SEARCH RESULTS

Let me take you back to the Fall of 2011. My world literally came crashing down on me! My father suffered a severe stroke, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Chris took a hockey stick to the eye resulting in a career ending concussion. All the while I was raising 3 young children. We all know the quote “God never gives you more than you can handle”, but at that point I was broken and crumbling to my knees on the bathroom floor (oh and why ladies do we always go to our bathroom floors?) I sobbed to God this was enough I can’t take anymore! I have always been pretty darn strong, I like to think my 2 older brothers put me through hell growing up to prepare myself for my loving, but not easy to handle husband. They used to always say, “don’t be so sensitive” or “grow thicker skin,” well, on that bathroom floor I put on my big girl pants and strapped on my thick skin armor. I dug into any book I could find and scoured the Internet for any and all ways to heal the ones I loved in my life. I was determined to find the solutions. This research led me to the world of many holistic healing methods and therapies. It was at this time that I learned about transcendental meditation to help Chris deal with his post-concussion symptoms. Here are just to list a few benefits of practicing transcendental meditation that piqued my interest… Reduced stress and anxiety. Improved sleep. Greater sense of clarity and productivity. Lower blood pressure. Greater sense of calmness throughout the day. Reduced cortisol. Lower risk of heart attack or stroke. Improved brain function and memory. I started sourcing the best person for us to learn this method and encouraged Chris to start implementing transcendental meditation into his daily routine like YESTERDAY! I wanted Chris to feel all the benefits above ASAP because it was literally killing me to see my tough, strong, fearless, leader of all teams, and most importantly the leader of our family, whole again.  Well in the true spirit of Lauren I needed to have patience with this situation.  I needed to give Chris the time he needed to believe in and want to practice transcendental meditation. He was not open to it and that was ok – I’m a firm believer that God organically has the ultimate plan and reason for all He does. This was not the time for Chris. However, learning about transcendental meditation was NOT a mistake.  About two years after all this chaos and putting my body into overdrive I could feel the severe effects of what I put my body through without even taking a moment to check in on it. Note, life lesson I learned the importance of self-care in a big way! I went through two years while caring for my loved ones without ever checking in on myself. Looking back I never gave it a thought that I was only sleeping 3-4 hours a night worrying about everyone, working out on little sleep because of the idea I had to stay a size 4, forgetting to eat 3 meals a day because I was rushing to feed the kids (and the crust from a grilled cheese isn’t going to cut it for dinner). Fast forward three years later where I found myself back on the bathroom floor crying. Yes, I lost my Dad and that was a lot of tears, but my mom was healthy and cancer free and Chris was on the up and up thriving, and there I was exhausted and unhealthy. I didn’t even realize it! What happened? I demanded so much from my little body for three years on overdrive. I learned during that season of my life that if I’m not whole and healthy I’m no good for anyone and most importantly for my family. Once again I had to dig deep, put on my big girl pants and grow some thick skin to care for myself this time! It started with that therapy that I was certain was going to heal Chris years prior. I dug out that number and information for transcendental meditation and I signed up for the rigorous training. It was the best decision of my life! I am forever grateful to my teacher. All the benefits that I thought Chris needed to heal were actually what I needed to heal.  I practice two times a day for 20 minutes with my personal and sacred mantra. I prefer to practice in the morning when the house is quiet, no kids, no husband, and no dogs and then again prior to dinner. It’s not weird in the sense that I don’t sit in a funny yoga pose or chant. In fact, if you passed me meditating in my car during the carpool line you wouldn’t even know. To this day it is my greatest tool in my back pocket when life comes crashing at my door.  Oh I’ve got it, bring it on!

I have been wearing MYZONE Band for 6 years now. Being the type-A freak I am, this fitness tracker caught my eye instantly. I’m an analytic nerd and if there is a way for me to track detailed information about each workout session I’m in! This form of tracking has also been extremely beneficial for Chris in managing his post-concussion symptoms. For him to be able to see his heart rate and level of exertion in bright colors and percentages on his cell phone monitor he can have a productive and successful workout session without finding himself in the tailspin of dealing with the headaches or dizziness. MYZONE Band provides both of us with that comfort! We train together 5-6 times a week and we challenge each other with both of our MYZONE stats side by side in our home gym. For Chris we can both make sure he stays within the safe range of his heart rate, and for me, Chris knows I like the HIIT cardio blasts in between our strength sets. I usually have an exact number of MEP’s I like to achieve with each workout. This holds me accountable for the level of exertion I want to accomplish with each workout. While Chris rests in between sets to bring his heart rate down for proper recovery he is my biggest cheerleader watching me raise my heart rate and effort to the yellow and maybe even the red zone while crushing some burpees, a 30 sec. sprint on my Peloton tread, or a quick spin on the Peloton bike. We both travel with our bands as well which as I have talked about many times the importance of maintaining your health and fitness routine on the road. Another reason we love our MYZONE Band is you can look back at all past workouts and see when and where you have gone off track. At the end of each month, they send you a full report about the days you worked out and your MEP for each day. What is an MEP? More from the MYZONE literature, “MYZONE is an accurate effort tracking system that helps you see exactly how much effort you put into your workouts. MYZONE provides you with the data you need and comes equipped with a unique point system that pushes you to put more effort into your exercise. MEPs is an acronym for MYZONE Effort Points, and it’s the metric by which everything is measured in the fitness tracking system. MEPs are earned by exercising in your target heart rate zones over a period of time. The more effort you put into each of your workouts, the more MEPs you earn! Knowing how to read your personal Live Tile is the first step to seeing your effort rewarded. When looking at your Live Tile, you will see your current MEP count in the bottom right corner. Whether you look to the Group Display screen at your local gym or glance down at your smartphone as you work up a sweat at home on the treadmill, MEPs are a big part of what keeps you motivated to finish out your workout strong. MEPs are a tool that you can use to set specific goals as your progress along your fitness journey. When setting a good goal you want to write one down that is both measurable and specific. Setting an exact MEP goal for the week, or the month is the perfect way to be sure that you’re getting quality workouts in on the way toward your ideal level of fitness. As you earn MEPs, you’ll have the chance to rank up in status from Iron all the way to Diamond and maybe all the way to the Hall of Fame.” I’m at the GOLD status! Are you up for a challenge to kick start your fitness goals with Well Inspired Travels MYZONE Band? You can either join the group or keep your MYZONE on private for your eyes only.  The purpose of Myzone is to use technology to help people feel good about exercise. If you want to learn more about MYZONE or visit the App, I invite you to click here. If you’re ready to elevate your fitness tracking and you’d like to join my group click here.

As we begin to venture out into the world again with hope, it’s time to take you on a journey of personal health. “He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything” (Thomas Carlyle). Golden Door Our first stop is the venerable Golden Door - “leave here a changed person” - so simple and yet so powerful. At the Golden Door, it’s all about your journey and personal transformation. With only 40 rooms and a 4:1 staff ratio, Golden Door offers seven-day programs to leave you energized and excited to resume your life with renewed purpose. Programs vary and can be co-ed or single sex, but no matter what you choose, the staff will work with you individually to craft the best program to fit your personal goals. All rooms are single occupancy only, with a private bath and garden views. Consistent with their ethos of “less is more”, the zen-like accommodations are austere, yet designed for comfort. You needn’t pack much for your stay as the retreat provides the best spa attire, including shorts, t-shirts and terry robes, all laundered daily, plus a yukata - a casual cotton kimono - and sandals. You will also receive Golden Door skincare products, a reusable water bottle, journal, tote and yoga mat, so you can focus on recharging your mind, body and spirit. The entire property is over 600 acres of hills, meadows, Japanese gardens, bio-intensive gardens and citrus groves. There are 12 different hikes of varying difficulty, 7 gyms and 2 outdoor pools. You must try the Watsu Water Therapy pool during your stay, it’s a truly special experience for therapy and healing. Fitness is only one pillar of the Golden Door experience. Your personal program will include an assessment, personal training sessions, fitness classes, mindfulness training, evening workshops, and classes. The take home fitness plan will help you continue your growth long after you’ve returned home. Spa is also an important pillar of the Golden Door’s philosophy, so your program will include daily in room massages, 2 herbal wraps, 5 skin care analyses, and 5 skin care sessions with a body treatment. You are also offered manicures/pedicures and hair treatments. The final pillar is based on their healthy cuisine program which designs a meal plan to your dietary needs and preferences. This includes fresh produce from the retreat’s gardens, nutrition and cooking classes, plus daily times to socialize with other guests, which culminates in a celebratory farm dinner. Through the retreat’s program of fitness training, healthy nourishment, and indulgent spa treatments, guests are treated with care and respect as they travel on their individual paths to enlightenment. Golden Door is easily accessible from San Diego or LAX. We will coordinate roundtrip transfers from both airports. If all of the focus on helping us transform our lives wasn’t enough, at Golden Door, 100% of the net profits go to organizations that help transform children’s lives. So amazing. Cal-a-Vie Health Spa Just outside of San Diego, is Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, whose approach is a holistic way of living through fitness, nutrition and well-being treatments. Whether you book a three, four, or seven-night stay, your wellness journey is more than just workouts and spa treatments, as Cal-a-Vie embraces your whole body, mind and soul. Upon arrival, you will meet with a team of experts for one-on-one consultations to determine the best combination of fitness, spa, therapeutic treatments and nutrition. During your stay the staff is there to guide you as you move towards your goals. All the Cal-a-Vie magic takes place over 500 acres surrounded by citrus groves, vineyards and rolling hills. You will have plenty to choose from with the 150 exercise classes offered; 20 different mind-body-spirit options, including Yoga, Calm Mind & Body, Tai Chi and Tension Release Exercise; guided meditation classes; a variety of scenic hikes; award-winning cuisine; world renowned guest speakers; and a 5:1 staff-to-guest ratio, all in this unparalleled “Provence-meets-California” setting. The retreat is comprised of 32 Mediterranean-style villas and suites, all beautifully appointed to ensure blissful downtime and deep, restorative sleep. Meals are customized with your special needs in mind, all nutrient-packed with natural ingredients. Executive Chef Curtis Cooke believes, “the foundation for a healthy, happy life begins with food.” Daily menus are farm-to-table with seasonal fresh produce, herbs from the gardens, and wildflower honey from the property’s apiary. Cal-a-Vie is the only spa retreat to include an 18-hole golf course and offers three, four and seven-night golf packages to include playing on the acclaimed Ted Robinson, Sr. course. Every day at Cal-a-Vie is an adventure in well-being, designed to be sustained long after you depart the property. