Vietnam Wanderlust Destinations - Amazon S3 · Top 5 Steamin’ Hot Wanderlust Destinations for...

The Top 5 STEAMIN’ HOT

Wanderlust Destinations for Your Upcoming Retreat!

wanderlustentrepreneur.com

Myanmar

Morocco

Vietnam

Croatia

Chile

http://www.wanderlustentrepreneur.com

Top 5 Steamin’ Hot Wanderlust Destinations for YOUR Upcoming Retreat!

Well aren’t you savvy!

I’d be willing to bet that you’re a heart-based, purpose-driven entrepreneur who wants to enjoy a lifestyle that includes traveling the world, creating deep lasting, memorable and life-altering changes in your clients’ lives AND making serious income doing so – which is why you’re interested in offering transformative destination retreats.

Retreats are the perfect way to have you stand out in your niche – IF you plan yours properly!

So I want to let you in on the fastest, easiest way to stand out from the crowd:

Don’t offer your retreat at the same ol’ location that everyone is talking about. Up the ante and go

Sheri Rosenthal

to the hottest, top destination that isn’t on everyone’s radar – yet.

Not sure what’s hot? Well, I’m here to tell you where those hidden sweet spots are around the globe for destination retreats.

Because let’s face it – everyone and their sister are offering retreats to Bali, Greece, Peru and Cambodia (and here in the United States to Sedona.) And while these locations are amazing, there are countries that are equally blow-your-socks-off incredible that aren’t on the beaten path.

So if you’re thinking Bali, then why not consider Myanmar with its spiritual, adventurous and affordable delights?

Sure, Cambodia’s cool, but Vietnam is equally breathtaking and much less crowded.





If Asia’s not where your heart lies and Europe is tugging on your heartstrings, then why not skip over Greece for up-and-coming and oh-so-stunning Croatia?

Rather head to South America? Peru - with its crown jewel of Machu Picchu, has been on the spiritual and adventure-seeking crowd’s “must visit” list for years. Yet Chile has quite a few delights that are guaranteed to wow your clients as well.

And just because I can’t keep a secret to myself and I have to share the best of the best with my tribe… I’m throwing in one additional hot destination where I took my sold-out (before I could even advertise it!) Retreat Mastermind group last year because it was so enticing and scrumptious.

So enjoy this insider’s tour around the world to the Top 5 Hot Destinations for Retreats! I know it will get your creative juices lowing no matter where you end up hosting yours.

Myanmar

Croatia

Chile

Vietnam

Morocco




If you ask retreat leaders where their dream destination is these days, 7 times out of 10, you’ll hear Bali, Bali, Bali. Everyone is offering trips to Bali these days (really, it’s soooo overdone), so if you're looking to create a more unique experience than Bali, Myanmar (formerly Burma) is where you’ll want to head.

But don’t wait! If you’re planning a spiritual transformation retreat, then you’ll want to book for 2016 before this untouched nation turns mainstream because it’s only a matter of time before it’s on everyone’s radar.

Why’s Myanmar so special, you ask?

You’ll be struck by the country’s timeless beauty – it feels like you’re in a dream where you magically stepped back 100 years into the past. With its sweeping vistas, oasis of jungles and rivers, remote mountain villages, and white sand beaches, it’s one

of the last places where Old Asia is still alive. Just imagine strolling down ancient streets next to men and women in traditional longyis (sheets of cloth), among the dilapidated colonial buildings, horse carts and vintage taxis!

For the spiritual set, there’s certainly no shortage of places to tap into the country’s deep mystical tradition. Called “The Golden Land” thanks to the thousands of gilded pagodas scattered around the country, you’d be remiss if you didn’t include a custom-crafted ceremony as part of your life-altering teachings.

1 Myanmar




Or you might prefer the ruins of Bagan in central Myanmar, which boasts 2,000 plus stunning temples – that are not at all touristy. Or why not use theShwedagon Pagoda in Yangon to inspire your peepswithin the country’s most sacred Buddhist pagoda?And don’t let your clients miss the chance to waxphilosophical with Burmese monks, who make up1% of the population and are happy to practice theirEnglish with you!

If you’re looking to create a more adventurous vibe, then you might head for the water. Myanmar’s Mergui archipelago boasts over 800 undeveloped islands, perfect to check out via kayak or boat. Or you might explore the huge caves that dot the country in the limestone mountains such as the Pindaya Caves – some of which contain stashes of Buddha images and statues.

