Travel looks and feels quite a bit different this year. As the world continues to navigate the global pandemic, many plane rides have been switched to road trips, while itineraries in a new location seem to have a larger focus on overall balance and well-being. Health, immunity and safety are elements of daily living that have never been more crucial for every individual to cultivate.

On our most recent visit to Garden of the Gods Resort and Club this past fall, I was reminded how this property checks all the boxes for a true experience of wellness. Located in Colorado Springs and set among expansive vistas of the towering Pikes Peak and awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods National Natural Landmark, the luxury property truly caters to restoration and renewal.

Accommodation options range from the resort’s 116 rooms and suites within its hotel, along with cottages and casitas, including one- to three-bedroom suites, many with private patios that offer stunning views of Garden of the Gods Park.

In addition to a full fitness center and daily class offerings, dining venues with a magnificent view and a swoon-worthy infinity pool, STRATA Integrated Wellness Spa is on property to offer guests and club members thoughtful spa treatments and integrative medical practices.

STRATA is continuing the legacy of this Colorado region as a century-old wellness destination. Board-certified physicians and a talented team of therapists offer clients a dynamic combination of advanced clinical practices, naturopathy, nutrition, fitness and other wellness services.

TAKE A SPA DAY + DECODE YOUR DNA

After a morning yoga class and a dip in the infinity pool, head over to the spa at STRATA featuring nine treatment rooms, an Austrian weightless environment bed, a salt inhalation room for halotherapy and an herbal sauna.

A visit to STRATA is a chance to restore balance in the mind, body and spirit, and wellness membership opportunities mean this can become a lifestyle option as well. The spa menu pairs seamlessly with the array of Western and Eastern medical science modalities available, along with programs on nutrition, fitness, meditation and mindfulness that provide guests with a fresh perspective.

I started with an Energy Healing Session on the medical floor, then headed upstairs to the spa for a Aypa Energy Body Therapy treatment. After a busy week of work and travel, I was finally able to feel full relaxation as my nervous system slowly began to release tension and invite in some space.

It was easy to see how personalized processes and tailored wellness programs can help individuals achieve peak wellness through realms of physical, emotional, intellectual, social, environmental and spiritual health.

One of the most unique and valuable experiences I had at STRATA this visit was an appointment to “decode” my DNA with Dr. Carly Powell. Dr. Powell is a naturopathic doctor, and through the raw DNA information provided by 23andMe, she was able to pull information and walk me through an optional path of health, specific to me and my DNA. I learned what vitamins and minerals I have a hard time absorbing and balancing, what supplements, nutrition and practices can help, and ultimately created a three-step detoxification process to bring me to my top wellness from the inside-out. This session and many others are also offered through STRATA virtually though remote teleWELL appointments.

While the world is changing so rapidly and we’re asked to be flexible and resilient in every move we make, I appreciate a resort destination that truly puts well-being first. A visit to STRATA for the day or a full getaway at the Garden of the Gods is a clear reminder that we can take better care of ourselves through daily steps of wellness and vitality.

Photos courtesy of Garden of the Gods Resort and Club.

Originally published in the Winter + Spring 2020-21 issue of CO YOGA + Life Magazine.