Take time out for you at these restorative destinations.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort (Courtesy Photo)
GIRLS’ GETAWAY
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
The newly renovated luxury hotel promises “Wellness Your Way” with beachfront views.
With drinks so delicious, fitness classes so fun and food so flavorful, it’s easy to forget that Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is all about treating your body right.The resort has the largest spa in South Florida (70,000 square feet), along with a juice bar and organic restaurant with onsite nutritionists. More than 200 fitness classes a week, including yoga, ballet and rock wall boot camp are also provided to ensure that your mind, body and soul will be nourished.
Rooms are sleek and sophisticated, all boasting panoramic oceanfront views with balconies, where guests can see the 750-foot stretch of private beach, one of the largest in Miami. Four swimming pools include an adults-only rooftop pool as well as family-friendly pools.
A healthier life doesn’t have to mean cutting out alcohol. Carillon’s new craft wellness cocktail menu incorporates organic spirits and healthy ingredients (such as wheatgrass to support detox) and lavender bitters to ease emotional stress) to help you get a taste of Miami’s party scene with none of the guilt.
Suites start at $495. Carillonhotel.com
Omni Bedford Springs Resort (Courtesy Photo)
COUPLES’ ESCAPE
Omni Bedford Springs Resort
A historic mountainside resort offers wellness in the wild a short driving distance from the District.
For those who prefer the mountains over the beach, this 211- year-old hotel is an idyllic respite, a hidden gem that’s no more than a 2-3 hour drive from the District. The historic ambiance and upscale amenities makes it a perfect option for a couples getaway; it is a popular spot for weddings, after all.
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania, just outside of Bedford, the hotel still maintains many of its original buildings in addition to new wings, a spa, a brand new golf clubhouse, massive indoor and outdoor swimming pools and fine dining along with more casual fare using fresh ingredients grown on-site. It also offers regular ATV tours with the opportunity to spot wildlife.
The Springs Eternal spa is one of only a few in the country to utilize natural spring water for all of its treatments, many first used by Native Americans for their healing properties. In addition to unique spa treatments and a private spa garden, make sure to visit during one of the resort’s “Be Well Retreat” weekends, offered several times a year. Hear from inspirational speakers and experts (recently, clean eating cookbook author and life coach Lisa Consiglio Ryan was featured) who gently provide guidance for a healthy lifestyle.
Rooms start at $249. Omnihotels.com
The Art of Living Retreat Center (Courtesy Photo)
SOLO TRIP
The Art of Living Retreat Center
An Ayurvedic lifestyle is encouraged at this North Carolina spiritual center and spa.
Those who practice an Ayurvedic lifestyle claim they’ve found the key to a happy, low-stress life, so it’s not surprising that Boone, North Carolina’s Art of Living Retreat Center founded by Hindu spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offers a three day “happiness program” focused on diet, yogic breathing and herbal treatments. In addition, the popular 6-8 day Panchakarma cleanse, recommended as a yearly treatment for health throughout the year, is one of only a few in the country.
Nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this peaceful 380-acre retreat is truly a place to unplug, reflect and get in touch with your spiritual side. There is guided meditation, yoga, philosophy workshops, spa treatments, pottery courses, nature walks, drum circles and more.
Room decor is spare to keep distractions at a minimum and dining is communal, strictly Ayurvedic fare (surprisingly flavorful and varied) served buffet style. The unique spa offers only Ayurvedic treatments, such as detoxifying warm oil massage and “Karna Purna” treatment to settle the central nervous system. For those unfamiliar with Ayurveda, health counselors are available to answer any questions and to walk guests through specific diets based on their body types.
Rooms start at $102. Artoflivingretreatcenter.org
This feature appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of Washington Life.
