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Whether your ideal wellness retreat involves cooking classes, writing workshops or days spent pampering every inch of your body in a heavenly-smelling spa, why not hop over to the Caribbean to kickstart your goals and recalibrate your senses in style.
When the next long weekend rolls around, the islands can be the perfect cleansing antidote to post-Christmas spending blues, lapsed New Year’s resolutions and the general stresses and strains of everyday life. So you don’t have to lift another finger, we’ve done all the hard work for you. From realigning your chakras on a yoga getaway to unwinding in a thermal hydro pool at a top-notch wellness spa, or catching up on some much-needed sleep, we’ve rounded up just a few of the loveliest and most surprising retreat options the Caribbean has to offer.
WELLNESS & BEAUTY
“Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind,” is the irresistible promise made by the folks at the all-inclusive BodyHoliday Retreats, Saint Lucia, ranked one of the world’s top spa resorts by Conde Nast Traveler. With some of the regions best facilities and an indulgent array of state-of-the-art therapies and treatments, they can help you decompress and feel whole again. Try their infrared detox therapy and the deep tissue Ayurvedic back massages with ancient herbs. thebodyholiday.com
SLEEP RETREAT
Grenada’s True Blue Bay is about to launch what they say is the Caribbean’s first sleep retreat. This exclusive 5 – 7 day sleepover was designed in conjunction with neuro scientists and world renowned sleep experts. Aimed at a growing number of sleep deprived adults, this revolutionary holistic approach to a lack of sleep incorporates exercise, personalized diet regimes and mindful meditations, and is designed to detoxify our overstimulated brains and improve our sleep habits. It’s so new, you’ll have to call for details. Contact: 473-443-8783 or truebluebay.com
WRITERS’ RETREAT
This 6 day writers’ retreat held in Negril, Jamaica promises aspiring authors (that’s 81% of all Americans by the way) daily free-writing exercises. You’ll delve into the poems of the late Sir Derek Walcott, knighted lord of the British realm, and one of the Caribbean’s most eminent writers. On the grounds of the hacienda-style villa, you can discover the inspiration you need to reignite your literary dreams, receive feedback on your work, and practice your craft with fellow writers. kahini.org/Caribbean
COOKING CLASSES
With a 4 star rating on Tripadvisor, Graycliff Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas is a must-visit spot for food lovers everywhere. The Graycliff Culinary Academy offers interactive cooking classes under the expert guidance of the hotel’s Executive Chef. Using local ingredients, you will learn how to prepare a variety of exotic, Caribbean infused dishes, and the best wines to pair them with. Class sizes are small and all utensils are provided. graycliff.com/culinary
YOGA DETOX
Located along the stunning coastline of Rincon Bay in the Dominican Republic, Hotel Villa Serena is a sanctuary where the mind, body and spirit can heal. The resort consists of 21 spacious rooms with calming ocean views that have the power to trigger your pleasure neurons. As well as daily yoga instruction, tai chi classes and customized vegan meals, your retreat includes ‘Art of Raw’ workshops that teach you about the amazing health benefits of clean eating. Contact: bookyogaretreats.com