Finally, Myanmar is insanely affordable. From hotels that run $50-250 per night USD, to meals derived from Thai, Indian and Chinese ingredients (for less than a few dollars), plus inexpensive massages, transportation and tour options – you can offer your participants

a memory-filled experience that has a solid profit margin.

Myanmar. The place where you’ll create happy bellies full of rice noodles, stir-fries, curries and soups, along with open hearts from interacting with the country’s friendly and hospitable people. Your folks will rave about this destination for sure!

Must-See’s

Baganhttp://www.go-myanmar.com/the-towns-of-bagan

If your crowd is part of the spiritual jetsetters, you’ll want to head to Bagan which is a town filled with temples alongside the drifting Irrawaddy (also spelled Ayeyarwady) River. The area consists of 4 main settlements within an impressive 26 sq. mile archaeological zone linked by a 12-mile oval of bumpy dirt roads and trails that feature a treasure trove of ancient temples. Keep in mind that Bagan is not Siem Reap. If you’re looking for a night scene, you won’t find it here – which may perfectly suit those who want to meditate and connect with their inner voice!




Golden Rock Pagoda (also called Mount Kyaiktiyo)http://www.go-myanmar.com/mount-kyaiktiyo-kyite-htee-yoe-the-golden-rock

Visiting the Golden Rock Pagoda isn’t for the faint of heart. Considered one of the most sacred sites in Myanmar, it’s famous for the huge golden gravity-defying rock and gilded pagoda perched at its summit. Join the pilgrims who come to worship and add gold leaf to the rock, which is said to be balanced on a single hair of the Buddha. While there, don’t forget to also adsorb the panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding Mon State Mountains. Take into consideration that it’s a four-hour drive from Yangon and then to get to the summit, you’ll need to take a crowded open-top truck, hike the 5 hours or arrange for private transport!

Nagapali Beach - near Thandwe (formerly Sandoway) in Western Myanmarhttp://www.go-myanmar.com/nagpali-beach-and-thandwe-sandoway

We’re here to let you into all the best-kept travel

secrets and Nagapali Beach is considered one of the great “secret” beaches in the world. With its white sandy beaches overlooking crystal clear blue water on the Bay of Bengal, your participants will moan in delight as the coconut palms sway behind them. Nature lovers will sigh at the sight of the sea turtles who swim ashore at night to lay their eggs in the silky sand with the lanterns of the fisherman’s boats bobbing in the background. And if you have adventurous swimmers in your crowd, then don’t miss the chance to swim with the whale sharks that migrate there in winter!

Also check out: Ngwe Saung Beach, Shwedagon Pagoda & Irrawaddy River

Must-Stay’s

Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort – Bagan http://www.aureumpalacehotel.com/bagan.html

If you’re headed to explore the more than 2,200 temples in Bagan, then your ideal home base is the Aureum Palace, which is set within the Archaeological Zone. The resort boasts its own art gallery with local




artifacts and artwork to soak in the culture, along with spa suites, massage rooms, and meeting facilities as part of their 27 acres of tropical landscaped gardens. And after exploring the countryside, your participants will be ready to hop into a private plunge pools for villa guests! Just keep in mind that if you are used to 5 star service you're not going to get it here – Myanmar is still learning how to satisfy western tastes and even the best hotels can have mixed service. If you set the expectations of your group properly – they will be very happy.

Belmond Governor’s Residence – Yangonhttp://www.belmond.com/governors-residence-yangon/

Retreat planning is made easy at the Governor’s residence, an Orient-Express operated retreat center located within the historic Dagon Township. The hotel’s tour desk is happy to schedule guided pagoda excursions, traditional cooking classes and market outings. A complimentary half-day bicycle expedition is even included with your stay! When not exploring the serene and culturally vibrant Yangon, your guests will relax into the opulence of this magnificent colonial-

style mansion once the home of the regional governor and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Heavenly!

Inle Princess Resort – southern mountain region on Lake Inle https://www.inle-princess.com

Inle Princess Resort is perched on the tranquil highland Lake Inle - another top attraction in Myanmar. Your folks will be enchanted with its secluded lakeside villas, dramatic canopied beds and unforgettable balcony views where they can catch sight of the lake-dwelling Intha people known for their unique method of leg rowing or they can bird-watch for endangered species. A serene spa island, swimming pool, yoga platform, meditation zayatt, sun decks with food & drink service and traditional on-site craft workshops will give your clients plenty to do and enjoy. For those in your crowd who are environmentally conscious, they’ll appreciate the hotel’s organic garden, reforestation projects and its environmentally friendly practices with sustainable innovations.

