20 Wellness Retreats and Hotels You Need to Book Today
Today's most remarkable wellness hotel experiences go far beyond just a spa massage. More travelers than ever are looking to enhance their well-being during their journeys, prompting many retreats to offer result-oriented experiences that focus on elevating the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of their guests. We’ve been tracking this trend and compiled a list of 20 hotels that excel in the wellness arena. This is the inaugural edition of our Hotels We Love series. The establishments featured here possess the means to rejuvenate our mind, body, and spirit, not only through personal programs but also by connecting us to their locales in meaningful ways, drawing on local cultures and traditions, using natural ingredients from the surrounding area, and emphasizing nature throughout. From a luxurious spa haven in Marrakech to a boot camp-style retreat in Italy, these 20 hotels set a new standard for wellness retreats today.
Image courtesy of Post Ranch Inn
1. Post Ranch Inn
For over 30 years, the Post Ranch Inn, perched 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, has been a beloved retreat for those who believe that true well-being begins in a space that respects and minimally impacts its natural surroundings. Designed by Big Sur architect Mickey Muennig, the 40 guest rooms utilize solar energy and are crafted from recycled wood, seamlessly blending with the Santa Lucia Mountains. Expansive windows offer breathtaking views of either the Pacific Ocean or the mountains. Wellness is integral to every experience available, whether through reflexology treatments, shaman healing sessions, doctor-led sleep programs, or personalized guided hikes and meditation in the ancient nearby forests.
Image courtesy of Miraval Arizona
2. Miraval Arizona
Nestled an hour from Tucson in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, Miraval Arizona opened its doors in 1995 and became part of the Hyatt family in 2017. The resort features 118 guest rooms housed in adobe-style buildings, showcasing a modern desert aesthetic with wooden furnishings and private patios—some equipped with tiled fireplaces. The wellness philosophy here is both holistic and immersive: the Miraval Equine Experience allows guests to engage with horses, fostering awareness of their personal patterns and limitations, while Discover Your Dosha helps guests identify their Ayurvedic type (dosha) and how to optimize it for health and wellness. Additionally, the resort provides workshops focused on nutrition and sleep, both essential aspects of a restorative stay.
Image courtesy of Sensei Lāna‘i, a Four Seasons Resort
3. Sensei Lāna‘i, a Four Seasons Resort
On the beach-lined island of Lāna‘i, which is predominantly owned by billionaire Larry Ellison, there are two Four Seasons resorts. However, it is Sensei Lāna‘i, a Four Seasons Resort, created by Ellison in partnership with U.S. physician Dr. David Agus and renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, that attracts wellness enthusiasts for the 45-minute charter flight from Honolulu. This resort features an evidence-based wellness program focused on three key areas: movement, nourishment, and rest. Experts are available to help guests achieve personal objectives, whether it's weight loss or mindfulness, and daily offerings include restorative aerial yoga and forest bathing. The 92 guest rooms, designed with neutral tones and Japanese architectural influences, serve as tranquil retreats, while the beautifully landscaped grounds showcase works by contemporary artists like Fernando Botero.
Photo by Robert Rieger / Aman New York
4. Aman New York
Nestled in the midst of one of the world’s busiest cities is a hotel that truly embodies a sanctuary. Upon its opening in 2022, Aman New York was designed to provide a retreat from the chaos of Manhattan. And it certainly achieves that: Ascend to the 14th floor of the historic Beaux Arts Crown building, where the expansive, neutral-toned atrium of the lobby lounge radiates tranquility. The 83 suites also reflect this peace, featuring pivoting partition walls reminiscent of Japanese shoji screens. The spa, spanning the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors over 25,000 square feet, includes a 65-foot indoor swimming pool complemented by fireplaces. Wellness offerings here are diverse, tailored to guests' goals. One might consult with a Harvard-trained physician, utilize advanced lab diagnostics, meditate alongside a Tibetan Buddhist monk, and enjoy an indulgent two-hour CBD oil massage—all during the same visit. The dining options, such as Italian-inspired Arva and Japanese-themed Nama, present delightful menus centered around nutrition and seasonal ingredients.
