By Rama Gaind.
The Son Tra Peninsula and nature reserve is a wonderful setting to take an invigorating walk.
With the start of a new year, now is as good a time as any to embark on a renewed era of healthy and active living. When you think about it seriously, whether it’s a relaxing afternoon on the beach or a busy sightseeing itinerary, there is an opportunity to mix all that with staying hale, hearty and happy in 2023.
We make new year resolutions, but within a month all those good intentions are usually forgotten. One destination where that’s not likely to happen is at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, a five-star sanctuary on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula. Experts here provide one easy activity that everybody can stick to.
This is a high-style seaside retreat wrapped in pristine rainforest, where nature beckons. The lush gardens are just the start; the surrounding forests are home to unique flora and fauna, and offer opportunities for wildlife encounters not found anywhere else.
Wellness and culinary professionals at this holiday spot share their top tips and recommend activities that can only enhance one’s wellbeing.
First, learn to breathe. It may sound simple, but learning how to breathe properly could change your entire mindset. One yogic technique is ‘box breathing’. Lying or sitting down, slowly breathe in through your nose for four seconds, then hold the air in your lungs for four seconds, exhale through your nose for four seconds, and hold your breath for a further four seconds (and repeat). This technique will create a deep sense of calm. At the resort, you can practice this technique on the private beach, as the waves lap gently on the shore.
Second, soak your feet. It’s important to take care of our feet since they endure a great deal of strain in our daily lives. Take a few minutes each day to rest and soak your feet. A combination of warm water mixed with sea salt, vinegar and mouthwash will soothe the skin and provide a refreshing sensation. For even greater revitalisation, massage lotion into your soles and toes and feel the benefits flow through your body. A soothing foot massage is another option at the resort’s spa.
Nestled in lush jungle, InterContinental Danang is the perfect place to achieve physical and mental wellbeing in 2023.
Third, taking a cold shower, even if it’s only for 10 seconds every morning, can stimulate blood circulation, reduce stress levels and increase the flow of energy through your body. Make sure the water is cold enough to feel uncomfortable, then immerse your whole body. Deep breathing will help you adjust to the temperature. As part of a morning routine, cold showers will change your life for the better!
If you can’t face taking cold showers, the fourth option, will get everyone onboard! Red wine contains powerful antioxidants and moderate consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, keep the memory sharp and even increase longevity. A daily glass taken alongside a balanced diet could support a healthier lifestyle.
Important advice
The next alternative is to take a daily nature walk. What could be more rejuvenating than that? This free activity is a wonderful way to improve your mental and physical health. A brisk daily stroll can stimulate circulation, support weight loss, firm-up muscles and strengthen joints. Being immersed in nature has also proven to help ease stress levels and create a feeling of inner peace and wellbeing. Try not to look at your phone or be pre-occupied with things – just enjoy the moment. If you happen to be staying at the resort, then take an invigorating hike through the jungle to an 800-year-old banyan tree.
The sixth important advice is to eat fresh food. Savor seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine because eating fresh, non-processed foods has myriad benefits. A balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help to reduce heart disease, lower blood pressure, and even prevent some types of cancer. Search for organic produce, try new ingredients – especially dark green veggies and vibrant colored fruits and berries – and stay away from processed foods with high levels of salt and sugar.
Practise your box breathing techniques on the resort’s soft, sandy beach, as waves lap gently on the shore.
You can discover so much more during your stay since every level of the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam, from Heaven to Sea, is packed with exciting things to see and do. Just beyond the gates, lively Danang and three UNESCO World Heritage sites wait to be explored.
Indulge in unforgettable moments and unbeatable adventures. Enjoy moments steeped in art and culture at the resort. Get as active as you’d like with their schedule of experiences that’s suitable for all ages.
Venture out of the resort to nearby sites of historic significance, cultural richness and staggering beauty. A range of destinations wait to inspire and delight you, including complimentary shuttles to Da Nang City and Hoi An town.
Nestled in lush jungle, InterContinental Danang is the perfect place to achieve physical and mental wellbeing in 2023.
FACT BOX
www.danang.intercontinental.com
