Find Your Zen: 10 Unforgettable Wellness Retreats Around the World
With resorts everywhere jumping on the wellness bandwagon, how do you find your perfect fit?
As you develop the vision for your wellness getaway, talk to your family and friends to find out if they've had a wonderful experience at a particular resort. Ask about the rooms, programming, food and vibe.
Don't be afraid to ask:
To help you on your wellness journey, we've compiled a list of top wellness retreats visited recently by SheBuysTravel writers. Some are in the US. Others are international destinations.
Several have extensive wellness programming.
But we've also included unique hotels and resorts with to-die-for spas.
Pricing is noted based on a general scale, with $ assigned to budget-friendly choices and $$ marking luxury stays; your best resource for package and pricing are the individual resort websites.
1. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
Miraval Resort and Spa is one of the legacy names in the wellness space, operating resort retreats since 1995. Located about a half-hour drive from Tucson, Miraval is a World of Hyatt property so members can earn and use points for their stay.
Focus: Broad range of spa-focused experiences, making Miraval a good choice for group travel.Location: Sonoran desert within easy reach of metro Tucson and Phoenix.Key Activities: Spa treatments including a Miraval exclusive Nâga massage, a full day of scheduled activities, nearby hiking trails.Accommodations: Luxury rooms and large retreat suites with private plunge pools.Price: Rates include meals and activities excluding individual spa and counseling sessions. $$
2. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
This Hawaiian luxury resort in Princeville, Kau'i, calls its structured retreats Wellbeing Journeys. Guest goals at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay are an important consideration. Island sightseeing add-ons are offered.
Focus: Personalized body/mind treatments provide excellent options for solo travelers or couples looking to support each other's fitness goals.Location: Tropical Hawaiian beachfront with pool, golf and tennis/pickleball.Key Activities: Flotation tank, massive fitness center, luxury spa, plant-based cuisine.Accommodations: Luxurious rooms and suites.Price: 4-night Wellbeing Journeys include food & beverage credit and multiple spa, therapy and counseling sessions. $$
3. CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
CIVANA is located just outside of Phoenix in a town called Carefree. Seriously. Guests are encouraged to disconnect; posted "quiet zone" signage is a reminder. Check out complimentary bikes to explore the desert landscape.
Focus: Intention setting is encouraged at CIVANA, making this resort an excellent choice for solo travelers seeking time for introspection and self-exploration.Location: Easily accessed from the Phoenix airport, just north of Scottsdale, on a 20-acre desert property.Key Activities: 22,000 square-foot spa with hydrotherapy experiences including the only US sanarium sauna, multiple yoga classes and labyrinth, morning and evening rituals, plant-forward cuisine.Accommodations: Comfortable, minimalist interiors.Price: Rates include F&B, tons of daily activities and spa credit. $$
4. Willka T'ika
A stay at this culture-based retreat in Peru's Sacred Valley complements a bucket list trip to Machu Picchu. Immerse yourself in local traditions for a historic, spiritual experience at Willka T'ika.
Focus: Vegetarian cuisine, chakra explorations and engaging interactions with the Quechua people make this a wonderful experience for couples or close friends.Location: The high elevation is a consideration at this mountain retreat about a 75-minute drive from the Cusco airport.Key Activities: Digital detox, ancient healing rituals, meals sourced from property gardens.Accommodations: Small 26-room boutique property with single, double and triple garden-view rooms.Price: Rates are room only. $
5. Le Monastère des Augustines
Centrally located in the heart of Quebec City, this retreat hotel occupies a 400-year-old monastery building. Treatments at Le Monastere des Augustines are rooted in the historic traditions of the Augustinian sisters who founded the first hospital in New France in 1639.
Focus: With opportunities for meditation, introspection and healing, a stay is ideal for those in need of a reset, like caregivers. Location: The building underwent a thoughtful renovation that retains its historic charm. You'll find all of the attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site steps from the hotel entrance.Key Activities: Gentle yoga, healing massages, silent breakfast, sleep aids, private consultations available.Accommodations: Comfortable, contemporary rooms with private baths or historical cells with shared hallway baths.Price: Room rates include breakfast. Wellness options are à la carte. $
6. Wailea Beach Resort
Consider this Maui property if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member so you can earn and use points during your stay. The standout feature at Wailea Beach Resort is the Olakino, adults-only wellness pool.
