With the emergence of health-focused travel experiences, travellers are saying goodbye to the days of over-indulgence and are prioritizing self-care and mindfulness in their travel plans. So, whether you are a yoga-loving nomad or a wellness newbie, get ready to pack your bags and join the wellness travel revolution!
Travelling is not just about ticking off destinations from your bucket list and snapping pictures for the ‘gram. When done with a purpose, a holiday can be an exhilarating experience that ignites our senses, kicks in those happy hormones, sparks our creativity and broadens our horizons. And thanks to the emergence of wellness tourism, more and more travellers are now ditching the party scene and realizing the potential of a truly transformative trip.
Wondering what is wellness travel all about? Well, to put it simply, wellness travel is all about nurturing your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health while exploring new destinations and cultures. Though a relatively new concept, the trend of mindful and health-focused travel is taking the world by storm, especially in the post-covid era, and for good reason.
Wellness tourism offers a plethora of activities that help you break free from the monotony of everyday life while focusing on your health and well-being. From indulgent spa treatments to peaceful yoga and meditation retreats and even thrilling outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, wellness tourism has something for everyone.
In fact, according to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness trend is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism industry, with revenues projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025. It’s not hard to see why wellness travel has such a dedicated fan base. After all, who doesn’t want to come back from a vacation feeling healthier and happier than when they left? No more guilt trips about over-indulging or feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation—just pure bliss and self-improvement. With wellness travel, you can have your cake and eat it too, as long as it’s gluten-free and made with natural sweeteners.
So, are you ready to hop on the wellness travel train? Well, Canada, with its breath-taking scenery, expansive wilderness, and diverse attractions, is an ideal destination for wellness tourism and boasts several world-class retreats that cater to different interests and budgets. Here are some of the best wellness retreats in Canada.
Grail Springs Retreat Centre For Wellbeing, Bancroft, Ontario
Planning to kick start your wellness journey? Look no further than Grail Springs Retreat Centre for Wellbeing. This award-winning sanctuary offers a variety of wellness programs that can help health enthusiasts to recharge and rejuvenate. Set in a beautiful forested area on the edge of a crystal-clear, spring-fed Chalice Lake, Grail Springs provides a holistic, non-clinical approach to well-being. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive signature experiences ranging from 2 to 7 nights, which include comfortable accommodations, delicious plant-based meals, daily yoga and meditation classes, a Finnish sauna, nature walks, hot and cold immersion therapy, and more. With its peaceful setting, Grail Springs is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Arcana, Toronto
Nestled in a secluded forest site, two hours north of Toronto, Arcana offers a one-of-a-kind wellness travel experience with its cluster of mirror cabins. This wellness haven offers a bespoke approach to healing and rejuvenation, tailored to meet each guest’s unique needs. The Arcana experience is designed to be enjoyed in complete solitude and even the exact location is only disclosed to the guests after booking. Guests can relax and unwind in the comfort of the cabins, complete with a fire pit and deck, and enjoy the cedar sauna, all while enjoying complete seclusion from the outside world. From the moment you step into the thoughtfully designed space, you’ll feel transported into a world of tranquillity and relaxation. Don’t miss the chance to discover a renewed sense of balance and well-being at this Toronto’s premier wellness destination.
Mountain Trek Health Reset Retreat, Ainsworth, BC
Dreaming of a luxurious retreat that combines relaxation with wellness? Mountain Trek Health Reset Retreat is your go-to destination! Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s magnificent mountains, this award-winning retreat offers a boot camp-style program aimed at reversing the effects of ageing, stress, and overworking. The program features daily hikes through the stunning mountains of British Columbia, chef-prepared-nutritionist-designed spa cuisine, sunrise yoga, and a time in their state-of-the-art spa. Plus, the spectacular views the retreat offers, will make you feel like you’re living in a postcard. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your hiking boots, water bottle, and your adventure spirit, and get ready for the ultimate health reset in Canada’s wilderness.
Kananaskis Nordic Spa, Alberta
The Kananaskis Nordic Spa in Alberta is an alpine oasis renowned for its unforgettable spa experiences and refreshing hydrotherapy. Set in the heart of Alberta’s striking Kananaskis Country, the spa is surrounded by natural beauty and spread over 50,000 square-feet of space. Guests can enjoy the spa’s hot, warm, and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. One can even indulge in a rejuvenating massage or facial, and savour delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With stunning panoramic views and a serene atmosphere, Kananaskis Nordic Spa is the perfect place to recharge and revitalize your mind and body.
Scandinave Spa, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Talk about an ultimate wellness vacation, and you can’t think beyond Scandinave Spa. The spa is a tranquil escape into nature that is designed to help you embrace the silence. With no WiFi, the spa encourages wellness-seeking travellers to disconnect from technology and enjoy a range of rejuvenating treatments like massages, dips in hot and cool pools, relaxing in the eucalyptus steam room, and more. This serene oasis provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Pictures CREDIT: www.kootenayrockies.com, www.tripadvisor.ca, www.knordicspa.com, www.findarcana.com, www.adobestock.com