17 Hotels Doing Wellness Travel Right
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In the age of hyperproductivity, extreme optimization, and multi-function everything, even vacations are different. For many travelers, it seems we may be past the days of simple sightseeing. Now, travel has evolved to serve a purpose — or many purposes. There's the rise of grief retreats, solorettes, quiet vacations for the remote-work crowd, and, of course, the wide world of wellness travel.
Wellness tourism is booming, with the industry projected to hit $1.3 trillion by 2025, per Global Wellness Institute. The industry broadly refers to hotels and retreats with a wellness specialty, whether through a workout program, cutting-edge spa, or plant-based menu — or typically all of the above. But some properties are also carving out niches with offerings like equine therapy, spiritual rituals, falconry, in-room infrared therapy, and a menu of biohacking therapies.
If it all sounds a little woo-woo, you wouldn't be alone in thinking so. But by and large, travelers are willing to invest plenty in that kind of experience.
Henley Vazquez is the co-founder of modern travel agency Fora, and she tends to observe an uptick in wellness travel bookings in January. "I think that is a product of a few things: One is that you come out of the holidays and you want a fresh start in the new year. Instead of just making a New Year's resolution, they're actually going and doing something about it," Vazquez tells PS.
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Henley Vazquez is the co-founder of Fora, an online travel agency and network of travel advisors.
Vazquez also thinks there's a greater awareness around health and wellness following the pandemic, as many people turned to the great outdoors for relief or took up a new hobby. "For lack of anything else to do, they bought a pair of hiking boots and climbed a mountain and found out, actually this makes me feel really good," she says. "That now becomes part of who you are."
And, of course, there are more options than ever to suit every kind of traveler, making wellness travel more appealing and, oftentimes, accessible. "It's so much more part of mainstream travel decision-making that happens now," Vazquez says. So, someone seeking a beach vacation previously, might now, according to Vazquez, be asking themselves, "How do I come back as a better person?"
While the options are indeed vast, PS picked 17 wellness hotels changing the game or perfecting the model right now. They are presented ahead in no particular order. Travel bookings may ensue.
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Post Ranch Inn
Post Ranch Inn is a gem within a gem. Located on 100 acres in Big Sur, the cliffside hotel may have one of the best views in the Golden State. And despite its sprawling grounds, the resort is limited to 40 accommodations, making it easier for guests to connect with the surrounding nature and embrace a little solitude.
What makes Post Ranch Inn a top-notch wellness hotel is its tranquil setting. The property is surrounded by redwoods, and there are many trails of varying difficulty for guests to enjoy. In addition, there are heated pools, yoga and meditation classes, a falconry program that is not to be missed, and a spa, which I've been told is getting a refresh in the near future.
Sometimes, staying at wellness hotel isn't so much about being active as it is about unplugging, and Post Ranch Inn makes it easy — if not effortless.
For more, read the full PS review of Post Ranch Inn.
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Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collection
"Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collection is the first luxury hotel on Tinos, a relatively undiscovered island in the Greek Cyclades. Wellness tourism may not yet be widely popular in European destinations, but hotels like this one provided the relaxing escape one might need while traveling through Europe.
The hotel, which recently opened in May, sits above Vourni Beach, complete with two pools, and the O Wellness Center. What I enjoyed most about Odera was that while it was certainly fancy and modern, it felt authentic to and inspired by Tinos. The island's slow pace, calming vibe, and famous marble are embedded all throughout the property, from the architecture to the offerings at the wellness center." — Yerin Kim, editor, features
For more, read the full PS review of the O Wellness Center experience at Odera.
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Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
There are some hotels that really stay with you long after checking out. The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is one such place. Located just outside of Ubud, the luxury resort consists of 42 private villas and 18 suites tucked away in the jungle. And while it can be hard to leave the comforts of one's accommodation, the various amenities and activities make it worth it.
Sayan offers wellness experiences such as Reiki, yoga, meditation, and even a "sacred nap," which is essentially guided nap time in aerial hammocks. The Sacred River Spa, which recently underwent a major refresh and reopening, is not to be missed. Each treatment feels truly indulgent, but the Restu Bumi ritual, which included a gemstone massage and sonic elements, was a favorite.
For more, read the full PS review of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.
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Mayflower Inn & Spa
"Tucked a few steps away from this cute country retreat — where the rooms are the textbook definition of the grandmacore aesthetic — you'll find The Well at Mayflower Inn, where guests can go for a dose of R&R.
There's a heated pool house (cute), integrated health coaching (helpful), and daily workout classes (fun), but my personal favorite offering is the spa. Here, head-to-toe services abound, and you can indulge in everything from hammam treatments to lymphatic drainage massages to reflexology, or even your traditional facial and bodywork treatments (just don't miss out on the exciting plus-ups like hot stones, cupping, dry brushing, and so much more). There are few better havens." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director
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The Ranch Malibu
The Ranch Malibu can be quite a mystery. There's been chatter over the years about its high-profile guests and a headline-making almond allotment, but really, the retreat's aims are clear: move your body, eat clean, and rest.
