When it comes to our body’s health, there are a few things we take as given facts. We know, for example, that broccoli is good for our gut microbiome and working out can help our heart. But we often overlook the benefits of sex on our overall health. Did you know that sex can support your immune system, improve sleep, build trust and reduce stress? Or that yoga and meditation can enhance arousal and desire?
For a time, wellness seemed as simple as a smoothie and spin class, but we now know our health hinges on an interconnected system between mind and body. However, frank conversations about sex are long overdue, with sexual wellness one of the final frontiers of health left for mainstream exploration. Now, big players in the travel industry are finally getting on board. Below, we take a deeper look into what exactly sexual wellness is, and round up the hotels, spas and retreats offering ways to explore it.
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What is sexual wellness?
“I see sexual wellness as a journey towards sexual authenticity, freedom and pleasure,” says Dr Karen Gurney, a clinical psychologist and psychosexologist, who wrote Mind The Gap: The Truth About Desire And How To Futureproof Your Sex Life. “Sexual satisfaction is highly correlated with both relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being. Sex helps us connect with our bodies, our identity and the present moment.”
While many of the health benefits of sex and intimacy come from its release of the “love” hormone oxytocin, it would be reductive to see sexual wellness as simply an accrual of hormonal hits. Sexual wellness is as much about connection, self-esteem and comfort with one’s own sexuality as it is about sex toys, condom supplies and how many orgasms you have.
“We are sold an idea that sex – solo or partnered – is just a frivolous pursuit using our bodies only,” says Dr Gurney. “Seeing it as separate to our identity, politics or relationships makes it easy to dismiss as unimportant. Because of this, many people don’t reflect on, set goals for, or put effort into their sex life in the way they might with other aspects of their life, such as work, diet or exercise. And because sex and shame are often linked in our minds, this can make it hard to talk about or feel entitled to improve.”
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