10 Highly Vetted Wellness Destinations

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Jenna (J) Wortham, Lizzy Wholley, Joomee Song, Corbin Chamberlain, Alex Tieghi-Walker

We’ve written abouttraveling smoothly with kids,Paris without the crowds, andadventures in the outdoors, but none are exactly restorative. These 11 retreatlike vacations below are the ones that people with very good taste book (and often return to) when they need a reset.

Ålesund, Norway

“Ålesund, Norway, is where I go to immerse myself in nature. TheHotel Union Øyeis tucked in the lush, storybook landscape of Norway’s Sunnmøre Alps. It’s a gorgeous Victorian-era hotel with creaking floorboards and flickering candlelight that feels like a love letter from the past. The rooms are named after writers, artists, explorers, and royalty who cherished this place a lifetime ago — my favorite room is one of the Junior Suites, which is in the main house, has views of the fjords and the Norang valley, and a gorgeous deep soaking tub. I like to start my day eating the fresh pastries in the glass-encased conservatory, then go for a hike through the misty green hills behind the hotel. After hiking, I head for the traditional wood-fired sauna perched at the edge of the fjord and cycle between sweating it out in the fragrant cedar-scented heat then plunging into the icy, glacial waters below. It’s invigorating and meditative, a kind of elemental luxury that lingers long after I leave.”—Sophie Bolvary, massage therapist

Palmaïa, Mexican Riviera

“My favorite wellness retreat isPalmaïain the Mexican Riviera. It’s a super-serene escape of lush jungle and turquoise waters and with none of the buzz of the bigger beachside resorts in the area, which can just feel like an extension of the city. When you arrive, you’re paired with a guide who’s there to take care of everything. There’s no need to plan or produce (which I often find myself doing); you just sit back and go with whatever calls you. It was my first time at an all-inclusive resort, which totally changed the game for me when it came to actually relaxing — no surprise costs at the end. You don’t feel guilty ordering a snack or an extra dish. All the food — four restaurants and a taco truck with the best vegan tacos I’ve ever had — is included. As an introvert who’s also neurodivergent, I can be pretty sensitive to more ‘woo-woo’ experiences, but this was more my speed. Everything felt low-key and welcoming; even the yoga classes are designed with space to just show up and move however you need. One thing I did try was a cacao ceremony, an ancient Mesoamerican tradition. I had no idea cacao was considered a kind of plant medicine; it has a mild stimulant that’s believed to increase blood flow and open the heart emotionally. I went in upright and left totally open with a warm, fuzzy vibration moving through me. I also booked a physical-therapy session with Angel. It was painful in that ‘oh wow, he found something that needs healing’ kind of way. I felt relaxed and grounded for the rest of the stay. But what I loved most about this place was the wildlife and fauna. A lot of resorts promise ‘reconnection with nature’ but offer a manicured version of it. Here, it’s the real deal. You’ll actually be stopped by iguanas, spider monkeys, and sereques. And if you’re even a low-key birdwatcher, this place is paradise. Bring your telephoto lens and binoculars.”— Clémence Polès, photographer and founder ofPasserby

Sedona, Arizona

“I start my trip atMii Amo, which has truly nailed the immersive-wellness-hotel experience. I always book a Junior Suite room because it has a fireplace, and you’ll likely be out of the room more than in it — anything more feels unwarranted. Every part of your stay is a wellness journey — from spa treatments (the four-handed Abhyanga massage will change your life), to energy work, to having a conscious moment to let go of things you might be carrying around or give yourself permission to unhook from a person or experience. Even past-life regression — it sounds gimmicky, but you’re in Sedona, and it’s the Sedona thing to do. Plus, I find it to be clarifying. I always make sure to book time with Ryan Karner in advance for a sound-healing session. After a three-night journey at Mii Amo, I head toSedona Mago, which is a little less glossy but so serene and relaxing. Most important, it really delivers on the wellness side: It’s very heavy on meditation. Sedona Mago’s meditation programming is woven into nearly every part of the retreat experience. Mornings begin with sunrise meditation facing the eastern ridge of the canyon — silent, intentional, and phone-free. Throughout the day, there are structured classes in deep breathing, chakra-based visualization, and a practice they call ‘Water Up, Fire Down,’ which is centered on balancing energy flow through the body’s core. Most sessions are led by longtime Tao-based practitioners, and unlike trendier wellness spots, there’s no soundtrack and no props — just repetition, stillness, and guidance. You can feel the land doing half the work.” —Corbin Chamberlin, founder ofSage & Salt

