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It’s no picnic for the sandwich generation these days.
For the 36 percent of American adults in their 50s that the Pew Research Center identifies as caught between the demands of aging parents and financially dependent kids, the idea of taking a wellness break may seem like a pipe dream. But even if sandwich heroes have just a few days to sneak away, there are a smorgasbord of options for transformative wellness retreats designed to soothe the mind, body and/or spirit.
Sure, you can always book a getaway at a fancy resort and indulge at the on-site spa for a day or two. But those in need of a more comprehensive wellness reboot might be better off choosing an immersive wellness resort. These are places that ooze wellness, from the environment in which they are located (the more nature, the better) to the food they serve, to the activities they offer.
Unlike resorts that just happen to have spas, calm is the backdrop at wellness resorts. Since all guests are seeking their zen, these Xanadus are places where you can unwind among the like-minded.
Meditation and other wellness activities are part of a stay at Le Monastère des Augustines in Quebec City.
Courtesy Le Monastère des Augustines
A wellness pilgrimage to Quebec City
One doesn’t have to don a habit to stay at Le Monastère des Augustines in Quebec City. But a visit to the historic Canadian home base of the Augustinian order of nuns may make you change a few of your worst ones. Indeed, this wellness hostelry is the apotheosis of transformational travel.
A typical day at Le Monastère des Augustines begins by putting away cellphones, as they are not allowed in public spaces. That task accomplished, it’s off for a meditative walk through Old Quebec. In search of sustenance, head back to indulge in a silent breakfast at Le Vivoir. In the afternoon, options include a contemplative walk through the gardens, a yoga session or a holistic health consultation. Happy hour entertainment? Listen to an octet of octogenarian nuns (still living on site) singing Vespers in the chapel. After a healthy dinner, tuck into bed. For simplicity, stay in an authentic room, a converted nun’s cell. These are cozy nooks spruced up with antique pine furniture and a single bed covered by hand-sewn quilts. The contemporary rooms have larger beds and en-suite bathrooms. Rooms start at less than $200 a night double occupancy, a small price to pay for a heaven-sent retreat.
CIVANA near Scottsdale, Arizona, offers regeneration through movement, nourishment, mindfulness and outdoor adventure.
CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
Just deserts
Located in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, Arizona, CIVANA is a wellness playground offering regeneration through movement, nourishment, mindfulness, outdoor adventure and the creative arts. During a typical day, a CIVANA guest can choose from a range of up to 30 classes, featuring everything from yoga (including options such as face yoga and aerial yoga), meditation and sound healing to more intensive activities such as kayaking, total body barre classes and HIIT with Pilates. All classes, plus wellness lectures, are included in the room price, which ranges from around $300 to $500 a night.
CIVANA’s state-of-the-art spa includes an Aqua Therapy Circuit. It includes a Kneipp hydrotherapy walk, which alternates between hot and cold water, and a cold deluge shower. A wide variety of body treatments are available at the spa as well.
