Inspiring retreats for a Lifestyle change

September 22, 2023

A lifestyle change can be a transformative journey towards better well-being. It's all about making mindful choices in various aspects of life: food, exercise, alcohol, smoking, mindfulness, sleep or even transforming your career. Replacing sugar and processed food by nourishing meals. Regular physical activity to invigorate body and mind. Prioritize restful sleep for rejuvenation. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, like meditation or yoga, which can bring balance. Engaging in hobbies and spending time with loved ones enhances emotional fulfillment. Cultivate a positive mindset, focusing on gratitude and self-compassion. Limit screen time to foster real-world connections. Sustainable choices, such as reducing waste and using eco-friendly products, contribute to a healthier planet.

Why is a healthy lifestyle important?

A healthy lifestyle contributes to an improved quality of life, such as reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes, as well as mental benefits such as preventing depression or low self-esteem. Opting for a healthy lifestyle significantly contributes to an elevated quality of life.

A Fresh Start, how to start?

Established habits often prove tenacious. During moments of distraction, stress, or fatigue, reverting to old patterns can occur. Nevertheless, recognizing the triggers that prompt undesirable habits constitutes the crucial initial step. Subsequently, effecting behavioral change follows suit. Altering a specific aspect can serve as a catalyst for embarking on a fresh start. Taking a step back, appraising your current lifestyle, and contemplating what could or should be different characterizes this reset. Such a recalibration can span diverse domains: embracing wholesome eating habits, resuming regular exercise, adopting mindfulness practices, refining work-life equilibrium, nurturing personal growth, or uncovering a sense of purpose. This juncture offers a valuable opportunity for pause, enabling introspection into your current position, identifying sources of joy, pinpointing invigorating pursuits, and acknowledging actions that promote your physical well-being.

Areas where to reset a healthy lifestyle

Embracing nutritious and varied dietary choices
Engaging in regular physical activity
Maintaining an optimal body weight
Less stress and more relaxation
Prioritizing sufficient sleep
Cultivating a positive thought framework
Limiting screen time
Refraining from smoking
Abstaining from alcohol consumption

A new start, this is where you can go!

1. Embracing nutritious and varied dietary choices

Kickstart a healthier food pattern with a detox approach. Break free from sugar cravings and processed fats by prioritizing whole, nutrient-rich options. Embrace detoxifying fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Gradually reduce processed foods to reset your palate and foster enduring well-being. A detox is a great reset for body & mind. This holistic approach empowers you with insights into nourishing your body effectively.

Intense Weekend Detox (The Netherlands)

Did you know that even one weekend of detox can bring about remarkable benefits? At the charming Boshotel Vlodrop, PureandCure's weekend retreat includes wholesome, light meals, accompanied by fresh fruit and vegetable juices. In between meals, tranquil nature walks through the stunning forest provide mental calm. You can relax at the spa or take part in yoga and meditation classes. The genuinely attentive service for which this 4-star resort is renowned ensures your weekend escape will be an experience you'll wish never had to conclude.

Best of the Best (Thailand)

Kamalaya is one of those experiences you must personally experienced as words fall short in capturing the level of individualized care, personalized treatments, and the unparalleled setting it offers. Situated on the former meditation grounds of monks, Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary is enveloped in lush greenery with mesmerizing ocean vistas, creating an environment of tranquility and comfort for your detox journey. Every meticulous detail has been set. Kamalaya offers detox programs lasting 3, 5, 7, 9, 14 or 21 nights, with the option to extend your stay to suit your needs.

2. Engaging in regular physical activity

Prioritizing physical activity, sports, and outdoor pursuits to stay fit and engaged. Regular exercise helps you feel lighter, fitter and healthier. Happier, even. Exercise keeps muscles and joints supple, improves physical condition, stimulates circulation and boosts the immune system. A Sport or Fitness Holiday can help you to restart your exercise and sport goals. It may help you to discover which type of sport you enjoy most. Or it could help you in achieving your specific goal (improved fitness levels, weight loss, muscle mass).

