Everyone needs some time away from the noise and busy nature of our day-to-day lives. While time away may mean a beach vacation for some, it can also look like a woodsy escape or a desert retreat.
A wellness retreat is a space to take a break from the demands of life while making uninterrupted time for yourself. Whether you plan to stay for an extended period or just visit for the day, most retreats offer massages, facials, and delicious food to help you unwind and relax.
See Also: 20 Of The Best Spas Across The U.S.
Below, we're highlighting some of the most relaxing wellness retreats from California to Utah, Arizona and beyond. Where will your escape take you?
View this post on Instagram
Located in Water Mill New York, about 100 miles outside New York City, lies the Shou Sugi Ban House and Bed and Breakfast. Its zen atmosphere is a perfect getaway from the busy life of the city. The resort's Japanese roots inspire the foundation and principles of the establishment. Shou Sugi offers spa activities, healing arts, nutrition and fitness experiences while incorporating Japanese principles and a spirit of “openness and exploration." Sustainability is also a big part of the establishment's ethos. The center is environmentally conscious in its design, development and food.
View this post on Instagram
The Esalen Institute is a coastal retreat that focuses on holistic healing, and is another refreshing destination in California. The breathtaking views of Big Sur are one major perk of this restful escape. From massages on the outside deck, to herbal rituals and energy work, Esalen gives its guests a chance to nurture their inner voice while soaking up the stunning views of coastal California. If it looks familiar, that might be because you recognize it from Don Draper's big escape at the end of the hit show Mad Men.
View this post on Instagram
Situated in the warm environment of Tucson, you'll find the cozy keep of Canyon Ranch. The Arizona location is one of four retreat locations. Here, you can take a dip in the pool, relax with a facial or massage, and get your body moving with group fitness classes. If the massages and facials aren't your thing, take in the beauty of nature with a two-mile walk on a scenic trail. Of course, you can close your daily activities with nutritious foods courtesy of the one-site café.
View this post on Instagram
Cal-a-Vie is a European-style retreat without the flight to Europe. Its farmstyle approach transports you to green vineyards kept in the French tradition, but you're actually in sunny California. Take a yoga class or meditate in the hills, then embrace the night sky with some stargazing in the observatory. Cal-a-Vie has a little something for everyone’s relaxation needs.
View this post on Instagram
If your ideal getaway is hot and sunny, this retreat may be the one for you. Nestled in a remote desert just northwest of Phoenix, AZ, and within the Bradshaw mountains, Castle Hot Springs features natural hot springs as well as a luxurious spa and wellness offerings. Take a dip in the springs, organize a relaxing mineral scrub and full body massage for you and a friend, and bask in a coriander body ritual to get the most out of your stay.
View this post on Instagram
Minimalist wild west is the best way to describe the aesthetic of this retreat. Located in Canyon Point, UT., this retreat is all about simplicity and silence. Amangiri sits amid untouched red-rocks and the vast Colorado Plateau. With a specialization in Navajo healing practices, you can participate in Hózhó healing, yoga on the rocks and grounding rituals. Hózhó means to be in tune with yourself and in harmony with the world around you. Amangiri’s wellness practices were inspired by the wellbeing traditions of the Navajo. You can see those influences sprinkled throughout the menu of wellness offerings, and it's that attention to tradition that will make all the difference.
View this post on Instagram
This vast property provides its guests with the luxury retreat essentials. L’Auberge de Sedona in Arizona specializes in wellness and self care. Guests can find themselves by the pool, aligning their chakras with essential oils in the apothecary or de-stressing on a hammock on Duck Beach. L’Auberge is the perfect place to get creative and paint by the water, or indulge in colorful and flavorful meals at the restaurants located on the property.
All of these retreats offer the relaxation and stillness that you need every now and then. Take a step away from the chaos of day-to-day life and come back to the stillness of nature at any one of these seven locations. Looking for something a little more adventurous? Why not check out one of our favorite eco-tourism resorts around the world?
Photography by: Andrii Lutsyk/ Ascent Xmedia / Getty