We’re big proponents of integrating wellness into our daily routines, and many of our favorite at-home self-care practices are completely free. But sometimes we crave more of a refresh than gratitude lists or a legs-up-the-wall pose can give us. Whether you’re thinking ahead to summer travel or craving an escape from winter weather, a well-planned wellness getaway will help you slip into relaxation mode.
Let’s be honest, some vacations leave us feeling even more tired and rundown than when we left. These wellness-focused destinations, on the other hand, make it easy for you to fully unwind, so you can come back refreshed and renewed. Think: an indulgent all-inclusive resort à la Costa Rica or Palm Springs, or a true wellness playground like Los Angeles or Scottsdale. Searching for a bit of culture? We’ve got options on that front, too. Keep scrolling to find the best wellness getaways, with destinations for every type of traveler. All that’s left to do is grab your bestie (or fly solo!) and choose your destination.
Los Angeles, California
A mecca for all things health and wellness, Los Angeles offers so much more than just great weather. Sure, eternal sunshine is a *major* selling point, but LA is also a standout destination for wellness enthusiasts. Spend your mornings hiking the Griffith Park Trails, or pass your favorite TikTokers on a hot girl walk up Runyon Canyon. Or if nature isn’t your thing, hit up a boutique fitness studio like Bünda in West Hollywood or Body By Simone in Brentwood.
Healthy eating can be challenging while you’re on vacation—but, trust us, you won’t have that issue in LA. Take a stroll through one of the many farmer’s markets in Santa Monica, Brentwood, or Beverly Hills, or grab your favorite healthy snacks at the famed natural food store Erewhon. In terms of healthy restaurants, you’ll have your pick in all types of cuisines. Spend your days on the beach and your nights winding down at a luxe hotel or over dinner at Café Gratitude or the Butcher’s Daughter.
Where to stay: Santa Monica Proper (from $549 a night), Hotel Figueroa (from $200)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Calling all culture lovers: Santa Fe is the getaway you’ve been searching for. The architecture in itself will make you think you’ve entered another time period, and the laid-back lifestyle is a welcome break from reality (especially for us city-dwellers). What I didn’t realize before visiting was how much culture Santa Fe has. It’s actually the oldest capital city in the United States and has one of the largest art markets. There are over 250 art galleries to visit, plus a number of art festivals, markets, and museums. If indulging in art, culture, and authentic food is your idea of self-care (same), you’ll be right at home in Santa Fe. Pro tip: order your New Mexican food “Christmas style,” which comes with a combination of red and green chile sauce.
And Santa Fe is not without its relaxing indulgences either. The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado welcomes families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a desert retreat. During your stay, you’ll be immersed in the desert scenery, with access to luxe spa treatments, adventure excursions, and ski trails.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe (from $650 a night), La Fonda on The Plaza (from $174)
Austin, Texas
OK, we know Austin is known for its breakfast tacos and live music—which, by the way, we love—but this rapidly growing city has really upped its wellness game in recent years. You’ll find all sorts of boutique fitness studios in Austin, with plenty of healthy restaurants and spas to choose from, too. Plus, it’s got tons of great hiking trails and camping destinations. Truly, Austin checks the boxes for any type of traveler.
For a more relaxing trip than you might expect from Austin, skip the late nights out and embrace all the wellness-boosting amenities this city has to offer. Nature lovers should grab a smoothie from Juiceland or Sunlife Organics before heading over to Lady Bird Lake, where you’ll find Austin’s most active and outdoorsy residents. Café No Sé and Bouldin Creek Cafe are great options for a sort-of-healthy meal.
We highly recommend booking a stay at Miraval, where you’ll be encouraged to fully unplug. The expansive resort offers jaw-dropping scenery and an approachable take on wellness, complete with meditations, sound baths, and a full spa, pool, and fitness studio.
Where to stay: Miraval (from $769 a night), Hotel San José (from $239)
Palm Springs, California
Solo travelers and wellness buddies alike will love Palm Springs for its tranquil desert scenery and laid-back energy. If relaxation is what you’re after, look no further. The desert offers plenty of resorts and spas to choose from, but We Care stands out among the rest as a true destination for restoration and self-care. The all-inclusive boutique spa designs personalized wellness experiences for each guest, with access to a stunning 20-acre space in the middle of the desert. You’ll find everything you need to achieve true rejuvenation: spa treatments, a fresh juice bar, a heated pool, and gorgeous rooms with custom circadian light fixtures to help reset your internal clock. Each day, start your morning with a guided breathwork session, then choose from experiences like reiki, crystal sound baths, and more.
