When you hear “Naples, Florida” thoughts of a tropical paradise in which to escape the long, cold winters may be brought to mind. Most tourists enjoy relaxing the warm days away at the various beaches lined with white powder sands while listening to the sounds of the crystal clear waves lapping the shore. The beaches of Naples, Florida are definitely a popular attraction but look further and self-care, wellness, and relaxation can be found beneath the surface.
To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise”
Emilia Wickstead
What Draws Us to the Beach?
The beach has an immediate beneficial effect on people. When the vision of the aqua blue water and the white sand comes into view, it’s simply breathtaking. A sense of calm rushes over the body and mind. Taking in deep, slow breaths of the salty air is cleansing to the soul. These euphoric feelings are not a conjuring of our imagination, they are scientifically proven.
The Colors of the Beach
The most predominant colors of the Naples beach landscape are blue, green, and white. According to color psychology these colors evoke feelings of calm, tranquility, and peace. Simply being at the beach and taking in these colors can promote a sense of well-being.
Salty Smells and Negative Ions of the Ocean
Taking in the aura of the salty ocean air contributes to the state of relaxation. Not only does the salty scent have a positive impact on your mood, the self-colliding waves of the water also contain higher levels of negative ions. These oxygen atoms contain an extra electron which studies have suggested could be used to treat seasonal affective disorder and depression. Accompanying these ions are the beneficial minerals iodine, salt, and magnesium which can reduce symptoms of asthma, allergies, and skin problems, as well as promote a healthy respiratory and immune system.
Yoga on the Beach
Years of research have shown that yoga can be beneficial not only for the physical body but the mind as well. Couple yoga with the extensive benefits of the beach and you reap the advantages of both. Taking an hour for yourself to relax and clear your mind is something that should be added to your list of to-do’s when visiting Naples. Lo’s Yoga on Vanderbilt Beach offers multi-level beach classes year-round to accommodate everyone from a newbie to a novice. I have attended classes with Lo for over 5 years and still learn something new every class.
Paddleboarding Near Naples
Visiting the Gulf of Mexico during the morning hours is one of the best times for paddleboarding, The water is like glass – calm and clear. The beaches are quiet. You can usually spot dolphins swimming on the horizon. Simply an amazing way to start your day. Not only is the Gulf of Mexico a scenic location for paddleboarding, there are various parks with rivers and estuaries that provide glimpses of native Florida wildlife such as heron, egrets, osprey, pelicans, cormorants, fish and manatees. Lover’s Key and Delnor Wiggins State Parks offer paddleboard rentals as well as some local businesses. If you are staying for an extended length of time, you may want to purchase an inflatable paddleboard. They are easy to transport and store!
Meditation
Naples is home to a nurturing metaphysical and spiritual community. There are a variety of meditation classes offered in the Naples area from yoga nidra, guided meditations, and sound baths. I have attended mediation classes at a few locations, Goddess I am, Love Yoga Center with DamaDé, and online in my own home with Lo as well as Panache Desai. If you prefer to meditate on your own, there are many beautiful locations in which to do so. I find early in the morning at the Naples Botanical Gardens provides a peaceful and serene environment – perfect for walking meditation. Of course there is always the beach in which to find a secluded spot to sit in stillness.
Spas
If the spa is what your self-care routine is yearning for, Naples has plenty. I have found myself spending hours at the Woodhouse Spa in Naples as well as the Hilton on Marco Island. Most spas in the area offer a variety of services including massage, manicures, pedicures, facials, body treatments, and even medical spa treatments.
