Exploring Calm-Cation and Wellbeing Retreats for Renewed Travel Experiences
A Guardian video feature and essay explore the rising appeal of calm-cations and wellbeing retreats, highlighting the benefits of travel that refresh both body and mind.
The video showcases tranquil destinations such as Croatia for quiet luxury and Mauritius for spa treatments, designed to inspire unwinding travel options. It also promotes the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card as a travel facilitator in this context.
The essay supports wellbeing holidays as a means to renew poise and purpose, aligning with ABTA Holiday Habits 2024-25 findings where relaxation (73%), mental health and wellbeing (50%), and escape from daily pressures (46%) are top reasons for holidays.
Highlighted wellbeing destinations include Delta Hotels St Pierre Country Club in Chepstow, Wales—a 14th-century manor set on over 160 hectares with a spa—and global Blue Zone longevity areas such as Okinawa (Japan), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), Loma Linda (California), Sardinia (Italy), and Ikaria (Greece).
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection in the Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica, offers luxury wellbeing experiences with daily yoga, nature bike rides, and spa therapies inspired by local wellness practices.
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card offers enhanced benefits including 6 points per £1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2 points per £1 on other purchases, complimentary Silver Elite status, and potential Gold Elite enrollment based on spending thresholds. Cardholders can redeem points across 9,500 properties in 144 countries and 150 airlines, emphasizing the card’s role in facilitating restorative and mindful travel.
This combined content encourages travelers to embrace calm-cation and wellbeing-focused holidays that prioritize relaxation, mental health, and an escape from routine pressures.
