New Experiences and Activities that are Bringing the Destination to the Destination Spa

According to the 7^th Annual State of Spa Travel Report, more than 57 percent of travel agents reported that travelers are now seeking an “immersion in more unique, indigenous cultural experiences, versus ‘generic luxury’ at destinations.” This growing desire coupled with an increased demand for wellness travel is resulting in truly unique and destination-specific treatments, activities, and experiences cropping up at some of our favorite destination spas. Think of it as bringing the destination to the destination spa, allowing you to get the best of both worlds when it comes to travel. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite new experiences as well as some oldies but goodies below!

First up is a new program beginning April 20th at Lake Austin Spa Resort (pictured), Rhythm and Moves. Austin is known as the live music capital of the world and this new program brings what the destination is known for straight to the guests of the destination spa. Knowing that music has a profound effect on the body, mind, and soul, Lake Austin is merging the live music of local artists with their yoga, indoor cycling, meditation, and cooking classes, as well as hosting live lakeside performances, consider this wellness by way of sound. Featured artists include 19-year old fiddle prodigy Ruby Jane, multi-platinum selling songwriter Kimmie Rhodes and Sara Hickman, an Official State Musician of Texas. Classes are no additional charge for guests of the all-inclusive resort and the 2015 dates include: April 20-26, May 18-24, June 22-28, July 20-26, August 17-23, September 21-27, October 19-25.

In Ojai, California, April means one thing… pixie tangerines. A destination spa that embraces this local treat both on its culinary and its spa menus is The Oaks at Ojai. From spa treatments, culinary offerings, juices, a special 5-night package, even the scent that greets guests as they walk through the doors, The Oaks celebrates all things pixie. In 2014, Oaks guests indulged on more than 7,000 pixie tangerines! This year guests can enjoy a scrub that uses the essential oils found in the tangerines, pixie pedicures, pixie cooking demos with Chef Christine Denny, and more! Can’t make it to The Oaks to have one of the famed Green Tangerine Dream pixie smoothies? Whip one up at home using this great recipe they shared with us here!

While not a traditional destination spa, Mukul Beach Golf & Spa in Nicaragua offers both luxury wellness travel along with truly destination-specific experiences like the Óolal Journeys. These journeys can include anything from a cooking lesson at a local’s home to an excursion to go forest bathing with a local healer or sand boarding at Cerro Negro, allowing you to have a truly Nicaraguan experience.

At Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, guests experience local flavor from the organic garden Tres Estrellas in treatments like the Rancho La Puerta Herbal Wrap as well as in their meals!
Do you know of a spa that brings in the destination itself? Share it in the comments below!