I love a wellness retreat. The older I am, the more I benefit from taking time out of my busy schedule to focus on my wellness. I was pleased to share my thoughts on Why your next trip should be a wellness retreat with Danielle Phyland. [Updated March 2024] 
This post was originally featured in The Adventures of Poss & Ruby. by Danielle Phyland.
People travel for many reasons, and given the lingering impacts of the global pandemic, health and wellbeing are the growth sectors of the travel industry. Many travellers are looking for new ways of incorporating wellness experiences into their holidays.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, ‘Consumers are increasingly aware that all aspects of their lives — where they live; how they work; what they eat; and how they exercise, socialize and travel — impact their health outcomes, mental resilience, and overall sense of well-being.’ Hence, they see a need to incorporate wellness into their holidays and, in some cases, make it the focus.
To learn more about wellness travel, particularly retreats, we spoke with travel writer Jenny Littlewood, staycation queen and creator of Little Wandering Wren. We recently shared a similar wellness experience at Revivo Resort, Bali, in a fully customised program and have reflected on wellness retreats as a trending driver for travellers. Jenny has enjoyed various global wellness experiences, and we invited her to share some insights and the pros & cons of this type of travel.
What is a wellness retreat?
A wellness retreat is all about giving yourself the space to concentrate completely on yourself, incorporating your mind, body, and soul. You do not need to book into a wellness resort; you need to get away. I know people who book an Air BnB for a weekend, pack bath salts, candles, and self-help books, download some podcasts and mute the WIFI. They go for long walks and have pure me-time.
What do you do at a Wellness Retreat?
Over the years, my wellness retreats have taken many forms. My early wellness retreats were scrapbooking weekends with the girls. We would load the car with photos, wine, and chocolate and head to any house big enough to hold us all. We would stay up all night chatting and sticking our photos in albums. We called them our therapy weekends.
Yoga Retreats
As I got older and creakier, yoga became an important part of my life, and so did yoga retreats. I am a self-declared destination yogi. Offer me a yoga retreat in an exotic location, and I’m there!
My Australian yoga teacher, Julia, with Blissful Bali Yoga Retreats, introduced me to the idea of an overseas retreat. This allowed me to concentrate on my yoga while exploring the wonderful Ubud area. The combination of wellness with travel seemed a perfect mix; for me, travelling and being immersed in another culture always heightened my appreciation and happiness.
Fit’cations
By the time the mid-life spread had taken hold, it was out with the wine and chocolate, and I joined a gym that offered a Fit’cation at the seaside resort Komune, Bali. More regimented Bootcamp than restful, this was the ultimate wellness escape. We started each day at 6 am for group training sessions, our food matched our macros, and we did yoga and indulged in the wonderful on-site spa. It was full-on but rewarding!
Wellness resorts
If you want to take it to another level, book into a Wellness Resort, as I did recently at Revivo Resort Bali. Resorts such as this offer programs completely focused on wellbeing. Most take a co-design approach, where you design your retreat based on your needs. These are intensive immersions in wellness.
Why did you choose to go on a wellness retreat?
A wellness retreat is a way of checking in with yourself. It is a time for reflection and a chance to reset any bad habits that inevitably creep in.
Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui Southern Thailand
An incredible Wellness Retreat on the tropical island of Koh Samui, Thailand. I attended the Just Me program and loved this pretty resort. It was a transformational week. Full blog post and staycation review: Absolute Sanctuary Koh Samui. More on my Instagram post and room tour video.
Absolute Sanctuary Koh Samui
Gwinganna Wellness Retreat, Australia
I was invited to attend a seven-day detox at Gwinganna Wellness Retreat in Queensland, Australia. I bounced out of the week despite some initial concerns about how I might cope without gluten, dairy, coffee, alcohol, and sugar, AND my big one: I was on an enforced digital detox. There was no Wifi! l left fitter and inspired to do all I could to lead a healthier life, having reduced my stress, learned a heap about positive ageing, and enjoyed some wonderful treatments. Gwinganna is one of Australasia’s most innovative wellness destinations, offering speciality retreats focusing on stress, nutrition, women’s health, sleep, and mindfulness.
Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand
I’ve twice visited the multi-award-winning Kamalaya Koh Samui in Thailand. Kamalaya was my first insight into the world of holistic wellness retreats. The variety of their programs blew me away. I felt so full of vigour that I decided to make a wellness retreat an annual holiday. Some people go skiing each winter or to the beach each summer; I have elected to have an annual wellness retreat!
Lan Sabai Wellness Retreat, Phuket, Thailand
What I love about Lan Sabai is that it is small and intimate. This was a one-day retreat comprising of yoga and meditation with my favourite Phuket yoga teacher, Magda @lovevolveyoga, learning about the benefits of aromatherapy essential oils with Mrs Wellbeing Lisa, the founder of Lan Sabai, and a wonderful workshop with Life Coach Claire @bloomwithcoachclaire
The Pavilions, Phuket, Thailand
I joined a Menopause Retreat at The Pavilions, Phuket. This was an opportunity to learn from experts about a phase of my life that struck me quickly. I will never know what caused what, as COVID-19 and my days abroad impacted me emotionally. Was I teary and emotional, struggling to sleep and gaining weight from menopause, or was it all COVID-19-induced?
