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After many months of trying to do my best to eat healthy, exercise regularly including daily practice of yoga/meditation my mind/body/soul was in need of some self-care. I recently had the opportunity to check out the new amenities at Synchronicity in Mt Pleasant. The idea of a reboot after a long year of hibernation was exactly what my body was craving. Synchronicity went through a remodeling and incorporated some interesting services including infrared sauna, meditation/massage room, salt bath booth, cryotherapy and so much more, to learn more visit their website . The atmosphere was pristine and very Zen, it felt like I had entered a wellness oasis. The bungalow style exterior transported me to the islands and the interior had the essence of a soothing spa. My body started feeling lighter and my excitement grew as I learned about all the new amenities. My first stop was the Cryotherapy booth, if you want to feel exhilaration this would be the service to try, it’s like being in the middle of a vortex freeze, thankfully it only lasts 2 minutes. Alyssa, my friendly and very informative guide gave me the run down and prepared me, this included: woolly socks, gloves, ear band, and robe. To maximize the experience, let’s not forget the upbeat music to really rock out while in the freezing chamber! As the freezing cold air woke everything inside me and invigorated my body it felt like I got an internal reboot immediately. The entire experience is a reset of your circulatory system. Some of the added benefits are: Reduces inflammation and pain, increases energy and improves focus and boosts metabolism. Next up was the salt booth, now this one was very interesting to me as I suffer from eczema and during the winter I get very itchy on my ankles and elbows. Some of the benefits of the salt booth are: Reduces respiratory related symptoms Reduces symptoms from psoriasis and eczema Relieves allergy symptoms Improves sleep Promotes relaxation The room was very light and peaceful with a beautiful mural of a tree and little birds flying, it made feel like I was out in nature. In the middle of the room was a glass booth with a salt machine that pumped very fine crystals of Himalayan salt. As I sat in the booth, with music of birds singing in the background my body slowly relaxed and I enjoyed the sensation of breathing in this natural environment. After 15 minutes of deep breathing I stepped out and sat for a minute to appreciate the wonders of this new technology that helped bring much needed relief to my body. Synchronicity has a couple of new services that I look forward to try on my next visit: Normatec Compression which speeds up muscle recovery by flushing the byproducts of muscle metabolism from workouts and promotes healing and reduces soreness in muscles. Also new is the Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT), this promotes healing and reduces soreness in muscles and promotes healing of wounds and injuries. My friend Brian, the managing director explained that we all need some type of lymphatic drainage. Since most of us sit for long periods of time even after working out, running, etc the toxins stay in our body and these services help remove them and gives you the recharge your body and mind need. I felt both physically and mentally strong after my services and look forward to the next time. Contact Synchronicity to get your free pass and remember self-care is not an indulgence but a necessity for continuous growth. Stay Safe and Live Well!
Sustainable travel is essentially conscious tourism.. It considers the long-term impacts of tourism on the environment and local communities and strives to mitigate any negative impacts outsiders might have on the place they’re visiting. Ideally, tourism should actually benefit the destination in question. Sustainable practices can be applied by everyone, including the local government and businesses that cater to tourists in a given destination, as well as the tourists themselves. To ensure sustainability, the local government and businesses are responsible for offering sustainable options and infrastructure. They should be prioritizing the environment and local communities as well as their own business. Over the long term, protecting these areas is in the best interest of their own business! In the following blog we’ll cover ways that you, as a tourist, can be a more sustainable traveler by making simple choices during your travels. The rise of ecotourism in Ecuador Ecuador may be the smallest contender to make the list of the top ten most biodiverse countries, but that doesn’t stop it from inspiring and educating when it comes to ecotourism. Ecuadorian tourism entrepreneurs are leading the way regarding sustainable ecotourism, creating the awareness and attracting the financial support necessary to protect the environment around them. Rather than harvesting land, flora and fauna for short-term gain, many are employing sustainable models designed to generate revenue for generations to come. Sustainable Travel in the Galapagos In a place that is wild, raw and always lives up to expectations set by film documentaries, the Galapagos National Park is a poster child for high standards of environmental protection. 