Also check out: Mandalay Hill Resort – Mandalay, Bagan Lodge – Bagan



While we’re exploring Asia, let’s pop in on Vietnam. We’re shining the spotlight on this delightfully authentic country of breath-taking scenery, incredible natural beauty, colorful culture and some of the friendliest people precisely because it’s often overlooked as a destination due to its more well-known neighbor Cambodia (not to mention Thailand and Laos).

Sure Cambodia boasts Angkot Wat and Siem Reap, but let’s just rattle off a few of Vietnam’s many pearls which all are World Heritage Sites. It boasts Halong Bay, with its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests which you can explore by junk boat; the most picturesque, lovely Hoi An, the “Venice of Vietnam;” Hue, the former imperial, political, cultural and religious capital; and My Son Sanctuary, home to the spiritual origins of Hinduism and impressive tower-temples.

If your group has some get-up-and-go, you can explore the underworld via the mammoth caves that hold entire jungles and lakes such as Son Doong Cave or Paradise Cave, go camping and bird-watching in the tropical forest of Cuc Phuong or Cat Ba; rent a jeep and tour Cat Tien national park; or take a wind-surfing crash course in Nha Trang.

If you’d prefer a slower pace, Vietnam has several of the world’s top beaches. You can let the waves of Da

2 Vietnam




Nang or Mui Ne relieve all the stress of your client’s busy day-to-day life.

All your explorations are sure to have your group’s bellies growling so it’s time to eat the real deal. While most cosmopolitan dwellers today have at least sampled the iconic Vietnamese pho (a savory soup) or spring rolls, there’s nothing as mouth-watering as authentic and regional Vietnamese fare in the homeland, which include an amazing variety of noodle soups – some of which are for breakfast!

If you prefer coffee for your breakfast or your peeps need an afternoon energy jolt, then you’ll want to grab a Vietnamese coffee served with sweetened condensed milk which can be found in cafes or on the street. Seriously yummy.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that your participants have a little piece of Vietnam to take home with them which will remind them to spread the word about your stellar transformational experience. The markets in Vietnam are often as cavernous as the country’s caves. Check out the Han Market in Da Nang, where you can

get lost for hours and find everything from dried food to fabrics.

With the scenery, beauty, culture & food, Vietnam is a perfect match for a hot destination retreat. And as an added bonus, this Asian country is much less expensive than most other destinations around the world making it both affordable and profitable!

Must-See’s

Hoi An – Central Coasthttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/948

No trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to the graceful, historic and delightful port of Hoi An. The city boasts grand architecture along the winsome Tu Bon River and has been surprisingly unspoiled by the modern-day blights of traffic or pollution. As a cosmopolitan melting pot, culinary mecca and historical gem, it’s no wonder that this city is one of Vietnam’s most visited tourist locations. You can trace the influences of cultures through the Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples and ancient tea




warehouses – not to mention a day-trip to see the nearby rice fields, beaches or laidback scenery. There’s no shortage of nightlife, lounge bars, and boutique hotels to entertain and cater to your crowd. And while you’re there, why not have a custom-tailored dress or pants made overnight that will be the perfect keepsake for your clients to take home?

Cat Tuong Quan Zen House – Hue http://cattuongquan.com/gioi-thieu.html (do click on English button on bottom left)

Not too far from Hoi An, the Cat Tuong Quan Zen House is the perfect place to get your Zen on. Numerous rustic pagodas are sprinkled about this spiritual center, which is nestled next to a beautiful pine forest and is the epitome of mindful tourism. Just imagine the sighs of delight as your participants take their private lesson in Qigong, Zen Meditation or yoga. Peaceful and tranquil for sure!

Ha Long Bay – Ha Long Cityhttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/672

If your crowd is into beauty and the outdoors, you’ll want to include World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, on your trip. Known for its emerald waters that boast 1,600 towering limestone islands topped by mostly untouched rainforests, the site will impress with its breath-taking scenic beauty combined with its fascinating biology. You can hop on a junk boat tour, charter a sea kayak expedition or even an overnight cruise to examine the islands up close which are known for their shapes, such as Stone Dog and Teapot. Scuba divers, rock climbers and hikers will all love this region and while you’re in the area, you might want to pop over to Cát Bà National Park.