Good value for money: Bootcamp Pilates (Thailand)

With its Mediterranean inspired architecture, this stunning boutique wellness hotel, on the tropical island of Koh Samui in Thailand is true paradise for yoga, detox, fitness and Pilates lovers. Besides their 2 yoga studios and a well equipped fitness studio Absolute Sanctuary has 2 dedicated spaces to the latest trend in Fitness: Pilates. They have one group reformer studio featuring 9 Pilates reformer machines and a private pilates studio equipped with all the machines that will get you long, lean and toned including 8 core suspend stations designed to strengthen your core. Their Bootcamp programs with various Pilates or Fitness classes are popular.

Europe's most advanced sport resort Pinecliffs (Portugal)

For Sport lovers the right place! One of the best Sport, Fitness & Outdoor resorts in Europe, right by the sea! Perched on a cliff in the Algarve, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is the ideal place for sports enthusiasts thanks to the boot camp studio and circuit, seven swimming pools, professional personal trainers and various outdoor activities. Plus the 9-hole golf course on site. Get active, recharge your batteries and relax in style.

3. Maintaining an optimal body weight

A weight loss holiday allows you to focus exclusively on your health and wellness goals without the distractions and demands of daily life. It provides a dedicated period for self-care. Weight loss holidays provide a comprehensive and structured approach to weight management in a supportive and health-focused, relaxed environment. Do not expect miracles: you won’t lose 5 kilos in a week. The goal of a weight loss holiday is to gain sustainable weight loss over a period of time, including when you are back home again.

Retreat 'Back in shape' (The Netherlands)

Feeling 'too heavy' is generally expressing a subjective feeling of discomfort or a lack of energy, which may or may not be related to being overweight. Feeling 'too heavy' can be due to various factors, such as fatigue, stress, or a sense of physical or emotional burden. It doesn't necessarily mean you are overweight in terms of body weight or your BMI (Body Mass Index). Nutritionist, Pilates teacher and retreat guru Nannet van der Ham will be your guide during this retreat. She wrote several books about Balance in Mind & Food. This retreat will leave you with a lighter mind, a lighter body, and a lighter life, all set against the splendid backdrop of Badhotel Domburg by the sea.

Weight loss in Shanti Som (Spain)

Shanti Som is a luxury wellbeing retreat located in the Andalusian hills of southern Spain. It is known for offering holistic wellness programs that include elements like yoga, meditation, spa treatments, detoxification, weight loss, healthy cuisine, and relaxation in a serene natural setting. Shanti Som offers comprehensive weight loss programs with expert guidance, personalized fitness routines, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices.

4. Stress management

To reset your stress management pattern, start by identifying stress triggers. Develop healthier coping mechanisms like deep breathing, exercise, and mindfulness. Prioritize self-care, establish boundaries, and seek support from friends or professionals. Consistency and self-awareness are key to cultivating a more resilient and effective stress management approach. We mention 2 retreats - short or intense - for finding mental balance.

Yoga / Meditation / Mindfulness Retreat (The Netherlands)

Sylvia Olde Scholtenhuis is hosting the Autumn Yoga / Meditation / Mindfulness. This retreat offers yoga workshop, deep meditation sessions, scenic hikes, and delightful cuisine. Meditation, a practice to quiet the mind and gain self-insight, equips you to better manage stress, face challenges, and explore alternative perspectives.

Balance, Recover & Relax in Euphoria (Greece)

Euphoria Retreat in Greece is a haven for holistic well-being. Their stress management programs, including Balance & Recover, Relax & De-stress, and Boost Your Energy, blend ancient Greek wisdom with modern therapies, nurturing emotional resilience and relaxation. You can rediscover balance, alleviate stress, find inner harmony through yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and personalized guidance in this picturesque Mediterranean setting.

