Create Your Own Wellness Retreat With These Apps and Websites

Trips designed to help restore your mental, physical or spiritual well-being, wellness retreats have become popular. But if a getaway to one of the gorgeous resorts in Costa Rica or the Amalfi Coast isn’t on the cards right now, you can enjoy a DIY option.

Create your own soothing, restorative holiday with help from some simple apps and websites. Here are some of the common amenities found in wellness resorts and resorts, as well as ideas on how to reinvent them yourself. Poolside relaxation, massages and even gentle yoga instruction — it’s all here.

1. Book a Spa Visit

Is there anything that says relaxation is like a spa visit? At the Rancho La Puerto resort, for example, the extensive spa menu includes everything from holistic treatments to body treatments, as well as several types of massage.

Take a look at the pros and enjoy the same spa treatments at your home, office, or virtually anywhere else with the Soothe: Wellness app on demand. Book massages, skin care, haircuts, beauty services, etc at your own time.

Download the app, select Call for service and enter your address. You will get a list of services available to book accommodation nearby.

Availability of services will depend on your region, but the app is free to download if you want to try it out.

As it turns out, massage can help relieve stress, improve circulation, and even lower your blood pressure — according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s a great treat for both your body and mind, and you can book one right in the comfort of your own home.

Download: Soothe: On-Demand Health for iOS | Android (Free)

2. Relax by the Pool

Guests at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort in Florida can enjoy hydrotherapy with the Vitality Bath as well as Salt Float Therapy. For many wellness retreats, immersion in the water is an important part of the experience.

To create your own form of hydrotherapy, rent a local pool by the hour with the handy Swimply app. Whether you want to go for a swim or just relax in the water for a bit, this app will help you find a cool pool in no time.

After downloading the app, enter your address to search for nearby pools. Browse the listings to see hourly rates, the number of guests each pool can accommodate, and extras like loungers or umbrellas.

In some cases, you can also rent towels, grills, speakers, and other equipment to spice up your poolside excursion. If your host allows speakers, consider streaming some white noise and ambient sounds to set the scene for your wellness retreat.

There’s even an icon that lists pools that are available to rent right away, in case you need an immediate underwater escape.

Whether you swim alone or bring some friends and family, a day of swimming is the perfect way to bring both exercise and relaxation into your vacation.

Download: Swimply for iOS | Android (Free)

3. Enjoy a Yoga or Meditation class

At Sensei Lāna’i Resort, the resort’s Ultimate Wellbeing Program includes daily yoga and meditation classes. In fact, the resort offers a guided meditation session designed to specifically address your own challenges as part of the wellness consultation process.

Yoga and meditation courses are often an integral part of wellness retreats, so consider including them in your stay. Even if you’re new to working out, this is the perfect time to get some exercise.

For a personalized experience, schedule an in-person or online class with professional yoga and meditation teachers through the TakeLessons website. Browse teacher profiles until you find one who clicks with you, then book a lesson and enjoy a class tailored to your needs.

If you’re just starting out, check out yoga poses for beginners on YouTube. You’ll be in a comfortable position of a child and downward facing dog in no time.

There are also some great guided meditation channels on YouTube to help reduce stress, as well as allow you to rest and focus. With nothing more than your phone (and maybe a good pair of headphones), you can turn any space into a relaxing retreat.

4. Learn more about a nutritious meal

Food often plays a big role in health retreats. At The Ranch in Malibu, for example, guests enjoy organic, plant-based meals during their stay. Portobello kebabs, zucchini lasagna and a bowl of burrito are just a few of the dishes on offer.

Since there are so many wellness resorts that provide guests with healthy, nutritious meals, your own wellness day is no different. Whether you want to cook your own delicious meals or you want to let someone else do the cooking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy great food.

One option is to hire a private chef to cook during your stay. The Hire Chef service brings culinary experts right to you. Click Looking for a Chef banner on the homepage before entering your city in the drop-down menu. Holiday home dining is one of the offerings here, so connect with the chef to create your ideal wellness menu.

Plus, cook up some delicious plant-based dishes with YouTube recipe tutorials. Everything from curries to burgers is on this list, so there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

Finally, there’s always the option of getting your groceries online from somewhere like Thrive Market or FreshDirect to make finding your ingredients easier. However you made it, enjoy every bite of your special meal.

Rest and recharge with a do-it-yourself wellness retreat

Sometimes you need a break to rest and recharge, but a getaway isn’t on the cards. In these cases, you can create your own retreat with the help of a number of apps, websites, and YouTube videos. In an instant, you can enjoy a refreshing massage, a swimming day, a yoga session, and a nutritious meal.

Taking time to relax is important to your mental and physical health, so get creative and make your own wellness break.

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