Also check out: Mekong Delta, Sapa, or Nha Thrang

Must-Stay’s

Anantara Hoi An Resort – Hoi Anhttp://hoi-an.anantara.com/

This charming boutique retreat is scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River. With its French,





Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences, your guests will love the cultural diversity combined with Vietnamese culture via its language, lantern making and cooking classes. You can check out street life from the atmospheric view in the wine bar, jump on board a scenic river cruise or use the hotel as a base to venture farther afield to see the region’s magnificent natural beauty and ancient cultural sites – all for about $700 per person USD, double deluxe occupancy including breakfast.

Fusion Maia - Da Nang http://maiadanang.fusion-resorts.com/

Fusion Maia bills itself as the country’s first spa resort – think Mexico’s Riviera Maya with resorts facing thewhite-sand beach. So if your peeps are looking fora spa-centric, feel-good health hotspot, we’ve found itfor you! Healthy eating (with food made by a chefnamed Yum no less!), early morning t’ai chi on MarbleMountain, and bicycle treks to explore the islands offHoi An are all easy options. When you return to the

hotel, be sure to have already booked a complimentary spa treatment including chakra-balancing massages.

The Princess d’An Nam Resort & Spa – East Sea near Phan Thiethttp://princessdannam.com/

This resort & spa, with its stylish mix of modern and post-colonial villa overlooking the East Sea, is a steal since your clients can enjoy double-occupancy rooms with breakfast – and dinners, included at just under $1000 USD. With many treatments offered by the expansive spa, 4 pools, and 14 free on-site activities including water sports, excursions, yoga, Tai Chi, cooking classes, private jeep and speed boat trips, you can craft a yummy blend of relaxing, educational and active activities. Meet up in one of the several hotel restaurants that serve both Vietnamese cuisine and freshly caught seafood and you’ll have happy campers on your hands.

Also check out: Ginger Junk – Ha Long Bay, An Lam Ninh Van Bay – North of Nha Trang




If you announced that you were offering a retreat to Croatia even a few years ago, your people might have scratched their heads. Huh? Where? And why?

Yet since the epic TV show Game of Thrones began filming there, Croatia has seen a record number of visitors to this beautiful country situated on the Adriatic Sea with its deep cultural roots, incredible history and breath-taking coast.

So even if you are not a Thrones fan, we’ll regale you with enough reasons to consider this atypical destination (think: easy to stand out from the European retreat crowd and easy on the wallet (hence profitable to you!).

To create a custom tour, there’s plenty of culture, natural wonders, historical sites and regional variety to craft a delightful mix for your participants. Soak in the

culture by being serenaded by the traditional klapa singers in Split, buy Croatian embroidery in Dubrovnik, or visit a market in Zagreb. Explore a Stone Age site complete with caves and handmade objects from centuries ago – sacred ceremony anyone?

Wander among the Roman temples, amphitheaters, palaces, and other structures interspersed with typical Croatian architecture. Istria takes pride in its Italian

3 Croatia



influences, while Dalmatia’s islands and coastal cities attract sun-seeking travelers from all over.

If you want a truly unique retreat, you could treat your participants like VIP’s by chartering the Otac Ivan for a private cruise along Croatia’s dramatic coastline with its picturesque towns and islands. Add a few days in Dubrovnik, a walled city with fortresses, palaces, and churches not to mention beaches, pubs, and cafes, or the delightful seaside city of Split, or Hvar, the queen of the Dalmatian islands, and that would be an amazingly intimate and memorable experience!

Now let’s talk taste. The slow food movement is alive and thriving here – delectable food prepared in a home-cooked manner with loving attention paid to the quality and flavors of the dish. For those of you unfamiliar with the cuisine of this Balkan country, imagine combining classic Mediterranean and Italian flavors, throw in some neighboring Slavic fare, and add in a new world twist.

Serve a glass of Teran wine, produced in the iron-rich soil of Istria or taste-test maraschino, a liqueur made from cherries from Zadar, and you’ll round out any

soul-satisfying Croatian meal. Your participants and their tummies will be well nourished.

Yep, Croatia is a must-consider. Because Thrones might be set in late medieval Europe, but Croatia is a modern country with modern features that has still retained a laid-back vibe giving you the best of both worlds: a fast-paced city atmosphere with the ambiance of a relaxed coastal town!

Must-See’s

Dubrovnik – Dalmatia regionhttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/95

Don’t take our word for it - listen to George Bernard Shaw who said, “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.” This compact walled city will enchant you and your crowd as you stroll the streets and take in its spectacular views along ancient city walls, explore fortresses, palaces, and churches, and relax on the beach, in a pub, or in a cafe. The city’s marble streets and baroque buildings are set against the shimmer of the Adriatic Sea. Sophisticated, elegant and civilized!