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

“Duntonhas been my favorite hideaway in the world for over ten years. Any time I think of it, my heart melts a bit. The setting, a valley in Colorado 25 miles south of Telluride, is breathtaking and the property, a former ghost town revived to splendor, feels like stepping back in time but with all the modern amenities that you desire. Accommodations are intimate cabins, some outfitted with wood-burning stoves; I like to book the Well House one because it has a cold plunge. I will soak multiple times a day in the five natural hot springs on-site — my favorite is the Bathhouse where I can stare out at the trees — and, in the spring and summer, hike and horseback ride through the wildflower meadows and San Juan Mountains nearby. There’s an amazing spa on-site where I’ll take morning yoga classes and book a massage using hot stones, which they gather from the Dolores River nearby, or a facial (they use Susanne Kaufmann products). I’m vegan and chef Alex Calderon creates a beautiful menu that always features plenty of options for me. If you want to venture off-site,Sutcliffe Vineyardis nearby; their 2022 Malbec wine is to die for.”—Kate Orne, editor in chief ofUpstate Diary

Eremito, Umbria

“Eremitois nestled deep in the hills of Umbria, Italy, and the journey to get there is an adventure itself, driving on winding potholed dirt roads through a thick forest. I traveled there in the rain, mid-April, and everything was soaked in this kind of earthy calm, and when I arrived the clouds opened and sunlight streamed through the trees, which felt like nature setting the tone for the week ahead: Slow down, soften, let go. Eremito is housed in an old stone monastery with thick walls; heavy wooden doors; these long, dim corridors; and this scent of incense wafting throughout. My room was super-simple, even austere, but beautifully designed for rest and reflection with a stone desk by the window; a plush, comfortable bed; and a minimalist, elegant bathroom. I came as part of a retreat hosted byJulia von Winterfeldtand Andrea Friedrich ofFrom Role to Soul, a program designed to support reflection and inner growth. The rhythm of the days was structured but spacious — I did morning yoga, then deep group sessions, long lunches, then shared dinners and evening circles. It was a full experience but never rushed. The food was also a standout, even as a vegetarian. Breakfasts had tomatoes and eggs, flatbreads, cakes, and jams; lunch was served on the terrace overlooking the valley; and dinner is eaten in silence in their candlelit grotto with the only soundtrack being soft Gregorian chants and the forks tapping on plates. An ideal place for solo silent time.” —Robyn Davie, brand strategist and career consultant

Oita, Japan

“In Beppu in the Oita prefecture of Kyushu, Japan, there is a place that the locals call the Hells of Beppu where seven different types of hot-spring waters flow directly from a volcano that erupted over 100 years ago. You can’t bathe in the waters because they’re literally steaming hot, but there is one mud-bath house, adjacent to the Hells of Beppu, where bathing is possible, and it’s amazing. The bathhouse doesn’t have a website and only locals really know about it, but it’s worth seeking out. The place is called ‘Koudei-onsen.’ (The phone number is 0977-66-0863 and their business hours are from 8:15 a.m. until noon. They are closed on Thursdays.) The water feels silky, and the mud particles are so smooth they’re quickly absorbed by the skin. They recommend bathing for 15 minutes, then sitting outside to let the mud dry for another 15 minutes; you repeat the cycle three times. By the end I was exhausted, but by the next day it was like clouds had been lifted from my body and mind. The ideal time to visit is in the colder months, from October through March, and don’t bring your kids; no one under 18 is allowed because the minerals in the mud water are so intensely detoxifying. After three rounds of dipping, I’ll sit and rest naked (everyone is, by the way) and let the mud really sink into my body. Then I’ll go to Tsukahara no Sato, a popular charcoal grill for organic Jidori (Oita is known for organic Jidori) and vegetables; just be prepared to wait at least two hours! I highly recommend staying at the ryokanKannawa Bettei, which is tucked into a hillside in Oita; it features beautiful architecture and offers nightly kaiseki dinners paired with sake from local breweries.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​”—Joomee Song, celebrity facialist

Sweden and Denmark

“This past winter I wanted to give myself space for a bit of a reset. I flew to Stockholm from London, then took the train all the way back, meandering (with a big pile of books) through various European cities on the way. The Scandinavia section of the trip had one purpose: saunas. I love the culture of bathing, and in Scandinavia it’s just such a normal part of life. I booked a little attic Airbnb in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic old town, and found myself heading to more local types of public saunas in the suburbs, like theHellasgården Bastu, a 20-minute Uber from the center. The 1970s-era co-ed sauna compound is low-key (bring your own towel) but perched on the banks of a stunning lake — totally frozen over, save for a small dunking hole cut into the ice that was exhilarating and brilliant. Sauna, dunk, sauna, dunk … all afternoon. I peppered my sauna trips with studio visits and museum trips in the snow and lost myself in the heavenlySvenskt Tennstore. My friend gallerist Carl Kostyál sent me to eat atBabette, which was one of the best meals I had all winter. I continued my sauna tour in Copenhagen — the train from Stockholm to Copenhagen is so easy, with a great dining car (serving fresh salmon) and views across the Swedish landscape for six or so hours. Copenhagen’sSauna Badehuset— a couple of dollars to get in, a few more for a paper cup full of exfoliating mud — is housed in a former power plant in the anarchist commune of Christiania.”—Alex Tieghi-Walker, curator and founder ofTiwa Select

