How a Beach Holiday Can Improve Your Body, Mind and Spirit

More than just another fun getaway, spending time in the sun, sand and sea may actually provide health benefits

Bangkok, 22 October 2019 ‒ Soreness from countless hours sitting at the office, migraines after staring at numbers on the screen; burnout has become far too common among today’s adults and youths alike. Repetition leads to stale minds and overexposure to overcrowded cities and busy schedules leave people feeling too tired to enjoy life’s little moments and sparks of happiness. Taking time off for self-care and recovery is now more important than ever and taking a trip to the beach might be the answer to improving physical, mental and emotional health and minimising long term negative impact to the body, mind and spirit. 

Here are the medical benefits of spending at least three days at the beach, compiled by Amari, the hotel brand committed to brightening your world with its coastal retreats across Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Physical Health Benefits

According to a study by Harvard Medical School, people can get up to 90% of required daily Vitamin D dosage by spending time in the sun. That being said, what better way to strengthen the immune system and improve bone and tooth health than spending time outdoors on the beach? Sunlight also creates healthy skin, as does sand and sea water. “Sand exfoliates skin allowing pores to breathe, salt water will detoxify pores once the sun opens them up, and iodine in the water will destroy any bacteria in your skin that can cause blemishes,” says researchers from the University of New Hampshire. “Just make sure to keep yourself protected from too much sun by wearing sunscreen.”

Unsurprisingly, the beach is also the perfect place to keep active. From playing beach sports with friends to a peaceful, solo jog along the shore, basic exercise helps the body maintain strong muscles and bones, burn fat and improve overall mental and emotional health.

Mental Health Benefits

In addition to the physical benefits of sunlight exposure, studies from the Baker Heart Research Institute in Melbourne have found that sunshine and natural warmth are directly correlated to mood, increasing the body’s serotonin secretion and positively affecting sleep and appetite. Similarly, blue hues have been found to be associated with feelings of calm and peace, in turn reducing one’s stress levels.

In an article in the American Association for the Advancement of Science journal, clinical psychologist Richard Shuster noted, “Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.“ Similarly, the sounds of waves stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which triggers the hormones that decrease the heart rate and blood pressure, allowing the body and mind to become more relaxed. “It kind of de-stimulates our brains.”

Spiritual Health Benefits

Much less noticeable than the physical and mental benefits of taking a trip to the beach are the spiritual changes. Making time to escape the chaotic city life for a retreat by the sea is one of the best ways to physically and emotionally reset, cleansing oneself from cluttered inboxes and negative energy. It also offers the perfect setting to meditate or take up yoga, with tranquil spots along the shore with clean air and only the sound of waves lightly crashing into the sand.

Solo travellers can take the opportunity to self-reflect and seek spiritual growth, while families and partners can take the time to focus solely on themselves and their relationships, working on communication and sharing special memories in an undeniably gorgeous destination.

Minimise the hassle and maximise your vacation with these three relaxing holiday packages. Enjoy a complimentary room upgrade, a daily breakfast buffet with local and international favourites, round trip airport transfer and 20% off food, drinks and spa treatments, the Super Saver package starts at 4,300 THB++ per night for three nights of island fun at Amari Koh Samui until April 2020. Learn more at www.amari.com/koh-samui.

Or fly away to a tranquil paradise in the bright and refreshing Maldives with complimentary domestic transfers for two adults from Male Airport to our secluded resort, as well as 20% off spa treatments after the flight at Breeze Spa with the Free Domestic Transfer package, available until June 2020. Rates start at 470 USD+++ per night for a minimum stay of three nights at Amari Havodda Maldives on a Full Board meal plan. Find out more at www.amari.com/maldives.

Maybe a simple seaside escape is all you need, which is what makes The Great Escape package at Amari Hua Hin so appealing. Unwind at Breeze Spa with a 30-minute neck and shoulder treatment, followed by a charming afternoon tea at Coral Lounge. Wrap up the day with a romantic candlelit dinner at Shoreline Beach Club, under a canopy of stars as the ocean waves serenade you. Starting at 3,050 THB++ per night, this package includes breakfast and is available until March 2020. For more information, visit www.amari.com/huahin.

For additional exclusive benefits, sign up for an ONYX Rewards membership at www.onyx-rewards.com.