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USA JOURNEYS
Yes, You Can Find Island Vibes in the U.S.
By Josephine Matyas
Award-winning travel writer Josephine Matyas is a co-author of the upcoming new release, The Music Lover’s Guide to North America: Museums, Historical Sites, and Other Points of Interest, which will be available in May at your favourite bookstore, on Amazon.ca and other online retailers.
Island destinations come with a certain vibe. The good news is that across the United States you’ll find wellness spots without having to hop on long flights. These soothing ways wrapped in R+R include the whole spectrum of island experiences, from white sand beaches to mountain forest hikes, and from quiet spots of reflection to indulgent luxury resorts and spas. When it comes to finding wellness at a U.S. island, if you can dream it, you can do it.
> Rest and relaxation come naturally in Puerto Rico, where there’s an appreciation for the spirit, flavour and rhythm that define the “Boricua” way of life. Of course, there are the beaches that come with an island in the Caribbean, but there are additional ways to connect with nature and tap into a sense of rebalance. Dive into cool waterfall pools in El Yunque National Forest (the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System) or enjoy a spa day of detox and healing at the foothills of an extinct volcano at the Coamo Hot Springs. puertorico.com
Try something out of the ordinary: Head into Puerto Rico’s central mountains to Casa de la Ceiba, the hub of the institute AeroYoga Puerto Rico. Inspired by traditional practices and elevated by a tailor-made swing, this modern yoga retreat combines movement theory from exercises like Pilates, dance and gymnastics, while including relaxation techniques such as guided meditation.
There may be no better way to find your place in the universe and inhale a little calm than under the immensity of the night sky, and Utah—including Antelope Island—is home to more internationally accredited dark sky parks and places than anywhere else on the planet. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Salt Lake City to Antelope Island. During low tide, Antelope Island is the largest of 10 islands located within Great Salt Lake, which is considered a restful place of solace under the stars. utah.com
Try something out of the ordinary: Get the full nighttime celestial experience with a guided tour like the Salt Lake Antelope Island Dark Sky Experience offered by Southwest Adventure Tours. Knowledgeable guides focus their telescopes on planets, constellations, the Milky Way, distant galaxies and celestial objects invisible to the naked eye.
Create an escape for mind, body and spirit in The Palm Beaches, where Singer Island blends serene natural beauty with luxurious experiences. Palm Beach Island offers wellness immersed in nature. Named after Paris Singer (of the sewing machine family), this serene island offers one of the most spacious beachfronts in Palm Beach County, renowned for snorkelling, diving and its position along the blacktip shark migration route. Singer Island also boasts boating, fishing and other watersports, with nearby highlights including the eco-friendly Manatee Lagoon, Rapids Waterpark, and Riviera Beach Marina Village. thepalmbeaches.com
Try something out of the ordinary: Singer Island’s new Amrit Ocean Resort, with Florida’s largest spa, takes a multi-layered approach rooted in five pillars of wellness: mindfulness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation and sleep.
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