I’m looking for recommendations for combining spa, yoga, and meditation with a culinary vacation late Summer / early Fall. Should I book a culinary tour package and then a spa resort separately, or are there options where spa and yoga can be combined with local food tours?
– Elaine R., Seattle, WA
“The world of wellness travel has grown exponentially over the past decade and options for travellers seeking a culinary-wellness experience abound!
To begin planning your culinary-wellness journey, start by contacting a travel advisor specializing in wellness travel. Through carefully crafted questions and interactive discussion, your advisor will seek to understand the experiences you desire and can then suggest options to fit your culinary-wellness experience.
Two North American examples to provide you with a little “taste” of what is available in the world of culinary-wellness experiences include Miraval Resort & Spa located in Tucson, Arizona and Rancho La Puerta, located in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico.
Miraval, located at the base of the beautiful Catalina Mountains offers an array of culinary options and interactive experiences, including chef-lead cooking demonstrations where guests prepare (and enjoy!) a signature appetizer and cocktail. Guests also have the opportunity to join the Miraval beekeeper to experience the wonder and magic of bees. The culinary experiences are combined with a rich menu of physical activities including yoga, hiking, meditation and education, along with spa experiences created to touch all points for a mind, body spirit refresh.
Rancho La Puerta located within a spectacular 4,000-acre nature preserve provides guests with physical activities including yoga, hiking, trail runs, water workouts (and more), to mindfulness reflection and education designed for rest and renewal. Guests at Rancho La Puerta dine on beautifully created, fresh, organic culinary options and can also choose to participate in farm-to-table cooking classes at La Conina Que Canta Cooking School with a rotation of world-renowned chefs.
A myriad of culinary-wellness experiences awaits – enjoy every moment of the journey as you plan your amazing get-a-way!”
Chris Torgerson, Founder, Stone Arch Travel
With a background of 20+ years in the travel industry, Chris has a passion for wellness travel which she shares with her clients, providing options and ideas to exceed expectations from start-to-finish. Chris is a member of the Wellness Tourism Association.