Vacation is a time to relax, recharge and indulge. For some people, that may mean indulging in a wellness vacation, whether it be mental or physical. Want to learn how to surf, spend a week hiking with new friends or just detach from the technology in everyday life? There’s a fitness vacation for that. When many people think of fitness vacations, they think of expensive excursions or pricey spas, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Keep reading to see where you can get away from it all without breaking the bank.
1. Venetian Spa, Las Vegas, NV ($40/day): Yes, you can have a healthy vacation in Vegas! An affordable one-day spa pass at this famous hotel will cover use of the fitness center, fitness classes (from BOSU core conditioning to kickboxing), along with access to the 40-foot rock wall.
2. The Standard Miami, Miami, FL (activities start at $35): Looking for a more indulgent fitness getaway? You can hit up a stand-up paddle boarding class, yoga and even participate in fire walking, all while getting some of the best spa treatments and eating the best food in Florida. You might need to *stay* somewhere nearby to make this fit your budget, but getting the Standard perks without the turndown service isn’t half bad.
3. Sivananda Bahamas, Paradise Island, Bahamas ($98/night): Are you looking for a yoga retreat for less than $100 a night? This resort offers teacher training, intensive yoga programs and more, plus it’s only a short flight from the East Coast. (Photo via @sivanandabahamas)
4. Pura Vida Retreat and Spa, Alajuela, Costa Rica ($115+/night): Pura Vida Spa and Resort in Costa Rica is widely known as one of the best yoga retreats in the world. Get certified with yoga teacher training, detox and take some surfing class while you’re there.
5. New Life Hiking Spa, Kilington, VT ($120+/night): Whether your goal is to get outside and hike, get back on track physically or de-stress mentally, this retreat in Green Mountains may be for you. You’ll come back feeling one with nature.
6. Hotel La Jolla, San Diego, CA ($260/night): This spot was made for city lovers who still want to stay active. At this outpost of a Kimpton Hotel, you can rent designer PUBLIC bikes, try SUP and go kayaking on the Pacific.
7. Jackie’s on the Reef, Negril, Jamaica ($150/night): Here’s an eco-friendly resort that will have you feeling refreshed in no time. Try yoga, meditation or tai chi in between spa treatments and healthy, fresh meals.
8. Chicabrava Surf Camp, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua ($1290+/week): All you aspiring surfers: Head to beautiful San Juan Del Sur, Costa Rica to find Chicabrava Surf Camp, an all girls’ week-long intensive surf program. The price includes lodging, some meals and two hours of instruction per day. It’s time to make those Blue Crush dreams a reality!
9. Canyon Ranch, Lenox, MA + Sedona, AZ (from $1500/week): Canyon Ranch is frequented by celebrities and fitness junkies alike. Spend your days hiking, eating balanced meals and getting massages or facials, all of which are included in your vacation package.
10. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas ($1,700/week): Looking for slightly more low-key water activities that don’t require a passport? Head to this urban retreat during one of their QUENCH weekends, where you can experience more than 25 water-themed activities in a seven-day program. This health and wellness retreat may be a little pricer than the rest, but everything from food to spa treatments is included.
Have you ever been on a wellness retreat? How do you stay active on vacation?
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.