The UAE is known for its luxurious hotels and resorts, but lately, there has been a growing trend towards “wellcations” – holidays designed to promote health and wellness. Many hotels and resorts across the country are embracing this new trend and offering packages built around wellness and self-care. The shores along the UAE’s eastern region have long been a magnet for residents seeking a quick getaway. Faced with a demand for unique experiences, hospitality groups are incorporating wellness offerings into their strategies to cater to those yearning for a relaxing and rejuvenating escape.
In this article, we will delve into the concept of wellcations and explore why a wellness retreat should be your next UAE staycation. We will take a closer look at the distinct features of wellcations, the offerings available at wellness resorts in Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and Kalba, and highlight the benefits of activities such as sunrise yoga and cacao ceremonies. By the end, you will have all the information you need to consider trying a wellness retreat for your next staycation.
Unlike a regular weekend getaway where you can sleep in and indulge in a scrumptious breakfast followed by a lazy day by the pool, a wellness experience offers a structured schedule that focuses on promoting health and well-being. Rather than simply pampering yourself, wellcations provide an opportunity to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. With activities such as spa therapy, yoga sessions, and meditation, these retreats offer a holistic approach to self-care.
Wellness retreats often include unique experiences that go beyond typical relaxation activities. For example, the Intercontinental Fujairah Resort offers a "Relax and Rejuvenate Wellness Experience" that incorporates sunrise yoga and meditation sessions along with a 60-minute spa treatment. Guests also have the opportunity to attend a cacao ceremony on the beach, a ritual that dates back to ancient civilizations and aims to unlock spiritual awakenings.
Each wellness resort offers its own signature services, ensuring a diverse range of experiences for guests. One notable retreat was the recent "Journey of the Heart" at the Kingfisher Resort in Kalba. This two-day retreat focused on transformational experiences through yoga sessions, sound healing, and sharing circles.
The Intercontinental Fujairah Resort offers a "Relax and Rejuvenate Wellness Experience" that starts at Dh1,099. This package includes a two-night stay, sunrise yoga and meditation sessions, and a 60-minute spa treatment. The resort recognizes the importance of personalized nutrition and provides an opportunity for guests to meet with the chef and discuss their dietary expectations. This allows the culinary team to prepare specially curated healthy meal plans that align with each guest's preferences and requirements.
Sunrise yoga is a popular feature of wellness retreats and offers a tranquil and uplifting start to the day. At the Intercontinental Fujairah Resort, guests can partake in an hour-long yoga session on the beach, surrounded by the soothing sounds of crashing waves and chirping birds. Even if you're not a seasoned yogi, these sessions provide a welcoming space to explore the practice and reap its benefits.
Mukti Sangar, the Yoga instructor at Intercontinental Fujairah Resort, highlights the advantages of practicing yoga amidst scenic beauty. Research has shown that simply looking at beautiful scenery releases endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals in the brain. This leads to a reduction in cortisol levels, lower blood pressure and pulse rate, improved parasympathetic nerve activity, and decreased tension, anger, and depression. When nature is involved, yoga becomes a physical and sensory experience that relaxes the mind and the soul.
Another unique offering at wellness retreats is the cacao ceremony, an ancient ritual with roots in Aztec and Mayan cultures. Cacao ceremonies are designed to facilitate spiritual awakening and offer creative guidance. During these ceremonies, participants come together on the beach around a bonfire and meditate while sipping a cacao beverage, which is a pure form of chocolate. These ceremonies often incorporate breathwork and aim to stimulate blood flow and activate the heart chakra.
Mukti Sangar leads the cacao ceremonies at the Intercontinental Fujairah Resort and emphasizes the transformative power of sharing this ritual with others. By sharing cacao, individuals synchronize their energetic frequencies, resulting in deeper connections and a heightened sense of well-being. People who participate in cacao ceremonies report elevated moods, increased vitality, enhanced intuition and empathy, and a greater sense of openness and presence in the heart.
For those seeking a break from the demands of daily life, a wellness retreat can provide a refreshing and uplifting experience. The Intercontinental Fujairah Resort plans to offer their Relax and Rejuvenate Wellness Experience twice a month, catering to both weekend and weekday guests. Whether you are looking for a unique gift or an opportunity to celebrate a special occasion, this wellness package promises a revitalizing experience.
Guests who have experienced the wellness retreats applaud the benefits of the healthy meal options and the early morning yoga sessions. However, some suggest that the resorts could further enhance their offerings by including group fitness classes that incorporate quick cardio workouts, providing a more holistic approach to physical well-being.
In conclusion, a wellness retreat can offer a fulfilling and transformational staycation in the UAE. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you can recharge and find balance in the midst of a busy city lifestyle. Consider trying a wellcation for your next staycation and discover the multitude of benefits that come with embracing self-care and relaxation in a beautiful and serene environment.
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