Sailing for Wellness

‘Wellness tourism’ is a growing industry, supported by travellers actively seeking ways to enhance their well-being. After a few stagnated years for the Travel Industry, everyone is looking for wellness elements in their travels.

In an article by National Geographic Traveller (UK), suggested that “the number of people concerned about their health and wellbeing has rocketed since the pandemic began. The stats are legion but among them, 80% of those surveyed by Public Health England in 2020 — in the first year of Covid-19 — reported wanting to change their lifestyle in 2021 to become healthier. Just over a fifth (21%) of global travellers are currently travelling for health- and wellness-driven reasons according to the 2022 Travel Trends research by luxury travel network Virtuoso, conducted jointly with YouGov.

So, what are the benefits of taking a wellness break?

Natural Grounding by spending time in Nature

Walking barefoot on a sandy beach can stimulate the nerve endings while grounding you and restoring a natural flow of energy in your body. When you are connected to the earth, your body is able to absorb negative ions from the environment which can help to calm your nervous system and reduce stress. This phenomenon is known as 'Earthing' and is a wellness movement that is growing in popularity.

Photo Credit: Clint McKoy

Spending time in nature offers serenity, peace and space for creation. This includes reducing cortisol levels as well as improving attention spans and clarity. When your skin is connected to the Earth, your body is able to absorb electrons, which are carried up into the body. These have a “therapeutic effect that can help lessen inflammation and symptoms of insomnia, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, chronic pain, improve mood and reduce anxiety” (Country Living).

Real life Vitamin D and healing powers of the Sea

If looking out into the ocean can activate opiate receptors in the brain and release dopamine (and its rush of reward), what can being outdoors and in the water do? The physiological response to being outdoors is that Vitamin D is produced, when receiving direct sunlight on the skin. This exposure, when done safely, regulates mood-related hormones, such as serotonin and can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

How about getting into the water? Dr Rachel Taylor, a Neuroscientist, explains that seawater has lots of essential minerals, such as iodine, potassium and magnesium. And for many, it has a calming effect that helps the body detox and heal itself. The coastal air, affectionately refered to as ‘Ozone’ (now known to be Dimethyl Sulfide, released by microbes), fills you with negative ions which molecularly attach to lung tissue and boosts your metabolism.

So, doesn’t it make sense to meditate and relax by the ocean? This is a practice that author, Deepak Chopra, has been practicing for decades. Guided meditation near the water is an effective stress reliever. The beach encourages calmness and you can tune out all the negativity and spend time reflecting on the things that really need your focus.

Interesting! So, why not venture on to the sea and combine activity of sailing and mindfulness? After all, lots of sailing fanatics say that journeying by boat has similar effects on your body. Perhaps this is a chance to add these factors to your next holiday?

Exercise and Movement: Good for the Body & Soul

On a wellness holiday, you can engage in a variety of activities and sports; such as yoga, hikes, paddle boarding, snorkelling and much more. You can find the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.

Practices like yoga, breath-work and meditation have a remarkable ability to regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation. Also, these activities help with getting a good night’s sleep, so you will wake up feeling fully refreshed and energised for the next day of your holiday.

Surrounded by like-minded travellers: Make powerful connections

Happiness is best when shared! And what better way to do that than with open and like-minded people! Sharing your story with people that care creates a deep connection and helps you process hardship or painful experiences much better. That’s why Travel Matters has teamed up with ‘Sailing 2 Wellness’.

On each excursion, you will be accompanied by a Nutritionist (and cook) and your Skipper, who are also the tour leaders. Your hosts both share the passion for an active and healthy lifestyle and love to be on the water. Sailing allows them to completely relax and connect with the natural elements, so you are under the careful guidance of professionals who love what they do!

Imagine this – as you’re gliding over the water, Vincent (your Skipper) wants to explore the most hidden places. While you can sit back and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast and lunch from Vallery (your Nutritionist and cook). The natural and functional ingredients have been carefully selected, to give you the right amount of energy throughout the day. Daily wellness activities like yoga, group meditations, paddle boarding and hiking to keep the blood pumping and bring you in the right state of mind.

Currently, 7-day Mediterranean breaks to Sardinia & Corsica and Turkey run throughout June & July 2024. And don’t worry if you speak a different language, between both of your hosts, they speak Dutch, German, English, French and Spanish.

For availability and exclusive rates, make an Enquiry with Travel Matters today!

(Excursions provided by Travel Matters and their partners at ‘Sailing 2 Wellness’)