Best Hotel Wellness Programs – Destination Wellness Hotels
FeliciaF.Rose January 29, 2021It’s time to put the antiquated “New Year, New You” resolution to rest and embody the intention of holistic wellbeing and sustainable self-care. While this great pause has taught some of us that we have “all the tools within” to heal, it has also taught us the importance of community, connection and support. Let’s be honest—we’re all eager for an escape that’s physical, not virtual. We all have wellness on the brain, and are eager for a reset; here, our list of the top hotels to travel to for that mind, body, and soul reboot.
1
The Well at The Mayflower Inn
Location: Washington, CT
Fashion’s favorite Manhattan wellness escape, The Well, has partnered with The Mayflower Inn, a charming country-luxe escape nestled deep within 58 acres of serene woodlands. The quaint country design makes for a beautiful balance to The Well’s holistic wellness offerings. Experience integrative health coaching to help you formulate a personalized plan during your stay, bodywork to shift stagnant energy, skin health with Biologique Recherche & Naturopathica to get your glow on, and a myriad of Eastern modalities including acupuncture, medicinal herbs, energy healing & craniosacral work. Opt for an a la carte treatment, or select from an already-curated list of signature experiences, like their Integrated Detox Treatment.
2
The Forest House
Location: Near Yosemite, California
Immerse yourself in healing serenity at this idyllic wilderness retreat founded by Lacy Phillips, Founder of the To Be Magnetic podcast and The Pathway neural-manifestation membership. Feng-shui’d with charged crystals and earth-elegant decor, this space allows you to unplug, unwind, and unblock—one of Phillips’ core manifestation methods. This holistic home sleeps 5 and is intentionally-designed to heal with a rejuvenating infrared sauna, bio mats in every room, chakra-balancing chimes, meditation pillows, sound bowls, a fully stocked kitchen of juicers, blenders, and herbs, and an outside clawfoot tub to soak under the stars.
3
Camp Sarika at Amangiri
Location: Canyon Point, UT
The tentpole of Aman’s offerings in the U.S., Amangiri is a stunning 600-acre desert spectacle. Simply walking through its sleek stone quarters and enjoying the pristine property will put you into a meditative state. Stay in one of their desert suites or “rough it” in the newly-opened Camp Sarika, a luxury glamping experience in a sweeping one- or two-bedroom pavilion. This serene wellness destination also caters to the adventurous soul, offering hot air ballooning, helicopter rides, horseback riding, hiking, and rock climbing. Wind down after your dose of adrenaline at The Amangiri Spa where a spectrum of spa offerings treats the mind and body through a native Navajo lens, drawing from the four elements of earth, wind, fire, and water. Highlights include grounding body wraps, meditative crystal sound bath, and soul-surrendering floatation therapy.
4
Shoui Sugi Ban House
Location: Water Mill, New York
Imbued with zen energy, this intimate 13-room healing haven is a tranquil sanctuary to transcend through stress and slow down. Surrender to Shoui Sugi Ban House’s beautiful synthesis of holistic healing arts (sound journeys, energy balances, shamanic healing, and more), yoga and fitness classes, and intentional nutrition workshops throughout your stay. Revitalize your body with their seasonal, superfood-rich & plant-forward fare (all organic and local, of course) designed in collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Mads Refsuland. Whether you journey here for a day trip or a long weekend getaway, this destination is a quintessential wellness retreat, geared at soothing, destressing, and rejuvenating its guests.
5
Equinox Hotel
Location: New York, NY
For the metropolitan minded who abide by a work-hard, play-hard, rest-hard mentality, Equinox Hotel is the ideal escape to find work-life balance in the lap of luxury. Their so-called “temples for total rejuvenation” (read: hotel suites) are meticulously designed to minimize mental clutter and ground you to the present moment. Each suite comes equipped with an in-room media library full of morning and evening rituals to optimize your day, a RoomBar of thoughtfully-curated snacks, vitamins, and supplements (from hangover help to holistic herbs), and three showerheads for a spa-level rinse like no other.
When you’re not cozied up in your wellness chamber, explore the hotel’s amenities, like IV drips, infrared saunas, cryotherapy chambers, quantum harmonics powered by Wave, and their sauna capsules overlooking Hudson Yards. Of course, if you’re craving a sweat, the 5-star hotel sits atop one of the brand’s best-in-class gyms as well as a SoulCycle studio. If you’re up for a staycation but aren’t NYC-based, be patient: Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago are next to open.
6
Ojai Valley Inn
Location: Ojai, California
The bohemian town of Ojai is known for its otherworldly energy, and the Ojai Valley Inn is not excluded from this enchantment. This destination hotel is known for its breathtaking, wild flower-adorned estate; while often tapped for run-of-the-mill vacations and otherworldly weddings, this property is also worth booking for a dose of spiritual healing.
