Get Inspired | Travel Tips | Montecito Village Travel

The Sea of Stars: Wellness Travel

Written by Shianne Motter | March 28, 2023

Like a breath of fresh air

When we learn a new language, take a different route to work, or visit a new country, we are actually rewiring our brains to become more creative, and build healthier habits. These "wires" are formally known as neuropathways. Think of these pathways like roadmaps in the brain - the more of them we have, the healthier & more resilient the brain becomes. Neural pathways are the foundation to how we act, think and feel. One of the best ways to build those new pathways in the brain? Travel! 

 When you step out of your comfort zone you're promoting mindfulness, a fresh perspective, curiosity, and empathy. Travel is transformative, especially when wellness is the focus. Get there with MVT & unlock VIP status, and special added amenities. From the sea of stars to wildlife safari around the world, here are some top experiences & hotel stays to inspire where to go on vacation next. 

Experiential Travel

In recent years, one thing has become clear: new experiences are more valuable than things. Dr. Stefan Klein, the author of The Science of Happiness, believes that the pleasures of discovering new things, foods, and the joy that comes with meeting new people all come together to create a feeling of happiness in any traveler.

📍 Sea of Stars, Maldives

A natural late-summer phenomenon, bioluminescent phytoplankton in the Maldives is a treat for the senses. The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is also home to more than 250 types of coral, and 1,200 fish species. 

Vaadhoo Island in the Raa Atoll is the most well-known spot for viewing the plankton, though it is dependant on conditions and may occur on any of the islands

JOALI BEING

Travel can truly restorative to mind and body when stress is minimized as much as possible. High stress levels are associated with a long list of symptoms like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Eliminating stress improves the immune system promoting a healthy mind & body. A wellness retreat can melt away stress and help us build tools to deal with it in the future. 

In the spirit of wellness and sustainability, JOALI BEING celebrates the joy of weightlessness, and it's the first of its kind in the Maldives. Culinary arts at JOALI BEING focus on an earth-to-table initiative, promising ingredient traceability and offering fresh, locally harvested foods that support small farms. Immerse yourself in total relaxation & wanderlust this summer. You can fly Maldives (MLE) from Paris, London and other European cities.

Go with MVT to save up to 40% when you book JOALI now through September 2023. 

Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet

This experience is for the jet-setters! Take the real adventure of a lifetime February - March 2024 with A&K.  Travel in a small group of 48 guests on a customized jet equipped with fully lie-flat seats, staying in luxurious accommodations along the way and encountering iconic animals with the best experts at your side. From the noble Bengal tiger and placid whale shark to the endangered mountain gorilla and playful lemur, experience these wonders of the world like never before. 

The Belmond Bellini Club

Travelers often make connections easily and bond over the shared experience in a foreign place. There is something to be said about how easy it is to make new friendships or connections while we are traveling. Building relationships, and being connected and social is a huge driver for positive mental health. 

Why does travel makes us happy? Just ask Belmond Caribbean: "the people!"

📍Belmond Cap Juluca Island-chic

Cap Juluca offers authentic island experiences, such as an indoor/outdoor spa, local cuisine, candlelight beach dining, and ocean adventures. With panoramic views of the sea, garden, and infinity pools, guests immediately feel the relaxed, healthy vibes flowing from sea to sand. Every room has an ocean view. 

MVT is a member of the Belmond Bellini Club- which means special access to room upgrades, plus stay 5 nights as part of the suite life and enjoy: 

  • Round-trip boat transfers for two
  • Bottle of Champagne on arrival
  • Daily Breakfast
  • $250 resort credit per room, per stay

Curacao is Calling

Sandals newest all-inclusive resort in Curaçao is where the natural romance of this intimate island comes alive. Dive into the turquoise waters and explore what’s beneath. Explore the property on cruiser bikes, try the three new food trucks, take out the SCUBA gear or just swim up to one of their 13 bars - there is so much to do do so little time at Sandals. 

 

The Ocean State of Mind

Cruising, in particular, offers an added element of socializing and bonding over shared space & experiences.  Being over international water takes people out of their comfort zone, and adds an extra sense of adventure to any destination. Aren't sure where to go on vacation? A luxury cruise is a seamless way to travel to multiple cities or countries - only unpacking once! Skip the airport and live life on the water for a change. 

Explora Journyes

Did you know that seeing or hearing water triggers a release of neurochemicals that induce relaxation? Just being around the ocean makes us happier! Introducing Explora Journeys, a brand new luxury cruise experience founded on the believing in the tangible impact of the ocean on wellbeing - physical, spiritual, and emotional.

You can book Explora Journey's Maiden Voyage into the Fjords July 17- August 1, 2023

Celebrity Cruises 

Wellness is so essential to Celebrity Cruises, they created an entire guest experience around it with AquaClass® staterooms. Enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, plant-based room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board. They have thought of everything so that you can fully focus on nurturing your mind, body, and spirit.

Why use a travel agent? 

A vacation might be just what the doctor order to refresh the mind & body. But planning a trip might cause more stress than not. An MVT advisor can ensure you have a well planned & balanced trip. Booking with MVT also opens doors to VIP status and other exclusive benefits like welcome amenities, flexible check in-out, and hotel spending credits.