97% of the volcanic archipelago has been protected since 1968 – people live on the other 3%. And while the number of visitors allowed per yacht tour license hasn’t changed in 25 years, the islands have seen an increase in the standard of service, boat efficiency, rules on marine pollution and the allocation of yachts per location. The National Park Authority identifies variables such as how much wildlife lives on each island and how close they are to pathways in order to determine how many people can be on each given pathway and at what time of day. The number of visitors to the Galapagos grows every year, and the number of tour licenses (called ‘patents’) issued has increased for day trips due to high demand and the addition of newly built budget hotels. While this region is a sustainable role model for others around the world, there's progress to be made. Visitors often book inexpensive experiences that frequently come at a cost to the environment; doing more research and spending a little more money results in a far better experience and goes a long way in conserving this pristine place. Awarding-winning catamaran Yacht Anahí is built on a foundation of sustainability and employee empowerment. With a high employee retention in an industry notorious for turnover, this luxury catamaran boasts an exceptionally skilled crew, the most efficient vessel in the National Park (according to the National Park Authority) and a carbon offset program that takes funds from each passengers’ payment and allocates it to a project that removes invasive flora and fauna and plants native trees. The same Ecuadorian family who runs Yacht Anahí runs Ikala Hotel on Santa Cruz Island; this hotel was the first to set a trend in addressing the ongoing sewage problem by installing a compost system along with green energy, local sourcing and eliminating plastics. Another green hotel outside of the main Puerto Ayora area that's also committed to the environment, reforestation and conservation is Pikaia Lodge . Should you be looking to book day trips, the staff at these resorts will point you in the right direction. How to select sustainable operators Sustainable travel can be broken down into a few key elements that all relate back to purpose and picking the right operators is an essential part of shifting tourism development patterns. When choosing a lodge or operator, pay attention to the connection between their values of community, culture and environment. The profits and benefits should go to the local communities, not corporations or chains. The environment should be protected and utilized as an educational asset, creating awareness and demand to keep it intact. And in Ecuador in particular, local indigenous culture should honored and preserved through realistic and stable employment opportunities. If these three attributes align, you’ll have a purpose-driven, sustainable adventure to remember. Interested to learn more about sustainable travel. Read “How to Travel More Sustainably in 2020”. Conde Nast article.
Wellness travel promotes your health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, through activities that you do during your trip. The goal is to check out feeling healthier and better than when you checked in! With the growing trend for staying healthy when you travel, you can make your entire trip an adventure to feeling better in both body and mind. If wellness travel makes you think of spartan facilities and strict bland diets then you’ll be happy to know that things have come a long way. There are plenty of wellness retreats in five-star accommodation and options for as little or as many restrictions on your diet as you like. Whatever your health and fitness goals, it’s likely there’s a wellness holiday out there for you. What benefits does wellness travel have for you? Vacations are often an exercise in overindulgence, which can lead to feelings of guilt when we return home. How good would it feel to enjoy what a new destination has to offer, without the negative consequences? That’s what wellness travel is all about; reenergizing, rejuvenating and finding balance. A wellness trip might include eating and culinary events to tantalize your taste buds, but it will likely also involve physical activities like hiking, paddle boarding, yoga, surfing, or even running. You might learn about new, healthier food and recipes that you’ll take away with you, or be inspired in new ways by group outings. While wellness travel could help with weight loss, it’s not the primary focus. Stress reduction and your overall physical and mental wellbeing are what’s important, and any weight loss benefits are a bonus! Where can you find wellness trips? Planning a wellness vacation is as easy as signing up for a group trip, or it can be done on your own if you make the commitment. If you’re not sure where to start with searching for a wellness trip then think about the kind of place you want to go and the activities you might enjoy. Connect with us at Live Well and we can get you started with a wellness travel blueprint . We know it a lot but we take it slow and guide guide you to find a fit just for you. The possibilities really are endless! You can plan your own group trip, or join an already established one! Think about wellness travel as a pause in your everyday life, that’s more than the average vacation. It should be a trip that has all the elements of a break that you’ll enjoy, but in a way that won’t have you going home feeling exhausted and in need of a second holiday.
