Hey there! In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you some of my top recommendations for a nature-filled vacation that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Plus, I’ll be throwing in a few natural skincare tips to help you make the most out of your summer holidays.
Let’s start off with Menorca, a charming and enchanting Spanish island located in the Mediterranean. I mean, just picture it – you’re on this tiny island surrounded by lush greenery, with stunning and secluded bays (known as “calas” in Spanish) scattered all over. The houses are picturesque, with their red-tiled floors and Spanish-style architecture. You can snack on fresh fruits while lounging on the beach and wake up to the aroma of delicious Spanish coffee.
The best part of all is the feeling of deep relaxation that comes with inhaling and exhaling the fresh, salty sea air while admiring beautiful scenes created by crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
This is Menorca – Your Ultimate Summer Nature Getaway!
If you’re looking for a summer vacation that immerses you in nature, then Menorca is the perfect destination for you. This Spanish island boasts plenty of sun, sea, and lush green spaces that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Take a stroll around the small village houses and explore the beautiful shops filled with decorative seashells, beachwear, and authentic espadrilles. You’ll encounter the nicest people and indulge in delicious fresh food – and let’s not forget about the Spanish coffee. It’s simply divine!
One of the highlights of Menorca is its natural beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. You can bask in the sun, swim, and just relax. I highly recommend visiting a “Cala,” a small and special bay that you can only reach by going through the forest. Once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with unique beaches, soft sand, and cliffs surrounding the Cala.
You can choose to visit the more touristic beaches and relish the lovely restaurants around, or you can pack your own snacks and find a small and private Cala to call your own. During summertime, you’ll find other tourists seeking peace and quiet, a lifeguard ensuring everyone’s safety, and sometimes a man with a cart selling tropical fruits or beer.
In the evening, head out to the big city of Ciutadella and enjoy some nice restaurants, or visit Fornells, a smaller village with a port and plenty of restaurants near the sea. Menorca is truly a piece of paradise on earth, and we highly recommend it as your ultimate summer nature getaway!
Keep Your Skin Healthy and Glowing During Your Summer Vacation – Tips from a Naturopath
For many of us, summer vacation means soaking up the sun and sea, feeling free and glamorous with our perfectly wavy sea hair and no need for foundation or makeup. However, while your skin has been kissed by the sun, it’s important to remember to take care of your skin during this time, and as a naturopath, I have some tips to share with you.
Here are my top natural skincare essentials to pack for your island getaway:
Coconut Oil
Shea Butter
Aloe Vera
Arnica Gel and Arnica Soap
These natural products will help keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Coconut oil is a great all-around moisturizer that can also provide some sun protection. Shea butter is especially useful for those with dry or sensitive skin and can help soothe and repair any damage caused by sun exposure. Aloe vera is a powerful natural ingredient that can help calm and soothe any sunburn or irritation, while arnica gel can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Coconut Oil & Aloe Vera After Sun Lotion
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Vitamin E, which can help reduce inflammation and redness of the skin
Protective effect against radiation damage
Using coconut oil and aloe vera as an after-sun cream is a great natural skincare solution. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great moisturizer that can also help protect your skin. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, which have strong disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, and Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy and smooth skin.
Aloe vera is packed with active constituents, including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. It has been found to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin, making it a great choice for use after spending time in the sun.
Skin Soothing DIY: A Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera Gel Mix for Moisturized and Protected Skin
To use, simply mix a bit of coconut oil with aloe vera gel, and apply it to your skin after showering in the evening. This will help soothe and moisturize your skin while also providing some protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Arnica Gel & Soap
Arnica gel and soap are great for calming itchiness, relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation.
Dealing with mosquito bites during the summer months can be a real pain, but thankfully I had some Arnica with me to help soothe the itchiness. I also found that combining Arnica with aloe vera was particularly effective in calming the irritation from the bites.
One of the highlights of my trip was discovering how versatile Arnica can be. I used Arnica soap to relax my muscles after long days of touring the island and found it to be incredibly soothing for my skin.
Arnica gel and cream are both great options for addressing pain and swelling associated with bruises, aches, and sprains. And it can also be used to alleviate a variety of other issues, such as insect bites, arthritis, and muscle and cartilage pain.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a powerful moisturizer that nourishes the skin and gives it elasticity, regenerates the skin, and protects it from sun damage. It’s also great for reducing stretch marks! You can use this as a face mask or body butter.
But Shea butter is much more than just a moisturizer. It’s loaded with active substances like terpene alcohols, phytosterols, latex, and vitamins A and E. These compounds give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective qualities against UV rays (with an SPF of around 6).
Overall, I highly recommend giving Shea butter a try if you’re looking for a natural way to deeply nourish and protect your skin. It’s definitely become a star in my own personal skincare routine!
I use Shea butter as a face cream and hair moisturizer.
Shea butter has become a staple in my beauty routine. I love using it as a face cream because it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue on my skin. But Shea butter is not just for the face. I also use it as a moisturizer for the ends of my hair. Just a small amount is all you need to deeply nourish and protect your locks without weighing them down or making them look flat.
Take Frequent Breaks from the Sun
Seek Shade
Stay Hydrated
Avoid Excess Alcohol
Wear Sunscreen
While you’re enjoying your summer vacation, make sure to take breaks from the sun and seek shade when possible. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid excess alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate your skin. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
By following these simple natural skincare tips, you can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and free all summer long.
Enjoy Your Summer Vacation
Enjoy your summer vacation!
Staying hydrated is important to keep your skin looking its best. Drink lots of water, especially when you’re outside in the hot sun. If you want something more refreshing than plain water, try adding lemon or cucumber slices to your glass. These will add flavour while also providing antioxidants that help protect against damage caused by UV rays.
Wear sunscreen every day – even if it’s cloudy out! The sun’s rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces such as sand or concrete, so even if it looks like there isn’t any direct sunlight where you are standing, there may still be enough UV exposure for damage over time.
Thank you for reading until the end! I hope you found this post helpful and informative. Stay tuned for more content in the future.
Take care, and have a great day, Paz!
