I Tried Eco-Friendly Travel and It Changed My Jaded View of Wellness Retreats

Though I only spent one weekend at the Palmaïa resort, I was inspired to make lifestyle changes that will extend far beyond those three days in Paradise. A few examples? There’s no single-use plastic on the property and we were provided with a refillable water bottle to use during our stay, both practices I want to enforce in my home.

We also biked everywhere, and not only is that better for the environment than driving, but it was a great workout and fully reignited my love for a pastime I had mostly left behind in my childhood.

Overall, the experience did change me. From a vegan diet that reframes food as medicine to my renewed love for biking, I feel lighter, more at peace, and more connected to the environment after staying at the Palmaïa resort.

And I’m getting plenty of daily hugs from my nieces and nephews and — can you believe it? — it makes all the stress of the day just melt away.

Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is the senior content director of shopping and UK at PS. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle, and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She’s appeared on “Good Morning America,” NBC, and Fox 5 New York, and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.