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa Next on our tour is Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, one of Southern California’s most celebrated resorts, selected by Forbes Travel Guide as one of the finest Five-Star hotels and spas in the world for six consecutive years, and is Southern California’s only Relais & Chateaux property. Nestled on 40 acres of sweeping gardens and olive groves are 49 spacious hacienda-style casitas with private patios, offering up a true California vibe. When in SoCal, being active and outside is part of the experience, and Rancho Valencia does not disappoint. Starting with their professional tennis facility that offers something for players of every skill level. Rancho Valencia has been rated Southern California’s No. 1 tennis resort by Tennis Magazine consistently since 2008, and is staffed with USPTA and USPTR certified tennis professionals, all eager to help players reach their fullest potential on the court. If golf is more your swing, you will be within walking distance of the newly renovated Tom Lehman course, The Farms, which is designed for the more experienced golfer. While on property, let Rancho Valencia enhance your game with one of their Callaway Golf club sets, complimentary for guests to borrow. Naturally, the property has an epic spa with an incredible menu of signature facials, massages and body treatments, but what we found fascinating and unique, is the Wellness Collective programs based on the cutting-edge science of epigenetics. This is basically the premise that “all disease is preventable through making healthy choices. Lifestyle factors, like how we exercise and sleep, the pollution we are exposed to, our stress levels & state of mind, and what we eat & drink, can ultimately change our genes and impact our longevity.” The Wellness Collective offers packaged retreats in several different well-being tracts such as, Attitude & Perspective or Nutrition & Detox. A sample three-day program may include accommodations, healthy meals, daily private movement and counseling sessions, 90-minute spa treatments, unlimited group fitness, daily fresh pressed juice, and a bespoke Wellness Collective gift. That sounds like just the transformative experience we need right about now! Rancho La Puerta We end our journey of health and wellness at Rancho La Puerta, a fitness and spa retreat just a short drive across the border from San Diego into Tecate, Mexico. Founded in 1940, Rancho La Puerta started the modern fitness revolution and pioneered body treatments we now see in spas worldwide. Many of the founders of other destination spas first came to Rancho La Puerta and were inspired to start their own. It offers immersive programs for men and women of all ages and fitness levels with the goal to achieve your total wellness potential, all while nestled in Baja California’s mystical Mt. Kuchumaa. The all-inclusive experiences include roundtrip transportation on Saturdays from San Diego, all meals, guided hikes, yoga and fitness classes, lectures and programs that focus on your personal growth. Located on 4000 acres of biodiverse landscape, which is reflected in the care and quality of the organic gardening, Rancho La Puerta’s approach to sustainability is perhaps best described by the spa’s motto “Siempre Mejor” or “Always Better”. This is reflected in the guest comfort being top priority. Great attention is given to ensure all eco-friendly practices are safe and effective. Activities here are meant to inspire and activate in three different disciplines: Hiking & Running, Instructor Led Classes (yoga, tennis, water fitness and more) and Mindfulness & Reflections (sound healing, meditation, reflexology). The spiritual labyrinth is definitely something to try - A powerful guided walking ritual to open your consciousness, set deep in an ancient oak grove on their full-scale replica of the classic labyrinth found at Chartres Cathedral. This experience is meant to touch your mind, body and spirit. As you walk the path, the references you meet along the way will be fully explained by your guide to help you realize your personal path. Self-reflection at Rancho La Puerta is balanced with community. Whether you’re in one of the 15 gathering areas like the Art Studio or Bazaar del Sol, camaraderie is encouraged. Mealtimes are no exception, and guests frequently say that “one of the best things about the Ranch is that they meet wonderful people”. For these reasons, all three meals are designed as time for guests to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Last but not least is the Spa, offering an interesting range of restorative treatments in many different modalities. You will find various massage and facial treatments, as well as groundbreaking body treatments, like a restorative detox or the energizing Ancestral Energy Cleanse. What is so unique is the range of holistic therapies, from Craniosacral Therapy, Feldenkrais, Acupuncture, Reiki, WATSU and Water Dance- all private sessions with highly skilled masters in their fields. A week at Rancho La Puerta will restore your soul while renewing your health and hope. We’ve spoken with clients who’ve been 40+ years in a row. The first thing they say when speaking about Rancho La Puerta is that they attribute their health and vitality to coming here consistently for so many years. Sign us up! WIT has very close relationships with these properties, so we can extend exclusive perks and special amenities to our clients.  Typically, you will receive complimentary breakfast for two daily, $100 or more resort credit to be utilized during your stay, room upgrade, either at the time of booking or arrival, and early check-in/late check-out, both subject to availability. At Well Inspired Travels, we love being luxury travel consultants and creating the ultimate experiences for you.  So, pack your digital bags and follow us as we uncover exceptional luxury and wellness focused vacations.  Check-in regularly for our top five-star travel ideas and tips, and as always, we continue to stay strong WIT you!