Dive into deep self-discovery with a crystal, reiki, and chakra clearing session, or a 1:1 psychic reading. Then, nurture your inner child’s yearn for play at their artist cottage and apothecary where you can paint and design a plant terrarium or develop an essential oil blend all your own. Their bohemian-luxe accommodations are set to re-open in February 2021, so mark your calendar; reservations will likely fill up fast.
7
Enchantment Resort
Location: Sedona, Arizona
Escape to the red rock canyons of Sedona, the spiritual heart of the state, to indulge in Southwestern splendor and self-care. Explore 70 acres of sweeping grounds graced with a guided labyrinth walk and a large suite of athletic options. The destination boasts 218 one-story suites all adorned in chic rustic flair. Indulge in their locally-grown American cuisine with a Native American influence, paired with an award-winning wine list.
It’s essential to note that the Enchantment Resort is also Mii Amo’s temporary mind, body, and soul specialist hub while the renowned wellness retreat mindfully pauses operations for renovations. They have the typical spa treatments, massages, wraps and facials, but are primarily known for their unique woo therapies, like aura photography, soma (a therapy that uses color to reveal our divine talents), chakra-clearing, and sound healing.
8
Four Seasons Downtown
Location: New York, NY
Esoteric has never looked so exquisite. The Four Seasons Downtown New York is offering more than just massages and facials at its spa; this experience is all about spiritual healing—and the squad of experts guests can turn to for guidance. The property has a sophisticated spa and superior aesthetics to boot, but it’s their growing collective of in-house conscious connoisseurs that landed them a spot on this list. Guests (and locals) can now book 1:1 sessions with Harper’s BAZAAR’s very own in-house astrologist, Rebecca Gordon, receive a shamanic healing medicine and aura reading from Mama Medicine herself (who solely does virtual sessions outside of this space), and a myriad of other mystic experiences like hypnotics and sonic alchemy. These personalized sessions are a reason in-and-of-itself to pay a visit to this urban oasis.
9
WeCare
Location: Palm Springs, California
Disconnect and detox in the desert at WeCareSpa, a rejuvenating healing destination known for their mind, belly, and soul cleansing stays—plus a star-studded clientele. Their liquid soup and juice fasts paired with regular colonics and digestive release massages will leave you feeling lighter and brighter from the inside-out. Here, you’ll find mesmerizing healing installations dotted around the property, in addition to the regular program orientation to experience at your leisure. If you’re looking for more support and accountability to consciously cleanse, this escape is for you.
10
Canyon Ranch Lenox
Location: Lenox, Massachusetts
Collecting accolades since 1979, Canyon Ranch is a heritage leader in the wellness retreat space. Channel old-school “wellth” in this renovated Berkshires mansion, originally built in 1987 and opened as Canyon Ranch’s second retreat in 1989. Choose from a curated health journey with a more focused intention (like a lifestyle reset or optimal fitness) or go for the easy a-la-carte options. This stay is primarily geared to Canyon Ranch’s devoted clientele, but would suit anyone after a trusted go-to for a grounding, soothing stay.
11
Aro Ha
Location: Glenorchy, New Zealand
In Te Reo, an Eastern Polynesian language, “Aro Ha” translates to “in the presence of divine breath.” Learn to breathe in the present moment with an awakened sense of self-awareness. Awake to the sounds of Tibetan singing bowls as you watch the sunrise over the mountains at a morning vinyasa, indulge enzymatically active vegetarian cuisine (also paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free friendly), and partake in their myriad of mindfulness offerings—from an infrared sauna to hydrotherapy, NLP therapy, hypnosis, meditation, breathwork, daily massages, clean cooking classes, and more. This is far more than a weekend getaway; peruse their intention-themed 5-8 day weekly retreats here.
12
SHA Wellness
Location: Alicante, Spain
Sha Wellness boasts state of the art clinical health facilities that cater to the wellness elite. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this scenic destination offers both broad world-class treatments and targeted niche programming, like dental, sleep, anti-smoking, and cognition-focused plans. They have a spectrum of healthy eating menus (The SHA, Biolight, and Kushi) that range from consciously indulgent to heavy-duty detoxifying, all completely adaptable based on your preferences.
A recent, timely SHA rollout is their Immune System pack, which stores and stimulates the body’s natural defenses with the goal of enabling your body to be in the best condition for defeating any threats to your health. While Spain is their current hub, stay tuned for other international openings: SHA Mexico is set to open its doors in 2022, followed by SHA Emirates in 2023.
13
Harmony Hotel
Location: Nosara, Costa Rica
Venture to Pura Vida (a catch-all Costa Rican phrase, meaning “pure life”) for a low-key luxury retreat at The Harmony Hotel. This intimate 24-room getaway is owned by Johnson & Johnson descendant John S. Johnson III & his wife, Susan Short. The surfer-chic space is no-frills, making it all the more endearing—a vibe you’ll feel throughout the majority of this sleepy surf town. The hotel has an outdoor yoga space cocooned in the jungle, a spa with a slew of treatments and casual shamanic healing ceremonies, and a pool, organic restaurant, and juice bar. If you want to escape the property, just walk for about 5-minutes and you’ll hit the sprawling coastline and pristine beaches.