We couldn’t agree more about the following 7 life-changing wellness holiday travel destinations for 2020, thank you Wander Magazine . Let us help you plan a life-changing travel experience for your next vacation. 1. The Santini Detox at Santani Wellness Resort in Sri Lanka Santini Wellness Resort is a mountainside retreat that offers stunning views of pristine wilderness. The resort fosters a sense of peace and tranquillity by banning mobile phones in public areas, including restaurants. This digital detox haven also provides yoga and meditation sessions, guided nature hikes and Ayurvedic spa treatments to help you disconnect from the outside world and de-clutter your mental space. The Santini Detox provides 90-minute Ayurvedic and western detox treatments on a daily basis to cleanse your mind and body and restore your natural immunity. 2. The Equestrian Experience at Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa in Arizona Miraval offers luxury along with personal awareness activities with an emphasis on growth through challenges. With its signature equine experience, guests get to work with horses in order to elevate awareness of mind, body and spirit. This will help you face past trauma and heal deep-seated fears as well as improve your creativity and communication. Guests can also choose from a wide variety of experiences including the challenge course, culinary and nutrition courses and gardening course. The resort’s award-winning spa offers river stone massages, detox treatments and ancient eastern therapies designed to heal and rejuvenate. Miraval has the added distinction of being listed as one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things”! 3. Emotional Balance at Revivo Wellness Resort, Bali Revivo’s signature program called Emotional Balance is designed to improve your overall well-being through holistic therapies, healthy nutrition, and rejuvenating movements. The resort’s wide range of wellness experts including nutritionists, yoga gurus, and crystal healers will guide you through self-awakening activities to help you overcome emotional and mental hurdles. Revivo’s transformative healing retreat offers reiki, chakra balancing, and pranayama breathing sessions to help you channel your energy productively and find inner peace and tranquility. Revivo truly lives up to its name (revivo is a Latin word meaning “I’ll live again”) by healing the mind, body, and spirit to give its guests a new lease on life. 4. Ultimate Health and Wellness at Kurotel Longevity Medical Center and Spa in Brazil Kurotel Longevity Medical Center and Spa has a scientific approach to health and wellness and prescribes a personalized program for each guest after an assessment of their physical and mental health. There are multiple consultations with health experts including physiotherapists, psychologists, and dermatologists to create a tailor-made action plan for healthy living. Spa treatments such as the underwater-massage baths, the extremities baths, the galvanic bath, and the fango mud bath are designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Kurotel also offers programs for weight loss, stress management, smoking cessation, and healthy longevity. When you leave Kurotel, you will receive your final medical evaluation with lab and test results as well as a sustainable plan for healthy living. 5. Sleep and Resilience at Six Senses Yao Noi in Thailand Six Senses Yao Noi is an island resort that offers beautiful ocean panoramas while surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. The Sleep and Resilience experience helps to pinpoint sleep problems and encourage healthy sleep patterns. Ayurvedic massages and spa treatments help to relax the body while yoga sessions that focus on meditation and breathing help to calm the mind. Guests can also add a Sleep with Six Senses program to their stay – this will include a sleep sensor machine to track your respiration rate and movements through the night. You will leave Six Senses Yao Noi with the knowledge and skills to overcome sleep problems once you get back to your daily life. 6. The Health Regime at Grayshott Health Spa in the United Kingdom Grayshott Health Spa is located in the peaceful and idyllic countryside about an hour from London. Their award-winning Health Regime focuses on restoring the digestive system in order to address a variety of health problems including body weight issues, arthritis, diabetes, and gastric disorders. Restoring the digestive system reduces inflammation throughout the body, improves cellular function, encourages tissue repair and balances all other systems which dramatically improves overall health. The health regime includes blood and body composition analysis is, nutritional and fitness consultations, detoxifying abdominal massages and hydro baths aimed to restore your mind and body. 7. Life Changer at Whistler Fitness Vacations in Canada Whistler Fitness Vacations is a luxury weight loss retreat that is exclusively for women at beginner fitness levels. The retreat partners with the Westin Resort and Spa, Whistler at the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. True to its name, the Life Changer experience will guide you through the process of kick-starting your health and wellness through healthy weight loss and fitness activities such as biking, trekking, and kayaking. Life Changer focuses on various aspects of women’s health and wellness and is perfect for those looking to shed excess weight, get healthy and transform their lives.
