March Welcome – Live Well, Travel Well and Breathe Hatteras Island

Journeys of discovery and the power of pilgrimage

Every year, the wellness industry releases a list of new trends. It’s fascinating to see how this sector keeps evolving. We now know about all kinds of breathwork, how to feed our gut microbiome, wellness tourism and retreats, taking cold water plunges, healing gummies for everything, workplace wellness, fit-technology and wearable fitness apps to help us go that extra mile—virtually. Phew!

In 2024, we can read all about wellness’s gender shift ‘from manning up to opening up’ (think Limitless with Chris Hemswoth), ‘sweat meets tech’ with a growing demand for saunas, steam rooms, and immersive light therapy experiences, blue zone destinations and diets, rucking (walking with a weighted backpack), vagus nerve stimulation, and how ‘softcare vs. hardcare’ finds community and connection improves social wellbeing, saying goodbye to hustle culture’s compulsion for success and endless goals.

One upcoming trend that really stands out is ‘The Power of Pilgrimage’. I think about the paths we’ve taken to get to where we are today and the unknown journeys still lie ahead. As shared in the story of The Alchemist by Paul Coelho, a journey’s treasure and true impact are often discovered only once we’ve returned. The Global Wellness Institute reported ‘a record number of new and revitalized pilgrimage trails worldwide are luring new generations to experience the most ancient, slow and spiritual form of travel.’ So where will you journey to this year?

As the islands opens up for this coming season, we can look forward to seeing all the fishermen, watersports enthusiasts, kids on their spring break getaway, and the family groups coming for their annual summer vacation at the beach. What a joy to welcome them, following in the footsteps of generations, returning back to their happy place and on their annual pilgrimage to Hatteras Island!

Photo credit: Humphrey Muleba