Where to Go on a Wellness Vacation This Year Because You've Earned It

Written by: Cora Gold

Life can feel like a constant whirlwind of responsibilities and demands. When was the last time you truly paused, took a deep breath and dedicated time to your own well-being? If the answer feels like too long ago, it’s time to prioritize yourself. This year, consider investing in a wellness vacation — a chance to escape the everyday and rediscover your best self. Here are some amazing options, each offering something a little bit different.

Ananda in the Himalayas, India

This spa retreat in the Himalayan foothills blends Ayurveda, yoga, and Vedanta principles to nourish your body, mind and spirit. After a traditional dosha-based consultation, you can enjoy full-body therapeutic massages and a specialized Ayurvedic diet for your body type. Hormonal balance treatments will recalibrate your body, while a tailor-made yoga and meditation program will ease your stress. There are also emotional healing sessions that get to the root of your core well-being. Other options include aromatherapy, reflexology and Tibetan Kuu Nye.

Luxurious guest rooms or suites add to the sense of opulent splendor inside this former palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal. The nearby town of Rishikesh is famously where the Beatles came to stay and has long been known as a spiritual center.

• Best for: Pampering experiences with a spiritual dimension

The Ranch, Malibu, CA

The Ranch is an iconic wellness destination in the Santa Monica Mountains. It offers luxury award-winning guided retreats in nature that integrate physical and emotional well-being, focusing on holistic rejuvenation. The signature program is a six-night retreat with daily two or four-hour coastline hikes, fitness classes, yoga and meditation sessions, and massages. Plant-based nutrition nourishes your body during shared meals, while a sound bath resets your vibrations.

You’ll stay in a luxurious private cottage and enjoy a partial digital detox. There are no TVs, and limited Wi-Fi is available only in your cottage. Optional services include IV therapy, chiropractic treatment, hypnotherapy, cupping, somatic energy release therapy and Reiki.

• Best for: Guided retreats with a proven routine

Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand

This rejuvenating resort destination blends ancient Eastern healing modalities with Western medical research, all set in a lush, tropical beachfront haven. There is a wide selection of well-being programs to choose from. A brain enhancement retreat integrates advanced neuroscience and neurofeedback treatments with sound and craniosacral therapy, all designed to improve cognition and focus. Other programs focus on achieving an ideal weight, sleep enhancement, better gut health or building emotional resilience. There are also more traditional restorative wellness and spa options.

Lodging is in luxurious rooms, suites, or villas and features jungle or ocean views. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary journals to record their insights, and digital devices are discouraged. A centuries-old sacred cave once used by monks is the resort’s spiritual focus point and is open 24/7 to all guests.

• Best for: Tailored retreats to meet specific goals

Private Paradise Villa, Cozumel, Mexico

Few vacations are more relaxing and stress-free than an all-inclusive resort. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, Private Paradise Villa offers beautiful suites and high-end features. Unwind in an infinity pool and treat yourself to a massage in the over-water spa. The crystal blue waters and stunning sunsets make Cozumel the perfect setting to leave all your cares behind. 

This resort is also perfect for a family vacation. Designated kids areas allow your little ones to have fun while you sit back and relax. You can also book excursions like scuba diving to appreciate the local wildlife and create lifelong memories. 

• Best for: Luxurious amenities and family fun

Miraval, Tucson, AZ

In the mystical Sonoran desert, this wellness destination focuses on mindfulness and balance. It’s a digital device-free zone, so you can unplug and be truly present in each moment. Guests design their own personalized retreat programs, choosing from an extensive menu of activities, workshops and classes. Focus on developing gratitude, better sleep or self-compassion, or explore crystal healing, clairvoyance, astrology and past life regression. Walk the labyrinth, try out floating meditation, or experience drumming for joy and zen mandala painting.

You can enjoy equine therapy for emotional connection, challenging outdoor adventures and the whole range of traditional spa treatments. Choose a guest room, suite or villa, each equipped with Himalayan singing bowls and in-room meditation channels. Numerous dining options focus on mindful eating and local produce, and the resort’s culinary team also offers workshops and special events.

• Best for: Highly personalized vacations with diverse daily activities

Euphoria Retreat, Mystras, Greece

This retreat is set in a private forest in the Peloponnese, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mystras Castle. It blends ancient Greek and Chinese healing philosophies with cutting-edge precision medicine. Stunning minimalist architecture sets the tone for calm and focus, while advanced cellular health techniques restore your body from the inside out.

Health-based options include advanced medical longevity, immunity reset and integrative female health. If you want to build endurance and stamina, the Spartan Adventure Fitness program might appeal to you. For something more relaxing, mindfulness, detox, and emotional harmony programs heal the mind, body and soul. The retreat’s hotel rooms and suites have a luxuriously monastic vibe, and many have a private courtyard or balcony. Enjoy simple, healthy Greek and Mediterranean dishes and state-of-the-art spa treatments.

• Best for: Advanced medicinal treatments and monastic luxury

Red Mountain Resort, St George, UT

This wellness retreat offers an inspirational blend of adventure and relaxation surrounded by red desert rocks. A wide choice of guided hikes will take you through stunning scenery and ancient Navajo landscapes, or you can try rappelling, rock climbing, kayaking or canyoneering. Magical moonlight hikes take on a meditative and spiritual dimension, while sound baths, meditation workshops, oracle readings and shamanic healing sessions open up your mystical nature.

Spa treatments use native botanicals and plants unique to the area, with options such as Thai reflexology and salt massage to quiet your mind and relax your body. Tranquil guest rooms and villas are eco-friendly, with earthy tones that reflect the desert surroundings. Dogs are welcome, and the resort offers family adventures and wellness activities for children under 16. Nearby St. George has a vibrant art scene and many historic buildings to explore.

• Best for: Adventure and relaxation in a family-friendly destination

How to Choose Your Wellness Vacation

Given the extensive variety of retreats available, choosing your ideal wellness vacation can be daunting. Here are some key considerations:

• Consider family requirements: If traveling with your family, choose a destination that offers something for everyone. Look for resorts with family-friendly pools and age-appropriate activities for kids. Then, carve out time for your own wellness treats and activities. Alternatively, choose resorts that offer family wellness programs you can all participate in together.

• Establish your budget: Wellness retreats can range from budget to super-luxury. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on lodging, meals, activities and treatments, then look for packages that offer the best value for money.

• Think about location: Do you prefer a beach setting, the mountains, a desert, a rainforest or a historic venue? Bear in mind the climates and seasons and think carefully about what kind of environment suits your preferences and needs.

• Define your well-being goals: What do you want to achieve on your vacation? Are you looking to de-stress, improve your fitness, connect to your spiritual self or address a specific concern? Knowing your intention by getting mindful is an important first step to making it actionable.

• Read reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on the quality of the lodgings, effectiveness of the programs and expertise of the staff.

If you’re not sure exactly what type of retreat or well-being vacation you would like, browse the currently trending wellness travel concepts and see if anything jumps out at you.

Which Wellness Vacation Calls to You?

From mindfulness and spiritual connection to adrenaline-filled adventures and traditional spa treatments, today’s range of diverse wellness getaways now offers something for everyone. Work out what type of vacation suits you best, then book it! The time is now. Your well-being matters, and you’ve earned this chance to relax, rejuvenate and reset.