Are you ready to take action and create positive change for your life? Ready to challenge yourself, nurture yourself and reinvent yourself?
Choose to live in the moment ‘now’ and reach beyond your limits to uncover your hidden passions and a more positive you. That’s what these 10+ Wellness Resorts offer – an escape from the ordinary and an opportunity to create a healthier lifestyle.
Here we go with our Top 10+ (in no particular order)…..too difficult to name #1, etc.
Miraval Austin
Having just returned from the new Miraval Austin I have to say that I loved the experience. If you’re a loyal fan of the Tucson location then you’ll need to give yourself a little time to embrace what Austin has to offer. They have a great team that is passionate about this location and attentive to guests’ needs.
Be sure to leave your digital devices turned off as this is a non-dig resort, which ensures a ‘Be Present’ mode of enjoyment. And a digital detox is probably what you need to fully immerse into a healthier lifestyle. It was for me!
There are 117 beautiful and comfortable guestrooms and suites, the Life in Balance Spa, a 10-acre farm and ranch, a state-of-the-art Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen, and other aesthetically designed buildings and gardens. There are new treatments and wellness classes as well as the tried and true from Miraval Arizona.
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, vegetarian and simply delicious.
The ‘rooms’ are really casitas and they’re spacious, comfortable and decorated with folkloric Mexican art.
If you love to cook or want to learn more about cooking healthy then a hands-on cooking class at La Cocina Que Canta is for you and a don’t miss hike is the Organic Breakfast Hike.
One of my favorite activities is the Crystal Bowls Sound Healing – be sure to look for it on the schedule.
Take the time to ‘meander the paths’ at the Ranch and you might just find your life will open up to unlimited possibilities.
Canyon Ranch – Tucson, AZ and Lenox, MA
The healing power and energy of the Sonoran Desert and the Berkshires offer a respite to those seeking programs to nourish, challenge and pamper themselves. Consider hiking, biking, nutritious dining, workshops and consultations by wellness and medical experts and a full service spa for relaxation and renewal.
The Spirituality Center in Tucson is where I spend extra time to fill my cup back up and I love photographing the desert landscape. In Lenox – I love to walk the grounds and be in nature and dining in the newly renovated dining room – it’s an elegant space.
Miraval Arizona, Tucson
Find inspiration and learn how to live in the moment. Be present, rather than worry about the past or the future. This is what you’ll learn at Miraval – a mindfulness practice is evident in everything they offer.
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.
For example, there’s a lot to learn about bees with resident beekeeper, Noel Paterson. In ‘All The Buzz’ you’ll wear a beekeeper suit and learn about sustainability, how the bees survive, and what they give us. This also leads me to ‘Honey: A Sensual Journey,’ another workshop led by Noel.
Red Mountain Spa, St. George, Utah
Red Mountain 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, and biking as well as healthy living classes, fitness, healthy dining and pampering spa services to soothe body, mind and soul after a fulfilling day.
Consider a Personal Discovery Retreat like the Emotional Fitness Retreat led by best-selling author Andrea Becky Hanson.
An adventure retreat to Zion National Park or the Rejuvenate & LiVe Well Retreat, which combines the expertise of Intermountain Healthcare’s LiVe Well Center are also possible.
Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” – Amelia Earhart
The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, PA
This all-inclusive wellness resort has received many accolades over the years and while it’s a great location during the summer and fall months, the Lodge is open year round. From kayaking and forest bathing during the warmer months to snowshoeing in winter.
The indoor space is beautiful with many areas to unwind, rejuvenate and relax, including their beautiful rooms and relaxing spa.
Three meals are included in TREE Restaurant and Bar where the Chef focuses on naturally-raised meats, fish, and organic, locally grown vegetables. The menu also reflects some of these sources. Having been back there over the summer it was a great time to meander around the property and I love the gardens that are on property as you know the items for TREE are being sourced from there when available.
Tip: The Midweek Magic promo is one of the best.
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX
Located in Texas Hill Country, this highly rated resort is a rare find in the Austin area and a unique setting for a wellness resort. It is truly like going to your best friend’s lake cottage!
Fitness classes, healthy living classes, nutritious and delicious dining are available.
Because of its location there are many opportunities to ‘take to the waters’ with the aquatic influences offered. You can choose from floating water meditation, sundown paddle outings, and aquatic spa treatments. Scenic boat cruises and live music lakeside are also possible.
Condé Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards and Lake Austin Spa Resort was recognized as the #2 Destination Spa Resort in the World, and #1 Destination Spa Resort in the US.
Vera Via, Carlsbad, CA
Vera Via offers one of the most unique all-inclusive programs in the wellness resort space.
Their programing helps guests accomplish specific goals including weight reduction, overcoming stressors, personal fitness and programs for long lasting health and well-being. I love that you meet with their experts and create an individualized plan that helps you realize success during your stay with continued progress when you’re back home.
Treating the ‘whole’ person leads to long lasting results.
You could say this is a ’boutique’ wellness program as they accept a small number of guests each week for individualized attention and guests’ home base is in the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and Spa.
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. The Yavapai-Apache consider Boynton Canyon a sacred place and once you arrive you will understand why.
Step into the Crystal Grotto, breathe deeply and let go of what you brought with you and make an intention to begin your journey.
Dining begins in the Mii amo Cafe and extends to the Juice Bar and continues to Creative and Healthy Demonstrations including learning more about the benefits of tea, a guest favorite. Mii amo offers 16 ground-level rooms so it’s an intimate setting for healing and discovery. The Spa’s indoor and outdoor treatment rooms are located on the 2nd floor, you’ll have access to both the indoor and outdoor pools, fitness studio, and a grass lawn for yoga.
There are different “journeys” or programs that you can choose from for a 3-, 4- or 7-night stay to Recharge – Renew – or – Rejuvenate. Journeys include all meals, classes, activities and spa services.
A stunning and inspirational setting creates the stage for change.
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 at the labyrinth or within the quiet walls of their 400 year-old chapel. If you’re looking to focus on the mind-body connection, for example, there are 20-classes that include Calm Mind & Body Tai Chi; Aqua Yoga; Muscle Melt; and Tension Release Exercise.
Cal-a-vie offers several package options including 3-, 4-, and 7-night plans and there’s also a Golf package.
Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head Health (H3) has over 40 years of experience with their weight loss program and newer wellness programing. If weight loss is on your mind then the JumpStart or LoseWell may be a good place to start, both with a holistic approach, and there’s also an Extended Stay option.
The LivingWell Program gives you an opportunity to focus on your needs and includes healthy meals, fitness, meditation, beach walks, and more. The Healthy Getaway is the shorter-stay option with arrivals on Sunday, Wednesday or Thursday for a 3- or 4-night stay.
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.
For anyone looking for an east coast wellness experience by the beach, this checks all the boxes, including their beautiful Indigo Spa.
To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha
Skyterra Wellness, Lake Toxaway, NC
“Our body is the only one we’ve been given, so we need to maintain it; we need to give it the best nutrition.”
– Trudie Styler
Skyterra Wellness offers a safe space for overall health with a holistic approach for well-being where guests can also focus on weight loss if that’s their goal. An experienced team in nutrition, fitness, stress management bring it all together with classes and coaching to help guests be their best self.
This is also a boutique experience as only a maximum of 20 guests will be on property at one time where they can experience outdoor activities, lectures, constant movement, mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork at at beautiful location near Asheville, N.C. and the land of waterfalls.
What makes Skyterra different is their community-style approach to dining. All guests dine together and enjoy nutritionally balanced, chef-prepared meals in the culinary center.
