After a long, hectic summer full of vacations, happy hours and adventures, you may feel the need to decompress and recharge. One fun way to invest in wellness and your health is by going on an Autumn retreat. From the Fingers Lakes Region in New York to the mountains of North Carolina, there are a wide variety of opportunities to reconnect with self-care. Whether you decide to try cow cuddling, work up a sweat, or learn more about meditation, all of these wellness retreats will rejuvenate and inspire you.
Try horse therapy and cow cuddling at Mountain Horse Farm.
Located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York in Naples, the Mountain Horse Farm lives up to its name. As a bed-and-breakfast resort, they offer a two-day personal retreat with lots of 1:1 time with animals. You will experience the benefits of cow cuddling and horse therapy, both of which are said to improve self-awareness and healing. The heartbeat of the cows will calm you and soothe your senses, and the horses build your courage. There are also various lodging options, including the Lodge with suites, the modern Carriage House that provides private hot tub access, or for the wild at heart, a Sioux Indian Tipis for glamping.
Find inner happiness and discover Ayurvedic wellness at the Art of Living Retreat Center.
If this year hasn’t exactly been a happy one, you’re not alone. Finding the silver lining isn’t always easy with an ongoing global pandemic, an uncertain financial future, and plenty of twists and turns. To locate your joy, consider booking a happiness getaway at the Art of Living Retreat Center, located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. It’s nestled at 3,700 feet over 380 acres, allowing you to feel surrounded by nature. During your two-day happiness retreat, you’ll take pottery or watercolor painting class, enjoy daily yoga sessions, evening chant sessions, as well as Ayurvedic cooking classes. Not to mention: tons of hiking and spa treatments, too.
Work up a sweat and detox at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach.
Rather than turning inwards with meditation or yoga, you’re more of a ‘sweat it out’ type of person. If so, you’ll enjoy the ‘Fitcation’ offered at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach in Florida. It’s a partnership with 1Team Fitness, and together they create a goal-oriented retreat focusing on helping you meet your goals. After meeting with a specialist, you’ll receive private training sessions, healthy meals, spa treatments, and other benefits, like a take-home fitness program to keep you on track. What type of exercises can you expect? Everything from biking and kayaking to resistance training, swimming, kickboxing, and more.
Learn to trust your intuition at The Meritage Resort & Spa.
Though Napa is traditionally known for its wine, there are other treasures in this region of California. In fact, you may just learn a thing or two about your sixth sense if you book a stay at The Meritage Resort & Spa. Here, they offer a ‘trust your intuition’ retreat that teaches guests how to tune in to their inner voice, rather than allowing stress to lead your thought. During this experience, you’ll learn about channeling your intuition, as well as enjoy a tarot card reading and a guided sound journey.
Admire the fall foliage at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
While some people prefer a guided retreat, others look for a wellness escape that truly is an escape. If you want to make your own rules, take it slow, and figure out what your body and soul need, consider booking a room with a view at The Omni Grove Park Inn. In the heart of the trendy Asheville, North Carolina, you can admire the fall foliage of the mountains, all while enjoying cocktails on the sunset terrace. Or, if you want, booking a full day at their top-rated spa. History buffs will appreciate the 100-year legacy of this property, where many celebrities and politicians have stayed. If golf is your jam, you can try your luck at their Donald Ross-designed course, too.
Take a half-day to refresh at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.
If your schedule (or budget) doesn’t allow for a getaway, consider taking a half-day detox instead. At The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, you can savor all of the benefits of a retreat without worrying about paid-time-off. On the last Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., you will work up a sweat with a 60-minute beach boot camp, then take a lunch break with organic salads, juices and parfaits. Then to finish the experience, you’ll take a 75-minutes restorative yoga and meditation on the beach before a 45-minute nutrition and wellness coaching session.
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