6 Best Types of Wellness Vacations You Need in Your Life

There’s no greater way to refresh, restore, and rejuvenate than with wellness vacations. This guide will help you learn the variety of wellness getaways that can elevate your self-care, and how to fit it into your lifestyle.

Wellness vacations come in a variety of packages that include (but aren’t limited to) chakra and energy healing, breath work, yoga, meditation, journaling, hiking, swimming, spa services — basically everything that would help you recuperate and reconnect at the deepest level possible.

A wellness getaway is a vacation destination with a focus on maintaining or promoting well-being in the areas of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Unlike traditional vacations that are solely focused on rest and relaxation, wellness vacations also emphasize healthy food, movement (whether indoor or outdoor), community, reflection, and study.

Whenever people ask for a recommendation on the type of wellness getaway they should have, it takes a little more digging to get to an adequate answer. Wellness is all around us, depending on your goals, so it is important to understand the types of wellness vacations available in order to find the best travel style for your needs.

1. Spa Hotels For A Wellness Getaway

Spa hotels are a great option for those who want to treat themselves to some much-needed relaxation. These hotels offer a variety of treatments, from massages to facials, as well as fitness centers, pools, and more.

Here’s what you need to know about spa hotels:

• Look for luxury amenities: Many spa hotels have luxurious amenities such as private pools or rooftop lounges with outdoor fireplaces. Some even offer personal chefs who can prepare meals according to your dietary needs.
• Book in advance: Spa hotels tend to book up quickly during peak season (summer), so be sure to book at least two weeks in advance if possible. If you’re trying to save money on lodging, consider staying off-season — spring break or winter — when rates are lower, and there might be more availability.
• Make use of hotel amenities before and after treatments: If you’re staying at a hotel with an on-site spa, take advantage of all the services offered before and after your treatment by booking appointments ahead of time through the front desk or concierge desk.
• There are spa hotels for every budget: Anyone who has my Wellness Getaway Guide collection knows this, but if not then here’s the scoop. You can enjoy the perks of going to a spa hotel without breaking the bank.

If you just want a quick escape, you can get a day pass to Salt Spa St. Augustine. They offer salt therapy and services to help with skin ailments and mental health. If you live near the area and just want to do a single spa session, it only costs $36. 

For more of a mid-range weekend getaway, you can go to The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina. It costs $350 for a weekend, which includes accommodation and food. Spa treatments and body cleanses are available as well. 

Luxury spa resorts can cost upward of $10,000 for a few day’s stay. If you want to enjoy a bit of San Diego and splurge for a bit of luxury, then you might want to go to Cal-a-Vie. A 3-night stay costs about $5,000 and includes roundtrip transportation from the airport, meals, a luxury stay in a villa, spa services, and unlimited fitness classes. 

2. Unique Wellness Experiences During A Self-Care Vacation

Spa days are a wonderful way to reground yourself. There are many types of spa experiences, from massages to mud facials to detox wraps. These are some of the most popular types of unique spa experiences:

• Massage: A massage is one of the most common types of spa services. Massages can help relieve stress and tension in your muscles and improve circulation.
• Detox wrap: A detox wrap helps remove toxins from your body by using herbal-infused cloths that are applied directly onto your skin.
• Mud mask: A mud mask is made up of clay that is applied directly onto your face (and sometimes other parts of your body) to help draw impurities out of your pores while also providing a deep cleanse.
• Sauna: A sauna is an enclosed room with benches where you sit in dry heat for several minutes in order to sweat out toxins from your body through perspiration.
• LED facial: This is a light-emitting diode facial used for fighting acne. It also helps smooth the complexion and fights against redness on the face.
• Infrared sauna: This one might be perfect for you if you want something different than your typical sauna. The infrared waves penetrate deep into the body to raise your core body temperature. This causes sweat to come from internal processes rather than external heat. 

3. Wellness Resorts In A Beautiful Destination

Wellness resorts are a great option if you want to get away from it all. They are luxurious, often all-inclusive, and can be found in many different parts of the world. Wellness resorts offer spa treatments and fitness classes but also have more traditional amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and golf courses.

The prices of resorts vary greatly depending on location and type of accommodation. For example, an all-inclusive wellness resort in Mexico could cost $800 or more per night, while a wellness resort in the US could be upwards of $1,000 per night!

3 Wellness Resorts in the United States You Should Check Out:

1. Golden Door Luxury Resort & Spa

Golden Door Luxury Resort & Spa is a wellness retreat center in Escondido, California that offers a variety of programs and classes to help you achieve total well-being. The resort offers holistic spa services, yoga and meditation, cooking and fitness classes, and more.

The retreat center has its own organic garden that supplies fresh produce for all meals served at the resort. The property features a full-service spa with mud baths, saunas, steam rooms, massage therapy rooms, and an indoor lap pool with a waterfall wall. There are also two private beaches on site — one with a sandy beach area and another that is rocky with a swimming platform. The fully-inclusive rate for a seven-night stay is $10,450. They also have set women’s weeks, men’s weeks, and coed weeks. 

