What's Trending Now: Stay Calm, Cool and Collected

Travelers are embracing nature and wellness to achieve a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Explore wellness trends that offer the perfect prescription for achieving the ultimate Ohm.

Forest Bathing

Shinrin-Yoku is the Japanese term for forest bathing which originated in Japan in the 1980’s. Forest bathing refers to soaking in the essence of the forest rather than literally taking a bath in the middle of the forest.

Experience forest bathing while on an extremely slow guided walk and mindful approaches that include yoga and meditation — all with the intent on elevating your sensory immersion.

Studies have revealed the many health benefits of immersing yourself in nature which include reduced stress hormone production and improved feelings of happiness as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, a strong immune system, and accelerated recovery from illness.

Forest bathing is available at L'Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona, Mohonk Mountain House, overlooking the Hudson Rver in New York, the Blackberry Farm, tucked into the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and the Tucker House Inn on the San Juan Islands, Washington, two hours from Seattle.

Happy Travel

The study of happiness is all the rage and one thing most academics and philosophers agree on is that travel makes us happy. Dr. Stefan Klein, author of ”The Science of Happiness” writes, “The pleasures of discovery, the joy of meeting people from other back-grounds and finally the thrill of tasting food I would not get at home usually far exceed all strains of traveling.”

Professor A.C. Grayling agrees that travel makes us happy because ”travel expands the mind and spirit, is educative, and puts one in touch with new people and ideas. Grayling is inspired by “great cities with vibrant culture, and beautiful countryside” while diplomat Lu Ping writes “My eyes are refreshed and my spirit renewed by the scenery of places such as Angkor Wat.”

L'Auberge de Sedona

Mohonk Mountain House

Blackberry Farm

Go to Your Happy Place

The United Nations annual World Happiness Report includes a list of the world's happiest countries and for the second year in a row, Finland takes the top spot.

In addition to measuring GDP, generosity, social support, healthy life expectancy, and freedom from corruption and to make life choices, the report measured immigrant happiness and Finland came out on top of that as well. The ranking coincided with the country’s “Rent a Finn” tourism initiative which encourages tourists to travel to the country to meet regular Finns who will act as “Happiness Guides.” Happiness Guides will share their knowledge about the country as well as show their guests how to “connect with nature and find their calm.” As Finns say, “When others go to therapy, Finns put on a pair of rubber boots and head to the woods.” Finland was followed by its Nordic neighbors Denmark, Norway, and Iceland with The Netherlands coming in fifth.

Miraval — Life in Balance

Miraval’s goal is to awaken your best self and all activity is driven by four pillars – Challenge, Improve, Renew, and Indulge.

Miraval Austin rests on 220 acres in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve in Texas Hill Country overlooking Lake Travis. Miraval Arizona offers healing energy at their desert oasis resort and spa. Situated on 400 acres in the Santa Catalina Mountains in northern Tucson, Miraval Arizona is a destination resort and spa dedicated to helping guests live life in the moment.

At their only Caribbean outpost, the Park Hyatt St Kitts, Miraval St. Kitts, special marine inspired treatments include Salt Bar with invigorating sea salt; Seaside Serenity, a hydrating marine mask; and Mangrove Goddess an energizing ritual that includes exfoliation with ginger grasses and fir oil, and a healing massage with essence of red mangrove and eucalyptus.

A new Miraval Resort will open in The Berkshires in early 2020.

Do Good, Feel Good

Giving and helping both improves the world and makes us feel good about ourselves which is why experiential travel with an emphasis on philanthropy is increasingly popular. And that’s a good thing for all of us.

Passengers on Crystal Cruises have been participating in the cruise line’s “We Care, You Care” voluntarism program for almost ten years now. From playing games, reading, and dancing with the elderly and children at the Grantitos de Paz Foundation in Cartagena, Colombia to assisting with the care of animals at the Samui Animal Shelter in Koh Samui, Thailand and planting trees at the Heidmork Natural Reserve in Reykjavik, Iceland, guests have the opportunity to share in Crystal’s commitment to “bettering the lives of those we meet on our journeys and preserving the beauty of the oceans, rivers and lands in which we travel.

20 ENSEMBLE VACATIONS WINTER 2020 CBD ASAP

Cannabidoil (CBD Oil) is the new wellness trend at these three Ensemble Preferred Hotels.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Colorado offers a CBD Massage, a deeply moisturizing, CBD-enhanced treatment that allows the oil to penetrate deep into your body, relaxing both mind and body.

Spa Ojai at California’s Ojai Valley Inn offers an Advanced CBD Oil Massage to soothe aches and pains caused by joint inflammation and damaged connective tissue. It’s especially beneficial for easing chronic joint and muscle pain caused by arthritis.

Spa Solage at Solage in Napa Valley offers Healthy Lotus CBD oil in its massages, facials and body scrubs. The Mellow Me Out package uses CBD oil in each step of the hydrating treatment, including the body scrub, massage, and hair treatment. The pet friendly hotel is even considering giving four legged guests treats made from CBD oil to calm them down after a long trip.

Hemp by Request

At the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Santa Monica, they have introduced a first-of-its-kind Cannabis Concierge program.

Recreational Embassy, a curator of cannabis products for the luxury hospitality industry, offers adult guests customized in room menus featuring low dose and non-inhalation hemp and cannabis products.

The hotel also has bespoke CBD products including a fig scented, CBD-infused bath bomb inspired by the property’s signature fig tree.