Top Destination Spas for Wellness and Rejuvenation

Since when did we become so obsessed with wellness? Americans of all ages are now trying Fitbits and the Paleo diet, DNA testing, and meditation, all in their quest to become better versions of themselves. When it comes to travel, they’re turning to destination spas more than ever before. This shift may be a response to the pervasiveness of technology or the 24/7 news cycle. Consequently, retreats that emphasize disconnecting and quieting the mind are increasingly popular.

The Rise of Wellness Retreats

Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In the domestic destination spas category, readers rate properties on accommodations, facilities, treatments, service, food, and overall value.

Highlighted Destination Spas

Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona

Opened by Mel and Enid Zuckerman in 1979 with just a handful of guest rooms, Canyon Ranch in Tucson was a pioneer in wellness travel. It continues to resonate with spa enthusiasts, thanks to its challenging desert hikes, restorative sound bowl sessions, and in-depth sleep consultations among many amenities. Guests receive a daily credit toward a variety of spa treatments, including facials, detox massages, and reflexology. One guest praised, “The breadth of activities for the mind and body, as well as the spa treatments, are the reasons to come here.”

Lake Austin Spa

This 40-room retreat in the Texas Hill Country prioritizes fitness, featuring activities like boxing, Bosu balance training, and tai chi. The lakeside setting enhances the experience with stand-up paddleboard flow yoga and guided kayaking. Annually, biologist Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind, gives a talk on the benefits of aquatic therapy.

The Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania

Located in the Pocono Mountains, this lodge emphasizes the regenerating power of nature with guided forest-bathing sessions. Guests can also engage in creative activities that stimulate the mind, such as silk-scarf painting, coloring, and paper marbling. However, the standout property this year is nestled among the towering Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona, known for its energy fields.