2. The Lodge at Woodloch

If you’re looking for a place that offers services for both physical and mental well-being, then I highly recommend The Lodge at Woodloch. This unique resort offers guests a chance to relax and rejuvenate in the serene beauty of Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains.

It’s a luxury resort with spa services, on-site dining, indoor/outdoor pools, hot tubs, and more. The spa offers a full range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. You can also enjoy the many activities offered by the lodge— everything from kayaking to mountain biking.

The resort has an excellent reputation for its delicious food and drinks. The food is fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced whenever possible. There are several restaurants on-site serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to room service if you don’t want to leave your room or villa during your stay.

Rooms range from $484 to $939 per night, depending on what kind of wellness experience you are seeking. It is mentioned in my wellness getaway guide (northeast edition) for its value as an affordable luxury spa hotel.

3. Crestone Mountain Zen Center

The Crestone Mountain Zen Center is located in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado near the town of Crestone. 

This wellness center is situated on 1,000 acres of natural beauty, which includes several miles of hiking trails and wide open spaces that can be used by guests who want to get outside during their stay. There are several buildings on-site, including sleeping quarters, a kitchen and dining room, meeting rooms, offices, and more.

The center is open year-round and hosts daily meditation sessions. Visitors can also take part in yoga classes and join hiking groups led by local guides. There are also plenty of opportunities for solo exploration of the surrounding area — including hikes, rock climbing, and camping trips!

4. Bathhouses And Hot Springs

Hot springs and bathhouses have been part of human history for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Native Americans enjoyed these natural wonders’ therapeutic benefits. Today we’re seeing a resurgence in these wellness vacations as people seek ways to de-stress and relax.

Bathhouses and hot springs are particularly popular as they offer a wide range of services, including massages, saunas, and more. They may be called different names (onsen, hammam, banya) but they all embrace the wellness benefits of heat. Here are some places that offer unique experiences:

Canyon Ranch Health Resort is located in Tucson, Arizona, on 20 acres with desert views. It has been named one of the top five resorts in America by Conde Nast Traveler magazine three times since 1995. 

Canyon Ranch offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, and more. The spa offers massages, facials, and other spa treatments. You can also enjoy dining at any of their restaurants, serving everything from steaks to sushi or fresh seafood dishes prepared by expert chefs.

If you are looking to get outside and explore some natural hot springs, you must check out McCredie Hot Springs in Oregon. These springs are next to Willamette National Forest and are surrounded by rock walls that help keep the hot water from escaping. It is free to enter and is open all year long!

In Utah, you can find the Mystic Hot Springs. They are open all day and cost $16 to enter. You have a beautiful desert view that’s particularly nice during sunset. 

World Spa in Brookyln, NY showcases Banya culture with luxury. With various saunas and cold plunge pools, you get a taste of global wellness culture and practices. Check out my World Spa video here to get a closer look.

5. Low-Impact Outdoor Adventures For Active Wellness 

The health benefits of getting outdoors are numerous, but the biggest difference between being active outdoors versus being active indoors is that you’re experiencing nature– which has been proven to have positive impacts on your mind, body, and soul.

The benefits of being outside go far beyond just physical well-being. Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve moods, and increase creativity. Even if you’re not an avid hiker or camper, you can still reap these benefits by doing low-impact outdoor activities like walking or easy hiking.

What is low-impact?

Low-impact activities are generally described as non-competitive and non-strenuous. They usually involve minimal equipment such as hiking boots and maybe a waterproof jacket if you’re going on a rainy day. Low-impact activities also tend to be fairly short in duration, meaning they won’t leave you sore for days afterward!

Examples of low-impact soft adventures include walking or low-strain hiking, biking, canoeing, or kayaking (or similar activities).

6. Health And Wellness Retreats For Holistic Wellness

Wellness retreats are all about a holistic approach to wellness. This can include yoga, meditation, and taking care of yourself. This option can be much higher in price than wellness resorts and spa hotels. 

There are many different types of retreats you can go to. You can find them online or through your local yoga studio or health club. 

Types of Health and Wellness Retreats:

• Yoga Retreat: Yoga is one of the most popular ways to relax and relieve stress in your life. It’s also great to connect with others who share your passion for wellness and health.
• Meditation Retreat: Meditation is another way people relieve stress and find inner peace in their lives. Meditating takes practice, but it’s worth it once you get the hang of it!
• Spiritual Retreat: Spiritual retreats offer a deeper understanding of life through prayer and reflection. They’re often held at churches or temples, but not always!
• Anti-aging Retreat: Anti-aging is a more new age concept with focuses on evaluating the age of your body and determining what you may need to retain wellness long-term. This is commonly found in areas like Asia—here’s a guide to finding anti-aging and wellness resorts in Thailand.

Whatever kind of wellness getaway best suits your needs and goals, the main priority is that you enjoy the time away from the hustle and bustle of your work and home life. 

If you can arrange a trip like this, you should try it out at least once in your lifetime. It may change your life forever! The benefits of vacationing with intention and being in nature are just the tip of the iceberg. 

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