When was the last time you had some downtime? We all need to unplug and get away from it all every once in a while. Going on a self-care “reset” trip can help you get rid of pent-up stress and get some much-needed R&R from our technology-driven world. When you come back to your everyday routine, you’ll be full of energy and raring to go.
For even better health-related results, choose a destination that has plenty of wellness-related activities, set in a serene environment and meets your personal needs for improved mental, physical and spiritual health.
To help you out, we’ve handpicked a selection of top-rated wellness destinations in the US for individuals, couples, and solo travelers.
But first things first
You’ll need to pack smartly so that you won’t be overloaded. The goal is to have what you need, but still be able to travel light.
Start by considering the environments you’ll be visiting – is there a sandy beach, mountains or a nearby walkable town? Pay extra attention to your choice of shoes, highlighting versatility and comfort.
When it comes to packing, shoes tend to take up most of the room, depending on your destination. No woman wants to be caught unprepared for an event, dinner, or activity. Pack light by selecting a few pairs of shoes that can cover many occasions and destinations.
Experts say that rolling your clothes up can actually offer more room in your suitcase, and, if possible, stock up on travel size toiletries you can use and throw away. Your bag will be much lighter on the way home.
Our Favorite Self-care Destinations
Santa Barbara, California – Sun-Soaked Relaxation
Santa Barbara is a small city located along California’s central coastline. It’s best known for miles of golden beaches, nearly year-round sunny weather, and laid-back atmosphere. If kicking back on the beach, water sports, and outdoor yoga classes with ocean views sound like your cup of tea, you’ll love Santa Barbara.
Other noteworthy wellness activities you can enjoy here include indulging in healthy seafood and plant-based food, hiking in the mountains nearby (La Cumbre Peak), and checking into one of the world-class local spas. Santa Barbara has a lot to offer besides wellness: gorgeous attractions with Spanish architecture, luxury hotels, a family-friendly harbor, and excellent beer.
Taos, New Mexico – Resorts, Spas, and Wellness Centers
Taos is a tiny town in Mexico with a population of just about 5,000. It is well known for the Taos Balloon Mountain Rally where each year people flock to watch colorful hot air balloons rise into the sky.
It’s a popular wellness retreat because of its secluded nature in northern New Mexico’s high desert, bounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which makes it the ideal location for top-tier wellness centers, gorgeous views, and some unique local attractions. The town has several lovely hotels and wellness retreat centers that regularly host mindfulness events, yoga classes, energy healing sessions, and multi-day retreats packages.
If indoor wellness isn’t your thing, Taos offers more than its fair share of outdoorsy activities – hiking, mountain biking, winter sports, kayaking, rock climbing, horse riding, and much more.
Taos Pueblo, a living Native American Community, is a UNESCO historical site that’s been inhabited for over 1000 years that hosts sacred events and ceremonies and ancient indigenous rites. They make and sell a number of items from pottery to silver jewelry.
Some other noteworthy local characteristics of Taos are organic food, art-related events, shopping at charming small shops, eco-architecture, and a first-hand village-life experience.
Sedona, Arizona – A Spiritual Haven
Sedona, Arizona is purported to be one of the most spiritual – not to mention beautiful – places on planet Earth. It’s home to six “energy vortexes'', according to a Narcity.com report, that many people can tangibly feel if they step foot near them. These vortices are created by red rock formations and are supposed to interact with your “energy body” to give it a tune-up. It’s a lot like natural meditation that makes people healthier and happier.
Sedona also offers other many more activities indoor and out including wildland trekking, fitness classes, guided meditation sessions, stargazing, jeep safaris, and treatments at local clinics and spas. Sedona also has cuisine, top-rated hotels and resorts, and quality local attractions, meaning you won’t get bored anytime soon, and you may never want to leave.
You might also want to check out Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, AZ
Crestone, Colorado – Find Your Zen
Located in Southern Colorado above the San Luis Valley on the western slope of Crestone Park, Crestone Mountain Zen Center is in one of the most unique high-mountain-rimmed valleys in the world.
Dharma Sangha Center for Personal Retreats and Monastic Zen Practice is a traditional contemporary place to discover the teachings and crafts of the Zen Practice, or meditation. It is also a place to discover yourself and to free yourself.
Create a personalized program that meets your needs from four nights to three month stays! Choose a personal retreat for individual guests in the wilderness, a silent meditation, or writer’s retreat complete with vegetarian meals. Join in zazen sessions, meditation, yoga, tai chi and walk the beautiful campus. It’s truly a place to get away from it all and recalibrate.
Lanai City, Hawaii – A Tropical Wellness Experience
The Sensai Way is an evidence-led approach to well-being. Sensai Lanai is a Four Seasons Resort focused on offering luxury wellness within the pine-covered mountains of Lanai, Hawaii. Visitors can create their own personalized journey including wellness consultations, spa treatments in a private hale, fitness and well-being classes, lectures and exciting island activities and adventures by land, sea and air.
This adult-only destination also specializes in couples wellness and activities from massages and picnics to horseback riding, sailing, scuba diving and more. End your day with a fabulous meal at Nobu, the on site restaurant.
Visit the charming plantation town of Lanai, once the largest producers of pineapple in the world. The town is full of history, culture and heritage of the area. Shop local boutiques, browse are galleries, dine or set up a private tour for two.
Canyon Point, Utah – A Grounding Journey
Just a stone’s throw away form the stunning wilderness of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park is Amangiri, part of the Aman Resort in Canyon Point, Utah. It offers suites and tented pavilions in one of the world’s most dramatic settings. The untouched red-rock country and over 900 acres of the vast and majestic Colorado Plateau is the perfect location for wellness traditions influenced by both Asian and Navajo cultures.
Amangiri offers a Ground Journey which includes a trio of spa treatments for reconnection, stillness and perspective and a Movement Journey that mixes spa treatments with movement sessions. Enjoy yoga class on top of a rock formation at sunrise with views of the Grand Staircase of Escalante National Monument.
Aman Resorts have several locations around the country, including Jackson, WY, New York, Miami, Beverly Hills as well as the Caribbean and Mexico.
We all need to reset from time to time. The world moves fast, life speeds by and we’re constantly connected to our devices. A self-care trip can eliminate stress, is good for heart and mental health, makes you happier, brings you closer to your family and friends, can enhance your career and provide a clarity that can only come from putting oneself first.
There are also a number of affordable wellness retreats throughout the US. These full weekend retreats can have the same affect as traveling to an exotic locale.
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