Pltivice Lake National Park - halfway between capital city Zagreb and Zadar on the coasthttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/98

This is one of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites with 16 beautiful crystalline lakes that tumble into each other through a series of natural dams, caves and waterfalls. The mineral rich waters are still actively reforming the area before your eyes. Your group can explore the park amidst clouds of butterflies drifting above the wooden footbridges and pathways, which snake around the rumbling water – or you can hop on one of the park’s free buses or boats. Set within a heavily forested national park, this area is also home to bears, wolves and rare birds. Oh my!

Korcula – day trip from Dubrovnikhttp://www.korculainfo.com/

Vineyards, olive groves, small villages and a glorious old town should be enough of a draw to have you hop on a ferry and head to Korcula with your participants in tow. The birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula still has strong traditions that date back centuries including

age-old religious ceremonies, folk music and dances. It’s not hard to explore this “mini-Dubrovnik” Old Town by foot, then have time to head out to the island’s quiet coves and bays. End your day with one of the region’s best white wines and I think you have an incredible day trip already organized!

Also check out: The Fjords, Split, Hvar, Zagreb

Must-Stay’s

Villa Dubrovnik - Dubrovnikhttp://www.villa-dubrovnik.hr/tradition-reborn

Villa Dubrovnik screams Croatia. Perched on the rocky coast overlooking the deep blue Adriatic, built out of local grey stone from Brac and styled by two Croatian designers, this exclusive boutique hotel will have your people relaxing into luxury and style with easy access to the fortified beauty of the Old City’s cultural landmarks. After imparting your wisdom with your teachings and an outing to land your point, you can have your clients release any lingering tension in their




serene spa, salivate over sunset views, or sup on the seafood in their Michelin star-worthy restaurant.

Lesic Dimitri Palace - Korculahttp://lesic-dimitri.com/

How can you go wrong with a boutique hotel whose tagline is “where the silk road begins?” This hotel served as a stately 18th-century bishop’s residence and palace and has now been revived as luxurious independent apartments nestled within the medieval town of Korcula. Korcula, an island with charming historic buildings, access to the beach and just-caught seafood, is a picturesque spot to explore the archipelagos off the Dalmatian coast. Luckily the hotel has a handsome boat to do just that!

MS President - Private Yacht Charterhttp://www.cruise.croatia-istria.com/ship/49/

Cruises are never a good idea for a retreat – it’s just too hard to capture your clients’ attention in the midst of the cruise ships’ offerings. Yet a private yacht – now that’s creative! Then you can really set yourself apart from the typical retreat venues. And truly, what could say “VIP” better to your high-end clientele?

The MS President is one of the most attractive and luxurious ships in Croatia and can accommodate up to 41 passengers in its spacious cabins. You’ll have the freedom to call into the small island ports and coastal towns of Croatia, ogling in wonder at its many stunning fjords while having your participants’ full attention while onboard!

Also check out: La Villa Hotel – Lopud, Elaphiti Islands




With everyone and their sister clamoring to go to Machu Picchu these days, why not consider Peru’s southern and seriously skinny neighbor, Chile?

Squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific, Chile sports five climates ranging from the world’s driest desert to active “Ring of Fire” volcanoes to isolated and dream-like glaciers, inlets, fjords and peninsulas all guaranteed to sate the wanderlust of adventure-seekers.

Given its 2670 miles in length, you most likely won’t be able to explore this country from top to bottom. Instead, you might want to pick one crazy beautiful destination (and there are many) and base your tour there OR focus on wandering through the central wine region surrounding the capital Santiago.

Really there’s no shortage of themes for a Chilean retreat. Planning an active destination retreat? Hit

Patagonia, which will wow with trekking, camping, white water rafting and glacier options.

If you have animal lovers in your crowd, you might consider visiting Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, home to the largest penguin colonies in southern Chile with a whopping 120,000 Magellanic penguins. Or maybe horses are your passion? Then you’ll be in good company as South Americans love them too. Saddle up with the arrieros (horsemen) to see the Andes from a unique view.

4 Chile




If the mainland isn’t enough for you, then from Chile you can hop over to two seriously amazing excursions that could anchor your entire trip. You are undoubtedly familiar with the 887 monumental statues of the mystical Easter Island, one of the most isolated islands on Earth? And, of course there’s always icy and majestic Antarctica.

If you’d rather explore wine country, then start your world-class trip in hip, stylish, and energetic Santiago. Then let Chile crush it with its fresh, diverse food and topnotch vino. Couple intense sun, fertile soil and the practice of picking fruits and veggies when they are ripe, Chilean food has a depth and intensity of flavor not found in many other countries.

