Transformational Travel

By Jacqueline Miller

Don’t think work will survive without you? Or perhaps you think everything is going to fall apart if you go away? If you are one of “those” thinkers, then you really need a transformational vacation.

In this new year, think more about your health. According to the Framingham Heart Study, the gold standard for long-term health studies, men who didn’t take vacations were 30% more likely to have a heart attack and women were 50% more likely to suffer an attack. The body just can’t handle year after year of stress. It catches up to those of us who don’t take care of ourselves.

To help you reset toward a healthier lifestyle, look at your calendar, pick the time that works best and book it. You owe it to your life. Here are two relaxing and healthy getaways you may want to explore. And if you’re interested in these or other transformation vacations, I recommend contacting Sarasota’s best travel resource—Lisa Silvestri of Silvestri Travel (941.966.6535). Having traveled the globe since 1969, she is truly a travel expert.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

Sixty miles north of Sante Fe, New Mexico sits one of the oldest natural health resorts in the U.S., Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in Ojo Caliente. It opened its doors in 1868. 

The sulphur-free, geothermal mineral waters on the resort property have flowed from a subterranean volcanic aquifer for thousands of years. Over 100,000 gallons per day come to the surface, revitalizing those who soak in what is long-believed to be healing waters. Ojo Caliente is the only hot springs in the world with four different types of mineral water including lithia, iron, soda and arsenic. There are twelve pools filled with different types and combinations of these waters, with temperatures ranging from 80–106 degrees.

All of the Springs and the Spa are located within a whisper zone so that guests may have a quiet and peaceful experience at this unique retreat. Surrounding the springs are the ruins of the cities populated before the birth of history. Posi or Poseouinge, “village at the place of the green bubbling hot springs” was the largest of four Pueblos surrounding the springs and home to thousands of people. 

It was not until the 19th century that westward expansion caused Ojo Caliente to emerge from its prehistoric origins. In 1868, Antonio Joseph, New Mexico’s 1st Territorial Representative to Congress, built the first bath house and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs became one of the first natural health resorts in the country. Three original buildings have been caringly restored and maintained and today are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, including the Historic Bathhouse built in 1868; the Historic Hotel, built in 1917; and the Adobe Round Barn built in 1924.

In addition to soaking in the healthy waters of Ojo Caliente, guests can enjoy the many therapeutic and restorative spa services, yoga, bird-watching, hiking, biking and more. When it comes to sustenance, Ojo Farm, located on the property, produces seasonal herbs, fruits and vegetables, and their farm-to-table program uses organic and sustainable practices.

The sister property to Ojo Caliente, Sunrise Springs, is located in Sante Fe and is the city’s only destination spa. There are 70 tranquil acres of gardens, walking paths and scenic high desert landscape surrounding the historic spring-fed waters. The Sunrise Springs experience is customized for each guest to create harmony amongst the four aspects of wellbeing: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. They blend fitness, nutrition, spa therapies and wellness services with ancient wisdom and healing traditions.

The Lodge at Woodloch 

This $42+ million luxury destination spa debuted in June 2006 and is considered one of the finest full-service luxury destination spas in the Northeast. Set on over 500 pristine wooded acres with a 15-acre private lake, the property offers a serene escape. It is located in the Lake Region of Northeast Pennsylvania. 

The exclusive property, features 58 finely appointed guestrooms and suites, a 40,000-square-foot Spa, exceptional dining, complete fitness programs and educational forums. The Lodge embraces a philosophy of personal awakening. Here you can reconnect to the creative and stress-relieving outlets that will continue to benefit you long after you return home. 

When you enter The Lodge, there is a set of three oversized chakra bowls, which, when rung, creates sounds and vibrations that resonate within the individual setting the tone for the rest of the stay. The Spa is a sanctuary for the senses. Guests can relax at the coed Whisper Lounge or immerse themselves at the Aqua Garden, complete with therapeutic soaking pools and dramatic hydro-massage Water Walls surrounded by native boulders. Active indoor pursuits take place in the expansive windowed cardio/weight training studio, spinning room, rowing room, yoga/meditation studio and dance/fitness studios. Spa services are offered in 27 treatment rooms and focus on the use of natural ingredients, incorporating therapies from Europe and the Far East as well as indigenous elements. 

Nutrition and lifestyle counseling, health and wellness classes and fitness training complement the world-class facility. Activities include guided hikes, mountain biking, a two-mile recreational trail, fly fishing, bird-watching, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, archery, geocaching, tennis, and golf at an adjacent award-winning private club. There’s also an art program that includes painting, sketching, wild-crafting and other creative arts classes. The Lodge’s gourmet restaurant offers elegant cuisine featuring farm fresh, local and seasonal creative and healthy dishes, as well as cooking demonstrations.

A walk on the nature trails (paved and unpaved) will find some of the unique property highlights such as the new custom-designed Lotus Labyrinth, a Healing Garden, a Pollinator Garden, a Hammock Grove, an Orchard and the Blackmore Farm-to-Table Garden with four honey bee hives.