The Best Wellness Resorts to Visit
Wellness retreats have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering individuals a chance to escape their busy lives and focus on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I really enjoyed my first experience staying at a wellness resort, and since I’d love to plan a trip with my daughter, I’ve been spending a little time researching the plethora of resorts to choose from. Today, I’m rounding up some of the best wellness resorts to visit, including one I have personally attended.
How to Choose Which Wellness Resort is Best?
You might get overwhelmed when you type “wellness resort” into a search engine… I know I did. There are hundreds of options that pop up from coast to coast, and even more when you extend your search outside of the country.
Think about where you’d like to be ā surrounded by mountains, nestled in a peaceful forest, or even relaxing on a beach. If you are trying to keep costs down, search for wellness resorts within driving distance from your home. Reviews are a great tool. I suggest taking a peek at what other people have said about their experiences there and see if it sounds like your cup of tea.
I think the most important thing when trying to figure out which wellness resort is your perfect match is to think about what you’re really after. Are you looking for a weekend to unwind? Do you want to try new fitness activities and explore? Maybe you’re looking to do both. Check out what the resort offers ā from yoga classes and spa treatments to healthy eating plans and outdoor adventures ā and see if they match up with what your body needs. I was hoping to simply chill out at Miraval, so that’s what I did.
The Best Wellness Resorts to Visit
Miraval
Miraval is a luxury all-inclusive resort and spa that takes a 360-degree approach to wellness. With several different locations, including the Berkshires, Austin, Arizona, and the Red Sea, there are plenty of options to choose from! You can read about the difference in their resort locations here.
I was fortunate enough to go on a 4-day trip to their Austin location recently, and I shared my full experience in this post. I feel blessed to have had this experience, and I hope to return to one of their locations again.
Miraval offers a range of activities and services designed to promote mindfulness, relaxation, and well-being. From yoga and meditation to equine therapy and hiking, there’s something for everyone at these luxurious resorts. I found the Austin location’s staff warm, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable.
Carillon Miami
The Carillon Miami is a luxurious wellness resort located on Miami Beach, Florida, offering a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and holistic well-being. Formerly the Carillon Hotel, this upscale destination has been transformed into a haven for health-conscious travelers.
Its standout feature is the expansive 70,000-square-foot Carillon Spa, offering a diverse menu of rejuvenating treatments overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the largest spas on the East Coast, and alongside its spa amenities, the resort provides comprehensive wellness programs including fitness classes, nutrition consultations, and meditation sessions, all aimed at promoting holistic health and vitality.
Guests can indulge in a range of activities, from yoga on the beach to high-intensity interval training, fostering a transformative journey towards enhanced well-being during their stay at the Carillon Miami.
YO1
I must admit, I was very intrigued when I read about the Yovan Longeity Resorts as they place a strong emphasis on health, longevity, and holistic well-being, offering a range of programs tailored to address various health concerns and promote overall vitality. The resort’s programs are designed to combine ancient healing practices with modern holistic therapies, providing guests with comprehensive solutions for achieving optimal health.
For individuals struggling with health issues such as high cholesterol and hypertension, YO1 offers specialized programs focused on cardiovascular health. These programs typically include personalized dietary plans, targeted fitness regimens, stress management techniques, and specific Ayurvedic treatments aimed at improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health.
Moreover, YO1 recognizes the significant impact that mental and emotional well-being has on overall health. For guests dealing with anxiety, stress, or other mental health concerns, the resort provides programs designed to promote relaxation, emotional balance, and mental clarity. These programs often incorporate mindfulness practices, meditation sessions, therapeutic massages, and holistic therapies aimed at calming the mind, reducing stress levels, and enhancing emotional resilience.
In addition to addressing specific health concerns, YO1’s programs prioritize preventive care and lifestyle modifications to support long-term health and longevity. Guests are empowered with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable changes to their diet, exercise routine, stress management practices, and overall lifestyle habits, helping them to not only alleviate current health issues but also to prevent future ailments and promote lasting wellness.
Canyon Ranch
Canyon Ranch has been a wellness destination for decades. The resort offers a range of services, including integrative wellness, nutrition, and fitness, as well as outdoor activities like hiking and biking. With locations in Massachusetts, Arizona, California, and Nevada, Canyon Ranch offers guests an unparalleled retreat experience amidst the serene beauty of nature.