Add in their Mediterranean micro-climate and you have the perfect terroir for an impressive variety of locally grown wines. Plus, Chileans tend to eat not three but four meals a day, with the delightful empanadas (savory pocket pastries) thrown in as a hearty snack, so they are serious about their meals. Your folks will not go hungry or thirsty on your retreat!

No matter what aspects of this diverse country you choose to cover on your retreat, your folks will undoubtedly slow down as they absorb Chile’s chill lifestyle that so contrasts the frantic rat-race mindset that so many of us fall trap to today. And your participants will be grateful to be released from that go-go-go get-it-done-now feeling as they sink into your transformational teachings paired with this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Must-See’s

Valle de la Luna – Near San Pedro de Atacama http://www.lonelyplanet.com/chile/around-san-pedro-de-atacama/sights/natural-landmarks/valle-de-la-luna

If you are planning an active destination retreat, then Chile has enough variety to ensure that your clients’ hearts will pump and heads will spin. Valle de la Luna is located in the Atacama Desert. This breathtaking desert landscape is the result of centuries of winds and floods on the sand and stone of the region. The large sand dunes and stone formations mimic the surface of the moon, giving the region its name, which translates to “Valley of the Moon.”




Valparaiso’s finniculars – 75 miles NW of Santiagohttp://www.welcomechile.com/valparaiso/valparaiso-funiculars.html

This historic coastal city offers a visual feast hinted at by its nicknames: “San Francisco of the South” and “Jewel of the Pacific.” Valparaiso is a UNESCO World Heritage City built upon a network of 42 steep hills dotted with brightly colored buildings winding upward from the shore. Your clients are certain to ooh and ahh as you check out the city on one of the city’s 22 finniculars (incline trolleys).

Torres del Paine – Southern Patagoniahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torres_del_Paine_National_Park

Soaring over a mile high, the three spectacular granite peaks of Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) will be the main reason you’ve brought your group to the Extreme South of Patagonia. Yet there are equally impressive attractions including azure lakes, trails that meander through verdant forests, roaring rivers to cross on rickety bridges and a crystal blue glacier. Arguably

the finest national park in South America, you might just spot flocks of ostrich-like rheas, Andean condors, flamingos, pumas and Andean deer to compliment the distinctive landscape. The crowning attraction is its highly developed infrastructure for the trekking crowd, where you can hike and sleep in a bed with hot meals, showers and even an occasion cocktail. Plan well for both weather and your refugio reservations and your participants will be in for some serious amazement.

Also check out: Pucón, Lauca National Park or Laguna San Rafael National Park

Must-Stay’s

Lastarria Boutique Hotel – Santiagowww.lastarriahotel.com

Sparkling chandeliers and stately marble, mixed with a tranquil and trendy vibe will greet your guests when they arrive at the stylish Lastarria Boutique Hotel in Santiago. Housed in a 1927 mansion on a quiet side street of a bohemian neighborhood, the Lastarria boasts easy access to surrounding innovative




restaurants and cafes, the urban Parque Forestal with the Museo National de Bellas Artes as well as access to a quick subway ride into downtown Santiago. Brimming with history, your clients will appreciate its grand style, along with the garden swimming pool and of course personalized and friendly service!

Patagonia Expedition Cruise – Punta Arenas to UshuaiaSeveral companies offer cruises including:http://www.australis.com/site/en-us/http://www.sundancespirit.com/Interna.aspx?Id=542

Why be landlocked in Chile when you can cruise your way through some of the most jaw-dropping wild geography on Earth? You’d be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular cruise in the Southern Hemisphere. From wildlife rich Ainsworth Bay, massive Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley, as well as mystical Wulaia Bay and the legendary Cape Horn, a Patagonia Expedition Cruise highlights the stunning, natural beauty of Patagonia with the options to also stop at important historical sites. Your participants’ eyes will pop as they follow the fjords of the southern edge of Tierra

del Fuego into a land that makes you contemplate the mystery and magic of being alive on this planet.

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa – Patagoniahttp://www.tierrahotels.com/tierra-patagonia-hotel-boutique-amp-spa/

Sitting on a bluff, immersed in the hillside where lake meets pampa (fertile lowlands), the Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa is the ultimate base to investigate Torres del Paine National Park. With its award-winning architecture coupled with warm wood walls, decorated with furnishings and textiles handmade by the Chilean craftspeople, your folks can curl up on a comfortable sofa with a lap blanket, a book and glass of wine or just get lost staring out a window at one of Earth’s most sublime places. With plenty of spots for your guests to mingle – or get away from it all, your peeps will be able to take a deep exhale in this exquisite natural environment.

