The stunning scenery would be enough to improve your mood, but the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is so much more than good looks. Authentic Thai experiences like rice planting, chatting with monks and bonding with buffalo – all intended to connect you with the people and traditions of this beautiful area of the world and, ultimately, to yourself.

You can relax, kick it up a notch in boot camp or just allow yourself to be taken care of, in detail and remorselessly. Your stay here will be rich and deeply soul-satisfying, and it will fill your heart with one of the biggest wellness benefits of all: gratitude.