As travel fanatics, we have kept up with the changes in the travel industry and the shift of focus towards more sustainable travel. Though we travel often, most of our time is spent at home with our family. That’s why we are making the push for sustainability at home! Check out some of the simple changes we are making around the house to be more eco-friendly when possible. The goal for sustainability at home is to preserve as much as we can for the well-being of future generations. As proud parents of three incredible kids, we want to make sure we do our part to preserve what we can for them to enjoy years down the road! On average, one person generates roughly four pounds of trash per day, resulting in 1,500 pounds of trash per month. In the United States alone, every hour, people throw away around 2.5 million plastic water bottles per hour. Just by recycling an aluminum can, the energy that is saved from this small single action can power a TV for around three hours. Many people tend to think that their efforts won’t matter, that just one person can’t make a difference. While sustainability is mainly a group effort, you, as an individual, have a choice to make if you want to participate in making the world a better place for generations to come. There are an endless amount of ways that you can live sustainably without making any major life changes. A lot of these things are essentially just creating habits. On average, it only takes two months for a habit to become a routine that you no longer have to consciously think about. Here are some ways you can incorporate sustainability into your own home: Grow a Garden! Plant some fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, trees, or whatever you desire in your backyard. This is a great way to spend time with your loved ones as well. Growing something yourself like vegetables and being able to serve it to your family at dinner will give you a great sense of accomplishment, and your helping the environment. This is a win-win and it is a perfect summertime hobby! Energy Conservation: This is as simple as remembering to turn the lights off when you leave your living room. Hang clothes to dry rather than using the dryer. Install energy-efficient appliances (they’re cheaper than non-energy efficient appliances anyways). In the summer, open up your windows and breathe in the fresh air! It might be a nice change of pace from the artificial air conditioner. -Be aware of what you buy. Things that are packaged in styrofoam and plastic contain heavily polluted material that cannot be recycled. -Shop from environmentally ethical clothing brands. Lululemon, Patagonia, and Summersalt are all examples of clothing companies making strides towards sustainable products! Donate old clothes: Donate your old clothes to clothing drives or places like the Salvation Army. Try following the one-to-one rule, every-time you purchase a new piece of clothing, donate an old piece. We all have old t-shirts and sweatshirts that are just sitting in our closet receiving no love. Someone will have an infinite amount of love to give to that item! Eat locally: This is a fun activity at home and on the road! Taste the local culture and support small businesses! We’re not saying you need to completely make a lifestyle change and go vegan. That’s not realistic for everyone to do, we get that. But, you can buy produce from local farmers’ markets (surprise, this can often be cheaper than your supermarket). Recycle: You probably already do this. But, if not, here’s another reminder to please do so. 70% of waste can be recycled, just put it in the right bin. Purchase E-Tickets: Rather than printing things out, just download it right to your phone! Download your airline or movie theatre app. This takes less effort, activity and honestly saves you the hassle of tracking down all your tickets! Try to Decrease Your Carbon Foot-Print, Just a Little: If you and your friend are meeting for Sunday brunch, drive together. This will give you more time together while exposing fewer toxins into the air, win-win! Use Non-Toxic Cleaners: Just a simple switch that is again, cheaper. Think vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, the list goes on and on. These items work just as well as the alternative! Use Reusable Water Bottles: Remember the paper straw trend that went viral then basically disappeared? This issue is still just as important. Animals are still dying from ingesting plastic. Order a few reusable water bottles and metal straws off of amazon and you’re on your way to making a difference! Bring a Mug: Love your daily trip to your local coffee house? Us too. Bring a to-go mug with you to fill up. Some places even give you discounts on your order for doing this! If they don’t, drop that idea in their suggestion box! Bring Your Own Shopping Bags: When you go to the farmers market or clothes shopping, bring your own reusable bags. It’s easy to get cool bags from local artists that are unique and stylish! Make the Change Here at Wellness Inspired Travel, we’re more than just luxury vacations. We advocate for people to live their life to its fullest potential. Living and leading a healthy life also includes doing your part to take care of the earth. If we don’t have a happy and healthy planet, then we don’t have vacations to enjoy with our loved ones. We do our best to supply you with hotels and vacation destinations that are environmentally conscious. As we said, this is a group effort here! In order for your kids and your future grandchildren to go on the adventures that you’ve had we need to have a sustainable planet. We cannot maintain our earth unless we embrace it for how it is meant to be. There is no quick and easy fix to get our earth back to its authentic self. We understand it’s not realistic to ask people to become the next environmental activist. But, if you try to incorporate these earth friendly changes into your life, you will be doing more for the earth than you can imagine. Even more, tell your friends about your new eco-friendly habits. They’ll be proud of you and want to follow the leader. You have the opportunity to make this change for your grandchildren, their kids, and so on. Take this chance. Practice these habits. The earth will thank you!

Valentine's Day is the perfect reason for you and your significant other to take a trip that allows you to focus on your relationship. Explore a new place together as your bond grows. Here's a list of the top five couples destinations for a Valentine’s Day getaway. Chablé Hotels - Maroma Looking for tranquility and privacy? Chablé’s villas are set in gorgeous independent casitas with private terrace and pool, ideal for those seeking an intimate refuge while our suites can connect with other adjacent suites. Villas and suites have the same area. The luxurious Presidential Villas have 3 bedrooms, a private pool, an outdoor dining room, and living area, as well as an indoor formal dining and living room. Chablé Maroma’s accommodations have been lovingly crafted to become an endearing retreat. Visit the spa for a couple’s treatment or one of the restaurants for a date night. Chablé’s philosophy is to be in close contact, knowing firsthand what each guest enjoys. Chablé Hotels- Yucatan Secluded and peaceful, Chablé’s Yucatan location redefines wellness and relaxation. A state of well-being can be achieved through the connection with the environment, the body, and the mind; by redefining the experience, curiosity, energy, and the expansion of our senses. On a daily basis, Chablé offers a series of activities focused on a particular sense, emotion or thought. Guests are invited to participate in all wellness, balance and cultural activities offered during their stay. Their world-renowned Spa is also something to note. The natural Cenote at Chablé is the focal point of the healing journey, providing the curative foundations and tranquil setting for the development of their spa experiences. They offer a space where ancient mysticism blends with modern curiosity to bring about a new vocabulary of well-being, all coming together to create the perfect couples getaway with a taste of adventure added in. Silversands Grenada Silversands Grenada is conceived as the antidote to the faceless homogenous luxury that forms the backdrop to the merry-go-round of the frequent traveller. It is a place where luxury is not gated off from the rest of the world, it is a beautiful addition to it. Welcome to the wild beauty of Grand Anse Beach. Welcome to Silversands Grenada. Revel in a world where modern luxury and nature harmoniously become one, a beautiful refuge from life’s merry-go-round. Drink the wild air, because when we are free, is when we are living. Slip into a haven of serenity at The Silversands Spa, featuring a full-service menu of locally inspired treatments and rituals. Unwind in the sauna and hammam, let cares float away in our temperature-controlled swimming pool, and surround yourself with the feeling of calm before or after services in our unique relaxation area. Spend the day watching the waves crash at Grenada’s luxurious and relaxing beach, it’s unsullied and untouched. Silversands is the ultimate getaway for those looking for a luxury couples getaway unique to any other destination in the world. Las Ventanas Experience romance in paradise at Las Ventanas, A Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, has redefined pampering and luxury in Los Cabos with unparalleled service and unwavering attention to detail. Leave all your cares behind and reconnect at one of the most romantic resorts in the world. Treat your loved one to a romantic stay at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort and make the most of your spacious, yet intimate accommodation for stargazing and whale-watching. Designed to offer the best of relaxation and romance, the Los Cabos getaway comprises a once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaway that can’t be passed up. Nayara Springs Nayara Springs is an adult-only luxury resort in Costa Rica. A cluster of secluded villas immersed in the lush vegetation of Costa Rica’s pristine rainforest, are at the center of Nayara Springs’s ultra-exclusive Adults-Only boutique resort. A place of breathtaking natural beauty, bounded by a creek and underground mineral thermal springs, the resort is located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, host to one of the world’s highest concentration of tropical plants and wildlife. Nayara Springs appeal to a wide range of travelers because of the many things to do in the hotel and the Arenal area –including the fine art of doing nothing at all. They offer all the amenities of a 5-star hotel: two oversized infinity edge pools that merge into the forest where one can spy toucans and hummingbirds or greet the friendly macaws that call Nayara Springs home; an award-winning spa with outdoor treatment bungalows, sauna and steam rooms; and two restaurants: AmorLoco, a piano bar lounge serving lunch by the pool and candlelight gourmet dinners with live music, and Mis Amores, our Mediterranean bistro, an outdoor terrace overlooking the volcano and the forest where we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not to mention the brand new luxury romantic tent options available to those who really want to connect with the outdoors. They also offer exclusive and private experiences ranging from Lava Field Walks to visiting animal rescue centers. 5. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, located in the Bahamas is known as a legendary, romantic getaway. Four Seasons at The Ocean Club, Bahamas has been perfecting the art of romantic accommodations since 1962. The Ocean Club even has a specific romance package for visiting couples. With a premier location on the north side of Paradise Island, the resort offers a wide variety of services, activities and amenities – many complementary – and designed with couples in mind. Wake up to breakfast on your private balcony, then indulge in a restorative treatment in one of our Balinese-style spa villas or head out for a round of golf at Ocean Club Golf Course. However you spend your day, be sure to join us back at Martini Bar and Lounge for a nightcap – shaken not stirred, of course. Experience the Bahamas together this Valentine’s Day. BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH WELL INSPIRED TRAVELS: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Breakfast credit for two per bedroom daily ($50 maximum per person, per day, excludes alcohol) $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability Complimentary Wi-Fi

This fruity and fun recipe is easy to customize for any occasion. The perfect snack that’s as cold and refreshing as ice cream, but it’s packed with protein and healthy fresh fruits! I have loved giving these treats to my kids since they were toddlers. Ingredients 1 Cup of fresh organic blueberries 1 Cup of fresh organic raspberries 32 oz. Greek vanilla yogurt Silicon trays, varying shapes (perfect for customizing!) Piping bag or large plastic bag (cut the corner after filling) Place washed berries in the bottom of the silicon dividers, lining the entire bottom of each shape. Pipe the Greek yogurt on top of the berries all the way to the top of the tray. Place filling in the freezer for 2 hours or until solid. Enjoy this sweet and healthy treat while frozen!

Growing up in Dryden, Canada has afforded me a lot of great memories; roughhousing and wrestling in the snow with my older brother, playing road hockey with a rink with boards made by snow plows or the outdoor rink just two blocks away. We were toughened by the frigid cold and uninterrupted by the lack of internet. For my family, hockey was an influence from the start, if we weren't playing road hockey, we were at our hometown rink just enjoying the game for what it was. We always loved hockey and always loved playing the game of hockey. I always knew that hockey wasn't only a hobby for me but a talent of mine, growing up moving from team to team and eventually advancing to the Ontario Hockey League, I was always one of the better kids on my teams. As I grew older, I started to see where the game could take me. It didn’t take long to realize that I would be on the road at a young age. I had a lot of fun playing in Ontario when I moved away from home. I didn't take the normal NHL hockey route, I played high school hockey during ninth and tenth grades, during 10th grade is when I was scouted by the Stratford Cullitons in Midwestern Ontario Junior B league. Everyone has their own path to the NHL, there is no right or wrong answer, this is just how things played out for me. A lot of parents and young players ask me if there is a right or wrong way to get noticed. Honestly, there isn’t. If the talent is there, the rest will take care of itself. For me, as you can imagine, leaving home at 15 was different and probably one of the most challenging things I have done in my lifetime. It wasn't an easy transition but I was very excited to play at a higher level than I was used to and challenge myself, even though I was playing with 19 and 20-year-olds when I was 14 and 15 years old. It taught me a lot about how to protect myself and I was able to gain maturity on the ice and learn at a more rapid pace. By the end of my first season in Stratford, I felt like I had already outgrown the league but there was still a major decision to come. Should I follow my brother, Sean, and go the NCAA route or pave my own path to the NHL and head to the OHL. It was a difficult decision at the time and one never knows if they are making the right choice until much, much later. The OHL helped me when it was time to play in the NHL. I was already used to the rigorous travel and long arduous 66 game season, while playing three to four times a week. I was already used to becoming tired and run down. Then add in the grind of the playoffs and you really know what the long NHL season can feel like. Looking back on things, the love of the game meant I had to grow up sooner than most, leaving home when I was only 15, it made me who I am today. I look at my kids today, and it’s crazy to think that at their age I was getting ready to leave home. Thankfully, I had great people looking out for me and my best interests wherever I traveled to. Knowing how traveling at a young age helped me become a more well-rounded individual, Lauren and I knew how important traveling would be for our children. My kids are more cultured from traveling and experiencing different parts of the world, understanding where and how people grow up is so beneficial. Traveling opens your eyes to different perspectives, in return, making you a better, more in-tuned person. We all want our children to have a better life than we had, but I also want them to have struggles and go through different adversities. Our kids today are already more aware of the world with the help of technology than I ever was growing up, but traveling is an excellent teacher. “Climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.”

As early as I can remember you could always find my mother in her happy place, the kitchen. She is the ultimate giver and pleaser with all things in life, but for her, one of her greatest joys is to feed her family healthy, nutritious, and spectacularly delicious food! I’m a firm believer that food tastes so much better when made with love. Joshua Rosenthal, the founder of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition is also a big believer in this theory as well. Growing up my mom had a wonderful organic garden with an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits. She always cooked with these hand-picked goodies straight from the garden. My mouth waters just thinking about those tasty fried green tomatoes! I grew up at that breakfast counter bar stool watching every move my mom made. She rarely used a recipe. She made her best meals on the fly. She makes a killer pasta dish. Oh, and she never does the dishes! That seemed to always be my job, but I was always happy to oblige as long as I was in the kitchen soaking up her culinary skills and life lessons. It was in the kitchen where we talked about struggles with boyfriends or pressures in school, somehow we solved all the world’s problems over the delicious smell of browning garlic in the skillet. Today I now enjoy these special moments with my own daughter in the kitchen. I know the importance of learning to cook at a young age. My heart is most happy when I’m blessed to have my favorite chefs by my side in the kitchen, mom, and Lilah. As I watch my mom teach Lilah the basics, as she does so well I’m grateful she is a healthy, strong, breast cancer survivor and is here with us today. I have always admired my mom’s culinary talents in the kitchen and my friends and family tell me I’m just as good as her; I tend to disagree.  Maybe it’s the love of your own mother’s cooking that makes every bite taste so good! Whatever the secret recipe is- I’m grateful for the moments at the kitchen counter; while learning how to cook I learned so much more and it’s formed me into the woman I am today.

A combination of careful planning, hard work, and a sprinkle of serendipity gave Chris and me the opportunity to attend the 2019 Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas just a couple short weeks after the official launch of WellInspiredTravels.com! As first-time guests, we were eager to attend the biggest luxury travel event of the year, so we had been mapping this trip for quite some time. Both of us have been thumbing through magazines, scouring the internet, talking to all of our industry connections about what was to come but truly nothing could have prepared us for the extensive programming and completely immersive experience. We’re so grateful for the knowledge we gained in such a short amount of time and the connections we made – all of which we will be able to share with our network. As Travel Advisors with Protravel International, Chris and I are a part of the Virtuoso family of luxury travel experts. This invaluable connection opens doors (both literally and figuratively) all across the world to us and our clients. Virtuoso’s distinctive focus on the passion that drives both the traveler and travel advisors has further inspired our mission and motivation to serve our network at WellInspiredTravels.com with the best and most unique luxury travel experiences. In just one eventful week we’ve made lifelong connections, learned invaluable information about the industry we’ve committed to grow in, and enhanced our ability to provide insight on even more exclusive destinations across the world! But, what happened in Vegas isn’t going to stay there – this time. We’ve rounded up some of our biggest takeaways from our first Virtuoso Travel Week and we can’t wait to share them with you! 1. Our wanderlust and wanderlist keeps growing. Virtuoso Travel week welcomed approximately 6,200 luxury travel experts from over 100 countries to share in the passion for travel. That equates to around 700 of the world’s best destinations gathering to show luxury travel advisors everything their premiere locales have in store for trekkers worldwide. Spanning across the Bellagio to Aria to Vdara – this iconic conference is more than just a ballroom and a few booths, in fact, they call this “Virtuoso City.” This incredibly orchestrated week of opportunity is jam-packed with opportunities to meet face to face with those who share your wanderlust. This year, Virtuoso unveiled their Wanderlist programming that provides a framework for advisors to better assist clients and connects clients with passionate advisors ready to help make their travel dreams come true! This exclusive interactive “wishlist” works to organize and build all of the bucket list elements of a dream luxury vacation and streamlines the process for clients and travel advisors alike. 2. Virtuoso is a family business! Imagine how thrilled Chris and I were to meet more couples acting as partners in their travel businesses? We had the absolute honor to meet with Virtuoso’s CEO Matthew Upchurch and his wife Jessica Hall Upchurch, Vice Chair and Sustainability Ambassador. All throughout the Virtuoso organization and Virtuoso Travel Week we encountered family members working together including husbands and wives, parents and grown children who’ve carved out a space for themselves in the ever-growing travel industry. Beyond the literal bonds of family found throughout the organization, we felt that the warm and welcoming environment of Virtuoso Travel Week seemed like a family reunion. It’s not often and certainly it doesn’t span across every industry, where your colleagues are your champions and your biggest cheerleaders. Everyone we met was eager to share encouraging advice and ready to assist us with building our wellness and luxury travel network. We left Virtuoso Travel Week with literally hundreds of business cards, countless memories, and our inboxes already flooded with personal connections we sincerely look forward to fostering! 3. Wellness and sustainability travel go hand in hand. Sitting down with Jessica Upchurch, Vice Chair and Sustainability Ambassador of Virtuoso, Chris and I had the opportunity to dive into the growing sustainability travel programming and offerings. Travelers and advisors alike feel even better about luxury experiences when they know that their carbon footprint and environmental impact is as efficient as possible. As wellness travel experts, we understand the importance of mindfulness while traveling; meeting Jessica and exchanging ideas and inspiration behind sustainable traveling with the industry leader was an absolute gift! The role we play in the environment as travel advisors and globe trekkers is significant, so we look forward to sharing even more environmentally conscious, sustainable options with travelers across the world. 4. Virtuoso lives and celebrates excellence. Not only does Virtuoso strive to share the best destinations in the world and ensure that travelers’ expectations are far exceeded – they celebrate advisors and vendors who make a habit of doing so. Our last evening at Virtuoso Travel Week, Chris and I had the honor of attending the Virtuoso Gala Awards Dinner. Here we had the privilege of celebrating the best of the best. Some of the awards included The Most Engaged Tourism Board, Most Comprehensive Advisor Program, Lifestyle Partner of the Year, Most Engaged Services Partner, Hottest Destination of the Year, Best River Cruise Line… and so much more! Witnessing the camaraderie and sincere support shown throughout the room was nothing short of inspiring. 5. It’s possible to travel around the world in one day! Where else in the world can you meet face to face with virtually every top wellness destination in the world in one day? Virtuoso Travel Week coordinates “Globetrotting” sessions in a series of tracks where you’re able to meet with properties and get a taste of their offerings to better share about them with your clients. Chris and I were fully immersed in wellness properties located in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, the United States, and worldwide cruises all housed under one expansive roof! Each property has curated bits of their best luxurious experiences and works to share them with travel advisors in timed sessions. During these special sessions we tried meditation methods, learned about regional arts and healing methods, had our curiosity piqued about a variety of cultural influences, and made a face to face connection with representatives worldwide. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Our week was brimming with opportunity and it is quite literally impossible to experience it all – which is why we met advisors who’ve returned year after year since the 1990’s! Chris and I certainly plan to come back next year already and we’re eager to share everything we’ve learned about the best in luxury wellness travel with our network. Pack your digital bags and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as we explore each destination! If you're looking to plan your next trip, Reach out to us here to start getting inspired together!

We can’t always make it to the spa – sometimes we have to bring the spa home. Epsom Salt baths have been a part of my self-care routine for over twenty years. The benefits of this easy, inexpensive, and relaxing treatment will have you looking for just about any excuse to fill up the tub and take a dip! People have used epsom salt in their health and wellness routines to cure and treat various illnesses including stomach and digestion issues, insomnia, skin irritation, sore muscles, and so much more! It seems as though more companies are beginning to take notice of this simple and effective treatment – offering a wide variety of scented and enhanced salts to try! The Magnesium found in Epsom Salt can be credited to many of the health benefits that a long, warm soak provides. When you mix your salt with water, it releases Magnesium and Sulfate ions prepping them for absorption into your skin*. Adding Epsom Salt baths to my routine helps me relax, treats my sore muscles, and exfoliates my skin. Relaxation with Epsom Salt Baths Having three kids, a hectic schedule, and keeping up with my incredible husband can be stressful! I believe that treating yourself to some quiet time that’s just for you is essential to your health. You cannot care for others if you do not care for yourself. An Epsom Salt bath creates the perfect opportunity to just relax, breathe, and meditate. Different packages offer differing instructions for dilution and creating your beautiful bath, so simply follow the advice you find there and get to soaking! The act of creating this environment alone can be quite peaceful and relaxing. Enhance your bath time routine with candles, some of your favorite music, and a waterproof read! Treating Sore Muscles If you’re using an Epsom Salt bath to soak your sore muscles, check the label for instructions on your best dilution. There are a variety of formulations created specifically for the relief of aching joints and muscles – we love Dr. Teal’s Pre & Post Workout blend and Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Therapeutic Soak. Exfoliation & Prep for Hydration If you find that there are still some grains of salt at the bottom of your tub that have yet to dissolve – you’re in luck. Use these granules to make soft, smooth circles up against your skin. Focus on your feet, knees, elbows, and any extra callused area on your body. After you’ve finished with your bath, pat your skin dry and massage your favorite hydrating lotion into those areas for total absorption.

As early as I can remember you could always find my mother in her happy place, the kitchen. She is the ultimate giver and pleaser with all things in life, but for her one of her greatest joys is to feed her family healthy, nutritious, and spectacularly delicious food! I’m a firm believer that food tastes so much better when made with love. Joshua Rosenthal, the founder of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition is also a big believer in this theory as well. Growing up my mom had a wonderful organic garden with an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits.  She always cooked with these hand-picked goodies straight from the garden.  My mouth waters just thinking about those tasty fried green tomatoes! I grew up at that breakfast counter bar stool watching every move my mom made. She rarely used a recipe. She made her best meals on the fly. She makes a killer pasta dish.  Oh, and she never does the dishes! That seemed to always be my job, but I was always happy to oblige as long as I was in the kitchen soaking up her culinary skills and life lessons. It was in the kitchen where we talked about struggles with boyfriends or pressures in school, somehow we solved all the world’s problems over the delicious smell of browning garlic in the skillet. Today I now enjoy these special moments with my own daughter in the kitchen. I know the importance of learning to cook at a young age. My heart is most happy when I’m blessed to have my favorite chefs by my side in the kitchen, mom and Lilah.  As I watch my mom teach Lilah the basics, as she does so well I’m grateful she is a healthy, strong, breast cancer survivor and is here with us today. I have always admired my mom’s culinary talents in the kitchen and my friends and family tell me I’m just as good as her; I tend to disagree.  Maybe it’s the love of your own mother’s cooking that makes every bite taste so good! Whatever the secret recipe is-  I’m grateful for the moments at the kitchen counter; while learning how to cook I learned so much more and it’s formed me into the woman I am today.

We can’t always make it to the spa – sometimes we have to bring the spa home. Epsom Salt baths have been a part of my self-care routine for over twenty years. The benefits of this easy, inexpensive, and relaxing treatment will have you looking for just about any excuse to fill up the tub and take a dip! People have used epsom salt in their health and wellness routines to cure and treat various illnesses including stomach and digestion issues, insomnia, skin irritation, sore muscles, and so much more! It seems as though more companies are beginning to take notice of this simple and effective treatment – offering a wide variety of scented and enhanced salts to try! The Magnesium found in Epsom Salt can be credited to many of the health benefits that a long, warm soak provides. When you mix your salt with water, it releases Magnesium and Sulfate ions prepping them for absorption into your skin*. Adding Epsom Salt baths to my routine helps me relax, treats my sore muscles, and exfoliates my skin. Relaxation with Epsom Salt Baths Having three kids, a hectic schedule, and keeping up with my incredible husband can be stressful! I believe that treating yourself to some quiet time that’s just for you is essential to your health. You cannot care for others if you do not care for yourself. An Epsom Salt bath creates the perfect opportunity to just relax, breathe, and meditate. Different packages offer differing instructions for dilution and creating your beautiful bath, so simply follow the advice you find there and get to soaking! The act of creating this environment alone can be quite peaceful and relaxing. Enhance your bath time routine with candles, some of your favorite music, and a waterproof read! Treating Sore Muscles If you’re using an Epsom Salt bath to soak your sore muscles, check the label for instructions on your best dilution. There are a variety of formulations created specifically for the relief of aching joints and muscles – we love Dr. Teal’s Pre & Post Workout blend and Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Therapeutic Soak. Exfoliation & Prep for Hydration If you find that there are still some grains of salt at the bottom of your tub that have yet to dissolve – you’re in luck. Use these granules to make soft, smooth circles up against your skin. Focus on your feet, knees, elbows, and any extra callused area on your body. After you’ve finished with your bath, pat your skin dry and massage your favorite hydrating lotion into those areas for total absorption.