Image courtesy of Palmaia, House of Aia
5. Palmaia, House of Aia
Google doesn’t disclose much about Palmaia, House of Aia, a retreat featuring 234 spacious, whitewashed rooms nestled where the beach meets the jungle in Playa del Carmen. That’s intentional: This new all-inclusive wellness resort in the Riviera Maya encourages guests to arrive with an open mind. The founders, enthusiasts of alternative living (think vegan cuisine and plenty of yoga), aimed to blend leisurely beach vacation activities like lounging by the pool and playing on the sandy shores with deeper, spiritual experiences. As part of the resort’s “Architects for Life” initiative, guests can choose from activities like yoga, tai chi, or chakra alignment, or spend time meditating with a shaman. The five on-site restaurants serve exclusively vegan or vegetarian dishes, although diners can request to add animal protein to their meals.
Photo by Jessie Beck
6. The Ranch Italy
Focusing more on fitness and weight loss than on spirituality and relaxation, the new Italian counterpart to the iconic California-based the Ranch Malibu brings its boot camp ethos to the historic town of Fiuggi in Lazio, just outside Rome. For centuries, wellness seekers have flocked to the mineral-rich waters here, often staying at the 1910 Palazzo Fiuggi, where guests (known as Ranchers) reside. Similar to the Malibu location, the Ranch Italy participants adhere to a daily regimen of early morning wake-ups, hiking, workout classes, massages, and communal vegan meals—but with a more relaxed Italian flair. Imagine trails that offer stunning views of the Apennine Mountains, vegan interpretations of local dishes, and retreating to one of the Palazzo Fiuggi’s 102 tranquil, neutral-toned guest rooms.
Image courtesy of Schloss Elmau
7. Schloss Elmau
Located in the scenic Bavarian mountains, Schloss Elmau has been a haven for those seeking physical, mental, and spiritual wellness since a German theologian opened its doors in 1916. Today, the six on-site spas are the main attraction, featuring the adults-only Badenhaus Spa with three pools and relaxation areas with fireplaces, an expansive Turkish hammam with three domes, and a spa designed for children complete with an indoor pool. The 162 guest rooms, boasting hardwood floors and spacious soaking tubs, have hosted numerous high-profile guests (the retreat was the venue for the G7 Summit in 2015 and again in 2022). These rooms serve as a base for visitors, many of whom choose focused programs, including weight loss and yoga retreats. The hotel’s concert hall hosts up to 200 musical performances annually, while its ten dining options include the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Luce d’Oro, which offers a unique blend of Japanese and French cuisine.
Image courtesy of the Retreat at Blue Lagoon
8. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Nestled directly into 800-year-old lava rock on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, the minimalist Retreat at Blue Lagoon boasts 62 suites and a comprehensive wellness program designed around the volcanic terrain. Well-being begins with a dip in the private lagoon, rich in minerals, accessible solely to hotel guests and a limited number of day visitors. At the heart of the subterranean spa lies the Ritual, comprising three interconnected chambers where guests can indulge in the area's moisturizing silica and algae, along with the exfoliating minerals naturally present in the geothermal seawater of the Blue Lagoon. The most immersive treatments include the lagoon itself, with the in-water massage providing a relaxing experience right in the warm waters. Sustainability is a core principle: The Retreat's electricity, heating, and hot water are all completely sourced from a nearby geothermal power plant.
Image courtesy of Six Senses
9. Six Senses Ibiza
Despite its reputation as a party destination, the Spanish island of Ibiza has been attracting a reflective, nature-loving crowd to its sun-drenched beaches for years. Contributing to this lesser-known aspect of the island is Six Senses Ibiza, which opened in 2021 in the more tranquil northern region. The resort features a 12,900-square-foot spa staffed by wellness experts, embodying the scientific and spiritual ethos of the globally-conscious Six Senses brand. Health screenings can be scheduled in advance, leading to personalized programs that emphasize longevity, skin health, improved sleep, and more. Many of the 137 airy guest rooms come with terraces that offer views of the Mediterranean Sea, while larger groups can choose from 19 residences and two mansions with three to ten bedrooms. Each autumn, the resort fosters community engagement through its three-day Alma festival, bringing together like-minded travelers and experts for events and workshops.
Image courtesy of Sha Wellness Clinic
10. Sha Wellness Clinic
Nestled in the city of Alicante on Spain’s southeastern coast, Sha Wellness Clinic has gained recognition as a premier destination spa, known for its fusion of medical and holistic wellness methods. Established in 2008 by real estate tycoon Alfredo Bataller Parietti, who successfully battled colon cancer with the aid of natural remedies and dietary changes, the retreat focuses on treating serious health issues while also providing preventative care. Guests can select from five themed pathways, including Detox, Optimal Weight, and Healthy Aging; all programs are customized to meet individual needs and feature seasonal menus rich in plant-based and seafood dishes. Visitors can relax in one of the 93 minimalist suites or 11 residences, some offering Mediterranean views, and enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, diving, and hiking along the sunny coast at their leisure.
