As we look at the travel landscape for the year ahead, it’s clear that wellness-focused getaways are here to stay. Outdoor-oriented destinations that boast built-in social distancing and health-related programming are more popular than ever, and hotels are taking notice, as many luxury properties are now offering a host of unique nature-centric experiences to cater to the wellness-focused, adventurous traveler who remains mindful of the pandemic travel tides.
Whether your idea of wellness is privately curated hiking and biking tours; fitness concierges; guided backcountry skiing; or yoga, sound baths and meditation — these luxury properties have created the perfect getaways that allow travelers to rejuvenate, de-stress, and help connect with nature as the times continue to feel unprecedented.
Alila Ventana Big Sur | Big Sur, California
Alila Ventana Big Sur is set on 160 acres of rolling meadows and redwood forests in the heart of the California Central Coast, perched overlooking the Pacific coastline. This iconic property offers a wide variety of activities for an elevated outdoor experience. Begin each day with a morning yoga class beneath the redwoods or perhaps a hike around the vast property. Then, partake in one of the workshops and activities offered through the Alila Experience Program—options include Star Bathing, Big Sur Bike Tours, Spiritual Hiking Excursions, Foraging Workshops and much more. Bring along a Sur House Picnic Kit for your adventure - complete with seasonal, locally sourced meals, fresh fruit, refreshing cocktails and even a map of hidden locations that are ideal for hiking and picnicking throughout the property.
The Cloudveil | Jackson Hole, WY
Located at the gateway to the Grand Teton National Park and one hour south of Yellowstone National Park, endless outdoor activities are within reach while staying at The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection Hotel –– the only hotel located in Jackson’s Town Square and the perfect launching pad for all of your adventures. The hotel’s outdoor-savvy concierges, known as Pathfinders, can craft the perfect itinerary for you thanks to their local knowledge of the area. Snowshoe through Grand Teton National Park, take a guided backcountry ski tour, or embark on a private wildlife safari with Jackson Hole Eco Tours where you’ll learn to interpret animal signs, learn about the ecology of the park and see loads of wildlife –– all supplemented with a luxury picnic packed by Chef Gavin Fine. Finish off the day fireside on the heated rooftop patio, and overlook Town Square while recounting the day’s outdoor adventures with a nightcap in hand.
Carmel Valley Ranch | Carmel, CA
A family-friendly summer-camp-inspired resort, Carmel Valley Ranch is situated on 500 wild acres in the foothills along California’s Central Coast near Big Sur and Monterey. A sophisticated playground for all ages with 177 guest suites, the resort is an escape with plenty of room to roam and outdoor, wellness-focused activities to explore. Outdoor adventures abound among the gardens, beehives, trails, and the wonders of Carmel Valley –– with workshops and activities led by the property’s artisans in residence. Enjoy outdoor activities like archery, falconry, naturalist workshops, hiking, tennis, pickleball, bee workshops at the apiary and more.
Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
With access to more than 300 miles of scenic and iconic hiking and biking trails, Enchantment Resort serves as the ideal base camp for exploration and uncovering trails throughout the destination’s soaring sandstone cliffs, striking canyons and pinyon-juniper forests. Inside Enchantment Resort’s new Trail House Discovery Center expert guides help guests uncover which nearby trails are ideal for them based on skill level, terrain, scenery and elevation gains. The Trail House Discovery Center is the ideal gathering spot to connect with experts to craft guided or private Sedona hikes and mountain bike rides, and find inspiration for the trail ahead. In addition, Enchantment Resort offers several hikes for solo or private group exploration, including the Boynton Canyon Vortex Hike, a Cathedral Rock Hiking Experience, Full Moon Hikes, Red Rock Photography Hikes, Hiking Under the Stars, Bird Walks and more. Private, guided hikes start from $195.
Eden Roc Cap Cana | Cap Cana, DR
An exclusive oceanfront tropical haven, Eden Roc Cap Cana offers wellness-inspired travelers a range of outdoor activities and experiences immersed in nature. With outdoor spa treatment rooms, hiking, outdoor yoga classes and guided meditation, wellness-seekers can unwind while they indulge in luxurious island-inspired services. For truly unique outdoor wellness experiences, the property launched a Cenote Wellness experience complete with a yoga session, massage, meditation session and a healthy smoothie. There is a waterfall fountain in the cenote and the healing sound of the water provides a more therapeutic experience for guests. The ancient Tainos referred to the cenote as “being in the womb of the mother earth"
Sugar Beach | St. Lucia
An exceptionally unique, immersive wellness experience, the Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach, which just underwent renovations, is nestled in the heart of a unique rainforest on the edge of the striking UNESCO Pitons. All individual treatment rooms are their own treehouse, built on stilts and perched high above the ground for an indoor/outdoor experience in nature. A sulphur spring also runs through the spa, where warm mineral-enriched water from the island's sleeping Volcano meets the rainforest for a unique outdoor wellness experience. Fun fact: the spa is also home to a Temazcal - a traditional stone igloo steam room! Not to mention, over 70% of the island is covered in rainforest.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | Rancho Santa Fe
One of the world’s most sought after luxury resorts where locals and travelers alike can relax and unwind, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, located in Rancho Santa Fe now offers a new “Root to Rise” class that is focused on connecting with the elemental energy of mother nature by a walking breathwork and nature yoga flow class, exploring various spots on its beautiful 45 acres of lush landscape and spacious grounds and culminating in meditation beside its cascading waterfall. The class is complimentary for guests and local members at no additional charge.
Nobu Ryokan Malibu | Malibu, CA
Set between the renowned beauty of Carbon Beach and the quintessential Pacific Coast Highway, Nobu Ryokan Malibu provides guests the ultimate respite and opportunity for self-care through elevated luxury and unmatched levels of exclusivity. Local fitness partner, Malibu Fit Concierge brings customized fitness experiences to guests, whether that be hiking the local trails, private training sessions, surf lessons, yoga and meditation sessions and more. Guests can truly disconnect to reconnect in a tranquil, undisturbed setting, with the option to bring numerous health, wellness and fitness offerings in the playful local landscape that the iconic coastal city of Malibu provides.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas | Encinitas, CA
Located in one of Southern California's most iconic coastal towns, the recently opened (March 2021) Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is a crafted luxury resort, delivering authentic and bespoke experiences in a world-class beachfront setting. In alignment with the Alila brand, the property provides guests ample opportunities to disconnect and reconnect with the natural landscape through its commitment to locally inspired programming and the delivery of transformative experiences, mindfulness and cultural immersion. Guests and locals are welcome to immerse in a Full Moon Sunset Sound Bath, a sound healing experience of nature and life at the Pacific Ocean during sunset accompanied by crystal bowls and mesmerizing views. The event begins with breath-work and meditation, leading into a transformative healing journey with Crystal Quartz Chakra Singing Bowls, chimes, and other sound instruments. Sound healing has the power to cleanse negative energy and emotions, break old unhelpful patterns of behavior and subconscious fears, and resets the physical, emotional, and mental body into peace and harmony on a cellular level.
SUP Yoga at Homestead Crater | Midway, UT
Known as one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, Homestead Crater is a geothermal hot spring created over 10,000 years ago as melting snow seeped deep into the earth, which in turn, percolated upward by being heated by the earth’s interior, resulting in a bee-hive shaped deposit, today known as Homestead Crater. The natural phenomenon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with year-round water temperatures remaining at 90-96 degrees while the brisk outdoors and crisp mountain air sits overhead. One of the most special wellness experiences offered is stand up paddleboard yoga - aptly dubbing Homestead as one of nature’s “oldest yoga studios.”
