Have you been on a wellness retreat?

Just what happens on a wellness retreat depends, largely, on what you’re looking for. Need a weekend away to yourself, a few days, an entire week or even longer? Health resorts and wellness retreats come in all shapes and sizes, so you can always find one to fit your schedule.

Curious to understand more about the hype surrounding wellness getaways? Here’s a primer on what to expect from a wellness retreat.

What is a wellness resort?

A wellness retreat is a getaway where you have access to resources that better your physical, mental or spiritual state. Most wellness retreats happen in stunning natural surroundings. Think mountains, oceans, hot springs, crystal waters, quiet pools, lush foliage or some combination of all of the above. These natural environments help you relax and unwind. When you’re surrounded by nature during a wellness getaway, your problems don’t seem quite so massive anymore. Natural settings also make for incredible photos. Wellness getaways can be in exotic locales far away or tucked away in the area you already live. Instead of a vacation where you come back even more exhausted by all you did, a health retreat aims for you to leave the experience feeling recharged and energized.

Disconnect for inward focus

Many people go to a wellness retreat to unplug and recharge. Some resorts have a suggested no cellphone policy, others ban all electronics outright. With all the distractions in our daily lives, sometimes people feel completely disoriented without the potential for constant contact. But when you unplug, you’re able to focus more on the present, whether it’s eating a delicious meal, getting a massage, connecting with new people or simply going on a hike.

Eliminating distractions also allows you to turn your thoughts inwards. Maybe you’ll meditate, do yoga or try another mindfulness practice. Maybe you’ll sit in a quiet spot and just look at the sky. Having free time lets you really decompress and reconnect to what it is you really want.