10 Best Wellness Destinations in the US

Located on the central California coast, surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is picture-postcard pretty and a top spot for relaxation. If the sunshine, beautiful beaches, and chilled-out, friendly atmosphere aren’t enough to boost your mood, there are a whole host of activities on offer for a reviving wellness break.

Yogis can try outdoor classes with ocean views, such as Sol Seek Yoga on Leadbetter Beach or La Mesa Park. Cleanse and rejuvenate your body and mind with Himalayan salt at Salt Santa Barbara—or book a relaxing spa experience at the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s Sense Spa. Plus, there are tonnes of healthy eateries, like the Natural Café or Oliver’s, with a delicious plant-based menu.

You can truly escape from it all in Sedona, a desert town found among the red rock canyons and alpine tundra of Arizona. It has long been connected with spiritual wellness as there are thought to be numerous energy vortices here, and this—combined with the picturesque nature trails, waterfalls, and secluded pine forests—has seen it become a go-to destination for wellness retreats.

If you’re into yoga, check out the incredible experiences on offer at Sedona Yoga Retreats and Hiking Tours. For luxury resorts, head to the Amara Wellness Retreat—with luxury spa, yoga classes, and infinity pool—or the Enchantment resort, home to the world-class Mii Amo spa, as well as mindfulness experiences, mountain biking, and hiking tours.

Situated in the high desert of New Mexico, the town of Taos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit for its colourful cultural sights and picturesque surroundings. With such a unique, secluded setting, it’s not surprising it has also become a hotspot for healing and wellness breaks. From meditation to horse riding, you won’t be short of ways to relax and recenter here.

The El Monte Sagrado resort has an award-winning spa and wellness centre with hydrotherapy tubs, a saltwater pool, and yoga classes. For hosted mindful events and retreats, check out the Hyperslow Retreat Centre or the Antara Retreat—plus, you can find traditional herbal medicine, healing sessions, and wellness classes at Native Roots.

With beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, and a laid-back vibe, the Hawaiian island of Maui is the perfect place for a wellness escape. The lush tropical landscape and white sandy beaches are sure to make you feel immediately relaxed, along with the meditation and mindfulness retreats on offer. Plus, there are numerous luxury spas—many offering massage techniques unique to the island.

For a resort that prioritises self-care, treat yourself to a stay at the Four Seasons with an extensive spa menu, fitness programme, and numerous wellness experiences. If you like to be more active, make room in your itinerary for hiking in the Haleakalā National Park, with breathtaking views and a range of trails—including sunset and stargazing tours.

A health and wellness haven in Colorado, Boulder is known as one of the healthiest cities in the US, and for good reason. You can find a great number of spas, wellness retreats, healthy restaurants, and outdoor activities here—all with a backdrop of the scenic Rocky Mountains.

For luxury pampering, treat yourself to a stay at the St Julien for its award-winning spa—or simply visit as a spa guest on your trip to Boulder. Try a yoga class at Yoga Pearl or take a hike on one of the many mountain trails to rejuvenate your body and mind. Worked up an appetite? There are numerous healthy eateries to try, such as Flower Child for vegetarian and vegan “feel-good food.”

A colourful mountain town located in Ulster County, New York, Woodstock is a great place to get away from it all. Known for the famous music festival of 1969, it has retained its hippie vibe with an arty culture, vintage boutiques, and organic eateries among the beautiful Catskill Mountains.

Head to the Woodstock Healing Arts centre for a wide range of self-care services, from acupuncture and massage to holistic skincare. Get back to nature with a swim in the Big Deep—a scenic lagoon surrounded by forest—or hike the Overlook Mountain trail to energise your body and relax your mind. Plus, don’t miss the Garden Café for fresh vegan food in the heart of Woodstock.

Key Largo boasts long sandy beaches and turquoise waters as well as lush botanical scenery and the Everglades National Park. Situated at the northernmost point of the Florida Keys—and one of the year-round sunniest spots in the US—it’s the perfect place for a wellness break.

If you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing resort, Bungalows Key Largo features an exclusive spa with outside treatment cabanas in the Zen Garden, an indoor relaxation area, and daily yoga classes. If you’d like to take it up a notch, there’s a great choice of water sports in Key Largo—from snorkelling to stand-up paddleboard. Be sure to stop in at the Coco Plum Place for a vegan-friendly wrap or smoothie bowl.

Set among the Sierra Nevada Mountains bordering California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe boasts spectacular hiking, boat trips, and beaches. Plus, from November to May, it’s transformed into an incredible ski resort, with plenty of opportunities to relax and rejuvenate on a cosy, winter wellness break

Whenever you decide to visit, you can find ways to practice self-care, with numerous upscale spa resorts, wellness centers, yoga classes, hiking trails, and healthy restaurants. Treat yourself to a unique holistic massage at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort spa or try a hot yoga class at Mountain Lotus Yoga. If you need some nourishment, head to Sprouts Natural Food Café for the best organic ingredients in town.

As the name suggests, Hot Springs—located in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas—is home to a number of natural hot springs and thermal baths. With these naturally occurring thermal waters, numerous bathhouses offering spa treatments, lake activities, and hiking trails, it’s little wonder Hot Springs has become a top US wellness destination.

Be sure to visit the historical “Bathhouse Row” in city centre—a row of 8 bathhouses dating back to the 1900s—and head to the still operating Buckstaff Bathhouse for the ultimate relaxing spa experience. If you prefer to get active to de-stress, the Hot Springs natural park has plenty of biking and hiking trails—along with nearly 50 natural hot springs.

With a relaxing, laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, parks, and world-class golf courses, Hilton Head is a South Carolina hotspot for a wellness escape. Leading the charge is the Hilton Head Health wellness resort, which is one of the best health resorts in the US. The resort provides a number of wellness retreats and weight-loss programmes, an award-winning spa, and many healthy dining options.

Elsewhere in Hilton Head, you can enjoy the natural surroundings to relax and unwind. Take a picnic to Coligny Beach Park, play a round of golf at Harbour Town Golf Links, or hike a trail in the beautiful Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Plus, you can enjoy a nutritious Buddha bowl or wrap at Delisheeyo—one of the only vegetarian restaurants in Beaufort County.