‘Blue Health’ is a new trend hitting luxury travel, and there’s a good reason for it. It can provide us with real mental and physical benefits. And the requirements? Just be near water, regardless of whether it’s a lake, river, or the ocean.
Forget spa days or resort holidays this summer, think coastal retreats. This way, you’re able to tick multiple boxes at once. You get a vacation, great, but also a reset. A reset that can benefit your current well-being.
What is Blue Health?
Blue Health refers to the idea that spending time near water delivers mental and physical well-being benefits. The concept is being popularized by marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nicholes in his book, Blue Mind.
Whether living near or travelling to, water, regardless of type, can benefit our mental and physical well-being.
- Quick Stress Reduction: Spending 20 to 30 minutes in a ‘natural’ setting, such as by a river, lake, or the sea, can reduce cortisol levels by 21.3% per hour.
- Lower Anxiety and Depression: The CDC recognizes swimming and aquatic therapy as an effective way to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Increased Physical Activity: 13 out of 35 studies showed a positive link between the proximity to blue spaces and high levels of physical activity.
Top Blue Health Destinations This Summer
Americans are flooded with quality blue health travel destinations, with the top options including:
The Florida Keys
Few places deliver the blue mind experience like the Keys. Year-round sunshine, turquoise water, and a lifestyle built around the ocean make it an ideal destination. Summer kicks off fishing season across the Florida coastline as well, with tarpon and mahi-mahi season booming during this period. This aspect of the Keys has become increasingly popular in recent years, with fishing becoming a favoured holiday hobby in the region. The rise in popularity is thanks to increased appearances in mainstream media, seen in the resurgence of shows like Deadliest Catch and the popularity of fishing games and slot games like Fishing Frenzy.
Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay is ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. It offers crystal-clear water, perfect blue-sky weather, and tons of water activities. A new boutique hotel is also opening this summer, Andaz Turks and Caicos, which is owned by Vista Development LTD, a hotel operator that’s known for providing exceptional services in this region.
Maui, Hawaii
For more of a domestic escape, little is going to beat Maui. The coastline offers everything, including outrigger canoeing, open-water swimming, and world-class surfing. With tons of luxury hotels available and Hawaii’s deep culture around the ocean, the blue health experience just gets better.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Very quietly, Hilton Head Island has become a go-to destination for those seeking a luxury coastal escape. Here, you have miles of uncrowded beaches, salt marshes, and tidal creeks, making it the perfect location for blue health retreats.
Will You Be Taking a Blue Health Trip?
As Dr. Nichols said, water is medicine. Therefore, why not tick two boxes at once? Book a vacation that is both enjoyable and good for your well-being. It doesn’t matter if it’s a weekend at the Keys or a few weeks in Maui; both experiences can benefit you, your life, and your family.
