At Bliss we’re firm believers in the healing power of the sea and the benefits of spending time walking along sandy beaches. Here in Bali, we are blessed to be surrounded by the most magnificent and beautiful seaside locations to explore. Our Canggu sanctuary is just a 10-minute stroll from Canggu beach which is popular with surfers from all around the world and was recently chosen among CNN’s “World’s 100 Best Beaches”.
Further south, our Seminyak sanctuary is just minutes from the stunning Seminyak beach. Seminyak is often considered one of Bali’s most luxurious destinations and plays host to beautiful boutiques where you can pick up plenty of souvenirs from your trip.
Aside from the glorious sunshine, we can think of hundreds of reasons why your next holiday should be a beach trip, such as the feeling of sand between your toes, the healing power of the water and the sound of waves crashing against the shore, but if you were in any doubt, neuroscientists have now confirmed a trip to the beach can be more restorative than a gym session. Oh how we LOVE this!
In a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, an environmental health expert confirmed our belief that taking a trip to the beach can help restore us better than modern mood busters such as a HIIT session or a late-night gig. To maximise your relaxation, the journal suggests you should visit on mild temperature days with low tides. Here are just a few of the restorative qualities we love that a trip to the beach can deliver:
1. Sun
Catching some rays (with the correct sun protection of course) helps our bodies create vitamin D which helps us to build strong bones and even feel happier. Vitamin D also helps us to ward off autoimmune diseases, so it can improve your health too. Coconut oil is a natural protector from the sun whilst keeping your skin moisturised.
2. Sand
Believe it or not, the soles of your feet have more nerve-endings than any other part of your body! Walking barefoot through the sand stimulates these nerve-endings much more than walking around in shoes and helps to strengthen the muscles in your feet. Plus, connection with the earth will help to boost your mood and it has an official title called ‘earthing’. It also works on grass or any natural surface connected to the earth.
3. Surf
Seawater contains high levels of minerals that are difficult to find elsewhere, such as magnesium, potassium and iodine which helps to fight infection and enable the body to heal and detox. Swimming is also linked to decreasing stress and benefiting our mental wellbeing with studies showing that swimming can help to decrease anxiety and depression.
4. Sleep
At Bliss we believe firmly in the need for a good, restorative night’s sleep and a day trip to the beach can help you doze off at night. The mental effects of decreased stress and better wellbeing combined with the physical workout you get from walking in sand, a good day at the beach can help your body drift straight off into an undisrupted rest.
If you’re ready to make your next trip a beach holiday, our Canggu and Seminyak sanctuaries are could be perfect for you. Otherwise if you can get to the beach at any time, please do. The healing benefits are truly magical.
We wanted to share our Bliss experience as far as it can go and so we created Bliss News. Even if you can’t go on a beautiful personalised Women’s Retreat right now, we hope you can take the time to add a bit more bliss to your life in whatever way you choose. Self love comes in all different shapes and sizes but the one thing it has in common is that it starts with you. We hope some of our ideas and laughs and wellness retreat additions are something you can incorporate into your everyday life... love Zoë xxx
Here’s what some of our amazing guests had to say about their personalised bliss experience and why they want to come back.