Focus: The Olakino pool offers a sanctuary within a resort experience from 8 am to 4 pm, ideal for a friend group.Location: The Wailea is a large, luxury beachfront Maui resort with 5 pools, golf and on-site luau.Key Activities: Book the Olakino wellness pool and enjoy a shaded lounger, cabana or daybed, mini spa treatments, vitality shots, chef-prepped bites served throughout the day.Accommodations: Over 500 spacious rooms and suites. All have outdoor space. Price: Rates are room only. The Olakino Wellness pool is an available daily add-on. $$
Hacienda Encantada is a serene oasis in Cabo San Lucas, a Mexican resort destination better known for its party atmosphere. It's a great destination for families offering both all-inclusive and European plan pricing.
Focus: Destination resort with a world-class spa.Location: Cliffside, with ocean views (no swimmable beach), 40 minutes from the Cabo San Lucas International airport.Key Activities: Milagro spa, morning yoga.Accommodations: All-suite resort with multi-bedroom villas available.Price: $
8. Cascada
You'll have to go below to discover what makes this Portland, Oregon, hotel unique. An underground network of thermal pools, saunas and soaking tubs at Cascada make it ideal for your next girlfriend getaway.
Focus: The spa is the highlight of this just-opened (2025) hotel. Overnight guests are provided with a spa robe and slippers and enjoy complimentary access (spa treatments and classes are extra). Day passes are available if you're not a hotel guest.Location: Cascada is a great place to stay in Portland's Alberta Arts District. It's important to note that it's not in the city's downtown area.Key Activities: There are four distinct zones in the spa: The Sanctuary (silent space with 3 vitality pools, a cold plunge, sauna, steam room and ice fountain), The Conservatory (social space with 82-degree pool and day beds), Secret Garden (outdoor thermal pool experience opening summer 2025) and a fitness center.Accommodations: All rooms are king suites (2-bedroom units are available) with kitchenettes.Price: Nightly rates are slightly lower if you exclude the spa, but why would you? $
9. Salish Lodge and Spa
This is another Pacific Northwest hotel ideal for those who find nature's beauty therapeutic. It's an indulgent stay at Salish with luxe lodging and a farm-to-table restaurant on-site.
Focus: Ideal for a weekend getaway with a cozy award-winning spa, waterfall pool, destination dining restaurant and access to iconic Snoqualmie Falls.Location: Picture the PNW in your favorite movies and TV shows like Twilight and Twin Peaks. That's the setting for Salish Lodge, about 50 miles from Seattle's SeaTac airport.Key Activities: The Salish spa was named by Conde Nast Travel as one of the "Top 50 Hotel Spas in the United States." If you're visiting with your girlfriends, consider booking the Lower Waterfall pool with cocktail service. Accommodations: Luxe lodge rooms are comfy and spacious. Club-level suites include spa access during your stay.Price: $
10. Liss Ard Estate
If you have the chance to stay at a Relais & Chateaux property in the Irish countryside, do it. The 150-acre estate property is the perfect place to get away from it all. Bring the whole family or a special someone to Liss Ard for this bucket list stay.
Focus: Destination resort for those who enjoy the finer things with a la carte wellness activities.Location: Buccolic setting with a lake and wooded trails near West Cork along the Wild Atlantic Way.Key Activities: Book a private, lakefront sauna. Take long walks through rolling green hills. Sound baths and tea ceremonies are also available.Accommodations: The hotel's 26 rooms are located in three buildings on the property and feature elegant furnishings.Price: $
Read More:
The Best Spas in Chicago to Rejuvenate and RestoreWhere to Find the Best Spa in BrooklynSpa Resorts in Florida That Will Transform Your Mind, Body and Vacation6 Fabulous Girls Weekend Getaway Ideas
The post Find Your Zen: 10 Unforgettable Wellness Retreats Around the World appeared first on She Buys Travel.
Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Huge Patagonia summer sale knocks up to 40% off outdoor apparel — here's 19 deals I'd shop now
The summer is flying by — and if you're sneaking in some last-minute adventures before back to school season, you're going to want to check out the current Patagonia sale. Whether hearing up for camping trips, beach days or anything in between, you can save up to 40% off Patagonia's high-quality outdoor apparel right now. Additionally, Patagonia makes some great back to school styles — so if you're heading back to campus, you can shop deals starting at just $26 that will have you ready for the new semester ahead. From t-shirts and shorts to hiking pants and rain jackets, Patagonia can be your one-stop shop for this season and beyond. Keep scrolling to check out my top picks from the sale! If you want to wear the Patagonia logo proudly, this is the hat for you. This close-fitting, low-crown trucker hat has an organic cotton front, a recycled polyester mesh back and an adjustable snap closure. This versatile technical top is designed for use on the trail or on the water. It's quick drying, has stretch for mobility and even has odor control for long-lasting freshness. It's a classic look that'll go with a whole range of outfits and will keep you stylish and comfortable no matter where your next outdoor adventure takes you. It's like Patagonia knows the exact features you want from a hip pack and they've put it into this one. Stuffable into its own pocket when you want to store it away, it features an adjustable strap and double pockets for bigger and smaller valuables. If you're after a waist fit or slung over the body, this will do both — all while sporting a trendy colorway. This versatile technical top was designed for use on the bike trail. It's quick drying, has stretch for mobility and even has odor control for long-lasting freshness. It's a classic look that'll go with a whole range of outfits and will keep you stylish and comfortable no matter where your next outdoor adventure takes you. Whether you're heading to the lake, beach or pool, you'll be reaching for these boardshorts all summer long. These lightweight, quick-drying surf shorts are built to perform and feature fantastic four-way stretch. These comfy but freeing shorts are ideal for travel, camping, the gym, or just running errands. They're also ideal in water, thanks to a polyester mesh lining in the pockets. The Patagonia Endless Run Shorts are made of quick-drying fabric that not only keep you dry, but also allow for stretch and movement. There's also a side pocket and a back pocket to carry your snacks and phone. It's all in the name. These all-season hemp pants are built with a flexible 9.6-oz 55% industrial hemp/27% recycled polyester/18% organic cotton blend, and they're pretty perfect for just about any time of year. There's a carpenter pocket on the side to keep tools and tech secure, and an extra layer of fabric from shin to thigh for extra durability. Bring some beachy style to the summer gathering with this festive Hawaiian shirt. It's made made from soft 100% organic cotton plain weave that offers lightweight comfort in warmer weather. It's also perfect to throw in your suitcase for summer vacations. I love a good jumpsuit! There's nothing easier than throwing on one stylish piece and heading out the door. It's stretchy, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. It doesn't get much better than that! The Patagonia Pack Out Tights are ideal for running errands, lounging around the house, working out, and everything in between. They feature a sturdy yet flexible double-knit mossed jersey fabric that's great for high-stepping. The wide waistband also lies flat under a pack or a dress. This is a lightweight, breathable and quick-drying technical fleece that's great for high-exertion activities in colder conditions. Its vivid apricot color is also super eye-catching. A more streamlined take on the beloved Houdini jacket, the pullover variant skips the hood — making it a better option for joggers and cyclists — and features a half zipper rather. Like its sibling, the Houdini Stash 1/2-Zip Pullover is treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating to keep you dry. The women's version of the pullover is also $82. Not only is this backpack an iconic "black hole" pack, it's also a hiking/commute bag. It has a laptop sleeve and a chest strap for those days when you have to be at the office until 5 but have a hike planned at 6. For a warm fleece pullover option, look no further than the super-plush Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece Marsupial. Featuring a large communal front pocket with zippered access for either hand, plus a zippered chest pocket, this versatile and cozy garment is an impressive 51% off and sure to become your new cold-weather staple. When the sun goes down, the Lost Canyon Vest is there to answer the call for creature comforts. This beautifully breathable shell is made from 2-ounce 100% polyester (70% recycled) taffeta with four-way stretch and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, insulated with lightweight 80-g Thermogreen 100% recycled polyester. In short, it's a great daily-wear layer that's also great for the environment. Want something that's nearly as packable as the Houdini but with greater weather resistance and warming prowess? The Patagonia Wind Field Jacket is the ticket. Designed for folks training in cool climates, it features a stretchy, moisture-resistant outer layer with soft, breathable fabric under the arms for ventilation. This women's hybrid fleece and insulated pullover from Patagonia is bound to keep you warm on chilly days and evenings. The fleece top provides wicking warmth, whereas the insulated Nano Puff-inspired lower offers extra weather resistance with water-repellent fabric and heat-retaining PrimaLoft insulation. (P.S. You can get the men's version for $229). Here's one of Patagonia's gender-inclusive styles. This cardigan is a remake of one of the brand's most iconic pieces to celebrate Patagonia's 50th anniversary. So, for just $243 you're getting vintage Patagonia at a fraction of the usual retail price.
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business Wire
The Westin Maui Unveils Elevated Guest Journey at Hōkūpaʻa Tower
KĀ'ANAPALI, MAUI, Hawaii--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali is proud to unveil an elevated guest experience for its Hōkūpaʻa Tower, further enhancing its position as the only luxury offering on Kāʻanapali Beach. From a fully privatized arrival and check-in at The Lānai to a suite of thoughtful new amenities, Hōkūpaʻa guests now enjoy a seamless transition into a stay defined by personalized service, holistic wellness, and authentic Hawaiian culture. Upon arrival, Hōkūpaʻa guests are greeted with a lei then escorted to the tower's private lounge, The Lānai for a brief tour of the resort grounds and check-in, far from the bustle of the main lobby. Guests are welcomed with a celebratory beverage and a Lānai staff member then offers an introduction to lounge amenities including complimentary breakfast and dinner, craft cocktails, and daily cultural programming. If rooms are not immediately available, guests may relax in The Lānai with a cocktail or light lunch near the infinity pools. Additional Hōkūpaʻa perks now include seamless access to the Heavenly Spa lanai and its pool area for guests over the age of 18. New plush pool towels are also now available in-room, and towel cards are no longer required—guests can simply show their Hōkūpaʻa wristbands at the towel hut. Guests also receive upgraded custom Hōkūpaʻa water bottles for refilling at various stations around the property. Cultural programming remains at the heart of the Hōkūpaʻa experience with daily activities such as traditional lei making, ulana niu (coconut weaving), and Mōʻōlelo Lahaina—a talk-story session honoring the town's rich history. 'This is the Hōkūpaʻa experience as it was always intended—personal, elevated, and yet profoundly rooted in the place and culture of Maui,' said Josh Hargrove, general manager of The Westin Maui. 'Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and we are proud to offer the only luxury experience on Kāʻanapali Beach, America's top-rated beach.' Travelers can experience these enhancements with the Rediscover Hōkūpaʻa package featuring up to 35 percent off for Marriot Bonvoy members (30 percent off for non-members), and a $100 daily resort credit. The discount applies for both guestrooms and suites and is available to book now at this link, with stay dates available through summer 2026. For more information, visit Click here for images.