14
Wilderness Safaris Jao Camp, Okavango Delta
Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Immersing yourself in nature is one of the most biologically energizing experiences, hence why the terms “earthing” & “forest bathing” have taken off in recent years. It’s also the reason why Wilderness Safaris has topped our wellness retreat list for four years and counting. The Jao Camp was renovated in 2019 with stunning sculptural villas featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, making for breathtaking views and once-in-a-lifetime exotic animal sightings.
Outside of the exalted views, you have an in-house museum and gallery (featuring a full-size giraffe skeleton), five private plunge pools (one for each room), and in-house or in-room spa offerings to relax after your safari. Full-service staff, including a guide, chef, and butler are all on call. And if you’re in the mood to explore, hop on a puddle jumper to any of the other sister camps in the area—there are 22 in Botswana alone.
15
Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti
Location: Pinzolo, Italy
Balance skiing with self-care at this modern wellness mecca set in the middle of the Dolomites. Lefay is built upon the concept of biophilic design, aka “healing” design, that instills a sense of peace and relaxation through scenic mountain views, zen natural wood, and soul-stirring architecture.
The property’s “Scents of The Forest” treatment is a sure spa standout, using local Alpine plants and flowers to create an indulgent massage, scrub, aromatherapy, and facial treatment. Then, detox in one (or all) of their 9 saunas and cool off in their ice and tempered waterfall before dining at one of their two Mediterranean, local-fare restaurants. If you’re looking for a dose of adrenaline, they also have hiking, horseback riding, dog sledding, paragliding, and mountain biking expeditions on offer.
16
Six Senses Douro Valley
Location: Samodães, Portugal
Sipping on fine wine can be a form of wellness, too. Travel to the vine-covered rollings hills of the Douro Valley to experience a balance of purpose-driven wellness programs paired with play. Boost Your Immunity, Mind Your Brain, & Love Your Heart are a few standout pre-curated wellness journeys, but if you’re looking for a more personalized experience, they have got you covered as well.
The hotel’s spa has a forward-thinking screening method that measures your body’s unique biomarkers to help experts understand what your body truly needs during your stay. From there, they create a custom integrative wellness program—with a side of antioxidant-packed wine or a sip from their alchemy bar. Of course, they have your standard spa amenities as well, from the fitness center to pools, massages, and more.
17
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Per our suggestion of a wine-paired wellness trip, wellness comes in all forms, and food is another. Belmond’s Le Manior is a plush manor house operated by acclaimed health-conscious chef Raymond Blanc, who infuses his love of farm-to-table cooking and dining into the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant and cooking school.
At the acclaimed Raymond Blanc Cookery & Gardening School, you’ll learn how to channel your inner nature-loving chef from the ground up. A day in the life here may look like a morning meditation in the Japanese Tea Garden, a day spent cooking and gardening, an afternoon stroll through the organic herb garden to walk off a 5- or 6-course lunch, followed by an otherworldly spa treatment.
18
Ananda in the Himalayas
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Retreat to the Himalyan foothills and experience ancient ayurvedic, yoga, and Vedanta therapies while slumbering in restored Viceregal Indian Palace quarters. The destination has an impressive menu of mind and body offerings including 12 curated integrative wellness programs, over 80 spa treatments, and a residency rotation of visiting masters.
When you want a break from your introspective self-discovery and spa time, they also offer white water rafting, hikes, safaris in the Rajaji National Park, and Ganga Aaratis’s, a local ritual blessing on the banks of the Ganges. Given the wide array of offerings, every individual is welcomed with an assessment so the Ananda team can help create a personal program for your stay that aligns with your intentions.
19
Azulik
Location: Tulum, Mexico
Azulik’s trippy jungle architecture is nothing short of a fanciful playground. With no air conditioning, television, or electric light, the hotel encourages you to reconnect with yourself and nature. There are many outlets to “disconnect-to-reconnect”, from two art exhibition spaces to bespoke beauty and healing therapies at the spa that are all created through a spiritual, ancestral lens. If you’re looking to escape from reality and welcome in the woo, this should be your go-to R&R reboot.
20
Five Elements Bali
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Known for their breathtaking Balinese flower baths and superb setting between the sacred Ayung River and peaceful water gardens, Five Elements is an epic oasis to find your flow and wash away your worries. Tune into any and all healing therapies (from holistic to modern) at their world-renowned spa that includes healing excursions to caves and water temples, native ritual blessings, indulgent massages, expansive energy healing, and goal-oriented health consultations. Whether you are staying at this hotel or not, their baths are worth the day trip.
And on that note, Bali is a wellness hub worth exploring. Hotel hop and experience all that the country has to offer on the wellness front. Other must-visit Bali destinations to rest, relax, and reboot are Bambu Indah & Como Shambhala—both temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
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