Jennifer's Wellness Vacation in Sedona
1) What do you love about traveling?
Discovery and adventure are what motivate me to travel and seek new experiences. The popular quote, "We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us." really speaks to me. When traveling, all our senses are sharpened- everything from taking in new sights, tasting unfamiliar dishes, and hearing different languages spoken! I love immersing myself in all the history that is encountered along the way- history of art, architecture, and cuisine, just to name a few. Returning home, I always feel inspired yet filled with renewed gratitude for the life my family and I have created.
2) Regarding this featured trip, where did you go? When? Who?
This August I traveled to beautiful Sedona, Arizona for the first time. It was actually a solo trip since it is a busy time of year for my husband and daughter. I knew I had to take the opportunity to escape my daily routine while I could. It was my second solo trip and, as a woman, I have found that solo traveling offers me a sense of freedom and a confidence boost. Depending on your destination, one easily meets other like-minded travelers and you experience everything in a more heightened sense of connectivity.
3) What made you choose this destination?
I had mentioned to my husband that some type of wellness trip might be nice since he wasn't able to get away. The next thing I knew, he had contacted Doris and she had some amazing options. The resort Doris recommended stood out to me because of the gorgeous accommodations and fabulous reviews. Between Doris and the resort, my experience was personalized with a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
4) What were some trip highlights?
At the all-inclusive resort I especially enjoyed the spa services, the yoga and qi gong classes, the astronomer-led star gazing event, the healthy lifestyle juicing discussion, and evening sound meditation. Although it is hot in Sedona in August, I was on Eastern Standard Time and loved my energizing early morning hikes in Boynton Canyon. Another highlight for me was definitely taking a helicopter tour of gorgeous Sedona! The ride was smooth and exhilarating and I can't wait to do it again. Another memorable moment was shopping for turquoise jewelry offered by artists of Navajo heritage off the side of picturesque Oak Creek Vista.
5) What surprised you the most?
Besides the spectacular beauty of Sedona, what has surprised me most is how I have continued to benefit physically and mentally. I have been inspired to incorporate more nature, movement, and healthy food into my daily life. The absolute best thing is that I have been sleeping longer. I feel like I have learned how to reset myself when I need to again with meditation, massage, clean eating, and fitness. I embrace this sense of renewal!
6) Where would you like to travel to next?
I would love to travel to Turkey! Before I visit someplace new I enjoy reading about the area's history and this country offers so much in terms of architecture, religion, migration, and geography. Last year I went to Rwanda for the first time and I definitely want to return to Africa and experience Kenya and South Africa. I also think that a trip to Ireland may be in our future since that is where my husband would most like to visit.