Also check out: Explora Atacama – Atacama (check to see if has re-opened after a fire)





Morocco, Morocco, how we love you, Morocco! This gem of a country has diversity galore – adventure, a blend of rich culture, fascinating history, and epic wilderness, not to mention delightful shopping and divinely tasty food.

So if you are planning a women’s retreat and want an eye-popping destination, are looking for a blend of unique cityscape and stunning natural landscapes or desire a location for a business retreat that won’t be like all the rest – then Morocco should be at the tippy top of your short list.

So why does Morocco make our heart sing?

Morocco is a brilliant mash-up of the natural and man-made. From the beaches lining both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts to the Atlas & Rif Mountains that enchant trekkers, there’s no dearth of options to elicit oooo’s and ahhhh’s from your participants.

I mean seriously – can you picture giving your favorite clients the chance to go off the grid and unplug at a desert camp below an exquisite starry sky, followed by a breathtakingly beautiful desert sunrise? And how amazing is it that you can emerge from sand dunes into Fez, a mountain town that is modeled after a Swiss ski resort, surrounded by a timber forest…in Africa?

For your city kick, you’ll want to leave time to wander the streets of Marrakech, Casablanca or Tangier where the Berbers, Roman and even French and Spanish

5 Morocco




settlers competed to make their imprint. You’ll wander the streets with your group in tow craning their necks at the soul searing-ly beautiful architecture with its lacy & intricate tile and woodwork in the most ravishing blue.

While there aren’t retreat centers in the country per se, there are riads (traditional Moroccan palaces with an interior garden courtyard) and world-class boutique hotels that will have your participants reveling in their charm.

Since most retreat travelers are health conscious these days, or at least in the mood to expand their palate, then Moroccan food (tajines galore!) with its outstanding flavor and originality is sure to make everyone’s mouth water! Think delicious dates, olives, fresh baked bread, lemons, oranges and grapefruits – all uber-fresh and sublime. And don’t forget the tasty spices - cumin, cinnamon and coriander... Mmmmm!

Of course your trip wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity to stuff your luggage to bursting. A day in the souk (marketplace) is sure to result in the perfect gift or take-home item for your participants, whether brightly colored carpets & cushions, jewelry, leather

bags, fragrant spices… the list of temptations truly never end!

Finally, no trip to Morocco would be complete without a visit to a hammam (public steam bath) – aka a modern spa where you can be bathed, massaged, scrubbed, oiled, and later even get henna’d to your body’s delight. Now that’s a way to create group bonds and ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation that will have your folks coming home refreshed and talking about your trip for years to come!

Must-See’s

Les Bains de Marrakech - Marrakechhttp://www.lesbainsdemarrakech.com/en/home

Les Bains de Marrakech is a daring and creative twist on a traditional hamman, the public steam rooms and baths where the locals go to relax, catch up on the latest news and be scrubbed squeaky clean. Les Baines brings a Western influence (while keeping its soul!) of private cabins for massages and baths so your participants can completely relax in an intimate atmosphere. Add in some of Les Bains signature products - savon oil soap and argon oil and your




ladies (and enlightened gents) won’t want to leave! Imagine their delight in this cultural experience that leaves everyone feeling super rejuvenated and totally refreshed!

Jardin Majorelle - Marrakechhttp://jardinmajorelle.com/ang/

You can only imagine how gorgeous a garden it must be to have been saved from real-estate development by none other than Yves Saint Laurent. As a lasting source of Saint Laurent’s inspiration, Jardin Majorelle features picturesque lanes shaded by exotic trees and plants, burbling streams and pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers and the sounds of chirping birds. This high walled oasis offers a calming place to retreat from the bustling city within your retreat’s itinerary. Make sure you meander long enough to find the Berber Museum with its Moorish charm sprinkled in with some Art Deco flourishes. Painted in astonishing bright colors, the museum is a great way to discover more about Berber art and culture.

