Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

E xposure to blue spaces like oceans, lakes, ponds, or even swimming pools has been linked to overall improved health, and are ideal places if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed. One of the best areas that channels wide blue spaces is the Florida Keys where various shades of blue water help put the mind right at ease. Let's look at ways to get a dose of vitamin "sea" at Florida's popular tropical island chain. SEA-INSPIRED MEDITATION Snorkelling and scuba diving are terrific ways to not only take a peek at the undersea world, but can aid wellness practices in meditation, too. The sound of your breathing while floating in the water can be calming especially with fish swimming by. Dive into super snorkelling spots in the 9,900-square-kilometre Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that runs the entire length of the Keys, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Alligator Reef off Islamorada, Sombrero Reef off Marathon, Looe Key Reef south of Big Pine Key, and Sand Key off Key West. WELLNESS ON THE WATER Being in the water isn't the only way to take advantage of the Florida Keys' blue spaces. Take a 3.5-kilometre walk along the newly restored Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon and the Middle Keys. From Old Seven, visit Pigeon Key for an inside look at the compact island that was once home to workers who built the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, which opened in 1912. For more on-the-water wellness, try stand- up paddleboard yoga at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, paddleboard fitness classes at Oceans Edge Key West Resort and Marina, or ride an ocean bike at The Reach Key West. Kayaking around any of the islands throughout the Florida Keys enables a top-of-water POV while staying dry. LET IT GO Myriad spas in the Florida Keys are ready to help relieve daily stresses. In Key West, Spa Al Maré features massages in private cabanas near the Atlantic Ocean, a wrap with rich marine algae is offered at Calm Waters Spa in Duck Key, and there are plenty of options at the new Ooh la la at The Cay in Key Largo. Another unique way to let it all go is at Playa Largo Resort and Spa in Key Largo. Head to the Drift Table and write down any worries, anxieties and stresses. This paper is then tossed into a bonfire, the ashes of which are carried into Florida Bay along with your stresses. However you choose to experience the Florida Keys, the dose of vitamin sea in a land- scape of blue will certainly contribute to your physical and mental wellness. Travel Planner For more wellness travel information in the Florida Keys visit fla-keys.com DS THE FLORIDA KEYS Get A Dose of Vitamin "Sea" In BY SUSAN B. BARNES PHOTOS: FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2024 40

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