Recommend February 2018 - 28

Caribbean

The Caribbean Wellness Push
The rum shops of the Caribbean are not-
I repeat, not-closed for the year, and no
penalties will be imposed on anyone who
just wants to lie on a beach. But every
year the Caribbean Tourism Organization
identifies a dominant trend (adventure,
romance, etc.), and it has named 2018 The
Year of Wellness and Rejuvenation in the
Caribbean. A good idea, if you ask Tammy
Petersen, president of Retreats Unlimited/
Wellness Marketing Unlimited. "Wellness
travel," says Petersen, "has grown 50 percent
faster than vacation travel."
In keeping with this trend, new spas,
fitness/health classes and activities,
wellness packages, food offerings, and other
innovations in wellness are popping up
on virtually every island. "The options are
virtually endless, from beachfront workouts
and yoga retreats, to wellness resorts
and spa treatments," says CTO secretary
general Hugh Riley. "The notion of being
rejuvenated in the Caribbean is one more
reason to let us pamper you in 2018." Here's
a guide to some outstanding developments
in pampering:

Iberostar Bavaro and Rose Hall
This brand has launched Fit & Fun, an
exercise program with something for guests
at every level of fitness. Although Iberostar
28 february 2018

"

The options are
virtually endless, from
beachfront workouts and
yoga retreats, to wellness
resorts and spa treatments.

Westin Grand Cayman Seven
Mile Beach Resort & Spa

"

Ed Wetschler

--Hugh Riley, Secretary General, CTO

has long offered beach volleyball, relay races,
and dance classes at the beach, it now gives
guests six additional options: 60-minute
oceanfront yoga sessions with a bit of tai-chi
and Pilates, 30-minute Aqua Fit classes,
3-mile running sessions, kickboxing that
incorporates heavy bags and mitts, Zumba
classes, 40-minute spinning classes, and a
"bootcamp" that's in a category of its own.
Bootcamp, a 60-minute class that (so far) is
only at Iberostar Rose Hall, burns 6001,000 calories by incorporating TRX stretch
bands, kickboxing, strength & conditioning,
kettle bells, athletic conditioning, abs and
cardio work. In short, you need not return
home from this all-inclusive having put on
weight-unless it's muscle weight. From $267
per night per couple; $1,870 per week at Rose
Hall. From about $220 per night; $1,530 per
week at Bavaro Suites.

This fall the resort completed a $50 million
renovation that made the resort more
eco-friendly and comfortable, and
augmented services at its spa. The Hibiscus
Spa now has a total lifestyle approach that
encompasses mind, body and soul. All the
skin care products are derived from organic
plant extracts and oils, and new and creative
approaches are used in the 13 treatment
rooms. For example, the Ultimate Oxygen
Facial boosts dull, dehydrated skin with
the power of oxygen, healthy antioxidants
and rich vitamins-and it promises instant
results. And the Herbal Therapeutic Massage
Ritual is a combination of deep tissue
massage, gentle stretching, and warm
herbal, anti-inflammatory poultices with
natural herbs such as ginger, lemongrass,
turmeric, and galangal. From $543 per night
including tax, service, and $65 resort fee;
$3,800 per week.

BodyHoliday
Roberta Long-Kelleher, luxury travel
consultant with Protravel International,
describes Saint Lucia's BodyHoliday as "an
amazing wellness resort in the Caribbean,"
and she's right. Moreover, in addition to its
already busy schedule of themes (e.g. Spring
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend February 2018
