MIND, BODY andsoul

Be it sunrise yoga on a powder-white sandy beach overlooking tranquil, turquoise waters; freshly-made smoothies packed with nutrient-dense exotic fruit; or a spa treatment laden with high-quality native ingredients, a trip to the Caribbean promises the ultimate wellbeing break that will see you leave the region refreshed, replenished and reinvigorated.

Throw in soul-soothing sunshine, unfettered nature and the pure Caribbean air – Puerto Rico has the cleanest air in the world, with the U.S. Virgin Islands ranking third, according to a 2022 World Air Quality Report by IQAir – the region is perfect for wellness holidays.

BE groundEd in naturE

Clear your mind and get your heart pumping as you hike, kayak or cycle your way through untainted wilderness, navigating diverse fauna with a backdrop of tropical birdsong.

Dubbed ‘The Nature Island’, Dominica is not only home to the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean – the 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail – but also hot springs and geysers for soaking away life’s troubles. Screw’s Spa Diamond is a popular retreat set amongst tropical foliage that offers six pools, massages and volcanic mud wraps.

In Antigua and Barbuda the Mount Obama (previously Boggy Peak) trail is a moderate four-mile trek, set in the country’s Green Corridor. The view from the top is well worth the sweat and aching calves.

On a clear day you can see all the way to neighbouring Montserrat, and a glance over the Cades Reef might entice you into a snorkel upon your return.

To feel the benefits of nature at a slower pace, head into the tranquil forest in Barbados for some restorative healing with Psychotherapy in Nature. Recharge, regroup and realign your mind, for an hour, a half day, full day or an overnight stay.

A UK-trained psychologist guides you through a body-mind experience, be it with an energy-healing massage or meditation –with miniature donkeys, nonetheless.

Find your innEr zEn

Few places are more idyllic to practise yoga than the gently-lapping shores of a Caribbean beach.

Whilst the most novice of yogis may find a new love for the movement through a resort’s guided classes, more advanced practitioners will find optimum tranquillity on a longer retreat.

The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in The Bahamas promises to immerse travellers in a yogic lifestyle with spiritual practice and self-development.

In Anguilla, the Thai House Spa at Zemi Beach House boasts a hammam (steam bath) and signature Taino bathing ritual. On the same island, feel refreshed with an Old World Salt Scrub or Tropical Spice Body Polish At Cap Juluc, a Belmond property.

The luxury Ixora Spa at Scrub Island Resort Spa and Marina in the British Virgin Islands offers acupuncture and Ayurveda treatments to help you unwind and destress. Complimentary ferry services are available from Trellis Bay Market dock.

St. Maarten is rich in spas, including the St. Maarten Nectar Wellness Spa at Oyster Bay Beach Resort, which specialises in plant-only aromatherapy remedies providing all-natural handmade and vegan skincare.

FEEd your soul

Make the most of the Caribbean’s delicious and nutrient-dense produce. In St. Kitts, head to Ital Creations at Fari Organic Farm, a vegan kitchen that grows its produce on site. Visitors can stop by for fresh juice, a rainbow-coloured lunch or an afternoon yoga session under the mango tree.

For a full detox, a seven-day Supreme

Health Detox at the Begona Cliff Hotel in Jamaica is designed for women and champions a vegan diet with cooking classes, kemetic yoga and reiki.

In Saint Lucia, the Anse Chastanet resort is home to a vegan restaurant where guests are invited to join the Executive Chef on a weekly harvesting excursion to the resort’s organic farm in the Soufriere hills and take part in an interactive cooking class. Follow this up with a visit to the resort’s Kai Belté Spa, which puts respect for the uniqueness of each individual at its foundation.

Also in Saint Lucia and set on a crescent beach, BodyHoliday promises a personalised experience of wellness featuring daily spa treatments, classes, adventure programmes, sports, and more.

Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort in the Dominican Republic has a wellness concept that heightens awareness of the mind, body and soul. The ‘Wellbeing 360 Experience’ focuses on the Social, Silent, Sensory, Culinary and Personal – designed to ‘cultivate the soul’ through relaxation, reconnection, healthy eating and personal care. •