If your holidays often result in expanded waistlines and a never-ending hangover, you might want to consider these destinations that not only are relaxing, but can even have a lasting positive impact on your lifestyle.
Rishikesh: India
Nothing sold India to the Western Hemisphere better than The Beatles’ visit in the ‘60s. When the fabulous four reached Maharishi’s doors, the quiet town of Rishikesh became a plush retreat overnight, where rock stars came searching for the meaning of life. Today the town is a hub of ashrams and those who come there to practise yoga and spiritual healing.
It made our list because as you step foot in the town, the might of the Himalayas and the force of river Ganges make you feel so small and insignificant. And at this humbling point, your journey begins.
From leading a yogic existence in state-of-the-art Ananda Resort to meeting Ganges head-on while rafting through it, no matter what you choose to do, the place does have a profound effect on your senses and sensibility (speaking from first hand experience).
Tulum, Mexico
As a girl planning a trip, I couldn’t be more wary of the name ‘Bikini Bootcamp’ popping up on my Google search. After ignoring it for a while, curiosity got the better of me and I was taken by surprise.
The retreat is a tasteful cocoon by the sea that promises to overhaul your mind, body and senses. The programmes are designed to help guests reconnect with themselves and nature through a combination of exercise, healthy eating, adventure, yoga, relaxation and pampering.
It boasts 24 beautiful cabanas in a village-like setting along with a beachfront restaurant and lounging terrace, yoga shalas, and massage rooms. The menus are specially designed to nourish and cleanse, and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables with enough protein to keep you going through the day’s activities.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Known to the world for its crazy parties and daring street food and potions, Thailand is not the first place that’ll come to mind when you hear the word ‘detox’. But challenging this notion is New Leaf Detox Resort in
the island of Koh Samui, which squeezes out all those nasty toxins.
This retreat offers 15 self-contained bungalows set within a sprawling garden, offering weight loss and juice fasting programmes. They cleanse your body and eliminate the toxin build-up in your vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys, colon and gut.
We suggest you get the partying out of the way before you head to the resort. Eat, drink and make merry to your heart’s content; then surrender to the peace and tranquillity of this space.
