Reset, reconnect
Enjoy a wellness retreat on Galveston Island
Everyone deserves a break from time to time. Briefly getting away from the stress and worry of the usual daily grind is destined to heal the body and mind. After all, taking care of yourself should be a wellness priority the same as maintaining anything else, like a home or a car.
For those experiencing the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s not always possible to hop on a plane and head to your favorite relaxation destination, but luckily for Houstonians, Galveston Island is right down the road and serves as the perfect locale to rest up, practice some “coastal distancing,” and disconnect from everyday life.
A path of serenity
Start your day with some meditation on the beach. You can hit the shoreline for some seclusion, serenity, and maybe even some early morning yoga. To avoid crowds, Sunny Beach and Stewart Beach are both perfect for embracing some peace and quiet.
If you prefer transcendental meditation, you’ll feel right at home as you are probably already aware of the healing properties the beach can bring.
The best part of seclusion in an environment like this is that you don’t have to be experienced in meditation to enjoy the tranquility. If you are new to meditation, try a mindful meditation. This can include walking the shoreline, sitting and listening to the waves roll in, smelling the saltwater air or picking up seashells.
If you’re looking for something a little more active to start the day, you can learn how to stand up to paddleboard.
However you choose to spend your morning, all of these activities can help bring you into the present, as long as you leave your smartphone off or back at the hotel.
Options for brunch
After a morning spent in meditation, enjoy some of the best brunch the island has to offer at the Sunflower Bakery & Café. The one downside of this place is that upon entering, you’ll immediately notice all of the baked goods behind the glass counter and choosing only one or two of them will be excruciatingly difficult.
As for the brunch menu itself, bread pudding French toast, fried quail and grits, lemon curd waffles, and three-egg shrimp omelets are all going to vie for your attention.
Fortunately, there isn’t anything on this creative, made-from-scratch menu that any person would regret ordering.
Get pampered
After enjoying a nice brunch, spend the afternoon getting pampered at the Spa San Luis. As yet another way to continue the renewal of your mind and spirit, the level of personalized service at this resort spa will bring your desired relaxation full circle. You can choose from a variety of treatments, including a massage, body exfoliation, eyelash and eyebrow enhancements, nail services, and more.
Boosting the overall experience is the spa’s brilliant design, which
doesn’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all treatment, instead of making the restoration unique to your needs. Plus, you’ll look stellar for a night out enjoying a fancy dinner.
Dinner
You must enjoy fresh, authentic Gulf
Coast seafood before leaving the island. If you want to spoil yourself with some fine dining, visit the Saltwater Grill. Found right on historic Postoffice Street, you’ll see why this beloved establishment has been racking up foodie awards for the past 20 years.
Boasting a menu filled with favorites like the lobster spring rolls, baked crab mac and cheese, and jumbo grilled shrimp with spicy creole butter sauce, you’ll be excited for your next visit before you even leave the first time.
If you’re in the mood to unwind in a more casual setting without sacrificing explosive flavors, stop by the Black Pearl Oyster Bar. This self-described “corner haunt” on 23rd Street capitalizes on the ever-popular marriage of seafood and downhome Cajun cooking.
Order up some oysters on the half shell; po-boys running the gamut of shrimp, crawfish, catfish and even soft shell crab; while not forgetting about boudin balls with remoulade; crispy calamari; and another creole favorite, seafood gumbo. The New Orleans atmosphere of this mom-and-pop favorite will keep you coming back again.