Photo: Jana Josue-McLaren
Self-care is a big part of our wellness and mental health. A staycation weekend can work wonders for cabin fever, and a wellness-themed staycation will soothe your soul. Here are some suggestions for boosting your wellness and relaxation during a weekend in the city.
The Canada-U.S. border re-opened to fully vaccinated U.S. visitors on August 9, 2021. Canada’s borders are opened to fully vaccinated travellers from any country who meet entry requirements as of September 7, 2021. Government of British Columbia’s website
Now, more than ever, it’s so important for Vancouverites to take care of themselves. Self-care is the key to wellness and there are so many ways to do this in the city — particularly a staycation. This can be solo or with your significant other. But why take just one day, when you can take two and make it a weekend of wellness?
I don’t want to give you a strict itinerary — this is about relaxing after all — but here are some wellness activities to consider as part of your wellness weekend.
Take some time to appreciate treating yourself to a wellness weekend. Photo: Jana Josue-McLaren
Get present in your hotel room
You’ve treated yourself to a staycation in a nice hotel. Take some time to appreciate the amazing favour you’ve done yourself and enjoy the view from your room — maybe with a glass of wine. Or maybe take some time to stretch. Just be.
Photo: Spa Utopia
Get pampered at the spa
What’s your favourite way to pamper yourself? Massage, mani-pedi, the works? Many Vancouver hotels have spas in-house, and often have packages that can be booked as part of your hotel stay. Some city spa oases include Spa Utopia at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, The Spa at JW, and several more listed here. Be sure to pre-book your treatments.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Top tip: If you’re booking a massage, ask if there’s a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). RMT appointments can be partially-to-fully reimbursed via your extended medical benefits.[/perfectpullquote]
Enjoy seasonal dining at restaurants like Cafe One at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Photo: Yasmine Hardcastle
Healthy seasonal dining
Let someone else do the cooking for you. It’s more common than not for restaurants to focus on seasonal ingredients. This is often the healthiest way to eat. Make some reservations at your favourite or new-to-you restaurants and enjoy feeling nourished and out of the house.
Photo: Hubert Kang
Up your step count
Vancouverites know we live in a walking city. After staying home a lot this winter and feeling you’ve been hibernating, a scenic walk before dinner is just the ticket. Put on your walking shoes and get strolling on the Seawall or explore the neighbourhood you’re staying in. Yes, it might rain — we live in ‘Raincouver’ — but there are health benefits to walking in the rain!
Get outside
From garden viewing to adrenaline-pumping zip-lining, there are countless ways to get outside and contribute to your wellness. To provide some inspiration, we’ve shared a spring outdoor bucket list for you to enjoy here.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]What will you do on your wellness weekend? Be sure to tag us on Instagram @inside_vancouver.[/perfectpullquote]
