Top Destination Spas Offering Wellness Retreats

For people who crave an escape from their daily routine—work, check phone, work, check phone, maybe squeeze in a quick gym visit—traveling abroad to a destination spa sounds ever more appealing. However, judging from the results of our latest World’s Best Awards survey, it’s no longer enough to get a mani-pedi and a couple of massages. iBestTravel readers value more than just pampering—they want stellar destination spas that focus on fitness, nutrition, and the outdoors, and are willing to check in for a week or more. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, readers provide their insights on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. In the international destination spas category, properties are rated on their accommodations and facilities, treatments, service, food, and overall value.

No. 1: Mountain Trek, British Columbia

Score: 98.13

“Amazing food and you really lose weight.” It sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t: Mountain Trek Health & Fitness Retreat offers a boot-camp-like approach to fitness and meals that promote real weight loss. Guests are divided into groups based on their ability and given a group leader. Therefore, over the course of their stay, guests participate in four-hour hikes, eat portion-controlled spa cuisine (think crab cakes with tricolor coleslaw and lemon-ricotta pancakes), and attend lectures on sleep, stress management, and nutrition— all while surrounded by mountains, meadows, and forests.

No. 2: Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico

Score: 96.64

No. 3: Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

Score: 95.40

No. 4: The BodyHoliday LeSport, Castries, St. Lucia

Score: 92.77

No. 5: Maya Tulum Resort, Tulum, Mexico

Score: 88.64