Global travel may still be a no-go as we continue the battle against Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean a well-deserved mini-break is totally out of the question.
According to recent research by Colliers International and Arabian Travel Market, local tourism and domestic travel are leading the UAE and the wider GCC’s recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic, with figures revealing the percentage of staycation bookings in Abu Dhabi within a 48km radius of the capital increased from just 20% in January 2020 to 43% in March.
And since staying healthy and local is now what 2020 is all about, the launch of a new wellness travel site couldn’t have been better timed.
Founded by qualified STOTT Pilates teacher and Nutritionist Stacey Elizabeth Sharp with the aim to make wellness travel more accessible to general travellers, Retreatmi.com was born – the world’s first custom-made retreat builder. An online platform and healthy adventure hub designed to make planning wellness holidays and retreat experiences hassle-free, the Dubai-based site combines unique locations, top instructors and a variety of beauty, food and fitness services that allows each user to curate, select and book their own custom wellness holiday or short break.
“Active wellness is essential right now,’ says the site’s founder, Stacey. ‘With the new WFH mentality, it’s essential that we don’t become disconnected from all that we are inateley programmed to connect with, like nature, fresh air and movement.’
‘The benefits of wellness holidays, both physically and mentally, are immense. It allows us to get away from the daily stresses of life, but knowing that we’re taking a guilt-free getaway is all the more rewarding because you can relax and unwind as well as take away new skills you can utilise in your daily life.”
Offering glorious getaway options from all over the globe, handpicked by an expert, in-house team, the site also provides a wealth of UAE-based staycations allowing exploration without having to board a flight. Whether it’s goal-driven experiences to push urbanites of their comfort zones, back to nature desert retreats that nourish the soul or micro-breaks that transform and engage through physical exploration, getting fit, detoxing, learning a new skill or simply just chilling out the healthy way are the focal points of each specially-selected destination.
‘The aim is to allow travelers to connect in order to be able to disconnect in a way that they feel comfortable with,’ explains Stacey. ‘From custom made options to working with our wellness warriors, inspiring people to take a step towards wellness is all we want. And we don’t just mean physical wellness – we mean mental wellness too, which is why we’re passionate about bringing in services that offer stress management teachings.”
Sound like just what you need? We hear you! Here are three fab-sounding mini-breaks The Gaggler have got on their getaway radar:
ICE THERAPY Workshop – Wim Hof Method
October 24 – AED 380 per person
Discover the benefits of cold exposure, breathing techniques and the power of the mind to conquer the cold and overcome fear.
Weekend in Hajjar
October 23/24 (2 nights), AED 660 per person
Just an hour’s drive from Dubai, this trip takes you deep inside the Hajjar Range of Musandam where your base is a secluded farm at an altitude of 950 metres and temperatures drop by up to 10C compared to sea level. Guests can hike the wadi, sleep outdoors at high altitude and enjoy nights by the campfire.
Rayya Wellness Retreats at The Retreat, Palm Jumeirah – 3,5 and 7-night options
Various dates – Packages start from AED 5,380 per person
The Rayya Wellness Centre provides 360-degree wellness solutions designed to help guests achieve a personal transformation of body, mind and soul, through a variety of treatments and retreat packages with varying levels of immersion into the wellness experience.
For more information follow @Retreatmi or visit www.retreatmi.com
