Start 2021 on a positive note by embarking on a unique wellness adventure. We’ve rounded up bucket-list wellness experiences that are designed to replenish mind, body, and soul—from finding your Dosha in Vancouver via a five-day cleanse, communicating with ancestors in Hawaii’s sacred Meditation Labyrinth, and more. Read on to discover six wellness experiences you need to try in 2021.

1. Soul Search in the "Meditation Labyrinth" (The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua)

A unique piece of Hawaiian culture is at Makalua-Puna Point, formed from one of the last lava flows on Maui and shaped by area trade winds and ocean waves to now resemble the teeth of a dragon. The sacred point—central to Hawaiians’ beliefs in life, death, and reincarnation—is frequented by native Hawaiians seeking to communicate with ancestors who believe the mana (spirit) goes from ao (light, life, energy) to po (darkness, peace, tranquility) in this space when one passes away before being reincarnated as a part of nature. The ancestral communication is illustrated through interactions with nature, such as a breadth of wind or a bird that lands nearby.  

 On this point, there is also a meditation labyrinth that offers complimentary meditation walks and guided meditations exclusively for guests of The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, ideal for soul searching, cleansing the mind, finding inner peace, and relaxing while the sun rises over the West Maui Mountains and lava rock coastlines.

2. Fresh Start with a 5-Day Ayurvedic Cleanse Program (Vida Spa, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver)

Designed to cleanse and create balance throughout the body using the ancient Indian tradition of Ayurveda, Vida’s 3 and 5-day programs start with a consultation to determine a guest’s Dosha, which is used to guide each 90-minute Ayurvedic Swedana Treatment prescribed throughout their cleanse. The 5-Day Ayurvedic Cleanse Program costs $1,350.

3. Reserve the Entire Spa (Ritz Carlton)

Treat yourself to the ultimate spa day by reserving the entire spa at one of Ritz-Carlton’s premier properties. Indulge in a private oasis of serenity on your own or with a group of friends while enjoying a private and personalized experience.

• The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles (starting at $5k/five hours) for up to 13 guests per hour. Includes treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, steam rooms, meditation sanctuary, and a dedicated Spa Concierge.

• The Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando, Grande Lakes (starting at $15k/day) includes up to 175 treatments, access to a private lap pool, cabanas, hair and nail services, and stunning views.

• The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island ($60k/day, 10 hours) accommodates up to 275 treatments a day of any kind, and includes private use all spa facilities.

4. Get Slim with a Spirulina Body Mask (The Spa at Desert Springs, JW Marriott Resort & Spa)

The detoxifying and slimming benefits of the sea are imported to the desert in the 90-minute therapeutic Spirulina Algae Body Mask. Relax as seaweed gel is lavished onto your entire body before a warm cocooning phase that also incorporates a refreshing, mineral-rich desert rain mist. The body is immersed in a bath infused with detoxifying, contouring seaweed, followed by application of a customized moisturizer for satin-like skin.

5. Center with Sound Therapy (Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott in Maui)

Lull mind, body, and spirit into a meditative state at Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott in Maui, Hawaii. Retreat to the hotel’s destination Mandara Spa to experience sound therapy ($85) designed to provide total relaxation and help realign chakras through sound wave vibrations produced by therapeutic singing bowls. Sound baths offer many benefits including increased focus and clarity, memory retention, sleep, breathing, anxiety, and help you become more balanced and in tune with yourself.

6. Go on a Detoxifying Journey (Ocean Spa at Playa Largo Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection Hotel)

This 100-minute “Detoxifying Journey” ($250) dedicated to restoring the body to a state of balance and vitality, uses a sequence of intensive techniques including myofascial, lymphatic stimulation, and cupping to promote detoxification. The journey beings with intentional cupping to bring impurities to the surface of the skin, followed by a charcoal sugar exfoliation, and a charcoal mud wrap. The revitalizing conclusion is an invigorating shower and a coconut water.

[Images courtesy of individual properties]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk