As I write this, the top 2 trending things on my Threads are:

1. Love Island USA 🏝
2. Medicaid and SNAP cuts

This is the spectrum of being human in 2025.

We scroll past reality TV recaps while trying to process policy shifts that impact real families and their access to healthcare. We plan our summer getaways while wondering what’s happening to our safety nets.

For this weekend's edit, in the spirit of Love Island USA (and for a much-needed levity moment), I'll be sharing a mini recap of my recent dream getaway vacay to the Cayman Islands.

Something I've been talking about for years now: wellness and longevity focus is showing up everywhere now, even in hotel stays. From circadian-friendly lighting and meditation apps in the room, to sleep-boosting turndown rituals and healthier room service menus.

The rise of longevity-focused travel is part of a bigger shift. I don't want to check out of my wellness goals when I check into a hotel. Instead, I try to choose experiences that help me feel good, move well, and sleep deeply so I can be fully present and enjoy my vacation.

As someone who lives and breathes brain health and holistic well-being, I love seeing the industry evolve this way. But whether or not your hotel offers an infrared sauna or a mocktail elixir bar, your habits are still your greatest tool.

We stayed at the Palm Heights hotel, which had been on my bucket list for a minute, especially because I also wanted to spend as much time as possible at their famous "Garden Club" spa and do all the wellness and longevity things... BUT STILL enjoy my time with my husband.

And DID!

But the highlight of my stay? The Nourishing Hammam Ritual + sunsets and champagne at the beach.

I have no words to describe my Hammam experience. But if you're new to it, here's a brief explanation of what to expect: Hammam, also known as a Turkish bath and a central part of the experience, is a vigorous scrubbing with a rough mitt to exfoliate the skin (and when I say vigorous, I MEAN THAT! lol).

This is followed by a foam massage (that's me under all those bubbles!), rinsing with warm water, and sometimes further treatments like massages or aromatherapy. The way I felt like I shed 20 years of stress and dead skin at the same time needs to be studied. Omgggggggg

But you don't need to wait for a fancy vacation to get a hammam; just do a Google search with the words "hammam near me" and hopefully you can find a service near you. YOU'RE WELCOME.

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Now, back to my wellness strategies.

I used to come back from vacation feeling bloated, sleep-deprived, and off track… but not anymore. Over the years, I’ve built a few travel-friendly habits that help me feel amazing while I’m away and make the transition home way easier.

Here are my top 7 strategies to stay committed to your wellness goals while traveling, without sacrificing the fun:

1. Start my day with something nourishing. I always focus on a protein + fiber combo in the morning (think: veggie omelet + fruit or chia pudding + almonds). It sets the tone for the whole day.

2. I make movement part of the experience. I’m not talking about gym time (unless you want that). Long beach walks, paddleboarding, a few yoga stretches in your room, or even dancing to your vacay playlist = movement that feels good and fits the vibe.

3. Hydrate like it’s my full-time job. Airplanes, sun, and cocktails will all dehydrate you. I always travel like a vieja with my compression socks, bring my own electrolyte packets, a reusable water bottle, and aim for at least 80 oz a day when traveling.

4. Prioritize sleep, even if it’s a little different. I bring my sleep mask, magnesium oil (can't live without it!), and motion-sensitive mini red light cube wherever I go. Rest is where your body heals and processes all the stimulation that comes with travel.

5. Anchor your day with one mindful meal. Even if I'm trying new foods (yes, please), I aim for at least one veggie-rich, whole-food meal a day. It keeps my gut and mood happy.

6. Bring my must-have supplement stack: I always bring activated charcoal with me when I travel. As much as I try, you never know if a new food will upset your stomach or make you gassy, so activated charcoal is always a must. I also always bring these clean antacid chewable tablets. By now, you should know I never travel without my OLLY sleep gummies, this propolis liposomal vitamin C packet, and this colloidal silver throat spray. Last but not least, I ALWAYS travel with milk thistle in capsules and take it every night to help my liver flush out harmful toxins from alcohol. I drink very moderately (many times nothing at all and prefer mocktails), but when I do, the extra help is always welcome, even with minimal alcohol intake.

7. Never forget my sunscreen! I don't play when it comes to protecting my skin from the sun. A common misconception with us melanated women is that our skin "can take it", as in "we don't need as much sunscreen" and there's nothing further from the truth! Black and Brown women STILL need to protect ourselves. I lather myself in this luscious, non-toxic sunscreen SPF 30 from Primally Pure (use code CANDYCALDERON10 at checkout for a discount!).

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And if you're looking for more vacay skincare and looks I've worn in my recent vacays, just CLICK HERE. It will take you directly to my page with a compilation to make it easier for you!

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Phew! That was a lot, but I hope it helps, supports, and inspires you for your next vacation.

Whether you're planning your next adventure or just want to feel a little more aligned, remember: wellness isn’t about being “perfect”. It’s about feeling present.

🏝 Now let me get mentally ready to catch Love Island USA finale tomorrow!

Are you watching??? Who are you rooting for??? If you know me a little, you know I am rooting for my girl Amaya, and Bryan. Platano Power baby!!

That's all for now.

Talk to you soon!

-Candy

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As usual, all opinions and suggestions of people, places, and products I love are my own. All linked products are independently selected and curated by the CEO Wellness Club team and me. Some of them contain affiliate links. If you love and buy something we link to, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or medical advice of any kind. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Ask your doctor before trying any new regimens, herbs, or supplements.

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