2023 Wellness Trend: Joy Therapy at BodyHoliday St. Lucia

November 2022 – The core value of the team at BodyHoliday has always been bringing joy into wellness. 30 years ago, they were pioneers of this concept which is now at the heart and soul of the brand.  

In 2023, homing in on this fundamental human drive will be more important than ever, with so many challenges worldwide. According to YOU Magazine, the pursuit of joy is ‘all the rage’, with 2022 being the ‘saddest on record’, meaning there is more of an appetite for seeking out joy than ever before. Over in The States, best-selling author Kelly McGonigal has created the Joy Workout following her book entitled the joy of movement.   

In response to this need, BodyHoliday is curating stays focused on boosting happiness with their newly launched Joy of Wellness Programmes, designed to create long-lasting mindset shifts. 

The Joy of Wellness involves showcasing new and existing activities, highlighted to guests across the various pillars at the resort with The Joy of Movement, The Joy of Mindfulness, TheJoy of Nature, The Joy of Balance, The Joy of Connection and The Joy of Relaxation. All programmes are bespoke and are created by the pre-arrival specialists, to answer the guests’ needs and goals. 

The Joy of Movement – Scientific research shows that when moving, we alter our mental state. The powerful combination of endorphins – chemical messengers giving a natural high – and BNDF (brain-derived neurotrophic factors) – a protein which repairs and protects the brain – makes for amazing medicine, leaving everyone feeling happier. Highlight activities on offer include Caribbean DanceFit, Zumba, AquaFit, Yoga and Tai Chi, as well as Jive June and SwimFit (November) theme months. 

The Joy of Mindfulness – Psychologists worldwide agree that meditation is the strongest mental practice to reset joy levels, with studies showing a thickening in certain layers of the brain which in turn relieves stresses and pressures. There are many mindful activities on offer at BodyHoliday, including yogic stress counselling, cyclic meditation for stress management, five senses meditation, chanting, sunset stretch over the ocean and introduction to breath-work; for a longer programme, try the Pre-Christmas Restorative Break. 

The Joy of Nature – Being surrounded by nature has been proven to reduce stress. What we are seeing, hearing, and experiencing at any moment is changing not only our mood, but how the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems are working. A natural environment reduces blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension and boosts the immune system. The set up at BodyHoliday maximises time in nature, be it the ocean, beach or the rainforest. There are a range of immersive activities on offer from kayaking, snorkelling and diving, through to hiking the Pitons, some of the most stunning scenery in the West Indies, and dining amidst the rainforest at BodyHoliday’s farm-to-table restaurant, I-TAL. 

The Joy of Balance – BodyHoliday wholeheartedly promotes balance – there is no strict regimes here, but a variety that reflects real life, enabling long-term change. Enjoying fine-dining side by side with healthy eating is encouraged. Ayurveda, which promotes the art of balance and preventative measures for long term gain, also plays a large role at BodyHoliday. Lifestyle planning and management are just as important as physical strength, with dosha analysis to understand personality type, nutrition coaching and lifestyle analysis all being important steps to achieving joy through a balanced lifestyle. With Octoba Yoga, October is dedicated to the balance restoring practice of Yoga. 

The Joy of Connection – BodyHoliday has an exceptionally high repeat guest rate of 80% and connection, with both self and like-minded others, is key to this. Countless research shows that connection is fundamental to happiness, with satisfying relationships also associated with better physical health and longer lifespans. There is limited Wi-Fi at the resort, aiding the ability to switch off and become immersed in the experience. There is also a month dedicated to solo travel, September Solos, where organised events and communal dining further facilitate this vital part of life. Meanwhile in the summer, WellFit Tribes provides the perfect platform for enhancing connection within family groups.  

The Joy of Relaxation – A day filled with relaxation and focus on the self can also have a positive impact on your mental health, combatting daily stressors, thus leading to a more joyful daily life. Relaxation and holistic treatments all have their individual benefits to the mind and body. Studies have shown that massage significantly reduces cortisol, while increasing the joy hormones: dopamine and serotonin. Highlight activities on offer include Synchronised Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Serenity Massage and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage. Each guest at BodyHoliday is offered a complimentary massage daily, highlighting the resort’s commitment to the pursuit of relaxation. 

By embarking on this Joy journey, guests are sure to return experienced to enhance the daily enjoyment of life, thanks to an enriched understanding of the joy of wellness.  

Rates start from $388 per person per night on all-inclusive basis. It includes a wide-range of fitness activities, one daily spa treatment, all meals – at the exception of some dishes and the I-TAL conscious eating experience at a supplement – drinks including premium brand bar drinks and champagne by the glass, personal instruction, and tuition for all sports, motorised and non-motorised watersports, and nightly entertainment.  

The Joy of Wellness Programmes are inclusive of most activities and treatments, with some being at an extra cost.