The return to travel and the growing emphasis on work-life balance have collided to make wellness travel one of the fastest-growing sections of the industry, and an increasingly sought-after way to experience the world right now. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive wellness program or a storied spa hotel where you can indulge in a few treatments, we’ve got you covered: Here are seven of the world’s top wellness resorts to inspire your next healthy holiday.
Canyon Ranch - Tucson, Arizona
Arguably the pioneer of the wellness resort, Canyon Ranch opened in 1979 with a vision to help people take an integrative, whole-body approach to their health and wellbeing — in a luxurious resort setting. While there are now locations in Lenox, Massachusetts, and Woodside, California, as well as a day spa at The Venetian Las Vegas, the original in Tucson, Arizona, is where you’ll find the full slate of services, treatments and experiences designed by the team of health and fitness experts. Set on 150 acres in the Sonoran Desert, you might spend the day hiking in nearby Sabino Canyon, conquering the property’s ropes course, taking in the meditation garden, cooking in the demo kitchen with an expert chef or lounging by the pool after an aqua fit class. No matter how you spend your time, you’re sure to leave rejuvenated after a multi-day stay.
Sensei Lāna‘i, A Four Seasons Resort - Lanai, Hawaii
A lush natural setting combines with spacious, light-filled accommodations, internationally renowned dining and an evidence-based approach to wellbeing to create the ultimate longevity-focused getaway. Through classes (such as tai chi and forest bathing), treatments (like bodywork, massage and facials), one-on-one consultations, nutritious food and cutting-edge technology, including Thermal Body Mapping and biomarkers, the Sensei wellness experience focuses on three pillars — movement, nourishment and rest — to reconnect you to your body and mind. You’ll soak up the serenity of the mountainous, pine tree-dotted island of Lanai on the verdant 24-acre property or aboard the resort’s catamaran for a sunset sail. When it’s time to eat, on-site restaurant Sensei by Nobu, which overlooks a reflecting pond, will fill you up with its healthy, Asian-inspired dishes made using ingredients grown on-site (like Kona lobster with smoked tomato vinaigrette). And you’ll find plenty of opportunities to relax, whether it’s a soak in one of the outdoor ofuro tubs in the onsen garden or a private restorative session on a lakeside yoga platform.
Amanyara - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
The first Aman resort, Amanpuri, launched on the Thai island of Phuket in 1988. Now in 20 countries around the world, the brand is known for its wellness-focused resorts that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings. Amanyara, overlooking Providenciales’ pristine North West Point Marine National Park, is an ideal setting for a restorative retreat, with white sand beaches, infinity pools, clay tennis courts, a full spa and more. Whether you’re interested in reconnecting to your body and mind through spa treatments and meditation classes, or enhancing your physical fitness, Amanyara is the place to be. In 2021, to mark its 15th anniversary, the resort launched Amanyara Legends, a series of clinics hosted throughout the year by different sport legends, from five-time NBA All-Star Kevin Love to tennis great Maria Sharapova. Meanwhile, the resort’s Wellness Immersions range from one- to muti-day programs designed by the Aman Spa’s team of expert therapists, nutritionists and medical specialists, complete with access to Aman’s Wellness Concierge.
Six Senses - Laamu Atoll, Maldives
While it takes some effort to get there (a seaplane followed by a speed boat), it’s well worth it: Once you arrive, you’ll be in one of 97 over-water or beachfront villas, and a world away from your daily thoughts and stressors. Like all Six Senses Hotels & Resorts (there are now 21 from the brand that launched in 1995), the focus is on wellness and sustainability: This summer, for instance, the resort is tackling beach erosion by adding strategically placed breakwaters to the property. On the wellness side of things, guests can go for a full program, which will have experts personalizing treatments, activities and nutritional advice based on their specific needs, or simply opt to indulge in a few spa treatments and experiences, such as an Ayurvedic assessment or hot stone massage. A host of activities, from wine tasting sessions with the resort sommeliers to traditional Maldivian fishing are on offer, to round out a stay. But simply lounging on the beach is always an option, too.
Miraval Berkshires- Lenox, Massachusetts
Wellness resorts don’t need to mean sand and sun — for some, amidst the changing leaves of fall or the snow flurries of winter is where they will find tranquility. At this all-season New England resort — Miraval’s newest property, opened in 2020 — a daily schedule of experiences, from spinning and snowshoeing to chicken keeping and hatchet throwing, is designed to help guests find balance and meet the intention(s) set at the outset of their stay, whether that be to de-stress, relax, or reconnect with loved ones. There’s also a historic golf course on the rolling, 380-acre property (Wyndhurst Manor & Club) and the award-winning Life in Balance Spa, where you might go for a Jasmine Citrus Scrub or a Deep Mountain Massage. So, no matter your ideal way to reset, you’ll find it here.
Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa - Baden-Baden, Germany
This year is a grand time to visit Brenner’s Park in Baden-Baden, a spa town in Germany’s Black Forest, as the iconic resort is celebrating its 150th anniversary. At the hotel’s own Villa Stéphanie Spa & Wellbeing, you’ll get the full German spa culture experience by way of the Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam bath, sunbathing lawn, pool, cold plunge pool and more. Spring for a treatment, such as an Aroma Oil Massage or Foot Reflexology, to fully experience the long-time expertise in this historic locale. And the whole family can come, too: Since Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa has always been family-owned, younger guests are welcome and taken care. The Brenners Kids Club is filled with books, games and entertainment, while specific activities, including park trips, dedicated pool time and a behind-the-scenes tour of the hotel will keep them busy while you are getting some well-deserved R&R.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon - Iceland
Immerse yourself into Iceland’s otherworldly landscape in your very own room on the Blue Lagoon. This luxury hotel situated on the same infamous geothermal seawater that tops Iceland to-do lists features 62 suites, all with private balconies and terraces that look out over the volcanic topography. As a guest at the Retreat, you’ll enjoy access to an exclusive lagoon, so you can soak in the silica-, algae- and mineral-rich waters without the crowds, as well as get unlimited entry to the Retreat Spa, with subterranean spaces including a sauna and communal fireplace, plus a steam cave and cold plunge pool. Add on morning yoga, a relaxing in-water massage and afternoon tea in the serene lobby and you’ll be floating in more ways than one.