Jemaa El Fna - Marrakechhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaa_el-Fnaa

Nowhere does Morocco come more delightfully alive than the Jemaa El Fna, Marrakech’s central square. By day, you’ll find mostly open space with a handful of snake charmers, medicine men and even distant cousins of modern dentists, the tooth-pullers. As the late afternoon melts into dusk, the square is brought to life when the locals come out for an evening promenade. Then a carnival of storytellers, acrobats, musicians, fortunetellers and henna tattoo artists ignite into a magical evening of entertainment. If you need a respite from the crowds, drift over to one of the rooftop terrace cafes such as Café du Grand Balcon. When you’re ready to plunge back into the crush, your group will have no trouble being sated on the fresh-squeezed refreshments, handcarts mounded high with dried fruits or grab yourself a seat in the open-area dining areas with food stalls offering native delights.

Also check out: Moroccan Souks (marketplaces), Casablanca, Fes

Must-Stay’s

The Peacock Pavilions - Marrakechhttp://www.peacockpavilions.com/




With every corner decorated in a funky and fun aesthetic, your participants will love this handmade, artisanal tribal-chic boutique hotel, designed and built by blogger and designer, Maryam Montague. Set in an olive grove on the outskirts of Marrakech (about a 20-minute drive into town), the owners pride themselves on being able to cater to retreats with amenities such as a tent in the courtyard for yoga and classes, no processed food, outing planning services and marketing support - plus 10% of all profits are donated to charity. Your guests will feel so good about this hotel that they won’t want to go home!

Riad Adore - Marrakechhttp://www.riadadore.com/

If you are looking for an accommodation option within town, then the Riad Adore is cool, chic and contemporary. Located in the medina (center of the city) and close to the souks (marketplaces), the monuments and main square, Riad Adore is an ideal and convenient way to have a home base in the heart of Marrakech. This riad is light, bright, calm and peaceful. With it’s delightful mix of modern Moroccan inspired décor, it has all the charm of a traditional riad

with the creature comforts your discerning clients will appreciate!

Kasbah Du Toubkal – Atlas Mountainshttp://kasbahtoubkal.com/

Now this award-winning & unique hotel is a real experience. Located in the High Atlas Mountains, the hotel itself is on a stunning hilltop setting that you hike to and your luggage arrives…by donkey. The 15-minute hike is worth it, as you’ll be viewing thehighest mountain in N. Africa as well as the ToubkalNational Park. Entering the Kasbah is like entering adifferent world – a world apart from the bustle of thecity, a world of peace and seclusion. The hotel hascomfortable en-suite rooms and private self-containedhouses if you want to create a real connection amongyour participants. They offer trekking packages thatinclude stays at their separate lodge, as well as tailor-made tours of the surrounding areas and Marrakech.Memorable for sure!

Also check out: Dar Justo – Marrakech, Les Cinq Djellabas - Marrakech



I hope that these Top 5 Hot Spots have ignited your wanderlust. I know they sure do for me!

Now that you might have some out-of-the-box ideas for where you and your participants are headed, let’s make sure your retreat is truly transformational. Offering a transformational destination retreat isn’t just about going to a pretty place. No, it’s far more than that!

A transformational destination retreat is your chance to create a life-changing event for your clients where the location aligns with the material you’re teaching so that the impact and transformation you create is profound.

So start thinking about which of these locations would support your particular teachings or offerings and how you could custom-craft a life-changing experience that would rock your clients’ world and have them talking about you for years to come.

Final ThoughtsAnd if you need help in selecting the perfect location for you and your niche, then you might want to consider using my Travel Specialist, Ales Struna, at my Journeys of the Spirit® Travel Agency. He’s a whiz at pulling together an itinerary that will wow any traveler. You can reach him at [email protected].

Do feel free to ask questions, request feedback on your retreat webpage or post photos of your trip in our private Retreat Facebook Group. We’d love for you to join!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILoveTransformationalDestinationRetreats

I look forward to hearing about your journeys!

With love, Sheri




Dr. Sheri Rosenthal is a business coach, international retreat leader, and author. A former podiatric surgeon, Sheri left behind a successful practice, a surgical residency program which she personally designed and directed, and a couple of husbands to find her life’s calling. She spent 8 years traveling, meditating and studying ancient traditions of spiritual evolution — and wrote 3 books on personal growth and consciousness. Today, Sheri is

Sheri’s Storyknown as one of the most sought after retreat strategists for coaches, facilitators and authors — and is the owner of Journeys of the Spirit®, a boutique agency specializing in experiential travel. Sheri is famous for helping clients plan, fill, and profit from transformational retreats that both change lives and add serious income to their bottom line!



Vietnam Wanderlust Destinations - Amazon S3 · Top 5 Steamin’ Hot Wanderlust Destinations for...

Documents

Transcript of Vietnam Wanderlust Destinations - Amazon S3 · Top 5 Steamin’ Hot Wanderlust Destinations for...