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne now offers Tropical Trekking, a self-guided tour of Key Biscayne’s most memorable treks. Included in the Tropical Trekking package will be one beach towel, one beach bag, and a lunch including a choice of salad or sandwich, chips and a beverage priced at $75 for one person or two beach towels, one beach bag, and two lunches including choice of salad or sandwich, chips and a beverage at $125. We will provide a guide/map of the most popular paths and must see stops along the way.
The Shore Club | Turks and Caicos
The Shore Club wants guests to feel good and move their bodies, but in a productive and relaxing way that emulates their surroundings. This is why the property created its wellness center - consisting of a fitness center, an indoor/outdoor yoga center and a stunning lap pool right in the heart of the outdoor complex. Guests can take a dip in the 75-ft lap pool for an invigorating yet refreshing swim at their own pace, or set up an outdoor session with Yoga Master Mukesh Nair in the yoga center. In just a short time session, he will walk you through understanding the importance of how to breathe properly and offer several techniques for alleviating stress, encourage natural detoxification and increasing overall health. He is incredible at guiding you through poses and postures to connect energy, assist in cleansing, releasing muscle tension, reducing anxiety and minimizing the effects of everyday life on the mind, body and spirit.
The Palms | Turks and Caicos
The 72-suite luxury resort is just steps away from the famed Grace Bay Beach and boasts as many luxe amenities outside the rooms as it does inside - including the 25,000-sq-ft, Spa at The Palms allows spa-goers to unwind while they soak up the sea breezes and indulge in only-found-here island-inspired services. The spa is tucked away in a tranquil acre of the beachfront property with stand-alone treatment rooms lining a calm canal. Each offers ample room for relaxation and is accented with a water feature by day and fire by night. Not to be missed is the renowned moonbathing treatment - a nighttime experience in which guests receive mini spa treatments and after-dinner cocktails on lounge chairs right on the beach under the bright Turks and Caicos stars.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island | Amelia Island, FL
As one of the biggest and most successful spas in the region, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is a perfect place to escape for a relaxing wellness getaway. Some innovative ways the property takes wellness outside include full moon yoga and mindful classes including contemplative Beach Walking Meditation & Sand Mandala. The resort upholds its commitment to wellness by offering daily classes at the spa where guests can learn to create salt and essential oil scrubs, and visitors will love the option to book a custom / private full or half day wellness retreat, which could include yoga, meditation, spa treatments, etc.
Epic Discovery | Vail and Breckenridge, Colorado
Summer in the mountains is taking on a whole new feel with Vail's Epic Discovery. Visit Vail and Breckenridge in Colorado and try Epic Discovery for some adrenaline-fueled adventure to really clear the mind and press reset. The Epic Discovery program encourages active adventure-seekers to “learn through play,” promoting environmental education and forest stewardship with numerous fun experiential outdoor activities such as Adventure Courses, Ziplines, a Mountain Coaster, Tubing Hills, a Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampoline, and much more, the options are endless.
Curtain Bluff | Antigua
One of the Caribbean’s most iconic luxury resorts boasting fabulous views of the Caribbean Sea, Curtain Bluff is an all-inclusive five-star sanctuary offering guests the highest level of service and a true taste of life on Antigua. The boutique, family-owned property is known for its state-of-the-art Tennis Centre, featuring four impeccably-maintained, outdoor championship hard courts. Friendly, fun and informative, the resident pros can provide private lessons, challenging games and top tennis tips, while, just next to the glorious courts, you can enjoy a browse in the Pro Tennis shop.
Cavallo Point | Sausalito, CA
Nestled at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge within the famed Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the luxurious and historic Cavallo Point has an undeniable commitment to promoting and inspiring the wellbeing of guests through its array of immersive outdoor experiences within the 75,000 acres of surrounding national parkland. With the magical town of Sausalito and the San Francisco Bay right at the property’s fingertips, Cavallo Point brings wellness outside by encouraging guests to get outside, move and explore while participating in exhilarating guided experiences such as E-Mountain Bike tours, guided hiking and running excursions, guided kayaking tours on the bay, guided paddleboard and surf trips, and so much more.
