Sea Vs. Mountains: Comparing The Health Benefits Of Coastal And Alpine Retreats

Last updated on September 26th, 2023 at 07:39 am

Our fast-paced world today has people struggling to find the time to get away and rejuvenate. And when they do find the time, the eternal struggle of where to go for a retreat is the biggest dilemma!

Two of the most popular and common options that you’re left with are – should you vacation at the beat in the coastal area? Or should you spend your days in the mountains?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this dilemma because, at the end of the day, it all comes down to your preferences and what you want to get out of your vacation days. Both options have great health benefits and fun activities, which might make this decision even harder for you!

So let’s try and settle this seemingly unanswerable question- a beach vacation or a mountain vacation? We’ve listed all the best features of both locations and compared the pros and cons, so take a look and see if you can finally make a decision. 

But if you still find it difficult to make a choice, there is an option that will suit you. Buy a yacht and go on a trip on it. You can combine mountains, sea, beaches and even city tours.

Alpine Retreats

Are you more of a mountain, nature, greenery, scenery type of person? If yes, then a mountain vacation is the best option for you. If you’ve been stressed out, are swamped with work, or just feel like you need fresh air, alpine retreats can do wonders for you!

It’s a bit more outdoorsy, with a lot of physical activity and access to unlimited picturesque sceneries. An alpine retreat is an adventure lover’s paradise because you get to trek and hike unexplored terrain, which is in itself a therapeutic experience.

Health Benefits Of Alpine Retreats

Recharge And Relax

Imagine a secluded mountain with green trees and plants everywhere, nothing but the sound of a babbling brook and birds chirping in the near distance. Relaxing, right? This is what mountain retreats offer- a place to recharge your body and relax your mind. Peace and quiet in the mountains is something of a luxury for those who are used to the business of city life, and this kind of getaway can be amazing for your mental and physical body.

Get Rid Of Stress And Anxiety

The serenity of nature definitely has a calming and soothing effect on your mind. Just breathing in the fresh air from the mountaintop can fill your lungs with a calmness that flows through your body. This effect can significantly lower your cortisol levels while releasing endorphins, which are your happy hormones!

Breathing In Fresh, Clean Air

As a symbol of vitality, the nature that comes with alpine retreats is fresh, green, and beautiful. Here, you don’t have to worry about breathing in toxins or the air pollution that is prominent in the city.

Imagine waking up in the morning and breathing in the air from the high altitudes of these mountains. It’s the best thing you can do for your lungs! Mountain air is also great for little children because of its purity and lack of pollutants.

No Noise Pollution

If you cannot stand another day of people screaming at each other, cars honking all through traffic, and machines whirring away, mountain vacays are all you need.

Of course, it’s not deafening silence that overcomes you the moment you reach the alpines, but even the chirping of birds and buzzing of the insects sound so magical in comparison to the heavy traffic noises you’re getting away from.

Mental Health Reset

Mountain retreats can do great things for your mental health. Even just from being in the presence of nature, your body will start to feel the stress and tension slowly drift away. You will feel more relaxed and think more clearly. You might also be inspired by the vivid colors of nature and boost your creativity.

Consider focusing on yoga or meditation when you’re here so you can fully experience the serenity that comes with mountain life.

Coastal Retreats

If you think about words like wholesome, fun, sunny, and vibrant when you think of vacations, you’re probably going to enjoy a coastal retreat. Especially if you’re longing for unending days out in the sun, coastal vacations will be the best thing you can do for yourself.

There are also a lot of activities associated with beach holidays, such as scuba diving, surfing, swimming, boating, fishing, and so much more! So, if you’re an active person who loves breaking a sweat every now and then, the coast is calling to you!

Health Benefits Of Coastal Retreats

Breathing The Sea Air

If you’ve ever been to a beach, you know that there’s just something about the smell of the sea and the breeze that calms you down. It’s a plus point if you visit a coastal town instead of a busy port or a beach because the experience will be manifold.

Sleep Better

You can significantly lower your stress hormones by simply sitting by the sea and breathing in the fresh air. And we all know that lower stress means better sleep! Beaches are also a great place to bathe in the sun, which can be a win-win situation because you get a good nap and you get naturally tan!

Physical Activity Motivator

Back in city life, you might not be the most physically active person, but once you get to the coastal area, you’ll be encouraged to spend more time outdoors and play in the sun.

Coastal retreats are nowhere short of physical activities. You can go swimming whenever you feel like it or surf when the waves are high. You can even go diving, boating, and fishing.

The activities are endless here!

Get That Vitamin D

When we say beach, of course, there’s sunshine, and with sunshine comes your much-needed vitamin D. Your physical body and your mental health can greatly benefit from this boost of vitamin D in your body. But always make sure to wear sunscreen.

Seawater Skincare

For all the skincare gurus out there- salt water has so many minerals that do wonders for your skin. From magnesium to sodium, iodine, and potassium, you’ll make your skin very happy by soaking in all the beneficial properties of these minerals.

Fresh Food For Better Gut Health

Cooking and eating by the sea is already so romantic, but having the freshest food for all your meals? Now, that’s something you cannot say no to! There is so much variety in the cuisine of coastal retreats, so all the foodies will definitely have the time of their lives here.

So Which One Should You Choose?

To make this easier, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of sea vs. mountain retreats

Coastal Retreats

Pros:

·        All the sunshine you need

·        Seawater benefits

·        Ample outdoor activities

·        Encourages a healthy lifestyle

·        Meeting a lot of people

·        Naturally tan skin

·        Summer vibe all day, every day

Cons:

·        Can be crowded

·        Sunburns

Alpine Retreats

Pros:

·        Natural paradise

·        Scenic views

·        Fresh air

·        All the privacy you need

·        Peace and quiet

Cons

·        Low accessibility

·        Dangerous terrain

In Conclusion

When it comes to beaches, they are not always secluded or safe with the human population. In fact, beaches are arguably one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. So, if you don’t mind the occasional passerby blocking your view of the beautiful sunset by the horizon, then a beach retreat might be just the thing for you.

On the other hand, the one thing that you have to consider before deciding on a mountain vacation is the demand for physical activity. Alpine retreats are usually in secluded areas and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, so you’re not likely to find your usual conveniences when you’re vacationing here. However, if your idea of a retreat is all about unwinding in nature’s beauty, it can rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.

Both places have their own attraction and benefits and can cater to whatever your references might be. The end goal is only that you take the chance to get away and refresh your mind however you think is best for you.