Where to stay: We Care Spa (from $1,830 for two nights), Korakia Pensione (from $246 a night)
Sedona, Arizona
I’ve truly never felt more relaxed than I did after a few days in Sedona—and I didn’t even get a massage while I was there! What I did do, though, was visit the city’s four main energy vortexes. A vortex is an area of concentrated electromagnetic energy, which can typically be identified by twisted tree trunks or branches and swirling land formations. Spiritually, these places are thought to be incredibly balancing and healing. You may think of places such as Machu Picchu or the Great Pyramid, but you don’t need to travel that far to feel this magic. Home to some of the most powerful vortexes, Sedona brings a healing energy you simply have to experience to understand. Even “woo-woo” skeptics can feel how vibrant and alive the land is. Personally, I’ve been on a manifestation spree since my visit to this beautiful red-rock wonderland.
Sedona is a spiritual playground, with crystal shops, psychic readings, aura photographs, and reiki healing available on nearly every corner. If you’re looking to be pampered, the Enchantment Resort nestled in Boynton Canyon offers massages, facials, and mindfulness experiences (and the most incredible views) to reset your body and your mind after days spent hiking or biking.
Where to stay: Enchantment Resort (from $560 a night), The Wilde (from $280), Green Tree Inn (from $110)
Atenas, Costa Rica
You can’t talk about wellness getaways and *not* mention Costa Rica, a hotbed for restoration and relaxation. There’s no better place to nourish your body and mind—whether you head to a resort and don’t leave the grounds until check-out, or choose to stay at more of a no-frills hotel and spend your days learning to surf and hanging with the locals. The lush scenery alone will leave you feeling instantly grounded.
For a true escape from your day-to-day, consider a couple of nights at The Retreat, a boutique luxury resort offering a transformative wellness experience. Situated on a hilltop in Atenas, you’ll overlook the Pacific Ocean as you meditate on the deck, dip in the pool, or enjoy a chef-curated daily menu of healthy, nourishing recipes. There are a number of wellness packages to choose from, which include anti-inflammatory meals, cooking classes, spa services, and more. The experience will leave you feeling completely renewed.
Where to stay: The Retreat (from $460 a night)
Ojai Valley, California
We promise, just *one* more California rec. The West Coast is bursting with options for wellness getaways, but Ojai is not to be missed. This quiet town—just over an hour from Los Angeles—is the perfect slow-paced destination to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a bigger city. It may not be the cheapest option, but there’s a reason wellness enthusiasts flock here. The extreme beauty of this place will leave you feeling instantly lighter. The city is only about four square miles, but it lives large with gorgeous views of the Topatopa Mountains and a walkable village full of restaurants and shops.
Whether you plan to visit a relaxing spa, like Spa Ojai at the Ojai Valley Inn, or simply want to explore a new place, the small-town charm is welcoming to all. Browse through the locally owned markets, galleries, and stores, such as Bart’s Books or the Porch Gallery. Spiritual junkies will want to visit one of the seven energy vortexes, and wine lovers should add Topa Mountain Winery and Ojai Vineyard to their list. Most importantly: Don’t miss the famed “Pink Moment” at dusk, when the whole sky lights up a soft pink.
Where to stay: Ojai Valley Inn (from $560 a night), Ojai Retreat Inn (from $110)
Hudson Valley, New York
It wasn’t until I started traveling extensively that I fully realized how lucky I am to have grown up in the Hudson Valley. It’s hard not to feel relaxed when surrounded by mountainous scenery, small-town energy, and a sense of quiet I only appreciated after years of living in New York City. The Hudson Valley has always had a lot to offer fitness lovers, with plenty of hiking trails, rock climbing, and lakes and rivers for water sports, but recent years have brought even more wellness experiences to the area. In towns like Beacon, New Paltz, and Gardiner, you’ll find local restaurants, shops, and farms with activities for the whole family.
Gardiner is home to Wildflower Farms, part of Auberge Resorts, where you can reconnect with yourself while surrounded by meadows of flowers and wild woodlands. Enjoy farm-to-table meals, rustic-chic cabins and cottages, and a slew of events and excursions.
Where to stay: Wildflower Farms (from $600 a night)
Scottsdale, Arizona
Another tranquil desert destination, Scottsdale puts wellness at the forefront, with your pick of spas and hotels, as well as the most awe-inducing scenery. Truly, I wanted to move there when I first visited. Not only is the temperature enjoyable year-round, but the city offers plenty of hiking trails, fitness classes, and wellness studios.
CIVANA is an excellent choice for every type of traveler, especially those looking to prioritize their wellness. You can book a regular stay or opt for an inclusive package. The resort tailors your stay with personalized wellness experiences set against gorgeous desert backdrops. Get your heart pumping with a cardio strength class, stay balanced with daily intention-setting ceremonies, or embark on a kayaking excursion. Its spa offers massage therapies, well-being treatments, facials, and more.
Where to stay: CIVANA (from $287 a night)
