Clean living is rapidly becoming the norm for conscious citizens wanting the most out of life. And it’s making waves in the travel industry, with wellness tourism forecast to rise 50 per cent in the next five years to become the industry’s fastest growing sector.
Australian entrepreneur, Michael Dahdal has responded to the trend launching My Chi Journey, an Australian boutique travel company specialising in tailor-made wellness vacations. My Chi Journey’s pre-packaged and customised journeys are based around the five tenets of wellness – physical activity, stress reduction, spiritual connectedness, food and nutrition education, and cultural involvement – all of which create healthier, more inspiring experiences, leading to a happier and more satisfying life in return.
“Clean is the new green when it comes to our daily lives, so it’s no surprise the trend has made its mark on the travel industry”, said Mr Dahdal. “Our ‘always-on’ lives are showing no signs of slowing down, so we must consciously decide to take stock where we can”.
Far more than a travel agent, My Chi Journey designs meaningful luxury travel experiences for those who ultimately want more from every aspect of their lives.
“Our aim is to foster a greater sense of purpose in those feeling pressured by daily life. My Chi Journey vacations are not about ticking off landmarks, but travelling in a way that is immersive and brings better health, awareness, wellbeing and sense of connectedness”, Mr. Dahdal says.
When a traveller books a trip with My Chi Journey their vacation does not end when their holiday does, either. Instead, their entire experience is overseen by a dedicated planner who ensures they receive the most they possibly can from their travel. Clients are offered follow up, with their vacation planner checking in on how their travel is helping them pursue their goals.
Itineraries include a full range of wellness experiences with some of the world’s best providers. My Chi Journey partners with the most outstanding spas, health clubs and lifestyle brands around the globe, all handpicked for proven expertise in creating personal growth.
From luxurious health destinations to soulful yoga, meditation and relaxation, as well as invigorating outdoor pursuits, My Chi Journey can craft a holiday to suit. This is because company core value stems from the belief that a traveller’s inner journey is just as important as the outer.
Destinations for My Chi Journey cover a wide range of the world’s most beautiful and ultimately comfortable locations such as an upscale Balinese village and the elite, luxury Emirates Palace hotel in the UAE.
Mr Dahdal was largely inspired to start My Chi Journey by the growing mountain of evidence from leading institutions globally that modern work culture is actually destroying lives.
This includes such findings as:
- Work days over 11 hours increase the risk of heart disease by 67 % due to less time to relax and recharge
- Those who work excessively are more likely to suffer from insomnia, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease, a Japanese study found.
- Overworked people are more likely to experience conflict with family and friends
- More than half of Australians identify the workplace as their major cause of stress
- Neuroscientists have discovered that constant busyness leads to brain shrinkage when a person is under constant pressure their prefrontal cortex, pivotal to intelligence, actually shrinks
- An international study by Ernst & Young in 2006 found that for each additional 10 hours of holiday employee efficiency improved 8 %
- A Dutch study found people who take holidays are far happier than those who don’t
- And business owners take note: mental stress costs Australian businesses more than $10 billion in lost productivity, according to a 2013 study by Safe Work Australia
For this reason, My Chi Journey’s itineraries lead travellers not to the nearest bar or nightclub but where their soul needs to go. We tend to avoid the use of words like ‘retreat’ or ‘escape’ but instead we mirror the thought captured by best-selling author Seth Godin when he says: “instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape”.
Initial trips:
- Bali, 5 nights staying in luxurious Balinese villas
- Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 2 nights for an upmarket health and wellness experience
To rediscover yourself, visit mychijourney.com.
