Need to soothe and recharge? Look at these palm tree destination wellness getaways

As availability of coronavirus vaccines increases, many would-be travelers are finally making plans for future getaways. It’s no wonder, too, that after a year of staying close to home, many travelers are seeking out idyllic destinations for health and wellness boosts.

Why not combine a sunny palm tree destination with a personal wellness retreat? Popular hotels and resorts are amplifying their spa and fitness offerings to meet this exact demand. Plus, with resort amenities like onsite dining and welcoming beachfront pools, you’ll find plenty of ways to engage the whole family on your next dreamy getaway.

Even if you’re already vaccinated, it’s important to make safe and socially distanced travel plans and adhere to all local health protocols. Review your destination of choice for their latest travel guidelines and entrance requirements, and prepare for what it’s like to fly during the pandemic.

If you’re sitting on used travel credits, now is the time to put these to use as you peruse these ideas for dreamy palm tree destinations focused on soothing and recharging your personal wellbeing.

Infinity pool at JW Marriott Cancun.

Infinity pool at JW Marriott Cancun.

Courtesy of JW Marriott Cancun

Ancient traditions at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Located in the heart of the hotel zone, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa offers whole-body wellness retreats drawing inspiration from Mexico’s ancient traditions. Designed to synchronize mind, body and soul, the resort routinely offers Chi-Kun energy boosting sessions, mandala and dreamcatcher workshops, sunset yoga, and beach bootcamps. Sound healing and Zen sessions are also offered to wellness seekers.

Visitors will even find rejuvenation in Mayan-inspired guestrooms with oceanfront balconies, free-standing soaker tubs complete with lavender bath salts, and regular onsite wellness programming. Holistic spa experiences are available year-round, with ancient treatments and remedies stemming from the Mayan culture.

Infinity pools provide a family-friendly oasis for everyone to enjoy, while an adult-only pool option is also available onsite. An indoor heated lap pool provides extra fitness possibilities, and a fitness counseling program is available to give guests a boost in their personal wellness planning.

CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa.

CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa.

Courtesy of CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa

Heat up, cool down in Scottsdale


As summer approaches, thermometers in Scottsdale are again leaning into triple digits so it’s the perfect time to soak up the sun poolside. Travelers will find bohemian charm and deluxe pool suites at Hotel Adeline, a new addition to the Marriott Tribute Portfolio.

Hotel Adeline boasts a 3,000-square foot freestyle pool surrounded by daybeds and cabanas. Guests may opt to book a “suite life” package to save on accommodations bundled with private cabana service. In addition to a state-of-the-art fitness center, Hotel Adeline will soon also offer outdoor, socially distanced yoga classes.

For wellness seekers, travelers may want to check themselves into CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa. This resort has recently launched a new happiness-boosting “Joyful Journey” program designed to connect guests with health and happiness. Twelve distinct wellness classes are offered onsite including stress relief programming, sessions on happiness habits and mood-boosting hacks, along with ecstatic dance sessions.

Whole Health retreats are also available at CIVANA, while onsite spa services offer rejuvenation for shorter stays. The spa menu includes aqua therapy, deep muscle relief massages, and reflexology.

Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Rico.

Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Rico.

Courtesy of Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Rico

Inner peace in Puerto Vallarta

Holistic beachfront retreat El Grullo Naturista is focused on health and wellness treatments for in and outside the body. The wellness center has been operating for more than 70 years, offering chef-prepared cleansing menus and body detox programming.

Onsite services include steam baths, mud cataplasm, and therapeutic massage. Aerobic sessions are combined with laughter healing techniques, while yoga sessions are offered in immersive group workshops or one-on-one for a more personalized experience.

Elsewhere in Puerto Vallarta, guests may indulge at a secluded nature preserve with a Las Caletas experience from Vallarta Adventures. Guests travel by boat to access this scenic beach hideaway then partake in wellness and activity programming including nature walks, clay modeling, paddle boarding and snorkeling. A gourmet lunch is served with lush mountain jungle landscapes in the background.

Wellness seekers will find a soothing retreat at Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta, an all-inclusive adult only resort just south of the romantic zone. The property boasts a private beach, waterfront aerobics classes, and Polynesian massage services at the Haixa Spa. Hydrotherapy is also on the menu at the spa, while an infinity pool provides panoramic views of the Pacific.

Jade Mountain.

Jade Mountain.

Courtesy of Jade Mountain

Sanctuary at St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain

As one of the most breathtaking resorts in the Caribbean, St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain resort is known for its open-air cliffside sanctuaries immersing guests in nature. These retreat spaces offer en-suite infinity pools and sweeping views of the majestic Pitons and come with private butler service.

Beginners and advanced yoga practitioners alike will benefit from working with onsite yoga instructors. Tailored sessions may address chronic pains and mental stress or focus on overall wellness. Deep tissue massage is available to complement vinyasa yoga, meditation and pranayama sessions, or yoga and hiking pairings.

While group travel is welcome, Jade Mountain also has a dedicated solo traveler package for those seeking a solitary wellness retreat. The package includes private ayurvedic health consultations with a dedicated wellness guru, and meals are customized to align with specific guest needs. This package also comes with unlimited champagne, a spa day, and sports such as mountain biking or scuba diving.