How To Throw a Detox Vacation

Turn any getaway into a detox vacation with these 7 tips
Turn any getaway into a detox vacation with these 7 tips
Turn any getaway into a detox vacation with these 7 tips

I’ve been feeling a tad “toxic” lately – sluggish, distracted, not my usual peppy self. So I did what the starlets do and booked myself a detox vacation. Only instead of going to a destination detox that can cost $5000+ a week, I made up my own – and you can too! Follow these 7 detox vacation rules and you’ll de-stress, reset your palette and come home feeling better than ever…

1. Pick the right detox locale
Detoxing in Vegas is doable, but why? Skip cities that revolve around excess for healthy escapes. I picked Palm Springs, a desert town built for relaxation and the perfect place to purge: It’s not too far from home (jet lag and multiple plane changes aren’t a recipe for success) and you can’t beat the relaxed resort vibe and warm temps.
Detox tip: Pick a scenic place with lots of hiking trails.

The view from the pool at the Viceroy Palm Springs
The view from the pool at the Viceroy Palm Springs

2. Pick the right detox goals
I mapped out my detox goals in advance so as not to get distracted by happy hour specials and Pizza joints. On my list: less processed food, more exercise in the fresh air, less jumping at every email ding, more fresh fruits and veggies, less time watching The Bachelor, more quality time with me!
Detox tip: Make a list of your detox goals before you go. Keep em’ simple and hash out a plan to help make them happen.

3. Pick the right detox hotel
This detox decision was the easiest: The Viceroy Palm Springs, of course! Designed by celebrity interior designer Kelly Wearstler, it had just the vibe I needed for my detox odyssey. Love the white washed walls and citrus yellow accents, love the manicured grounds (nothing is out of place), love the 3 pools (including a kid-free zone), love the prompt service (even check-in was super fast). And you can’t beat the supersized suites complete with bedroom, bathroom, huge closet, living room, dining room and kitchenette. There’s just a general aura of privacy that permeates, like even if you were Angelina Jolie no one would bug you.
Detox tip: Be sure to pick a hotel that makes you feel at home, preferably small and intimate. Avoid all-inclusive resorts and all-you-can-eat buffets.

Check out the rooms at the Viceroy
Check out the rooms at the Viceroy

4. Pick the right detox frame of mind
Detoxing isn’t just about healthy eating and exercise, it means going on a digital diet. Trust me, I know silencing your smartphone and forgoing Facebook can be tough, but to truly de-stress on vacation, you need to be completely present in the moment. Put away all your distracting electronic devices so you can savor the scenery, the activities and the experience – and live life in the real world!
Detox tip: Devote 1 hour max per day to check important emails (no mindless web surfing).

5. Pick the right detox spa
I’m a bit of a spa snob, and I’ve been to enough to know that bigger isn’t always better. I wanted intimate, and luckily Viceroy’s Estrella Spa fit the bill. It has just the amenities a detox gal needs: a combo steam room/shower to open the pores (the skin is the body’s largest detox organ, after all), a plush lounge for chilling without the chatter of larger spas and a spa menu that’ll make you sigh in delight. I had the Detoxifying Contouring Treatment, 60-minutes of heaven that exfoliated, detoxed and massaged my body to bliss. Big props to my therapist and her expert hands; her combo of kneading, tapping, skin pulling and pressure points kicked my detox off on just the right relaxing note.
Detox tip: Book your spa treatment in advance. Savoring the spa menu is a holiday unto itself and means less thinking on vacay – and guaranteed me-time.

Viceroy’s Estrella Spa
Viceroy’s Estrella Spa

6. Pick the right detox activities
Start your day with hiking. There’s something about hiking in the great outdoors that does wonders to clear your head (bye-bye brain fog). And Palm Springs has hiking trails aplenty! There’s one walking distance from the Viceroy (the staff will point you in the right direction), plus a popular trail right behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. Or take the 10-minute aerial tram up Chino Canyon for access to 54 miles of hiking trails. Find a yoga or exercise studio for afternoon classes. I stumbled on Ecore Fitness, a boutique fitness studio in the heart of Palm Springs – and boy was I glad I did! Their yoga and Pilates classes rocked and they couldn’t have been more welcoming.
Detox tip: Vacation is a great time to expand your fitness repertoire. Yes, trying new classes can be intimidating, but it can also be empowering!

7. Pick the right detox eateries
“Dieting” on vacation is no fun, but finding healthy restaurants and trying new healthy eats is. Yes, you can Google healthy restaurants (HappyCow.com is a great resource), but you can’t beat asking locals for suggestions. That’s how I found Luscious Lorraine’s, an organic juice bar and eatery inside Harvest Health Foods, and Nature’s Health Food & Café.
Detox tip: When in doubt, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese restaurants have plenty of healthy options.

Another gorgeous shot of the Viceroy Palm Springs... can't you feel the detox already
Another gorgeous shot of the Viceroy Palm Springs… can’t you feel the detox already
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