True to form, summer has come and gone and for many, the brisk mornings that tell us fall is arriving, are here. Work schedules, travel plans, even life plans follow the changing pattern of the seasons and as important as it is to embrace such changes, it is also important to reflect the passing time, and September is the perfect month for that. Named ‘National Yoga Month’ by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2008, September is a month to discover the many reasons why yoga can benefit your overall health, and also the month to get the necessary R&R before changing seasons. We did some digging and discovered seven noteworthy yoga (and spa) hot spots for when your stress is high and you’re in need of an invigorating getaway.
1. Viceroy Hotels and Resorts
Poised on the tranquil Pacific beach strip of Playa La Ropa and just outside the fishing village of Zihuatanejo, Mexico lays Viceroy Hotels and Resorts. Providing the ultimate island getaway, there is no need to leave the coastline to rejuvenate your mind and body. Yoga classes and spa services are available throughout the lush tropical landscape, combining the calm, tropical environment to your relaxed state of mind. The resort, which contains thirty-five rooms and thirty-five suites, is designed as an escape from the pressures and demands of everyday life. For those environmentally conscious, Viceroy is committed to preserving its environment and takes green initiatives into every aspect of the resort, ranging from green housekeeping to water conservation to energy efficient lighting.
2. Parrot Cay by COMO
Venturing to the Atlantic is the serene luxury resort, Parrot Cay by COMO, set on its own 1,000-acre private island in Turks and Caicos. With nine awards already this year and a cumulative thirty since it’s opening, Parrot Cay has certainly made its mark in the travel and leisure industry. What’s not to miss are Parrot Cay’s multiple ‘Wellness Paths’. Based upon your well-being needs, choose between a variety of packages, offering a combination of private yoga lessons in their open-air studio, Pilates, and Asian-inspired spa treatments, including Ayruveda, acupuncture and reflexology. Dining options are also plentiful, with choices ranging from a relaxed poolside restaurant serving Caribbean-inspired dishes during the day and moonlighting as contemporary Asian-inspired cuisine, to modern Mediterranean courses at the Terrace restaurant.
3. Ananda
Take in the holistic living energy of the Himalayan locals at Ananda in the Himalayas: A Destination Spa. Deep in the foothills of Himalaya, overlook the mountainous view while being pampered like royalty in a palace estate. Indulge yourself in the many yoga and meditation treatments offered at Ananda, using the ancient processes and philosophies Yoga, Vedanta and Ayurveda. A private consultation is held for each guest prior to selecting a program in order to fit the exact criteria of the individual. Guests may choose between rooms, suites and villas for their living arrangements. The body and spirit revival does not end at the spa. Ananda cuisine follows the same ancient principle of Ayurveda, encouraging a healthy approach to diet and lifestyle. Chefs instruct guests on how to make these meals for themselves at home in their show kitchen, with an in-house Ayurvedic doctor providing special care menus that meet the needs of individuals and their body types after private consultations.
4. One&Only Resort
Journey to the sleek, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to the all-villa, exclusive One&Only Resort in Reethi Rah, Maldives. Guests may choose between beach villas nestled in the lush, tropical landscape along the shore, and water villas hovering above the vibrant, clear water. With the help of ESPA, the world’s leading luxury spa products and design company, One&Only has created the epitome of an island-pampered getaway. Spa treatments include massage therapies, ancient Ayurvedic treatment rituals, hair and nail care, and Zen fitness programming. Relax and refresh your muscles and skin beneath the treatment villas, then venture out to the Chi Pavilion floating atop the ocean for some Cyclic Meditation, Tai Chi, Thai Boxing and Hatha and Asthanga Yoga.
5. Laluna
Located in the Eastern Caribbean, just one hundred miles north of Venezuela is the quaint, 133 square mile island of Grenada. However, the island topography makes up for its size. Crater lakes, volcanic, mountainous terrain and sandy shores create the illusion of a much larger, undiscovered region. Off the coast, on the hills of Grenada sits the luxury resort, Laluna. The generous peaks provide numerous living locations, all with ocean-view rooms. Wellness treatments include a Balinese influenced spa, partnered with Mediterranean charm to reflect the origin of the resort. The spa menu includes body massages, facial treatments, a Balinese head massage and a Polynesian hands and feet ritual. Partake in your daily yoga or Pilates session on the Yoga Pavilion facing the sea to embrace the natural beauty.
6. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
While only eight miles north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain of Scottsdale in Paradise Valley, Arizona is the ultimate escape into heavenly views of the Arizona desert, luxury spa amenities and a soothing environment. To help you achieve your ultimate zen state, Camelback features numerous studios for Pilates and Yoga sessions.
7. Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa
The warm, contemporary feel of Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa is a Miami Beach haven, which inspires healthy living with spa treatments, health and wellness services, fitness, and healthy gourmet cuisine. Both South Beach and Bal Harbour are convenient for guests to visit. Fitness activities are led by certified professionals and include yoga, boxing workout, and a two-story climbing wall. The Canyon Ranch Wellness Spa is a 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. Therapy treatments integrate ancient, traditional and modern therapies perfect for couples and the ability for sessions to be relocated to an outside setting. Both food and beverage menus are created with good health in mind with nutritional information provided.