Revivo Wellness Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
When my Father died, without the opportunity to say goodbye, my general emotional wellness was impacted further. I found myself a shadow of my former self, except that my shadow was getting bigger and bigger. This was seriously time to take charge and I booked into Revivo Resort, Bali.
Do you have to be a gym junkie or yogi to participate in a wellness retreat?
No, not all. Choose a retreat that suits your needs. You will likely find some fitness elements included because this is an important part of wellness. You choose what you want to do and what you want to achieve.
I’m into low-impact aerobics, but always like trying new things, I can’t do at home. I like water aerobics and mindfulness yoga the best!
Do you get the chance to meet other travellers?
Yes, if you choose to. At Absolute Sanctuary and Kamalaya, Koh Samui, a table in the dining room is set up for those who want to meet others. I love the connections gained at a wellness resort; you all have a common purpose.
Are Wellness Retreats worth it?
They say a change is as good as a holiday, but sometimes I feel that what we need is a rest! These days, having downtime feels like a luxury. I always end a retreat feeling stronger, both mentally and physically, knowing I’ve had a positive impact on my wellness. My retreats have always left me feeling calmer and energised to return to my daily life and tackle whatever life throws my way.
I especially enjoy the consultations with health professionals and the holistic approach to wellness. Some retreats offer in-depth medical analysis to complement your wellness journey. Blood tests and body composition analysis can add to the picture of your health and help you decide where your priorities should lie.
At Revivo Resort Bali, I left with a private retreat journal full of my notes, ideas, and inspirations. I was beginning to identify what was important to me in my next stage of life. I have a newfound confidence and the motivation to pursue my chosen lifestyle. Each of my wellness retreats has been a transformational experience.
Are there destinations that are best suited for wellness travel?
I find destinations where the surrounding nature is soothing, which adds to my experience. Anywhere I can hear the sound of water is always a bonus. I love attending wellness retreats in Asia, particularly in Bali and Thailand. I enjoy the spiritual connection with these countries and immediately start by feeling more Zen!
How should one prepare for a wellness trip?
Well, you can arrive, collapse exhausted and let things unfold! However, the best retreats will ask for your input in a pre-arrival questionnaire, which allows them (and you) to prepare for your retreat. It is worth investing some thought into what you hope to achieve.
Gwinganna Wellness Retreat, Australia
Do your research
Before booking, I suggest researching and reading reviews on your chosen retreat. Once there, you are likely to find a full-on schedule. I like to tap into whatever the particular speciality of my chosen retreat offers. If online reviews say that ‘acupuncture with Kimberly is the best thing ever, ‘ then book it.
Understand the costs
Finally, understand all the associated costs, set a budget for your retreat, and stick to it. Nothing is more deflating than the final bill breaking the bank, and you feeling like your wellness is an expense, not an investment. Some retreats are costly, but seeking out packages, setting time limits, and saving in advance will ensure you are prepared.
What are your top tips for those trying wellness travel for the first time?
1. Determine your wellness priorities and find an all-inclusive package at a reputable wellness resort.
2. Look for recent reviews to see how well-staffed the wellness resort operates in the current climate.
3. Tell all your family and friends you will be off the grid for a few days, and add a digital detox to your wellness retreat.
With thanks to
Thanks to Jenny at Little Wandering Wren, you have some insight into the benefits of a wellness retreat. You can find her on Instagram @littlewanderingwren. Enjoy her staycations, travel tips, and wellness adventures. We encourage you to research and choose wellness retreats that suit your needs and what you hope to achieve. Online review platforms can give you insight into real-life experiences.
Please leave a comment or question below regarding wellness holidays and retreats. We would love to hear your experiences and thoughts.
POSSANDRUBY
Danielle AKA Poss and my trusty 4 wheel steed is Ruby, together we love to explore and discover, make and do. Based in Melbourne, Australia, our spare time is spent out and about both locally and abroad or in the kitchen making dishes to share
- Little Wandering Wren: Absolute Sanctuary, Koh Samui
- Little Wandering Wren: Mastering Menopause at Revivo, The Pavilions, Phuket
- Little Wandering Wren: Kamalaya Wellness, Koh Samui, Thailand
- As featured in Expat Life in Thailand: Mastering Menopause at Revivo, Phuket, Wisdom on Wellbeing from Kamalaya
4 comments
Great post and information Wren! I think any vacation I take is like a mental health break. Just to get away to a new spot is relaxing. Take care, have a great new week!
You certainly always seem to find beautiful parts of the US to explore, Eileen. I love seeing your photos out in nature, especially of the little birds and critters. Indeed it all looks very relaxing. Have a lovely week.
Wren x
It was wonderful to share this wellness retreat with you, it is brilliant to incorporate self care into travel. Hopefully we can do it again in the near future!
Thank you so much Danielle for compiling this post and asking all the right questions! Travel often gives time and space to see things from a new perspective so as you say it is brilliant to incorporate self care into travel plans.