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
People Are Sharing The Biggest Tourist Traps In The World
As a tourist, there are few things worse than arriving at a place you've always dreamed of visiting only to find out that it is waaaay overpriced and/or overrated. Recently, Reddit user deathbykoolaidman asked people to share the place they think is the biggest tourist trap in the world — here are some of the most popular and interesting answers... "The Mona Lisa. A (relatively) tiny painting of some broad with a smirk. Surrounded by 100 people holding up their phones. The worst." —EaringaidBandit "The pyramids in Egypt. The bombardment of locals trying to rip you off for tickets, souvenirs, and horse/camel rides. It's relentless." —SeeingSound2991 "Hollywood Walk of Fame... crowded, dirty, underwhelming." —ColdAntique291 "Statue of Liberty. No good views except her back. The line for tickets was super long, the line to get on a boat was super long, the seating was cramped, and the lines to get back were long. Coming back was like a herd of cattle." —yesiamveryhigh "Joe's Pizza in New York. Don't get me wrong, a solid slice, but nothing more. Far from the best pizza in NY." —TravisScott26 "Times Square on New Year's Eve. Not a single New Yorker will go within a mile of it. A fucking nightmare." —itds "My favorite ride in all of Disney World was the air-conditioned bus ride back to the hotel." —whomp1970 "Roswell, New Mexico is my vote. Like four blocks worth of 'attractions,' and most are just walls of text that would be better watched on a TV show. There's also the general feeling of the town hating that whole area." —Healthy_Radish "Waikiki. It is literally one big outdoor mall. If you want to experience Hawaiian nature and culture, stay on a different island or at least outside of Waikiki/Honolulu." —deepwebtaner "Vegas is THE tourist trap. There are thousands of predatory solicitors along the strip pushing bullshit clubs, experiences, etc. People pay a premium for meals/drinks just because it's Vegas. There are ways to do Vegas on a shoestring, but most visitors blow a wad like suckers." —Inner_Mortgage_8294 "As a Dane... The Little Mermaid. It's just a small statue of a mermaid sitting on a stone. It's been destroyed a few times too, so what you're seeing isn't even the original one." —Dunified "Niagara Falls is important. To show everyone how to not preserve natural wonders." —sirgoodtimes "I find Pier 39 in San Francisco to be dreadfully boring. The sea lions are great, but the shopping and food are not special." —69EverythingSucks69 "Gotta be Venice, Italy. If we're being generous, it's a living museum. If we're being real, it's a giant gift shop in a scenic area. Too expensive, too crowded. I have zero regrets that I visited, but I'll never go back." —TurtleGlobe "Taj Mahal. As an Indian, I never understood why it's so overrated. There are 100x better architectures in India. And not to mention, it's always crowded." —batmya "Leaning Tower of Pisa. So many dudes trying to sell fake Rolexes and cheap sunglasses." —brodaciousr "Oktoberfest in Munich. Nothing but drunken tourists." —Lost-Meeting-9477 "Mount Everest… it's crowded, expensive, the food sucks, and you have to walk everywhere. And if you stay there overnight, the place is absolutely dead." —NotDanish1960 "I have to mention Salem, Massachusetts. Wanted folklore and history, got overpriced nonsense." —SourKrautCupcake "In London, it is Leicester Square — almost nothing of interest to anyone who lives in the city. Pure tourist trap." —addictivesign "Las Ramblas, Barcelona, and honestly most of the city nowadays." —DifferenceEqual898 "Pretty much all of the tourist spots in Bali." —pixelchemist "The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia." —vege12 "Temple Bar, Dublin. It's a caricature of Ireland, with shit, hugely over-priced Guinness and exists solely to rinse tourists of their money." —irishmickguard "The Blarney Stone. Unless you enjoy the taste of piss." —ebdawson1965 "Dubai! What an artificial fake place." —TradeApe "Santorini in summer. White buildings, blue roofs, and 700 people trying to get the same photo at sunset. You'll pay £12 for a Fanta and sweat through your linen shirt." —kurveuk "Every cruise ship port location. It's literally a captive area where tourists are trapped within a specific radius so they can get back on the ship at the end of the day. Always trashy, always scammy, and immensely overpriced. I would rather just fly to the tourist place itself, book an actually nice hotel there, spend a few days exploring the better areas, and not be stuck on a ship with a bunch of cruise ship tourists." —Stiggalicious And finally, "Basically, if you're surrounded by a Ripley's Believe It or Not museum, some Wax museum, and a Hard Rock Cafe, congratulations, you've entered a tourist trap." —i_love_wagons What destination do you think is the ultimate tourist trap? Share your thoughts in the comments or the anonymous form below!
