Holistic Holiday

Your body may be more overworked and fatigued than you realise. The next time you travel, make sure health is on the itinerary

            When was the last time you had a full body check-up? Scary thought, isn't it... which is why we keep putting it off. But what if health check-up was a part of your travel package on your next vacation ­ along with relaxation and or adventure? Imagine hotels with full-day medical programmes, home stays that offer vitamin C baths, electronic pillows to massage you as you sleep, airports with yoga rooms, etc. People, seeking holidays to beat the stress of modern life, are choosing destinations that offer an entire wellness experience; this rising demand for healthy-happy breaks has made wellness tourism a billion-dollar industry today.

SURF YOUR WAY INTO NIRVANA

            This year, activities like surfing and paddleboarding are travellers' favourite choices. Think of surfing classes in serene locations, blended with yoga, silent meditation, and organic food being served.For India's growing surfing industry, Odisha's still waters provide the perfect support for stand-up paddle surfing. Says Sanjay Samantaray of Surfing Yogis, “Surfing is a high-energy activity, but some yoga postures on the surfboard have a calming effect on people.“

WALK THE TIGHTROPE, LEARN TO LET GO

            From canoeing to cliff camping schools that teach circus skills, several programmes are helping peo ple reset their nerves, i.e., remove anxiety from the body and mind.

            You could spend a day learning flying trapeze, followed by a body massage. Combining an activity that gives you an adrenaline high, along with deep relaxation techniques, helps alleviate stress levels immediately. “It's like taking a huge psychological leap of faith to overcome fears and letting go of all the baggage,“ says adventure junkie Archana Sardana. You can try extreme challenges like Desert Tightrope (walking on a 35-ft pole, with harness) and Quantum Leap (jumping off a 35-ft pole). The purpose of both is to teach you to let go.As you physically release one rope to reach the next, and repeat the same movement 10 times, the idea of letting go is extrapolated into the larger life context. You leave the past behind, focus on the present, and remain aware of where you want to go.

WELLNESS FESTIVALS

            From bicycle riding to inner peace sessions, natural health classes to karma lessons ­ holistic festivals pack a healthy punch to your typical holiday relaxation plans. They also teach you to cook healthy meals. Says Rehaan Mehra, 25, who attended a wellness festival in Mumbai, recently, “I learnt new ways to eat and live healthy ­ not just for the physical body, for mental health too.“

CRUISE INTO GOOD HEALTH

            Holistic holidays on cruise ships are also in vogue. In 2016, cruises have become `floating retreats' with personalised spa and wellness programmes. You start with yoga at sunrise on the deck, move on to pilates, have vegan meals and end your day with zumba classes. You could swim with dolphins or try dolphin therapy too...Article by Nona W.