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Pushed into the spotlight by the pandemic, health, wellness and wellbeing are top-of-mind for many. But instead of taking traditional vacations to unwind, some travelers are turning to resort wellness programs, which have evolved into wellness retreats over the past four years. Here are a few examples:

BodyHoliday and StolenTime, St. Lucia

Mental and emotional wellbeing are the goals at StolenTime retreats.

Sunswept Resorts (BodyHoliday and StolenTime) in St. Lucia has announced  new programming and partnerships for spring and summer across its sister properties: BodyHoliday, the 155-room resort touting the title of “first Caribbean destination spa”; and StolenTime, the 5-star adults-only resort that recently rebranded and established itself as a destination focused on mental and emotional wellbeing.

Set on stunning beaches just 20 minutes away from each other, BodyHoliday and StolenTime are introducing a new line up of notable practitioners, healers, dancers, and professional athletes to lead talks and classes, all included within the resort rate—from Spring Sail in March, where guests are able to receive sailing certifications, to Pre-Restorative Christmas Break in December, inviting guests to reset their state of mind for the New Year by learning new wellness tools and practices.

This year’s spring/summer programming at BodyHoliday includes:

Spring Sail (April  8-19 and May 4-18), offering a variety of sailing lessons from professional sailors, ASA Sailing Certification courses, competitions, excursions, and wellness treatments geared towards sailors will be available to all guests included in the all-inclusive rate.

Jive June (June 3-23), focusing on wellness inspired by movement, with dance experts on hand to to lead classes throughout the month of June.

WellFit Tribes (July 1-Aug. 23), celebrating family-based fitness, with new workouts and activities, including Beach Boot Camps led by visiting Olympians.

Additional programming at StolenTime includes:

WellFit (April 8-19), a specialty training program to kickstart new fitness routines.

Spring Sail (April 22-May 3), featuring champion sailor Sophie Ainsworth.

Jive June (June 3-23), with master class dancers and Broadway performers leading workshops throughout the month.

Summer Solos (July 1-Aug. 23), geared toward solo travelers and including happy hours, sunset cruise, beach parties and group activities.

Get Your Mojo Back with Clio Wood (July 21-25), with the British women’s health and sexual wellbeing coach leading workshops to help people reclaim their “mojo.” The program also includes turn-down service featuring intimate amenities.

For more information on BodyHoliday, visit bodyholiday.com; for more on StolenTime, visit stolentime.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will be hosting The Essence of Balance–Elemental Harmony, an experience dedicated to holistic rejuvenation and inner harmony. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives, from May 23-27, 2024, the exclusive retreat promises curated wellness and fitness sessions designed to facilitate self-discovery and enlightenment.

Powered by the significance of the number five, the Elemental Harmony Retreat invites guests to delve into the elemental forces of the number, whose presence is woven into every aspect of the experience. Guests will embrace the five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Spirit—each representing stability, adaptability, transformation, intellect, and transcendence, offering a holistic journey of self-discovery.

The group will be guided by five practitioners, each a master of their respective fields, allowing immersion in a space where balance and wisdom intersect. Lastly the retreat will be united by five distinct pillars—Unity, Balance, Resilience, Harmony, and Transcendence—aiming to unveil the interconnectedness of all things, nurturing spiritual growth and prosperity.

Each day begins with mindfulness expert Jackie Stewart, guiding guests through intention-setting and meditation sessions, fostering transformative journeys of self-discovery followed by invigorating yoga sessions designed to awaken the body led by skilled instructor Josh Kramer. Guests can also enjoy high-intensity training (HIT) workouts with Jacy Cunningham, blending yoga with interval training for enhanced physical strength and mental resilience.

Over the course of the afternoon, Nicole Rutsch will lead travelers in daily sound baths, offering a deeply immersive journey of holistic wellness and spiritual growth that aligns with guests’ intentions and fosters inner peace and balance. Finally, Nicole Berrie will lead an expanse of curated culinary experiences featuring diverse menus, breakfast delights, cooking classes, and exclusive dinners, ensuring guests nourish both body and soul throughout their stay.

The Elemental Harmony Retreat at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands promises a transformative journey of renewal and self-discovery.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives.