Relax on a Multigenerational Family Wellness Vacation

From innovative biohacking treatments to natural hot springs in the U.S., consider these tranquil ideas for a wellness vacation

While travel among families is still popular, it has become more intentional with a focus on health and well-being. Enjoying a wellness vacation is trending among families with tweens, teenagers and college-age kids for several reasons.

People are looking to unplug from everyday stressors like global conflicts, work, school and home life balance and economic uncertainty. Here is the perfect opportunity to bond with loved ones while treating yourselves to a healthy trip together. Even holistic programs have shifted to focus on unique types of therapies, innovative treatments and tech-driven sessions.

In this article, we’ll cover unique rejuvenation practices sure to please multigenerational families with teens and young adults, and what you need for a successful, healthy vacation. Discover destinations around the U.S. that offer relaxation, innovative spa treatments, natural healing resources and tips for planning a soothing wellness vacation.

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Evolution of a Wellness Vacation

Oftentimes, people experience fatigue after a trip. This is because the planning and execution of a group getaway can be stressful. Taking a wellness vacation, however, is different in that the purpose is to relieve stress and promote overall health.

In the past, a typical wellness getaway consisted of staying at a resort that included a spa. Today, multigenerational groups with young adult members have numerous options for diverse wellness-focused activities that branch out from the usual spa trips.

Diverse Wellness Vacation Options

With so many unique and dynamic experiences, these trending practices are great ideas suitable for multigenerational groups:

• Biohacking spa treatments
• Natural hot springs
• Outdoor physical and mental wellness activities
• Forest bathing
• Oceanic healing

What is Biohacking?

An idea that has reinvented the wellness industry is known as biohacking. Wellness resorts, retreats and spas around the country offer biohacking programs coupled with healthy nutrition, traditional spa treatments and pioneering beauty technologies.

At its core, biohacking incorporates key components in everyday life, including optimal sleep, hydration, natural light exposure, a grounding in nature, breathing exercises, nutrition, physical activity and movement paired with advanced technology. Touchless treatments like sound therapies and zero-gravity stress-reducing apparatuses can be paired with classic spa rituals and natural amenities to create a well-rounded experience.

Biohacking treatment options

Biohacking spa services are “scientifically proven evidence-based treatments” offered at many wellness resorts around the world. Therapies in this category can include but are not limited to:

• LPG Endermologie – a unisex natural and painless anti-aging treatment. The patented technique of cellular stimulation through mechanical massaging was introduced in France.
• LED and infrared light therapy – a restorative facial using LED or infrared light that diminishes pores, obliterates acne and tightens skin.
• Anti-gravity beds – help to relieve joint pressure throughout the body. Usually, this is done while meditating, restoring sleep or another biohacking therapies.
• HigherDose Mats – used at the Fairmount Spa Century Plaza in Los Angeles, to support the body’s natural recovery process using Magnetic Field Therapy, healing crystals, and heat.

Biohacking in Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are home to luxurious resorts that cater to guests’ well-being with natural island assets and biohacking options.

Kauai’s 1 Hotels Hanalei Bay welcomes guests with a shot of B-12 before heading to their Wellness Suites, which are dedicated to rejuvenation and ultimate relaxation. Other offerings include an infrared sauna, a float tank, a hyperbaric chamber, meditation pods and more.

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers a multi-day Longevity Protocol experience with stem cell therapy and NAD+ IV drips (known as the fountain of youth). They also offer cutting-edge therapies to optimize the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Wellness Vacations at Natural Hot Springs in the U.S.

Ecopsychology is the relationship between human beings and the natural world. Understanding this connection allows us to utilize Mother Nature’s healing properties right at our fingertips. A timeless and ever-popular way to rejuvenate is at the many natural hot springs in the U.S. For those craving a wellness vacation in the wilderness, Mother Nature provides geothermal pools that have been used for healing purposes for thousands of years.

Find natural hot springs throughout the U.S. at the following locations:

• Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas
• Terwilliger Hot Springs, Oregon
• The town of Hot Springs, North Carolina
• Montezuma Hot Springs, six miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada
• The town of Desert Hot Springs, California
• Warm Mineral Springs in North Point, Florida
• Olympic Hot Springs throughout the Olympic National Park in Washington State

3 wellness resorts featuring natural hot springs in the U.S.

There are numerous resorts located within these naturally occurring wonders that make a perfect setting for your next multigenerational wellness vacation. They utilize natural resources and also provide additional outdoor activities suitable for all ages.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, located in Murrieta, California, will be open to the public in February 2024 for the first time in 30 years. Previously used as a Christian Bible college, a Jewish resort, and a commune, the resort features 50 geothermal pools on 46 lush acres. The waters are rich in minerals, including potassium, sodium, silica, boron, and others, which are known to revitalize skin, help with circulation and boost overall mood. In addition, the resort features a family-friendly pool and a kid’s menu. The healing waters bubble up out of the ground at a range of 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit before being cooled to a safe 104 degrees for guests to soak.

Castle Hot Springs Resort is an all-inclusive desert oasis set among millennia-old natural hot springs in Morristown, Arizona. They welcome families with kids 16 and older to heal, socialize, bathe, and go on a spiritual journey in the mineral-rich waters. Their properties include lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates, which help to naturally improve mood, calm the mind, and soothe aching joints and muscles.

The Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia welcomes families to soak in the Warm Springs Pools. Gentlemen’s and Lady’s Bathhouses allow groups to sit in the high mineral content, body temperature water for 50 minutes with a reservation. Archeological evidence proves that the springs have been used by humans for at least 9,000 years.

Outdoor Wellness Vacation Ideas for Families

Aside from natural healing springs, many hotels and resorts around the country offer unique revitalization practices also found in nature. Thanks to geographic location and natural landscapes at hand, oftentimes, accommodations tap into them providing one-of-a-kind experiences in tranquil settings.

Forest bathing

Forest bathing is the practice of immersing in a dense forest to practice mindfulness in nature. Originating in Japan, the tradition of Shinrin-Yoku has been proven to alleviate stress and improve overall mind and body health. Many locations around the country offer the perfect atmosphere for such an activity.

Where to bathe in wild forests

• Humboldt Redwoods State Park, CA – The impressive “Avenue of the Giants” mesmerizes visitors before transporting them into a magnificent, ancient setting full of gigantic redwoods, fresh air and wildlife.
• Olympic National Park, WA – America’s only temperate rainforest provides a pristine opportunity to get lost among giant ferns, pillowy-soft moss-covered ground, towering pines and Bigleaf maples.
• Pocono Mountains, PA – Families coming to the Poconos can forest bathe with professionals at The Lodge at Woodloch, offering guided hikes into the wilderness with lessons in forest bathing and mindfulness.

Oceanic Healing

The briny salt air, vitamin-rich sunshine, salt water and soft sand are all mood lifters with numerous healing properties. While some family members on a beach vacation may choose to try a new beauty craze, others may seek the ocean for healing. Luckily, many resorts in the U.S. that are located near the ocean tend to offer the best of both worlds. The healing salty sea atmosphere, plenty of outdoor activities, advanced spa technologies, and new-age techniques combined with healthy menus provide options for everyone.

Wellness resorts on the ocean

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is located steps from the Atlantic Ocean with stretches of soft sand to sink your toes into. Carillon Miami offers health retreats, touchless treatments, a spa and fitness center, thermal therapy, energy healing sessions, cryotherapies and more. Work out inside the gym with a view of the expansive ocean or clear your mind on the beach during a yoga or mindful breathing session. Vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients make healthy eating the forefront of their savory on-site restaurants.

Montage Palmetto Bluff is a stunning resort in Bluffton, South Carolina, and a Lowcountry dreamscape full of outdoor activities to heal the body, mind and soul. The expansive 20,000 acres provide relaxing avocations like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and hiking through marshlands ripe with wildlife. Guests can use the on-site bicycles and explore the vast property, perfect for restless teenagers. Family members can also enjoy birdwatching opportunities together along the saltwater marshes. Additionally, a world-class fitness center and swimming pool allow grandparents to splash and swim with their grandkids. Multiple on-site restaurants offer diverse, healthy and fresh food options for all ages and palates.

Planning a Multigenerational Vacation is a Family Affair

While there are many wellness-focused destinations around the country, only some allow teens and young adults to enjoy their healing amenities. Additionally, certain activities may not appeal to every member of your group. What should you consider when planning a multigenerational wellness vacation?

1. Determine the type of wellness vacation everyone is interested in. There are many diverse experiences offered at wellness resorts and spas, such as biohacking treatments, natural amenities like hot springs, innovative beauty technology, yoga and meditation, traditional spa treatments, and beach retreats. Be sure to consider the ages of family members attending the trip as some resorts are adults-only while others welcome teens and young adults.
2. Create a budget that allows for multiple treatments and health-oriented programs. Many all-inclusive wellness resorts include access to their spa, fitness center, and other amenities, while specific treatments and sessions may be an additional cost.
3. Plan ahead and book your trip well in advance to secure spa treatments, classes and other sessions. Be sure to know any seasonal options during certain times of the year before booking.
4. Research spa treatments and wellness activities offered at your accommodation. Are they suitable for tweens, college-aged, and older family members? Consider choosing a location that offers an array of services.
5. Reservations are required at most spas and resorts with some offering family group experiences. Ask about group pricing when booking activities and accommodation.
6. Pack accordingly for the types of wellness activity options. Consider workout clothing, hiking shoes, proper outdoor gear, etc. This may also include leaving behind your computer and tablet for a combination digital detox.
7. Be open-minded to new self-care practices. Try yoga, meditation, manifestation, hypnosis or other unfamiliar activities and treatments.
8. Explore healthy nutrition options the whole group will enjoy, whether this is on-site or outside of your accommodation. Typically, nutrition and healthy eating habits are incorporated into wellness packages, including kid and teen-appropriate menus.

It’s always a great time to invest in family bonding with multiple generations in tow. The point of a vacation is to relax, and an intentional wellness vacation will give groups just that and so much more.

If you’re thinking of planning a multigenerational trip or family reunion, subscribe for free to Destination Reunions today and get inspired!

By Heather Dale, Managing Editor

Header photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs Resort.