In our previous article we’ve understood what wellness is and what it could mean to you. Here we look into wellness travel programs from India to Africa and help you choose from them.

To the land of yoga and yogis … India

It’s no surprise that India is on the list of wellness travel destinations, given it’s rich spiritual heritage which strongly believed in a balance of the senses and in a mind-body connection. Rishikesh in northern India, boasts of being a major yoga centre that makes it a popular locale among wellness travelers. A prime example is the Ananda retreat centre at the foot of the Himalayas which specializes in Ayurvedic spa holidays.

Moving towards the south of India we spot Kerala, famous not just for it’s picturesque landscapes but also for massages, ayurvedic treatments and yoga treatments. So you could find yourself enjoying a refreshing massage in the beautiful Munnar or Wayanad hills or dip your feet in the backwaters of Kumarakom, whilst you enjoy an Ayurvedic meal. The stay will indeed be pleasant!

An unlikely option for wellness programs within India is Goa, famous for being one of the hottest night-spots in the world. Although Goa finds it’s place in the list of forbidden things to do, it also finds a place in the list of Indian wellness retreat centres; especially those concerning Yoga. If you’re in Goa for as short as a week you could learn a form of Yoga all whilst chilling at the beach, or for longer travails Ayurvedic and natural therapies are there for the taking.

Towards the west of India, wellness centres in the state of Karnataka and particularly in Bangalore city, are new entrants to the wellness industry. From sunrise yoga on the beach to Ayurvedic treatments and naturopathy, the centres here hold promise for the wellness traveler.

Sun, surf and herbal massages

An unlikely mix of surf, sand and herbal massages, is exactly what other wellness destinations in Asia promise you. Popular amongst these are Bali, Thailand and Vietnam. And if you’re looking to soak up the sun or trek your way through a dense jungle, these locales have these too! So once you’ve unpacked that trekking bag, head down to the beach to enjoy anything you fancy- massages, natural therapies, healing oils, nutritional diets, and more.

Besides Asia, the Caribbean Coast is also lined with breath-taking beaches, tranquil skies and clear waters. It’s been a popular holiday destination for many years especially to those who crave the beach and sun. However the Caribbean islands, particularly Antigua and St. Lucia are slowly finding a place on the travel wellness map. Fitness enthusiasts from all over the world for instance, can participate in a triathlon in St.Lucia every November. Sounds tempting? Imagine being a part of the triathlon and wellness activities in the same trip.

The land of snow and sun … Europe

Europe offers travelers short wellness holidays as well as long breaks from home. Places like Turkey, Portugal and Spain not only offer you the sun, picturesque hillside views and beaches but also invite you to try their spa-treatments, new sports like aqua aerobics, meditation sessions, cooking healthy classes, circuit training et al. You surely won’t be bored here!

An unlikely wellness location that offers you the same activities as any other destination mentioned above is Switzerland. So you may find yourself involved in detox- therapies, massages, healthily planned diets and a lot more if you sign yourself up for a trip to the cool Swiss Alps.

Relaxing in the African subcontinent

We have all heard of the safaris and the exquisite animals that are on view in the African subcontinent. But did you know that places like Morocco and South Africa also boast of international wellness resorts suited to wellness needs? So opt for a variety of fitness lessons ranging from mountain climbing to martial arts in the day and spend the evening taking in the vibrant Moroccan markets, admiring the Aladdin- like carpets and bright lanterns. A noteworthy mention can also be made of South Africa, fast becoming a home to luxurious hotels and resorts catering to wellness travelers from around the world.

The Americas

From nature reserves and beaches to dense forests and hot springs, the Americas seem like a complete package to any world traveler! With a wide range of activities to choose from, why wouldn’t you as a wellness traveler mark out this territory on your travel map?! So if it’s Pilates or meditation in a group, yoga or alternative therapies, you’ll enjoy any of these in the very lap of Mother Nature. And you could do these at some popular wellness retreats like Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico and Florida.

Rejuvenate in Australasia

Wellness retreats in Australia are perfect for short wellness holidays, where you could learn activities like strength training, cardio-vascular workouts, yoga and Tai-Chi. You could learn all these in the outback, the natural reserves or on Australia’s beautiful beaches. Every landscape has something wonderful to see.

New Zealand’s stunning landscape, from it’s volcanic peaks and calm lakes to it’s stunning hills has a lot to offer the wellness traveler too; all with it’s enticing spa meals and wholesome vegetarian food, mindfulness classes, meditation and many more wellness activities.

Home is where ‘Dubai’ is …

If you’re hard on cash yet want to experience ‘wellness’, then why not choose options closer home? Believe it or not, Dubai and Oman are slowly becoming wellness spots for local and international travelers alike. So take a chance with these spots and soften the blow on your pocket.

Transform Health Retreats held in batches of four or seven days at the Jebel Ali Beach Hotel, help you focus on healthy eating, exercise, spa treatments, yoga and team building activities. If you are in the mood to splurge some more, The Jumeirah Beach Hotel houses an excellent fitness centre with classes ranging from kickboxing to Zumba, besides spa treatments and gourmet restaurants.

In Oman too, the Zighy Bay is not known on the wellness retreat list. It boasts of natural therapies from both the Eastern and Western traditions, spas, and a wide range of fitness activities, all of which can be enjoyed with the mountains in the background and the beach under your feet.

So if you are feeling a call to wellness centres closer home, do give these centres a try. You never know…your wellness needs may just be met right around the corner!