From the historic cobblestoned streets and antebellum architecture to the picturesque beaches and scenic parks, beautiful Charleston, SC, promises its visitors a wholly fulfilling experience steeped in southern charm. This hidden gem of a city offers elegant, modern hotels, farm-to-table restaurants and cafes, chic boutiques, and endless outdoor activities for every type of wellness traveler. Start planning your Charleston itinerary by checking out our ten favorite ways to live well in the Holy City. (1) Stretch Your Legs Skip the carriage ride and opt instead to see the Holy City on foot! Whether you prefer to walk with a group , or meander through beautiful and historic Charleston on a self-guided tour , you’ll end your day with an appreciation for the landmarks and legends that make this coastal town unique. There are walking tours for every type of traveler; check out Charleston Culinary Tours to get an exclusive look into the gourmet kitchens of some of Charleston’s best restaurants, and Old Charleston Ghost Tours or Bulldog’s Haunted Jail Tour for a history-packed walk with a spooky twist! (2) Eat Local Make time to grab lunch or dinner at one of Charleston’s many farm-to-table restaurants. Sustainability is quickly becoming the standard in the Holy City, and it shows in the growing number of menu options available that have been made from locally sourced ingredients. For brunch, head just outside of the King Street Historic District to try Shrimp & Grits made using local Geechie Boy Stone-Ground Grits and Carolina Heritage Farms bacon at The Grocery . For dinner, make your way to the Westside to have a Bison Burger at Harold’s Cabin , a neighborhood grocery from the 1920s that’s been restored and reimagined for today. Don’t forget to browse locally made ingredients and provisions available in the mercantile area of the restaurant. (3) Visit the Market If you’re in Charleston anytime from April 9th through November 26th, be sure to plan a trip to the Charleston Farmer’s Market . Held every Saturday, from 8am-2pm, the farmer’s market features in-season produce from local growers, and uniquely crafted items from local artists and artisans. (4) Go with the Flow Venture off the peninsula for yoga on Folly Beach with Serenity Tree Yoga . Offering private lessons and donation-based group classes, Serenity Tree aims to guide you to “calm amongst the chaos” in one of the most beautiful settings in the Charleston area. Yogis looking for an added challenge should try a stand up paddleboard yoga lesson on Charleston’s waterways and tidal flats with Charleston SUP Safaris . Each 1.5-hour class focuses on balance through movement in the striking natural scenery of the Lowcountry. (5) Pressed for Time? Skip fast food, and get your fresh juice fix at one of Charleston’s favorite purveyors of high quality natural juices. Beech , located on historic King Street, offers a wide selection of pressed juices and smoothies as well as freshly made wraps, acai bowls and locally brewed kombucha. Head over to Mt. Pleasant and visit Blend Juice Bar to try a Fruit Ninja or Oatmeal Cookie smoothie. Blend also offers fresh pressed juice, and elixir shots made using ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. (6) Retail Therapy Shopping may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you consider your daily workout routine, but Charleston’s historic King Street features over a mile of walkable designer shops, boutiques, big name brands and art galleries with unique items for every taste. Begin your browsing at Ibu on lower King Street, where you’ll find luxury handmade garments created by women artisans from around the world who are working toward economic self-sufficiency by sharing their art. (7) A Walk in the Park Charleston’s mostly mild weather means you’ll have ample opportunity to spend time outdoors. Rent a paddleboat or bicycle at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant, and explore the rivers and sandy trails. Scale the huge outdoor climbing wall or play a round of disc golf at James Island County Park on James Island. All of Charleston’s county parks feature beautiful, sweeping views of the area’s marshes and wildlife. (8) Relax and Rejuvenate Unwind and relax with a visit to the Belmond Spa at the Charleston Place hotel. Designed to be an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle of historic downtown Charleston, the Belmond is the perfect setting to indulge in a deep tissue massage, body scrub or restorative facial. (9) Pedal to the Metal Slightly faster than walking, but not so fast that you’ll miss any of the iconic cobblestones or renowned historic architecture along your path. Bike Share is coming to the area soon, but for now look to B’s Bikes or The Bicycle Shoppe for daily rentals. Be sure to cross the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge before calling it a day. Spanning the Charleston Harbor, it’s the largest cable stay bridge in the U.S. This makes it a challenge to crest, but we know you’ll agree that the stunning panoramic views from the top are well worth the work it takes to get there. (10) Find Your Zen Join the Meditation in Charleston group to learn the basics of meditation, or deepen and expand your practice in one of the oldest and most beautiful historic churches in the Charleston area. Founded in 1681, the Circular Congregational Church is known for its superior acoustics, making it the perfect setting to clear your mind and open your heart.
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