Pictured above: Biking through Fort Clinch State Park

Wellness is defined as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. Whether it’s buying fresh fruits and veggies from the Farmers Market, bike riding in nature, strolling the beach, or spending a day at the spa, wellness on Amelia Island is sure to leave a lasting memory of peace and well being. Here’s a curated list of “Island things” to feel good and “well” while staying on our beautiful speck of paradise.

Island Thing #20

Culinary Delights for All Ages and Tastes

Wellness all begins with the food we eat and Amelia Island has plenty of healthy options to choose from. Try the Loaded Lentils at Cafe Karibo made with spring greens, lentils, chickpeas, cucumbers, carrots, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts. So good and so good for you. Or, the blackend or grilled tofu tacos from Timoti’s. The plant based burgers at The Patio at Ash & 5th get rave reviews while Amelia Fresh Cafe located inside Nassau Heath Foods, guarantees that their menu items are free of pesticides, growth hormones, artificial preservatives, and genetically-modified ingredients. Plus, it’s all delicious! Start your day off with a healthy smoothie from Go Juice or spend your Saturday morning at the Farmers Market (pictured above) in downtown Fernandina perusing local farm grown fruits, veggies and other goodies. So much to choose from. See a complete list of dining options here.

Island Thing #25

13 Miles of Pristine Beaches

We all know that relaxation starts with a beach towel. Am I right? Salt water heals everything. Feeling the sun’s warmth on your face, hearing the waves crash, the seagulls “laugh”, and feeling the sand between your toes. There’s just nothing like it. Spending time by the ocean… looking for seashells, surfing the waves, jogging, walking, strolling or biking are zen moments that soak in your soul. It’s quite simply… therapy. Sea salty therapy. Thirteen miles long and two miles wide, Amelia Island is edged with natural Appalachian quartz beaches and framed by sand dunes as high as 40 feet. And, the ocean’s average temperature during the summer? A welcoming 82 degrees. Ladies and Gentlemen, grab your towels and sunscreens, we’ll see you on the beach.

Island Thing #34

13 Miles of Pristine Beaches

Mental health and wellness can be achieved through movement. You must move to stay well so why not tackle both mind and body with a yoga session that can not only reduce stress and manage pain but also build strength and flexibility? Whether it’s in a studio, on a lawn, on the beach or in the water, here are 5 perfect places for yoga on Amelia Island. We also know that mental wellness and a day at the spa go hand in hand. The Spa at Omni Amelia Island Resort offers “clean & green” therapies and treatments including massage, peels & wraps, and signature scrubs in a peaceful environment while The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island has a variety of rejuvenating massages, facials, Chakra balancing, reflexology, meditation and a healing saltwater pool. Can you say Ahhhmelia?

Island Thing #85

Miles of Nature to Hike, Bike and Explore

Amelia Island is a nature lovers paradise and a day in nature is always good for the soul. Hike your way through Egans Creek Greenway where you can expect to see native plants as well as possible sightings of alligators, snakes, deer, turtles, and many species of birds. If pedal power is your thing, Amelia Island is home to miles of bike lanes, trails, paths and beach to give you a change of scenery every day. Leisurely bikers enjoy the scenic 7 mile Amelia Island Trail that runs from Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park (and beyond to Big & Little Talbot Islands) while more advanced cyclists enjoy the adventure of riding 6 miles of mountain bike trails through Fort Clinch State Park. For a complete change of pace and nature, try a horseback ride on the beach with Amelia Island Horseback Riding or Happy Trails Walking Horses, or a Segway tour at Omni Amelia Island Resort.

So many ways to stay happy and well. Find your Island thing!