When we hear the phrase luxury wellness retreats we probably imagine relaxing on a beach, while sipping on a kale-apple smoothie, and listening to a wellness coach remind us to “breathe deeply and let go of any thoughts”. Well, that vision is partly true. But there’s so much more to luxury wellness retreats than smoothies and breathing lessons.

6 Luxury Wellness Retreats That Will Transform Your Life (and Body)

From restorative yoga and pilates sessions to detoxifying (and exhilarating) outdoor activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, and even paragliding, here are 6 luxury wellness retreats that will transform your life (and your body). Beyond boosting one’s physical wellness, several of these luxury wellness retreats help address mental, spiritual, and behavioral patterns that are preventing us from living the life we dream of. To help you reshape your mind, body, and spirit this season, here are some of the best luxury wellness retreats in the USA.

The Signature Retreat at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village in Southern California is an immersive four day, all-inclusive experience created to help you achieve personal well-being and inspire lifestyle changes.

Experts at California Health & Longevity Institute use scientific findings to curate workshop experiences, cooking classes and personalized workouts including yoga and meditation for optimal health and weight loss. This program provides you with valuable tools and expertise to begin the journey to personal health and happiness. Plus you can also enjoy the luxury accommodations and unparalleled service that the property is known for.

One of the world’s most celebrated hideaways, Boulders Resort & Spa is named for the 12-million-year-old granite boulders that dot the landscape. Tucked away in the high Sonoran Desert just north of Scottsdale, is renowned for a world-class resort experience that includes championship golf and tennis, a luxurious spa, and an exceptional level of service. This 33,000 sq. foot full-service spa recently named “Best Wellness Resort in the Southwest” by Sunset Magazine, it incorporates the elements of feng shui and a Zen-like ambiance while staying true to the natural environs and Native American influences of the region. Its 24 treatment spaces are complemented by such signature elements as a labyrinth (path to tranquility), an authentic Tipi for guided meditation, private Watsu pool, Vichy treatments, Couples Spa Suites and a 5,600 sq. ft. Organic Garden. The spa offers a 2,000 square-foot fitness center, yoga studio, and a Spa Café. Contemplative settings include meditation areas, hydrotherapy, a circular tea room and an interior rock and sand garden. 

A vacation getaway at the newly renovated Boulders Resort & Spa includes fresh air, sunshine and new ways to integrate the body, mind, and spirit into a total state of well-being.  In addition to an array of complimentary yoga classes offered at the Spa’s Yoga Studio, the fitness gurus also bring yoga classes to four distinctive outdoor areas: Tennis Gardens, Spa Swimming Pool for “Paddleboard Yoga”, an Organic Garden, and the Promise Rock. 

If your mind and body need a full overhaul, head Southwest to Santa Fe, New Mexico to discover #3 destination Spa resort in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure’s 2018 World’s Best Awards. Here you’ll find an intensive three-night experience designed to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit. The Sunrise Glow Cleanse at the Sunrise Springs Resort was designed to help you detox from life stressors and unhealthy habits through a therapeutic psychological approach.

Upon arrival, consult with the property’s physician, Dr. Sally Fisher about your health goals, and then choose from a water, vegetable (‘green’) juice or broth fast, or eat lightly of salads and traditional cleansing foods like kitcheree and coconut yogurt. Michael Schroeder, Lead Counselor will help you find clarity and insight into present thought patterns and behaviors. In addition to consultations with the pros, other activities included in this package: detox yoga classes, sweat lodge experience, massage credit with choice of detox oil, detoxifying soaking tub and sauna experience and more. Talk about a truly life-changing wellness retreat! 

Another fun wellness retreat that will inspire you to become more mindful surprisingly is just 10 miles away from the Las Vegas strip. The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being offers fully-customized wellness experiences crafted by a team of experts, designed to transform you from the inside out.

A few highlights of fitness and nutrition focused wellness experiences include: Unique fitness class offerings from beginner to seasoned pro levels, including invigorating sessions of Wall Yoga, Tai Chi, In-Trinity Board Class, Boot Camp, TRX classes, Vinyasa Flow and Violin Meditation (with Rebecca Sabine, a violinist who performs with Celine Dion). Motivating nutrition and exercise regimens, including personalized nutrition plans for mindful eating, personal training programs and physical health diagnostics, such as The Bod Pod (the gold standard of body composition measurement) and The Fit Mate Pro. 

If your idea of a wellness retreat is spending time outdoors, then get your bags packed because the most over-the-top fitness experience was just announced by W Hotels (next stop Switzerland!). The lifestyle brand recently launched their FUEL Weekends, which are global destinations for not-so-typical wellness weekends.

The next locale, W Verbier in the Swiss Alps, which is traditionally known as a skiing destination is turning up the heat on wellness with a 3-day mega-event. W is going above and beyond by offering yoga, boxing, paragliding, quad biking, rock climbing and more, taught by world-renowned trainers, Faisal, of Barry’s Bootcamp London, and Roger Frampton, mobility expert. You can also take advantage of the on-site spa before a session in the yoga studio. After spending your days doing invigorating activities, you can let loose and relax at the fabulous night-time parties at the hotel. Talk about a fun way to Detox & Retox!

Talking about wellness retreats has my mind spinning with images of crystal clear waters and swaying palm trees. So, when I heard about the Immersive Hawaiian Wellness Retreat at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, I had to learn more. This immersive, three-night wellness experience is designed to take you on an enlightening journey of rejuvenation, discovery, and self-renewal. It’s the perfect way to say “mahalo” to Mother Nature.

Each day includes a signature spa treatment that uses traditional Hawaiian healing methods in which you’re encouraged to reflect on your journey with a provided journal. You’ll also receive nightly turndown service featuring a local Hawaiian Rainforest Naturals flower essence as a keepsake. A guided huaka‘i (cultural excursion) to Mānoa Valley – from which the spa derives fresh ingredients for its treatments – fully immerses you in nature, teaching you about the cultural practices and rituals that must be performed before ingredients can be harvested, out of respect for Mother Nature. To support physical well-being, the package also includes a private yoga session, custom-stocked kitchen with fresh Hawaiian ingredients to make nourishing food in-residence, and a private in-residence chef’s dinner for an evening. This 3-day stay in paradise does come with a price tag – $21,000 to be exact. For those who are ready to splurge, this is the ultimate place for R&R.

For more inspiring travel tips and vacation ideas, check out the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.

[Header image c/o Sunrise Springs Spa Resort; Article images c/o respective properties.]