{Mindfulness + Joy}
A Regenerative Retreat Get inspired with these unique ideas for a restful and restorative respite on Amelia Island. By Jill Becker
There’s no denying that when you’re stressed, tired or overworked, taking a trip to the beach is one of the most relaxing things you can do. But if you really want to soothe your psyche and feed your soul, you’ll probably want to do more than just lay out on the beach soaking up the sun all day. Here, we share a therapeutic escape to charming Amelia Island, Florida, located just north of Jacksonville, about 5½ hours from Atlanta. Designed to revive, restore and rejuvenate you from head-to-toe, the tailored list of activities below might just change how you vacation.
The regal Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers personalized half- and full-day Wellness Retreats, which include a 2½-hour guided Nidra yoga meditation. Just a quick 45-minute session in this ancient art of transforming your state of mind to where the body is still enough to sleep but the mind is still conscious is said to be the equivalent of getting three hours of deep sleep. Another unique offering is the hotel spa’s honey butter wrap, made with honey from the resort’s own beehives. Or opt for the Heaven in a Hammock treatment, during which you’ll be massaged as you relax in a handwoven hammock on the beach. The treatment gives you the combined benefits of zero gravity and touch therapy, while the gentle swaying motion of the hammock is supposed to duplicate the movements of the tides. The resort also offers some exclusive experiences, including private charter boat excursions, during which a chef will prepare a healthy four-course meal using the fish you caught on the trip.
Get Fit Getting in a little exercise is another excellent way to get your juices flowing again. A stay at the Omni Amelia Island Resort qualifies you for a complimentary in-room Get Fit Kit, which includes stretch bands, a mat, 3-pound dumbbells and 5-pound kettle balls. The luxe property also features two fitness centers and has a variety of recreational activities, from spin classes to a heated indoor lap pool.
RELAXING AT THE OMNI AMELIA ISLAND RESORT SPA AFTER AN IN-ROOM WORKOUT
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If you stay at either of the properties making up the new Marriott/SpringHill Suites complex, you will have access to a Peloton in the shared fitness room, or you can join one of their occasional poolside yoga sessions. On March 13-16 and May 15-18, SpringHill Suites is sponsoring a Revive Retreat complete with beachside yoga, scenic hikes, holistic meals and more.
Photos courtesy of (top right and bottom left) Amelia Island CVB, (bottom right) Peter W. Cross and Patrick Farrell for VisitFlorida.
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bestselfatlanta.com
1/19/22 10:36 AM
