Last updated August 24, 2023
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Wellness travel has increased in popularity over the last few years and it has become one of the fastest-growing travel segments. More and more people are opting for healthier lifestyles and that includes more conscious and health-focused vacations.
But what exactly is the difference between a wellness retreat, resort and hotel with a spa?
Wellness retreats are a popular choice for those seeking a weekend getaway. Wellness resorts are perfect for spring-breakers, winter-break vacationers, newlyweds and the like. Depending on the wellness resort you choose, it may even be family-friendly. Hotels with spas are great for sticking on budget.
Okay, good to know. Now which one can benefit you the most on your next wellness vacation?
Let’s have a look!
Wellness Resorts
Just as the name suggests, a wellness resort is a resort that focuses on overall well-being. The health and relaxation of guests staying at wellness resorts is top-priority.
At a wellness resort, you can expect to find everything you need under one roof. There is little reason to go out. Exploration isn’t the facet of a wellness resort. Staying in, taking care of yourself, reading a book or lounging by a pool is what a wellness resort experience is all about.
Onsite you will most likely find at least one restaurant, if not more. Facilities tend to include a yoga studio/gym/fitness area, a mediation room, spa, lounge area, pool and sauna/steam room.
A wellness resort normally offers all-inclusive packages that include food, use of the entire resort as well as some activities depending on the package chosen. This does vary greatly on the resort, however.
At a wellness resort, you can expect to find everything you need under one “roof.”
When choosing a wellness resort, you’ll want to first consider the location and whether the services and facilities match your personal interests. If plant-based is your thing, then make sure the resort offers plant-based food packages or head to one of the few plant-based resorts such as Palmaïa, The House of AïA in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
If you feel like a few spa treatments then make sure to choose a resort that has a highly rated spa with treatments included in your package.
Wellness Retreats
While a wellness resort is all about the place, a wellness retreat is all about the various therapies and activities to enhance your well-being. Each type of retreat is unique. There are many to choose from depending on your tastes and preferences.
Retreats are normally set in tranquil places surrounded by nature. Some retreats are even set at wellness centers and resorts, city spas and meditation centers in order to encourage relaxation and serenity.
There are many types of wellness retreats on offer nowadays from meditation retreats to active running or surfing retreats. The options are endless.
On a wellness retreat, you can expect a fairly fixed schedule that might include starting the day with yoga and meditation. These sessions are followed by meals, energy work, a mindfulness practice, free time and other activities.
A wellness retreat is all about the various therapies and activities to enhance your well-being.
The biggest difference between a wellness resort and a wellness retreat is in the scheduling. At a wellness resort you’d simply check-in and the rest is up to you. You choose your activities for the day and how you want to spend your time.
Alternatively, a wellness retreat is structured with a schedule you’ll be encouraged to follow. It’s a great option for those looking for more structure with their time.
If you want to lounge by the pool, take a few hours to read a book with yoga, meditation and healthy meals thrown in for good measure, you’ll want to choose a wellness resort rather than a wellness retreat.
Hotels With A Spa
A hotel with spa is just what you would expect—a hotel that has an on-site spa facility to take advantage of.
The spa typically works as a separate entity and treatments are charged separately. You have no obligation to opt for a treatment or two, but they are available if you crave something extra to fully relax.
You will find a hotel with spa almost everywhere from beach destinations to big cities. There are also many hotels with spas to fit different budgets.
If you are planning to check into a hotel with a spa to take advantage of their treatments, make sure to do your research. Spa standards and treatments vary widely.
Squash the Overwhelm
There are many benefits to a wellness retreat, staying in a wellness resort or even making use of a great spa in a hotel—all providing an escape and disconnect from real life.
They can give you the space to focus on something or learn something new. They can also just provide you with the time you need to relax and unwind in a healthy setting.
Whichever option you choose will depend on what you need, what you want to focus on as well as your interests.
If you’re looking for a new adventure you could sign up for a surfing and yoga retreat in Mexico. If you’re looking to get started with meditation you might find try a mindfulness and meditation retreat or if you want to take the time to improve your yoga practice you might choose a yoga retreat in Costa Rica.
The benefits are many to a wellness retreat, wellness resort or great spa in a hotel. They all provide an escape and a disconnect from real life.
Additionally, if you’re more interested in working on your health there are many weight loss retreat programs and detox retreats out there, too. Or you might just want to relax by the pool and do your own thing in which case a wellness resort is your ideal pick.
If you’re more interested in your destination and prefer to prioritize sightseeing and local activities then a hotel with a spa might be the best option. This way you can enjoy your destination as you please and have the option to go for a treatment.
So, which option would you go for on your next wellness vacation?
About Vacayou
At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. But the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve made it much easier for you to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations. With Vacayou’s Instant Book, your dream wellness getaway is now just one click away.
Start the trip of your lifetime today, with Vacayou. We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel.
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