The Ranch Malibu, located in the scenic area just outside of Los Angeles, consists of 21 private cottages. Most guests participate in the famed one-week program, which includes guided hikes, workout classes, massages, and plant-based meals. Some, however, stay for as long as four weeks.
As far as wellness hotels go, The Ranch is no nonsense: meals are communal, cell service is sparse, WiFi is limited to cottages, and the 5:30 a.m. wake-up call (which is actually done by bell) applies to all. Intense, yes, but somehow The Ranch has managed to inspire many to pay thousands for that level of structure and routine.
And while The Ranch Malibu is the original, for east coasters, a Hudson Valley location opened last spring. (You may be pleased to know that the minimum there is just three nights.)
For more, read the full PS review of The Ranch Malibu.
Rayavadee Resort
"If you believe nature is healing, as I do, then there is no greater source of self care than Rayavadee. Nestled across 26 acres of lush jungle and cliffs near the Krabi National Marine Park in Thailand, it's the perfect space for people looking to disconnect and decompress with nearby nature walks, hot springs, and hikes. (The sounds alone from just standing outside are like opening up your Calm app on repeat.)
What makes this space extra special is how it leans into traditional Thai culture as a form of wellness, whether it's the daily afternoon tea sessions or how the spa utilizes restorative plants and herbs found in traditional Thai practices, like turmeric, lemongrass, and tamarind." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director
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Canyon Ranch Lenox
"For years, my first-ever beauty boss, Cheryl, lamented about how, out of every wellness resort she'd been to in her decades-long career, Canyon Ranch stood at the top. (There are five locations in total, but she was referring to the Lenox property in Massachusetts.) This is all to say: the expectations were high when I finally booked my stay a few years back, and it lived up to the hype on all fronts.
Every part of your visit is designed around your personal wellness journey. Is it a more active lifestyle? They've got daily yoga, hikes, tennis, and meditation — you name it — plus mental and spiritual wellness experts and an exercise physiologist on tap to help. After a little relaxation? Run, don't walk to the amazing spa of massage treatments, facials, acupuncture, sauna and steam rooms, heated pools, oh my. Looking for a healthier relationship to food? If it's not the nutritionists on staff to help you build a plan, maybe the hands-on cooking classes or sustainably sourced, healthy, unprocessed, top-of-the-line options for every dietary need will do.
I did a lot during my four-day stay — the spa treatments, the yoga classes, the wellness coaching, the spiritual guidance sessions, the drinking of non-alcoholic red wine and cocktails (which were actually delicious, much to my surprise), and I left feeling better than ever. It's not cheap, but it is all inclusive once you get there, so if you can swing it, it's worth every penny." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director
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The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
The Standard Spa may be just a half mile away from the clubs and nouveau riche aesthetics of South Beach, but it may as well be on another planet. Located on a small island along the Venetian Causeway connecting the mainland and Miami Beach, the hotel is a favorite among locals and savvy tourists alike because of its understated ambiance and extensive spa offerings.
Complimentary to all guests, the famed spa features various saunas and steam rooms, treatment baths, and a Turkish hammam. Outside of the spa, however, are various spaces meant for relaxation, from the pool chairs facing Biscayne Bay to the cabanas centered around a fire pit for supremely cozy evenings. Through and through, this property melds together purpose and play, evident even in the food and drink menu. (Think: green juice with a splash of mezcal.)
We'll warn you that after visiting The Standard Spa, you may never want to stay on South Beach again.
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Hotel Mousai Cancun
"I'm usually a little skeptical of all-inclusive resorts, but Hotel Mousai Cancun and its luxury wellness offerings really exceeded my expectations.
Recently opened in June, the adults-only, beachfront hotel is located in the more secluded Costa Mujeres north of Cancun. Between the beautiful spa, serene pools, remarkably comfortable beds, and impeccable service, I was able to completely unplug and recharge during my stay in September. Spa Imagine, offering authentic Mayan healing treatments, immersive hydrotherapy circuits, and more overlooking the ocean, is a major highlight, though I was also impressed by the resort's gourmet food options, which were also all included." — Yerin Kim, editor, features
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Cauayan Island Resort
"A picturesque sanctuary on a private island in El Nido, Philippines, you'll find a handful of select wellness treatments, like beach yoga, sunrise treks, and spa offerings like foot reflexology (among others). Bonus that the spa treatments take place in an overwater bungalow, where there's a glass window under each massage table for you to look down at the nurse sharks swimming by below you (which isn't inherently a wellness plus-up but good for my own mental health nonetheless)." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director
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Hotel Lutetia
"Hotel Lutetia has long been an iconic landmark in Paris, but during my stay in June, I was surprised to discover its prioritization of holistic wellness (Paris and wellness don't exactly go hand in hand). Though located in the heart of the Left Bank, the hotel is a sanctuary away from the bustle of the city. There's a reason celebrities are a fan of Lutetia, a few of whom I spotted during my visit.
