Wander With Wonder – Discovering Wow Moments Around the World or Across the Street
Escape summer stress with a relaxing wellness vacation. Use Allyz TravelSmart to plan and Allianz Travel insurance for peace of mind.
Summer is often synonymous with sun-soaked adventures, beach outings, and family gatherings. However, it can also bring its own set of stresses—crowded destinations, nightmares dealing with travel logistics, and the pressure to make every moment perfect. If you’re yearning for a break that focuses on rejuvenation rather than the hustle and bustle, a wellness vacation might be just what you need. In this article, I offer some of my favorite wellness travel destinations. I will also show you how Allyz TravelSmart can help you plan the ideal escape and how Allianz Travel Insurance provides peace of mind during your journey.
This post is sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company), and I have received financial compensation. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Why Choose a Wellness Vacation?
A wellness vacation is a chance to slow down and let the stress of life melt away for a bit. Here are some of the reasons why you should plan a wellness vacation.
A wellness vacation may be just what you need at the end of a busy summer. Photo by shironosov via iStock by Getty Images
Reconnect with Yourself
In our fast-paced lives, losing touch with our inner selves is easy. A wellness vacation offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. Whether through meditation sessions, yoga retreats, or simply spending time in nature, these trips nourish the mind and body.
Holistic Health Benefits
Wellness vacations often include activities that promote physical health, such as spa treatments, fitness classes, and nutritious meals. These activities not only help reduce stress but also improve overall well-being. From detoxifying diets to therapeutic massages, every aspect of a wellness retreat aims to leave you feeling revitalized.
Digital Detox
In today’s digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with notifications and information overload. Many wellness retreats encourage a digital detox by providing environments to unplug from technology and fully immerse yourself in relaxation.
Planning Your Wellness Getaway with Allyz TravelSmart
Sometimes, planning a vacation can feel overwhelming even before you leave home. I am a planner, and I want all the details in place so I know where I’m going and what I’m doing. I also like having all of my confirmation information in one handy place. The new Allyz TravelSmart—available with or without Allianz Travel Insurance—is an excellent tool for organizing your wellness vacation with minimal stress.
The app makes planning your wellness vacation effortless. Its user-friendly interface allows you to organize your itineraries in one place.
You can see all your itineraries in one place with Allyz TravelSmart. Photo courtesy Allianz Travel
If you get sick on vacation, the app can help you locate a hospital and translate common medical terms. It will also give you destination-specific safety and security alerts if your wellness vacation takes you overseas.
Allyz TravelSmart provides you with everything you need in an emergency in one convenient location. Photo courtesy Allianz Travel
Peace of Mind with Allianz Travel Insurance
Although you can use Allyz TravelSmart without purchasing Allianz Travel Insurance, I recommend purchasing travel insurance, especially in today’s sometimes chaotic travel world. It has saved me on more than one occasion, and I recommend that travelers always purchase travel insurance. If you travel often, an annual plan is ideal.
Go online to compare options available from Allianz. Photo courtesy Allianz Travel
Comprehensive Coverage
Traveling always comes with uncertainties—flight delays, lost luggage, or unexpected medical emergencies can disrupt even the most meticulously planned trips. Allianz Travel Insurance provides comprehensive coverage that protects against these unforeseen events. With plans designed specifically for travelers, you can focus on relaxation without worrying about potential hiccups.
24/7 Assistance
Allianz offers 24/7 assistance services, ensuring help is just a phone call away, no matter where you are in the world. The team is always ready to assist you, whether you need medical support or emergency travel arrangements.
Trip Cancellation Protection
Sometimes, life throws curveballs that force us to change our plans at the last minute. Trust me, I know what getting one of those curveballs feels like. I was at the airport, ready to fly to Tahiti in 2021 when I tested positive for COVID-19. Despite having no symptoms, I could not fly to Tahiti. I was devastated, but at least I could recover non-refundable expenses with trip cancellation protection from Allianz Travel Insurance. You, too, can recover from such costs if you need to cancel due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather conditions.
How Allianz Travel Insurance Works with Allyz TravelSmart
Allyz TravelSmart makes getting the most out of your Allianz policy easy. You can file a claim from your phone, see coverage details at a glance, and reach a customer care agent with just a few taps. Having an easy answer at your fingertips can feel like a lifesaver when stressed.
With Allianz Travel Insurance and Allyz TravelSmart, you will find travel less stressful and emergencies easier to handle. Photo courtesy Allianz Travel
Top Wellness Destinations to Consider
Once you have secured your travel insurance and downloaded your TravelSmart app, you can plan that wellness vacation. Whether you’re looking for a secluded mountain retreat or an oceanfront spa resort, a wellness retreat awaits you. Here are a few of my favorite wellness destinations.
