Ever had one of those days when you just wanted to get away from everything? Maybe it's time for you to take a break at a wellness retreat in Hong Kong (and beyond).
Living in Hong Kong can be stressful. Man, even the heat’s been a killer lately! Luckily, there are various ways for us to destress in Hong Kong, whether it’s going for a budget-friendly massage, splurging on a luxe staycay, or sweating it out at the gym. As for those who want to escape the crowds, good news is that the hidden beaches and remote islands around the 852 aren’t your only havens – going on a wellness retreat is a great option, too. Not sure if it’s the right thing for you? The team at Bliss Body Journeys is here to answer your burning questions about wellness retreats in Hong Kong.
Wellness retreats in Hong Kong: What you need to know
Is there only a certain “type” of people who go on wellness retreats?
It’s widely popular to think that if you’re going on a spiritual retreat, something is off in your life, and you need to do something radical as a retreat. But, we can assure you that going on a retreat is an incredibly important self-care tool. Every person who keeps a modern lifestyle needs some time away from everything in order to reconnect with oneself. A retreat, for instance, is a good opportunity to experience stillness, peace, and to learn life-changing skills that will impact the everyday life, the way we relate with others, and even our performance at work.
Often, we receive guests who are tired and overwhelmed with the fast-paced lifestyle, feel that they’re on the crossroads in their lives, or need a break from the distractions around them. Most of our guests also have their first retreat experience with us, during which we’d introduce them to spirituality, yoga, meditation, and self-awareness. Whether you’re a CEO, a business owner, or a working parent, wellness retreats can help you gain clarity and find purpose.
What happens at a wellness retreat?
In a wellness retreat, everything is curated for the guests to embark on a personal healing process. You’ll be introduced to ancient spiritual practises, such as meditation, yoga, sound therapy, and breathwork. The process is designed to support you in releasing stress and anxiety while recovering from your busy lifestyle.
Retreats are set in a healing ambience, where you’ll feel immersed in nature. Daily activities consist of wellness talks, meditation, energy healing sessions, and, of course, rejuvenating yoga practice. Step-by-step programmes allow guests to ease into the journey more smoothly and immerse themselves more deeply. You’ll also experience the impact of the practices as you take time to rest, integrate, and journal about your inner processes. We tend not to overwhelm each day with activities, as we’d rather give space for you to retreat into your being.
What can we expect to result from a wellness retreat – instant healing, or…?
When people immerse themselves into a retreat setting, surrounded by nature and with a structured programme, something shifts inside them. They’re able to slow down and stop worrying as they receive the balancing effects from each practice.
Most of our guests don’t get to enjoy time off and take care of themselves, as they’re always trying to plan and control their stressful lives. In this case, a wellness retreat works like a reset button. This sort of sanctuary is where you’d get to experience the feeling of being “suspended” – as if stopping time – to acquaint with yourself, and how you honestly think and feel about your life.
After a wellness retreat, guests usually leave way more rested, restored, rejuvenated, and empowered as they’re more equipped to manage their normal lives. At a retreat, a window for transformation is open, and it is on each participant to intentionally change their lives and being.
Do we have to go really far away (like another country) to be able to get the best experience?
It’s always a wonderful experience to go on a retreat in an exotic location. There are special wellness retreats in sacred locations across the world, and many guests fly from afar to join the experience. We hold an exclusive “Soul Revival” programme in Marrakesh, for instance. That being said, there is no longer a need to travel far away to have the best retreat experience, because there are actually nature sanctuaries in Hong Kong, too, right on your doorstep! The rule of thumb is to “follow your intention”. If you’re committed and present, transformation can happen anywhere.
What are the things first-timers need to prepare for before the retreat?
The most important thing is willingness. Even though wellness retreats work as a “container” for healing and spiritual growth, guests must be willing to go on this journey. Being able to experience the natural ambience, holistic dining, and silence is already quite healing. Still, it depends on each person how far they’re ready to take it. In other words, the purpose of wellness retreats is to ignite inner transformation. However, change doesn’t come in one single afternoon – it demands practice, inner work, and consistency.
What are some wellness trends that we can expect to see in Hong Kong and beyond?
Wellness retreats are in a high demand worldwide nowadays, especially in Hong Kong. We’ve noticed that more and more people are curious about our high-end wellness retreats and programmes in Portugal and Morocco. This is why we believe that people are now more willing to find time and space to deeply replenish and realign with themselves; exclusive wellness experiences may even become annual routines for some.
Moreover, wellness is now a prerequisite in the corporate world, whether within an organisation or within each employee. Companies are recognising that healthy, high-performing individuals and teams are the only guarantee of sustainable success. To cater to these needs, corporate retreats in Hong Kong are available for groups to bond and ground.
Find out more about Bliss Body Journeys.