5. Sleep Improvement

More than 30% of people worldwide aged 40 and older suffer from sleep disorders. These issues can be triggered by a busy lifestyle, excessive work-related stress, hormonal imbalances, emotional turmoil, or sometimes for no apparent reason. Several (luxury) Health & Wellbeing resorts worldwide offer specialized programs for sleep improvement. Guided by experts, these programs encompass various treatments and therapies from different areas of expertise and healing practices. Treatments may include acupuncture based on traditional Chinese medicine, physical activity, coaching, meditation, or soothing Ayurvedic therapies.

Sleep enhancement programme - Six Senses Vana (India)

Embrace a profound lifestyle shift towards improved sleep quality at Six Senses Vana, India. Enveloped in tranquil surroundings, Vana’s holistic approach combines serene ambiance with expert guidance. From personalized sleep assessments to mindful practices, discover a harmonious balance that rejuvenates your body and mind, ensuring nights of deep sleep.

6. Cultivating a positive thought framework

Teaching ourselves positive thoughts is beneficial for our mental well-being. It assists us in handling stress and challenges more effectively, ultimately leading to increased happiness and self-assuredness. Therefore, embracing this healthy practice is highly recommended.

Emotional Balance in nature (Portugal)

New Life in Portugal is a retreat in nature that centers on fostering positive thought patterns, mindfulness, and stress alleviation. This transformative retreat addresses addictions, mental balance issues and burnout recovery, just to name some. Through mindfulness techniques, one to one coaching, group coaching sessions, meditation, and nature-based activities, you will get mental clarity, reduce stress, and embark on a path to emotional well-being. You can choose from various programs: 7 nights Relax & Balance, intense 2 and 4 weeks programs or weekend retreats.

7. Limit Screen time

Cutting back on screen time can supercharge your sleep quality and boost your overall well-being. Plus, it paves the way for more vibrant real life connections and relaxation!

Digital Detox Wadi Rum (Jordan)

Wadi Rum's allure for a digital detox lies in its serene desert landscapes, free from electronic distractions. It's majestic scenery and little wifi connection encourage unplugging, offering a peaceful escape to reset and recharge amidst the tranquil desert environment. In 2023 and 2024 Wadi Rum is the place for our digital detox experience, an exploration into the desert of Jordan in search of raw beauty, stillness and intuitive wisdom. And plus: enjoy Wadi Rum's night sky that lights up unlike anything you have ever seen before.

8. Refraining from smoking

At times, we all require a gentle nudge to kick the smoking habit. Consider it your initial stride toward a healthier life. By breaking free from this addiction, you will experience a remarkable enhancement in your overall quality of life.

Program Quit Smoking SHA Wellness Clinic (Spanje)

The Quit Smoking Retreat at SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain offers a transformative experience when you want to break free from tobacco addiction. Combining medical expertise, holistic therapies, and lifestyle support, it provides a comprehensive approach to quitting smoking, promoting better health and a smoke-free life in a luxurious and tranquil setting.

Weekend retreat Quit Smoking (The Netherlands)

This weekend retreat has a focused approach to quit smoking. With expert guidance from the organization 'Ik stop ermee,' who will lead a 5-hour training on Saturday, you will break free from tobacco. Amidst a natural and serene surroundings, take steps towards a smoke-free life. This getaway offers a chance to reclaim your health, gain insights in addiction and cravings and create a positive shift toward a healthier future. All set against a picturesque landscape in the south of Holland, in a four star hotel with a spa and wellness facilities. After the weekend, there is a support team to keep you away from cigarettes.

9. Abstaining from alcohol consumption

Deciding to quit alcohol is a powerful choice that can lead to a remarkable transformation in your physical and mental well-being. By giving up this habit, you pave the way for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Ayurveda program Maha Gedara (Sri Lanka)

Heritance Maha Gedara, a renowned Ayurveda wellness retreat, offers a holistic experience. Abstaining from alcohol here aligns with Ayurvedic principles, promoting detoxification, mental clarity, and overall well-being. You can fully immerse yourselve in Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, and meditation, benefiting from a serene, alcohol-free environment for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.