Dolomites

“I really abide by Ayurveda and its principles, so I’d been wanting to do a Panchakarma detox for a while but never found the time to go to India. So, I was thrilled to discoverEngel Ayurpura, a place that really embraces Ayurveda in an authentic way but is in Europe. The South Tyrol area is just so beautiful and really feels like an escape from reality. I adore hiking up the mountains and meditating on whatever random bench I find overlooking the vast Dolomites. The detox at Engel is a true reset and although the idea of that may sound daunting, this one is like wrapping yourself up in a comforting blanket. Every day I spent the mornings doing yoga and breathwork in the morning, then I would take a long hike, swim, log time in the sauna, and get two hours of massage. The food is all Ayurvedic, so vegetarian and wholesome and nourishing with a lot of healing spices and ghee, incredible for digestion and cleansing. I looked forward to and savored every meal, except on the pure detox day when you only drink castor oil and eat broth — that was a little more intense.”—Yasmin Sewell, energy worker and founder ofVyrao

Himalayas

“I was invited to a friend’s wedding in Jaipur and when I heard thatTony Lupinacci, one of my favorite yoga and meditation teachers, was doing a retreat in Rishikesh around the same time, I knew I had to go. I love the way Tony explains spirituality and makes everything very digestible, and he was hosting the Rishikesh retreat with Flor Daneu who lives there half the year and has deep connections with the local yoga community. We started every day with breathwork and meditation, then a really vigorous asana class, then we’d have philosophy classes, learn how to cross the Ganges by boat, and experience a class with a local yoga teacher. I stayed at theAntalya, which was serene and lovely and where I woke up every morning and watched the same man walking his donkey along the river, and I think I ate at this place called B Monk every day, where you’d get these small boxed lunches aligned with the six traditional Ayurvedic tastes. After the retreat, my friend and I went toAnanda, this gorgeous wellness retreat that is about 30 minutes away (the road to get there is very windy so if you get car sick, brace yourself) in the Himalayas. The property just blew me away, and there is so much attention to detail. When you arrive you meet with their Ayurveda doctor who uncovers your issues (I’m an overthinker) and identifies your dosha (I’m a vata), and then your meals are designed around your dosha and goals for the rest of your stay. I had this beautiful porridge with dates, nuts and maple every morning along with a turmeric-ginger immunity shot, and, ginger chicken in the afternoon.”—Lizzy Wholley, director of experiences atBloom Farm

Algarve Coast, Portugal

“I’ve never been on a yoga retreat. Love a workshop, love a class, never felt the need to make it a destination vacation. Group trips give me a particular kind of anxiety. Small talk? Off payroll? Pass. One of my favorite parts of travel is rediscovering my own inner rhythms about how I’d like to spend my time, and it feels impossible to do that in a herd. But when I saw thatAimee Meredith Cox, one of my favorite teachers (who is also a choreographer and dance scholar), was hosting a retreat along the Algarve Coast in Portugal, I had to sign up. Aimee is a tender, mystical woman, capable of holding powerful and transformative space. She’s more than a yoga teacher — she’s a professor, so I knew this would be an opportunity to study embodiment as a place for Black feminist practice and collective memory. The retreat rented out theQuinta Bonita Algarve, a gorgeous villa with walking trails and a crisp pool and views of the sea. It’s a healthy ways away from the hectic British tourist scene that dominates the coast in the summer months. The yoga studio was breathtaking and overlooked lush gardens. Mornings began early in that sun-loved space with vigorous movement to Nina Simone and readings by Toni Morrison. Then we usually had free time or optional group activities. Our evenings ended with breathwork or journaling and slower movement. The hotel offered massages, which I got between class, swims, and meals. A couple times I took a taxi into the town of Lagos to have lunch at a local café — really anywhere that had local grilled sardines or oysters. One day I stopped by the Antigo Mercado de Escravos, the Portuguese slave market, to visit the museum and pay respects to my ancestors. Painful, but important. I also enjoyed a day trip to the Praia João de Arens beach, a little inlet where clothing is optional. The water is freezing, but it’s great.”—Jenna “J” Wortham,writer and author of forthcoming “Work of Body,” and sound healer/herbalist/reiki practitioner

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