Wellness Travel: Our Top 4 Wellness Resorts

October 9, 2023

What is Wellness Travel?

Travel can take on many forms, from leisure to conservation trips or adventure to luxury retreats—and in our increasingly busy world, wellness travel is a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate while on vacation. But what is wellness travel, and where are the best places to visit? Our experts have our best tips for a trip that refuels you for you here. 

Sometimes, going on a jam-packed travel excursion makes you feel like you need a vacation after your vacation. But with wellness travel, you’re going to a new destination to center your physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. With the fast-paced, nonstop demands of everyday life, everyone needs time to relax and decompress. Often, there is no better way to do that than getting out of your home environment to make deliberate time and space for your well-being and, of course, being one with nature.

The Benefits of Wellness Travel

It can be very challenging to cultivate new, lasting, healthy habits while within the constraints of daily life. Unhealthy habits are actually triggered by certain “cues” like your environment or a time of day, creating a habit loop that is difficult to break. There are various ways to do this, from short getaways to long-term trips, from yoga retreats in the mountains to spa hotels in the desert to beach resorts on the water. There is an array of incredible wellness resorts offering all kinds of different accommodations and specializations, like nutrition, exercise, yoga, massage therapy, and more. So, it’s key to look introspectively and decide what aspects of your well-being you want to hone in on during your wellness vacation.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Wellness Resort for Your Needs

One key aspect of an ideal wellness resort is seclusion. When focusing on yourself, it’s important that you aren’t dealing with crowds or tourist traps. Our favorite wellness resorts are all located in pristine, quiet locations surrounded by nature, so you can tune into the gorgeous surroundings and engage with the local activities and culture. When you’re able to be fully present in your environment, learning to be present with yourself is much easier. Here are some of our favorite resorts in settings that are sure to maximize your peace and rest during your wellness vacation. 

1 | Amangiri | North America

Nested between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, national monuments, and the Navajo Nation Reservation, Amangiri and its sister resort Camp Sarik, is a Southwest dreamscape where you’re secluded while simultaneously having a breadth of experiences at your fingertips. Amangiri is designed to blend into the surrounding red-rock landscape of Utah, with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and deserts. Whether you stay in one of the modernist suites or in a tented pavilion at Camp Sarika, you can engage in their many wellness experiences, such as participating in yoga on the rocks, taking a dip in their water pavilion, receiving treatments based on the ancient healing traditions of the Navajo at the 25,000 sq. ft. Aman Spa, and much more.

2 | Ananda | India

Set on the grounds of the 100-acre property of the Maharaja palatial estate, overlooking Rishikesh, the official Yoga capital of the world, Ananda is a wellness experience like no other. They specialize in a variety of practices like detox and cleansing, stress management through Dhyana Meditation, hormone balancing, weight management and fitness, and, of course, yoga and meditation. Plus, there’s no need to pack too much–they provide Kurta Pyjamas, which can be worn on premises all day.

3 | Kokomo Private Island | Fiji 

This Luxury Adventure 7-night Package in a Sunrise Beachfront Villa is, quite literally, paradise. Each villa sits atop a hilltop with a stunning view of the island’s two longest beaches. Surrounded by the world’s fourth largest barrier reef, this resort is dedicated to sustainability through projects such as coral restoration, manta conservation, and the Dock to Dish fishing program. With wellness accommodations like the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary, outdoor showers, and deep-soaking bathtubs, as well as yoga, fitness, and movement practices, there is no shortage of opportunities to relax. But if you want to balance your relaxation with some adventure, they offer a variety of activities like fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, waterfall hikes, sunset cruises, and more. The list goes on!

4 | Nayara Springs | Central America

Nayara Springs is a luxury resort neighboring the grand Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. With panoramic views of this stunning rainforest environment, at Nayara Spring, you will be embedded in nature with diverse heliconia and bougainvillea flowers covering the property, the musical chirping of tropical birds, and Sloth-spotting on the nearby Perezoso trail. Featuring your own private villa with a personal host, an open-air spa, and a multitude of activities like rafting, ziplining, hiking, horseback riding, and a chocolate and coffee tour, Nayara Springs will take your wellness vacation to the next level.

Check out our full list of wellness resort recommendations for even more incredible wellness getaways. When it comes to wellness travel, our team is expert in planning a holistic journey that is specific to your individual needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out today to begin planning your most inspiring and fulfilling vacation yet.