At Canyon Ranch, guests have access to an array of world-class amenities and services designed to promote well-being on every level. The resort’s philosophy centers around the integration of fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, and relaxation, providing a comprehensive approach to wellness that caters to individuals’ unique needs and goals.
Additionally, Canyon Ranch provides personalized consultations with wellness experts, allowing guests to create customized plans tailored to their specific health objectives. Whether seeking to improve fitness, manage stress, or simply unwind in a tranquil oasis, Canyon Ranch offers a transformative retreat experience that fosters lasting vitality and balance.
CIVANA
CIVANA is a wellness resort nestled in the serene Sonoran Desert landscape of Carefree, Arizona. Formerly known as the Carefree Resort & Conference Center, CIVANA is now a premier destination for holistic well-being. Embracing the philosophy of “wellness through balance,” CIVANA offers guests a tranquil retreat where they can rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits amidst the natural beauty of the desert surroundings.
At CIVANA, guests are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal through a diverse range of wellness experiences. The resort boasts a variety of amenities aimed at promoting holistic health, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, group exercise classes, and outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and meditation in the nearby mountains. Additionally, CIVANA’s spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions from around the world, providing guests with opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation, and inner peace.
Beyond its wellness offerings, CIVANA is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout the resort. From organic and locally sourced cuisine at its restaurants to eco-conscious design elements in its accommodations, CIVANA strives to minimize its ecological footprint while providing guests with a restorative and environmentally conscious retreat experience.
More Wellness Resorts to Visit:
- Golden Door: In the tranquil hills of Southern California, Golden Door offers an exclusive and immersive wellness experience, blending Japanese-inspired treatments with luxurious accommodations.
- The Enchantment Sedona: Surrounded by the stunning red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, The Enchantment Resort offers outdoor adventures like mountain biking and hiking, as well as enriching activities like art and stargazing. They are located steps from the Mii amo’s legendary spa. The two are sister resorts, so as a guest of The Enchantment, you are given exclusive access to Mii amo.
- Mirbeau Spa: Located in Skaneateles, New York, Mirbeau Inn & Spa offers a French-inspired wellness retreat, featuring elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, and indulgent spa treatments in a serene countryside setting.
- Lake Austin Spa Resort: Situated on the shores of Lake Austin in Texas Hill Country, this award-winning wellness retreat offers a serene oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation, with a focus on holistic wellness, healthy cuisine, and personalized experiences.
Have you ever visited a Wellness Resort?
I also strongly recommend Rancho La Puerta. Iāve gone there twice ā once alone and once with my sister. Itās got great spa services but so much more. Every kind of workout classes, many pools, amazing hikes. Great classes on meditation, sound healing, yoga. Also musical events, crafts classes, healthy amazing food. Thereās just nothing like it. People I met there have been going there for years. Itās got a strong following and for good reason. I heard about it from my Pilates teacher who goes there to teach several times a year. You really need to check it out!
I will!!
Hi there
Have never visited a wellness resort but often on holidays – hotel/pool – nice meals at restaurants – walks – and treating myself to a massage I feel I have been treated to “wellness”.
My idea of a wellness retreat is a hotel with a balcony room and a view and a nice bottle of wine. Oh, and room service. š
I hear you, Kay! Room service is mandatory.
I’ve been fortunate enough to go to Canyon Ranch several times with a group led by one of my yoga instructors. We go in the summer (yes, it’s hot!) but it is less expensive in their “off-season”. Some of us in the group save up all year so we can go, have a wonderful, rejuvenating visit, and do everything we want to do or nothing at all. It’s the only time we have to do exactly as we please, and have nobody else to take care of but ourselves. Believe me, there is something there for everyone, no matter what your wants or needs may be.
I don’t like hot weather but I’m willing to brave it to be able to go. As our group leader says, “It’s always 72 degrees in the Spa!”
That’s so smart, Ann and it sounds like an amazing time.
Check out red Mountain resort in Utah. Absolutely beautiful.
Iām sorry to hear that you have been sick. I hope that you have it on the run. I wish we could afford a wellness retreat for my caregiver husband. He is so burned out right now. I just mentioned your experience and he was not interested. I feel guilty as I am the one he has to care for and the house, and winter watering until it warms up at night and the watering system is turned back on. Today he is paying bills and watering. I help as much as I can but it doesnāt feel like much to him. You are so lucky to be able to do all of these things.