Image courtesy of Fairmont Windsor Park
11. Fairmont Windsor Park
Situated on the edge of the historic hunting grounds of Windsor Castle, Fairmont Windsor Park occupies a former private residence set within 40 acres of beautifully maintained gardens. It features a 27,000-square-foot spa equipped with all the amenities of a modern clinical wellness center, offering personalized programs aimed at enhancing sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. Guests seeking a more indulgent experience can opt for pampering treatments, such as deep tissue or herbal poultice massages in one of the 18 treatment rooms, enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, or indulge in a black soap scrub in the hammam. The 251 guest rooms and suites, adorned in calming neutral tones and subtle floral motifs, overlook the property’s picturesque landscaped gardens.
Image courtesy of Chenot Palace Weggis
12. Chenot Palace Weggis
In 2020, the esteemed Swiss wellness organization Chenot, known for its spas worldwide from Morocco to Italy, inaugurated its flagship property, Chenot Palace Weggis, in a quaint resort town at the foot of the Alps, adjacent to Lake Lucerne. This medical spa is not for the faint-hearted. At its core, Chenot Palace operates as a detoxification retreat, where guests adhere to a daily regimen of 850-calorie vegan meals, eliminating caffeine, sugar, salt, and alcohol. This rigorous approach is supported by loyal patrons who attest to the mental clarity and enhanced metabolic efficiency achieved through the Chenot Method, established by Dr. Henri Chenot since 1974. Spanning nearly 54,000 square feet, the spa facilities offer comprehensive medical screenings to facilitate lifestyle changes for long-term health. Even during a detox, guests can enjoy the stunning vistas of this Alpine locale, alongside the 97 neutral-toned guest rooms featuring wooden floors, some offering views of Lake Lucerne.
Image courtesy of Villa Stéphanie & Spa Wellbeing
13. Villa Stéphanie Spa & Wellbeing
Nestled in the thermal springs town of Baden-Baden in Germany’s Black Forest, Villa Stéphanie Spa & Wellbeing provides an opportunity for guests to rejuvenate under the guidance of renowned wellness professionals. This 15-room villa, situated on the grounds of the historic 1872 Brenners Park-Hotel and Spa—part of the luxurious Oetker Collection—features programs spearheaded by Dr. Harry König, a biological cancer therapist and integrative medicine expert who caters to a high-profile clientele that includes billionaires and celebrities. At Villa Stéphanie, the focus is on achieving long-term wellness, with tailored programs that meet individual needs, whether for comprehensive annual medical evaluations, recovery from illness, or enhancing nutrition and fitness routines. The villa’s 15 opulent guest rooms, adorned with Loro Piana fabrics and private balconies, create an ideal environment for a transformative retreat.
Image courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection
14. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
Nestled in a tropical forest teeming with the sounds of nature in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains, Hacienda AltaGracia leverages its vibrant surroundings to enhance its wellness offerings. The resort hosts a branch of the New York City holistic health center the Well, which curates retreats focusing on themes like longevity, movement, and astronomy, often featuring visiting specialists. Spanning 20,000 square feet, the facility includes hydrotherapy tubs, health consultations, and mindful movement classes such as aerial yoga. Recognizing the significance of the local landscape—the Nicoya Peninsula is celebrated as one of the world’s five Blue Zones, where both lifespan and health span thrive—the resort promotes excursions that connect guests with Indigenous communities in Boruca or explorations in Corcovado National Park. The 50 casitas, with one or two bedrooms, come equipped with heated private plunge pools on terraces that overlook the vibrant greenery.
