10 Wellness Retreats to Create a Healthier Lifestyle

Are you ready to take action and create positive change for your life?

Get ready to challenge yourself, nurture yourself and reinvent yourself using travel and spa as a ‘tool’ to wellness.

From Cali to the East Coast, these are some of the best in the world and 10 of the best wellness resorts in the U.S. (with one just over the border in Tecate, Mexico!). What are Your Intentions for this New Year?

It starts here! Are you ready?

Canyon Ranch – Tucson, AZ and Lenox, MA

The healing power and energy of the Sonoran Desert and the tranquility of the Berkshires will inspire you to nourish, challenge and pamper yourself. From hiking, biking, nutritious dining, workshops and consultations by wellness and medical experts to a full service spa for relaxation and renewal. Trouble sleeping? Consider going to one of the sleep seminars or a private session with Dr. Param Dedhia, Director of Sleep Medicine. Dr. Dedhia also championed the relaunch of the Weight Loss Program at the Life Enhancement Center. Programs at the Life Enhancement Center offer a small group opportunity to focus on your goals for one full week (Sunday-Sunday). Perhaps you’re more interested in a Spiritual Journey. Stress, Healing & Spiritual Awakening might be a good session for you with Spiritual Wellness provider, Pamela Dintaman and learn how the spiritual journey can help you with steps toward transforming your life.

Vera Via, Carlsbad, CA

Vera Via offers one of the most unique and intimate programs amongst destination/health spas. Since it’s in a ’boutique size’ setting at the Park Hyatt Aviara, the program helps guests accomplish specific goals including weight reduction, overcoming stressors, personal fitness and programming for long lasting health and well-being. Guests meet with their experts and create an individualized plan that helps them realize success during a stay with continued progress when guests are back home. We know that treating the ‘whole’ person leads to long lasting results. Melissa and Wyatt Chapman, Co-Founders of Vera Via, are committed to the success of the program along with their team. There are several packages to choose from depending on your schedule and goals. There’s also a spa on property offering a la carte services.

Rancho la Puerta, Tecate, Mexico

Rancho la Puerta offers an abundance of fitness classes, hiking opportunities for the beginner to advanced, cooking demos, lectures and plenty of options for pampering in their health centers. Meals are nourishing and vegetarian and simply delicious. The ‘rooms’ are really casitas and they’re spacious and decorated with folkloric Mexican art and they’re very comfortable. Take the time to ‘meander the paths’ at the Ranch and you might just find your life will open up to unlimited possibilities. This is a beloved wellness resort and the original destination fitness resort and spa as it all started in 1940, founded by Edmond and Deborah Szekely. Spa time? Consider the Feldenkrais Method and Watsu.
More about the Ranch in this article.

Miraval Arizona, Tucson

Find inspiration and learn how to live in the moment. Be present, rather than worry about the past or the future. Different experiences present choices for nutrition, fitness, stress management and meditation. Explore challenging activities, inspiring classes and relaxing moments to help you create a healthier lifestyle. Some of my ‘go-to’ experts include Anne Parker as she helps me stay grounded and her perspective helps with my own transformation. For a deep tissue massage, Stephen is my go-to and Lolita for her insight and nurturing style. First time? Consider the Equine Experience and be sure to experience the meditation options.
Miraval’s Life in Balance profile on us in this article.

Red Mountain Spa, St. George, Utah

This wellness resort is only 90-minutes from Las Vegas and is surrounded by majestic red mountains, vivid blue skies and the peaceful setting of the Utah desert. Adventure awaits guests with activities such as hiking, kayaking, biking as well as healthy living classes, fitness, healthy dining and pampering spa services to soothe your body, mind and soul after a fulfilling day. In addition to a great list of property hikes, you might want to consider a guided hike at Zion National Park Hike and explore deep canyons and sandstone cliffs. Canyoneering and Rappelling are also offered. At the spa, look at the Desert Dreams Ritual (night time bliss).
More about Red Mountain Spa in this article.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX

Located on Lake Austin in Texas Hill Country, this highly rated resort is a rare find in the Austin area and a unique setting for a destination spa. It is truly like going to your best friend’s lake cottage! Fitness classes, healthy living classes, nutritious and delicious dining are available. If you’re looking for a unique program in healthy cooking, then the Culinary Experience is one to look into for an interactive experience, which is another opportunity to take action to create positive change in your life. One of the best values is the Power of 7 program, a customized 7-day program
focused on your personal goals. What about the spa? Look at Texas Starry Night (pleasant dreams!).

Mii Amo, Sedona, AZ

Mii Amo, a Native American word meaning “journey,” is located at Enchantment Resort and surrounded by the awe-inspiring red rocks of Sedona. There is a sense of healing and feeling of life-changing energy in this magical space in the desert. There are different “journeys” or programs that you can choose from for a 3-, 4- or 7-night stay such as the Healthy Body in Balance, Spiritual Exploration, Transformational Wisdom. Journeys include all meals, classes, activities and spa services. A stunning and inspirational setting creates the stage for change. At the spa: consider the Psychic Massage and Hozhooji, the Mii amo Blessing (specialty service).

Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head Health (H3) has over 40 years of experience with their weight loss program and their newer Live Well Program. Beginning on day one you’re assessed by H3’s fitness experts and given a personalized program, one that is effective and tailored to your needs. Scheduling features healthy eating, fitness, behavioral health and they’re offered in private and small groups. H3’s all-inclusive program is effective, empowering and fun. At Indigo Spa, try the Fit and Firm Transformational Facial with Skin Authority products (best facial I ever had!).
More about my personal journey here.

Oaks at Ojai, Ojai, CA*
*This long running wellness resort has sadly closed.

Recently renovated and one of the best values in a destination spa vacation. They offer up to 16 exercise classes and fitness activities per day, a 1000 calorie-a-day spa food plan, spa services, and healthy living classes and an opportunity for (mostly) women to make positive changes and return home renewed and rejuvenated. The Dance Week and Mother/Daughter weeks are popular and their visiting speakers. The Oaks is one of the most affordable retreats, which takes away even more stress. At the spa, try the Joint Health Arnica Massage (or Aromatherapy Massage).

Cal-a-Vie, Vista, CA

Located in the rolling hills outside of San Diego, this intimate European villa-inspired resort offers guests the tools to create a more balanced lifestyle with nutritious meals, fitness classes, stress management classes and a luxurious spa. Contemplate the changes you’re ready to make while doing a walking meditation in the labyrinth or within the quiet walls of their 400 year-old chapel. The vineyards are beautiful and Cal-a-vie is simply beautiful. Take time to walk the labyrinth.