Bali, Indonesia
Known for its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Bali is a top choice for wellness seekers. The island boasts numerous yoga retreats and holistic healing centers that offer everything from traditional Balinese massages to organic meal plans.
During my time in Bali, I stayed at three luxury resorts offering amazing wellness experiences. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers an intimate spa overlooking the Ayung River in Ubud. I also spent a day at a spa in Ubud, relaxing with multiple treatments for a fraction of the cost of the same service in the US.
Entry gates at Mandapa, Ubud, Bali. Photo courtesy Ritz-Carlton
After leaving Ubud, we made our way to Jimbaran Bay. We stayed at RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Then, we spent a few nights at The Villas at AYANA, where we had our own private butler. The Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pool, fed by water from the ocean, is the highlight of the AYANA wellness offerings.
Aquatonic pool at Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali. Photo courtesy Ayana Resort and Spa
Sedona, Arizona
I always tell people that Sedona is my happy place. Famed for its red rock formations and spiritual energy vortexes, Sedona provides an ideal setting for meditation and mindfulness practices. Many resorts in this area offer specialized wellness programs focusing on mental clarity and emotional balance.
If you’re looking for a wellness day, I recommend High Vibe Collective. They will help you create a retreat with sessions such as sound healing, craniosacral therapy, or breathwork.
If you prefer a full-service wellness escape, I recommend Mii amo, a spectacular all-inclusive destination spa in the magical Boynton Canyon. You can create a personalized wellness journey of 3, 5, or 7 days, arriving on a Thursday or a Sunday. My time at Mii amo was beyond relaxing—it was transformational.
Mii amo at dusk. Photo courtesy of Enchantment Resorts
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s rolling hills and picturesque vineyards create a peaceful backdrop for relaxation. Indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences while participating in activities like vineyard tours or cooking classes focused on healthy cuisine.
One of my favorite retreats in Tuscany is at Montestigliano. The picturesque Tuscan villa is ideal for relaxing, unwinding, and rejuvenating. I tasted local flavors. I wandered through the olive trees and sampled olive oils. I sipped Prosecco and sampled local wines. I hiked the nearby hillsides. I recommend escaping to Tuscany for a truly extraordinary experience.
Tuscan hillside from Montestigliano are ideal for a wellness vacation. Photo by Debby Wolvos
Tips for Maximizing Your Wellness Vacation
No matter where you decide to go for your wellness vacation, I recommend you follow these tips to get the most out of your holiday so you return to everyday life feeling refreshed and ready to take on the busy fall and winter months.
Set Clear Intentions
Before embarking on your trip, take some time to set clear intentions about what you hope to achieve during your getaway. Whether reducing stress levels or improving physical fitness, having defined goals will enhance your experience.
When I went to Mii amo, I was going through a challenging time with my elderly mother, who had dementia. We were trying to make the best choices for her life, my dad’s future, and ourselves. I set the intention to clarify what was important and be in a space to make the best decision for all of us. That trip changed my life in so many positive ways, and we made a decision for my mom that turned out to be the best one for her remaining time on this earth. I am unsure I would have had that clarity without that Sedona escape.
Stay Present
Mindfulness is key to fully enjoying a wellness vacation. Practice being present by engaging all five senses during activities—feel the texture of sand underfoot during beach walks or savor each bite during mindful eating exercises. And let everyone know you will stay disconnected from your devices during this time. It will be just the thing you need to remain present and relax while you’re away.
Unplug, unwind, and stay present to get the most out of your wellness vacation. Photo by Prostock-Studio via iStock by Getty Images
Maintain Balance
While indulging in luxurious treatments is part of any good wellness retreat experience, remember to balance indulgence with moderation so that you do not overwhelm yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout the stay.
It sounds silly, but you can get too many wellness treatments. I once did a wellness trip where, over six days, we had four treatments each day. By the last day, even this spa-lover needed a break. Balance is essential to ensure you return home refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle everyday life again with renewed vigor and enthusiasm!
Planning Your Wellness Trip
Yes, escaping summer stress is possible through a well-planned, relaxing wellness vacation using the tools and resources available. Allyz TravelSmart, combined with the security provided by Allianz Travel Insurance, allows you to truly unwind and recharge, knowing you’re covered every step of the way!
We want to inspire you to travel, so please explore Wander With Wonder for some of our favorite wellness destinations.
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