The property's stunning Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Spa has been awarded several spa awards for its traditional facials and massage treatments that combine Eastern and Western traditions, as well as meditation and nutrition options. There's also a 17-meter-long pool located in the spa and a separate elevator from the rooms that lead there for guests to enjoy." — Yerin Kim, editor, features
Hotel Bennett
"Hotel Bennett is hands down my favorite place to stay when I'm visiting my family in Charleston, which I like to call my second home.
Located on King Street in the heart of the downtown area, the hotel feels warm and inviting the second you walk in. The fresh sandalwood scent of the lobby immediately awakens my senses and suggests luxury and wellness. Beyond the several health-conscious restaurants and coffee shops onsite, the spa is the hotel's standout feature — so much so that folks staying elsewhere tend to book appointments for the elevated experience.
My recommendation is to sign up for the Signature Calming Antara Treatment, which is offered at either 90 or 120 minutes and begins with a full body dry brushing exfoliation and organically grown shea butter CBD balm application. After being cocooned in the hydrating butter for 20 minutes, your body has no choice but to relax as you breathe in the clove, ginger, and cinnamon fragrance and enjoy a full body massage that's more gently soothing than deep and pressure-intensive." — Sarah Wasilak, associate director, Shopping
For more, read the full PS review of Hotel Bennett.
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Chablé Yucatán
Chablé Yucatán is a wellness hotel that tends to fly under the radar — and many guests may very well want to keep it that way.
Located in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula a few hours east of the more trotted Cancún, the hotel is actually the site of a historic hacienda, and accommodations are made up of individual casitas throughout the grounds.
Fora co-founder Henley Vazquez recommends Chablé Yucatán because it exists pretty centrally on the larger "spectrum of wellness." Shamanic rituals and spa treatments abound, but the restaurant, Ixi'im, also holds the world's largest collection of tequila.
"They do Mayan ceremonies for people who are looking for that spiritual wellness part, but then they do workout classes for those who just wanna get a sweat on," Vazquez tells PS. "It's really one of the most special hotels I've ever been to anywhere in the world."
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Nobu Ryokan Malibu
You've seen the Instagrams, you know the view. Nobu Ryokan Malibu is perhaps most known for its prime location right on Carbon Beach (well, that and the star-attracting sushi restaurant), but the zen hotel also has quite the wellness appeal.
With its ocean views, Japanese design, and teak soaking tubs, this Nobu property is primed for relaxation. What's more, the hotel boasts in-room spa treatments, a fitness concierge service, and access to the private Malibu Racquet Club. (Do you know how hard it is to get a tennis court in Los Angeles?)
Better yet: Nobu Ryokan Malibu recently rolled out a new partnership with HigherDOSE, making it so that guests will have the brand's wellness products, like the popular Infrared Sauna Blanket, directly in their room. That's one way to compete with the miso black cod seen round the world.
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Lily of the Valley
France may not immediately come to mind when thinking about wellness destinations, but Lily of the Valley is attempting to prove that wrong. Located in La Croix-Valmer, in the South of France, the luxury wellness hotel consists of 53 stylish accommodations, including villas overlooking the Cavalaire-sur-Mer bay. Its wellness programs, however, may be the true star.
The wellness hotel's Shape Club offers four programs, targeting weight loss, self-care, athletics, or longevity. Programs range in length from four to 14 days, but they typically include activities like personal training, massages, and Biologique Recherche facial treatments. (It is France, after all.)
And for guests who want to take it easy, there's also a beach club on the adjoining Plage de Gigaro. It's all about balance.
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Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa
What would a wellness hotel list be without Miraval? Described by Vazquez as the "gateway drug to wellness," Miraval currently has three massively popular properties, with a fourth opening along the Red Sea in 2025. And while travelers may be more familiar with the Austin, TX, and Tucson, AZ, locations, Miraval Berkshires might be the sleeper hit. The idyllic Massachusetts resort features a daily schedule brimming with all kinds of wellness activities from ski archery to beekeeping and equine therapy.
One unexpected pro tip, however: visit during the winter. The resort is set up in such a way that buildings are all connected indoors. "There's something that's so fantastic about it in the winter. It doesn't matter how bad the weather is outside," Vazquez says. "Yes, people were still hiking, even in February, but for me not being a cold weather person, I was able to have a really busy, active weekend in really bad weather."
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SHA
SHA isn't messing around. Described as a medical wellness clinic, the original location is in Alicante, on the southeast coast of Spain, but a new location in Costa Mujeres, Mexico is making it even easier for travelers to access its rigorous programs.
The resorts are centered around SHA's signature integrative method with amenities tackling gut health and emotional wellbeing, as well as aesthetics and longevity. Meaning, you can learn how to meditate and get a sleep analysis but also laser facials and radiofrequency treatments. Despite first opening in 2008, SHA still manages to feel like a wellness clinic of the future.
Kelsey Garcia (she/her) is the associate content director of PS Balance, where she oversees lifestyle coverage, from relationships to parenting to financial wellness. Kelsey is passionate about travel, dating trends, and changes in the workplace. Before joining the PS team as an editorial assistant in 2015, she interned at Elle and Harper's Bazaar, among other publications.