Why Use a Wellness Travel Agent

I recently booked a four-star hotel in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, through Hotwire. Hotwire claims its four-star hotels are prestigious, respected properties. Not only that, but the map of the area looks as if it runs along the coast, virtually ensuring a resort near the beach.

After I made my purchase, I found out I had a room at the Hacienda Vista Real Resort & Spa, which was far away from the beach. According to TripAdvisor.com, they have at least 85 percent bad reviews. I am traveling with my husband and a baby, and want to avoid taking taxis to get to the beach. What should I do? — Valerie Acosta, Fullerton, Calif. Excerpt from Chicago Tribune Read full article

A Wellness Travel Agent can:

1. Help you figure out what destination is best for you
2. Provide you with insight about the destination
3. Provide you with information on how to get you the best value
4. Offer wellness program, retreat or spa information
5. Sift through all the options and often secure different packages

See Top 10 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

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Places to See

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Pura Vida Wellness Retreat and Spa Review

Pura Vida Retreat and Spa in Costa Rica is considered by some as the Wellness & Yoga destination of choice outside the United States. Pura Vida is located on a private mountaintop estate in Costa Rica's Alajuela province surrounded by coffee plantations and lush foliage. The whole estate commands fantastic views of Irazú, Barva, and Poás volcanoes and of the central valley with the capital, San José.

Rated 4 stars by TripAdvisor, Pura Vida offers you a perfect balance of mind, body and spirit in an oasis of beauty, tranquility and home like intimacy. Pamper your body and soul while exploring the delights of Costa Rica, a country which is renowned for its beauty.

At this mountain aerie yoga retreat, accommodations in the foliage range from suites to "tentalows" (luxury tents with carpeting and beds).  View Accommodation Types and Download Property Map

Pura Vida is best suited for the nature lover, the traveler looking for unique experiences, healing and wellness. Pura Vida is the place to go and retreat from the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with yourself and people you care about. Learn more about Pura Vida Wellness Retreat and Spa

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What is a Spiritual Retreat?

A spiritual retreat is more than just a vacation. A typical vacation may leave you feeling more burned out than when you left. This may be the result of overindulging, from rushing back and forth or from trying to squeeze as many sites of interest as possible into a short time frame.

A true spiritual vacation on the other hand is a time for renewal and regeneration of the spirit, mind and body. Spiritual retreats create an environment to affirm your commitment to spiritual priorities. There are usually no televisions, phones, laptops or other distracting gadgets. In solitude you are able to nourish your life with silence, meditation and prayer.


A spiritual retreat might be something that you want to do alone. Alone you'll find more time for contemplation and far less distractions. However, you may also want to consider spending time with others in a small group. There are small groups that make spiritual journeys, attend motivational functions, practice yoga, volunteering and the like. These too are beneficial.

Here are some suggestions for a spiritual vacation that can be a time of healing and renewal.

1. Visit a place that represents spiritual power for you
2. Immerse yourself in natural beauty - i.e., Sedona, Yellowstone, Peru, or Costa Rica
3. Spend time in meditation. Some choose to be silent for a day. Others may choose to journal.
4. Take a hike. Walk on the beach; let the sound of the waves soothe your mind and the ocean air revitalize your body.
5. Engage is periodic fasting. Retreat from eating, giving your body a much needed break. A water or juice fast releases all the energy that normally goes into the digestive process, for the purpose of cleansing, healing stress, and reflection.
   

Do something you've never done. Go somewhere you never been. Maybe combine both! Upon return, you should feel refreshed and relaxed.

Spiritual Retreat Tools

Everyday Meditation: A Mini Retreat to Calm the Mind & Nourish the Soul (Inner Mastery)

Music for Spiritual Retreats

Music for Couples Retreats

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