Image courtesy of the BodyHoliday
15. BodyHoliday
Flexibility is at the heart of BodyHoliday, a health and wellness retreat perched on a hill along St. Lucia’s northern coast. The resort’s diverse wellness programs have cultivated a devoted clientele, with up to 50 percent of guests returning each year, as reported by the hotel. Accommodations include 155 French Caribbean–style rooms, some of which are charming stand-alone villas. Here, guests can enjoy classic vacation activities like snorkeling and sailing lessons, alongside dedicated wellness pursuits at the Moorish-inspired Wellness Center, which offers everything from Ayurveda to weight loss. The all-inclusive pricing, featuring a daily spa treatment, appeals to wellness newcomers eager to explore a variety of offerings, and the attentive staff ensure a seamless experience. A highlight is the resort’s new farm-to-table dining, where RastDinogoian hosts guide diners through traditional medicinal practices and harvesting in the on-site garden before serving a delicious vegan meal.
Image courtesy of Joali Being
16. Joali Being
Joali Being is not a wellness retreat that sacrifices enjoyment for healing. Instead, it guides you on a transformative journey of personal renewal while ensuring you have a delightful experience. The resort's philosophy revolves around four pillars—mind, skin, microbiome, and energy—with each aspect of the experience connected to these principles, including the deliciously nutritious meals crafted by knowledgeable chefs. Days are filled with sound therapy, physical therapy sessions, and personalized herbology. The expansive villas embrace biophilic design, harmonizing with the environment through a soothing sand and pistachio color scheme. However, it’s the simple pleasures that truly foster a sense of tranquility, whether you're engaging with instruments in the sound garden, cycling beneath palm trees, or floating in the warm, clear waters.
Image courtesy of Ananda in the Himalayas
17. Ananda in the Himalayas
Nestled within a 100-acre estate above Rishikesh—the yoga capital of the world—Ananda in the Himalayas combines traditional Ayurvedic practices with contemporary health, fitness, and nutrition initiatives. While guests can enjoy the terraced accommodations and spa offerings for brief visits, a week is recommended to fully engage in one of Ananda’s tailored holistic wellness programs. As of 2022, these programs now incorporate emotional healing facilitated by experts in hypnotherapy and inner child therapy, among others. The grandeur of Ananda's 25,000-square-foot spa showcases its interdisciplinary approach, featuring a recently added physiotherapy wing and a traditional Chinese medicine section. Within this maze of treatment rooms, guests will also meet graduates of the Ananda Spa Foundation, a non-profit initiative that trains local women in spa services based on financial need.
Image courtesy of Aro Hā
18. Aro Hā
Nestled in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Aro Hā is a 20-room wellness retreat where the remote wilderness enhances your transformative experience. The resort hosts multi-day retreats aimed at overhauling daily habits to boost health, strengthen the immune system, and alleviate stress. Each day starts with the soothing sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, awakening you for sunrise yoga. After enjoying a delicious gluten- and dairy-free breakfast, guests can participate in vegetarian cooking demonstrations, indulge in therapeutic massages, meditate, or embark on a three- to four-hour hike through Mount Aspiring National Park. By dinner, you’ll be eager for seconds of carrot tacos paired with “living” green chili corn chowder.
Image courtesy of the Royal Mansour
19. Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour features 53 private riads with stunning craftsmanship, from beautifully carved marble fountains in the atriums to intricate tile designs that seem worthy of the King of Morocco, the owner of this luxurious property. Complementing the opulence is a striking 27,000-square-foot spa. Guests can select personalized wellness programs aimed at rebalancing, weight management, rejuvenation, or boosting immunity, available in durations from three to 14 days, all supported by expert staff and chefs who assist with nutrition plans. Art therapy workshops utilize painting, pottery, and calligraphy to alleviate anxiety and encourage self-reflection in a glass-enclosed greenhouse. The spa boasts 10 spacious treatment rooms, three spa suites, and an on-site hammam featuring clay from the Atlas Mountains and roses sourced from the nearby Kalaat Begouna Valley.
Image courtesy of Como Shambhala Estate
20. Como Shambhala Estate
Nestled in a 22-acre landscape, the residences at Como Shambhala Estate feature Indonesian names that evoke earthy themes like “wind song” and “forest in the mist,” inviting serene reflection. Perched on hillsides along the Ayung river, they provide a tranquil escape from the bustling energy of Ubud. Guests typically arrive for yoga or health retreats, where every aspect—from meals to tailored health programs—aims to support their wellness journeys, assisted by a team of resident professionals, including a dietician, Ayurvedic practitioner, reflexologist, and specialists in Oriental medicine, along with fitness, yoga, Pilates, and qigong instructors. Yet, it’s not all about effort; after a day filled with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or paddleboarding, you can unwind in your private infinity pool filled with spring water and contemplate future possibilities.
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