10 BEST LUXURY WELLNESS RESORTS, FROM HAWAII TO NEW YORK
Planning a trip has been linked with an accompanying euphoria that can result in stress reduction and an elevation of one's state of mind. A study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life suggested that simply anticipating a vacation can be more satisfying than the trip itself.
Presently, the choice to travel involves a personal comfort level and wrestling with regional restrictions during the Covid pandemic. Vaccine availability and an ebbing of the virus's spread are providing some comfort and optimism that we've turned an important corner. I have a trip booked to a wellness resort in Austin, Texas for the beginning of March. The planning and anticipation are certainly lasting longer than the actual vacation will. Is this another instance of the build-up to the trip being the true climax than taking the trip itself? If so, bring it on!
There is no doubt that the excitement of this potential excursion has boosted my overall mood. However, as my trip nears, that feeling is also coupled with a modicum of worry. How I choose to handle that anxiety is with a mindset of anticipation, preparedness, and flexibility, in essence, expect the best but plan for the worst.
As the founder of AZA Luxury Travel, I have been booking travel for clients during the entire year-long pandemic. They have ranged from getting people home who have been stranded in other countries to continuing to plan somewhat typical vacation getaways (mostly within the United States). The importance of having a reliable and trusted travel adviser during such unprecedented times is more important than ever.
So, if you’re contemplating travel, but asking where can you go for some well-deserved stress relief, I’ve compiled a list of ten wellness resorts within the United States that seem very accessible. Not only do they specialize in the art of health and wellness, but early on, these destinations implemented forward-thinking safety protocols that protected their staff and clients. They offer rejuvenation during a time where maintaining safety is of the utmost importance.
This Four Seasons Resort is an adults-only, luxurious wellness enclave on the secluded Hawaiian island of Lanai. Your journey features a private wellness consultation and an itinerary personalized just for you, with a choice of spa treatments, fitness classes, and enriching island activities, as well as dining by Nobu. Always included is round-trip airfare from Honolulu on Lanai Air, operated by Western Aircraft, Inc.
Ranked as the #1 destination spa in the world by Travel + Leisure, this Japanese-style resort encompasses 600 mountainous acres in southern California with 30 miles of private hiking trails, zen gardens, and a bamboo forest. Your all-inclusive stay will be a splurge, but it features personal training sessions, spa treatments, airport transfers, and more.
3. The Ranch Malibu, California
The Ranch offers an immersive health experience that includes weight loss and fitness programs with local plant-based meals. Each day, guests take on eight hours of activity and enjoy afternoon naps, massages, and an organic vegan diet. Those looking to go deeper can book The Ranch Private experience, a weeklong program that’s tailored to you and takes place at a distance from the group wellness retreat.
4. Four Seasons Westlake Village
As an alternative to The Ranch Malibu, the relaxed yet refined Californian Resort offers a family-friendly atmosphere and one of the Los Angeles area’s most comprehensive spa and wellness programs. It’s set in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains between Malibu’s sunny beaches and Santa Barbara’s famous vines.
From awe-inspiring landscapes to ancient Navajo wellbeing traditions, Amangiri is a gateway to the wonders of the wilderness. Set within countless untouched square miles of red rock country, the staggering landscape of canyons, mesas, mountains, gorges, rapids, and desert, will rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is a luxurious resort situated on 4,200 acres of rolling hills and forest. Founded more than 40 years ago, it's still renowned for warm Southern hospitality and delicious, seasonal food. The Wellhouse Spa program provides a variety of offerings for an ideal wellness escape. Services include fitness classes, yoga, hiking, biking, massages, skincare treatments, nutrition consultations, and much more.
7. Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
Nestled along the scenic May River, Montage Palmetto Bluff is set within a vibrant 20,000-acre community between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. Providing guests access to all that Palmetto Bluff has to offer, the resort encompasses an extensive nature preserve, two picturesque villages featuring eight Southern-inspired dining options, a riverfront marina, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Wellness at Montage Palmetto Bluff is centered around regaining a connection to others and oneself.
8. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Florida
Home to a 70,000 square foot spa, the largest spa/wellness facility on the East Coast, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is located in the heart of Miami's North Beach. Guests enjoy daily fresh juices to gear themselves up for classes including boxing, rock climbing, HIIT, yoga, dance, and spinning. Inside the spa, the resort's Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuit includes multi-sensory rain showers, a Finnish sauna, a crystal steam room, a foot spa, and Miami's only igloo. Treatments range from traditional massage and beauty therapies to more unique offerings like IV Therapy, salt float therapy, cryo skin toning, acupuncture, and Oriental herbal medicine.
9. Miraval Resort and Spa, Arizona, Texas, and Massachusetts
From the Arizona desert to Texas hill country, to the historic Berkshires of Massachusetts, Miraval offers breathtaking settings to discover, revel in, and explore. Local culture inspires original amenities and activities, along with healing spa treatments rooted in an eclectic, but thoughtful, a mix of global healing practices. All locations are an all-inclusive resort focused on cuisine and nutrition, outdoor and indoor activities.
10. Canyon Ranch, Arizona, Massachusetts, California, Nevada
A Canyon Ranch experience is an immersive exploration of mind-body wellness in a relaxed setting of casual elegance and unsurpassed personal service. They provide a holistic and integrative experience while delivering a superior guest experience. Guests are guided through a deeply intentional and expertly composed program of curated services and activities.