I’m so sorry, Sydney. Please take care of yourself too!
Happy Friday, several years ago my husband and I booked a wonderful long weekend at Mirbeau Spa in New York, it was wonderful. They also have another resort in Massachusetts.
On another comment, I ordered the Open Edit tan trench coat from Nordstrom. What a fabulous buy! Thank you for suggesting it.
Have a great weekend
I’m so glad you love it. I think the quality is outstanding!
Thank you for such a comprehensive list. I miss the Oaks in Ojai, loved that spa. Sorry about the ‘bug’ that got you down, my son is just emerging from the same illness, hits hard and fast…
It did come out of nowhere š
My daughter is involved with this company https://www.rechargethesoul.com/about .
They began in Folsom years ago with retreats in Tahoe and have since expanded to taking their retreats international. They just had a post about mother/daughter experiences on Instagram. You might check them out – They’re amazing, positive and caring.
It looks wonderful! Thanks Cyndi
And…I should have added spafinder.com where you can find almost any type of spa and price point you want
Great resource
I think a spa retreat would be wonderful! I would need a BC Canada locationā¦I have a travel account for trips and since Covid have only gone to the cottage on Pender once s month for a week! Perhaps it is time to try something new and different!!!
Hope you feel better soon.
Leslie
Hostess of The Humble Bungalow
Thanks Leslie! Pender is quite a treat. I’d love to get back there.
I know that you have some other Canadians who follow you so…I am adding St Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario (steannes.com ;there are MANY local spas in Ontario; check your city). Vancouver Island (B.C.) has many spas. And the one that calls itself a “resort” but should be in the spa category is Nimmo Bay (nimmobay.com) but it might be too “wild” for some who want a more city experience. Sorry I do not know much about the prairies, Quebec or the maritime province spa locations but I am sure they are there too.
And…that darned bug that nabbed you…look after yourself and get well. Where I am it has been dubbed the “hundred day cough” and seems to often turn into pneumonia.
Thank you so much for sharing those resources in Canada. I am hopefully on the mend but I am keeping an eye on it.
I have been going to Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah since 1989. In the beginning it was all about diet and exercise. I first learned about veganism there. These days it is a full-on spa with all of the amenities. It may be a little less expensive than other spas. Not sure. I love the setting, walking, hiking and fitness classes. There are spa treatments, which I do not do. There are also alternative type classes, which I always find interesting. Just a few miles from me is the Cal-a-Vie spa in Vista, CA. My friend used to work there. It is quite costly. Many celebrities and other well-known people go there.
Your experience sounds wonderful!! Iāll have a peek at that one. Utah is so gorgeous.
I need to go back and read your Miraval post! I don’t know how I missed that! Thanks for doing the research! This has nothing to do with wellness but I love your sandals! Do you have a link?
Miraval is amazing!! Lol…the sandals are just what they supplied at the spas at Miraval but they were very comfy.
Thank you for informing us about these wellness retreats. It opens up the possibility for a trip in the future.
Thank you for reviewing other wellness spas. Iāve gone to Canyon Ranch several times and love it-especially the way I feel at the end. Iāve wanted to try other places but have been reluctant as I really like all the parts of CR. youāve inspired to check out a few others!
Thanks for sharing your experience with Canyon Ranch. I have a girl friend who loves it too.
The closest thing I have come to a wellness resort was a weekās stay (with close family) at the Dusit Thani Resort in Hua Hin, Thailand. It was the most relaxing week, starting the day off with a magnificent breakfast feast by the pool, then a swim. Cocktails with lunch (again by the pool), after which followed a hot āgingerā massage at the spa. Before dinner in town, we would get our hair washed and blow dryed at the salon. Not sure how therapeutic drinking cocktails out of a coconut was.
That sounds fabulous! Sign me up! Iāve always wanted to see Thailand.
You and your daughter would enjoy Ranch la Puerta. Best week of my life. Itās where I learned about reflexology. Check it out!
Iām on it! It sounds fabulous.
I second Rancho La Puerta, the grandmother of them all. I went with my daughter a couple of years ago and we both really loved it.
Oh Rancho La Puerta, Tecate Mexico! Been there twice and loved the serene serious approach to wellness. Options for hiking, exercising, organic garden, treatments, meditation and other healing arts. Or just be still.
Sometimes being still, is the best medicine.
Rancho La Puerta in Tecate been there at least ten times , itās the best!
Awesome!