Sometimes, when life is feeling fast-paced and hectic, the less travel planning needed, the better. This is especially true after the exhaustion the busy holiday season so often brings. There’s no question that we’ve seen a rise in popularity...
Sometimes, when life is feeling fast-paced and hectic, the less travel planning needed, the better. This is especially true after the exhaustion the busy holiday season so often brings.
There’s no question that we’ve seen a rise in popularity for luxury all-inclusive resorts where perks like food, drinks and activities are included in nightly rates or packages, taking some of the hassle out of planning a vacation. If you want to make things as simple and relaxing as possible, though, an all-inclusive resort with a wellness component might be just the ticket.
Modern-day all-inclusive resort vacations can be luxurious getaways where no one cuts corners (gone are the mass-produced buffets and watered-down drinks). While you may have to pay for some add-ons, such as sommelier-led wine tastings and specialized spa treatments, inclusions might include meals at Michelin-starred restaurants or consultations with top wellness practitioners.
Here are the properties we believe offer the best all-inclusive wellness experiences — from a century-old retreat in the Alps to an adventurous spa getaway in Costa Rica.
Mii amo — Sedona, Arizona
MII AMO/FACEBOOK
Surrounded by healing vortex energy and the warmth of red rock, [circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”20420171726?] offers guests a uniquely transformational retreat. Boynton Canyon is one of Sedona’s four famed vortex sites, alive with uplifting energy. Fresh off a $40 million renovation, the destination spa is even more connected with its environment. There’s a new sensory garden in the shadow of Kachina Woman, a shapely spire sacred to the Hopi nation; there’s also a lounge reserved for Journey guests with floor-to-ceiling glass framing an expansive view of the canyon’s sandstone walls.
The 23 casita accommodations — arranged within quiet courtyards — include fireplaces, private outdoor spaces and heated bathroom floors.
At Mii amo, the word Journey is code for an all-inclusive package. Mii amo’s three-, four-, seven- and 10-night journeys are the creme de la creme of included stays with just about everything (meals, gratuities) besides alcohol included in the package rate. Mii amo’s renowned consultations and fitness classes are included, as well as spa and Trail House credits, so guests can seamlessly sign up for an ancestral stone massage and hiking beneath the stars.
A rare wellness retreat with Relais & Chateaux distinction, the cuisine is as special as the spa treatments here. Chef Beau Widener uses local ingredients and ancient cooking methods to create soul-nourishing meals at Hummingbird, such as Verde Valley quail with mole roja and lime and kale salad with vin cotta, garlic and pine nuts. Cocktails like a sweet and sour prickly pear margarita are worth the splurge.
Rates at Mii amo start at $1,400 per person, per night.
BodyHoliday — St. Lucia
THE BODYHOLIDAY/FACEBOOK
This resort’s philosophy — that mind and body health are intrinsically linked — no longer seems unexpected. Still, it was cutting-edge when [circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”20420171727?] opened on the Eastern Caribbean island of St. Lucia in 1988.
The resort on a crescent of white sand surrounded by gardens offers various treatments, therapies and activities — including everything a tropical island-loving wellness traveler could wish for, from archery to scuba diving and Ayurvedic therapies to reiki.
The all-inclusive rate includes one wellness treatment daily at the Wellness Center, food and drink (including alcohol) and a plethora of activities, hopefully inspiring guests to pick up a new hobby.
Colonial-inspired guest rooms with natural woods and pastel colors have been designed with Feng Shui principles, so they’re clutter-free. Guests have their pick of pillow types, from goose down to memory foam, ensuring a good night’s rest.
Guests can add premium experiences throughout the resort, like treatments at the Ayurvedic Center. Off-site excursions coordinated by the hotel are also not included, such as hiking the Pitons, the two dramatic mountains created by volcanic magma for which the island is known.
For more focused wellness warriors, BodyHoliday holds programs like boot camps and yoga retreats throughout the year.
Rates at BodyHoliday start at $799 per person, per night.
Miraval Austin — Austin
Miraval Austin Resort & Spa in Texas. MIRAVAL AUSTIN/MIRAVALRESORTS
[circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”8917?] is just 30 minutes from the city center but feels far from the bustling city. Rolling hills surround this wellness resort in Balcones Canyonlands Preserve with views of Lake Travis. The entryway, a circular limestone drive, and an airy reception area set the tone for a restful stay. Guests can focus on what’s most important — their mental health and well-being — rather than the cost of every little thing.
In addition to accommodations, rates include all meals, nonalcoholic beverages and tips. Shared transportation from the airport is another perk, plus guests get a nightly $175 resort credit they can use toward spa treatments and fee-based activities. Miraval Austin has an impressive equine program where a certified equine specialist leads workshops and private sessions like Rythmic Riding.
At the award-winning Live in Balance Spa, innovative treatments like Pradhana Veda — the ultimate in Ayurveda with an herbal oil massage, energy-balancing point therapy and warm oil poured over the forehead — and Pranayama-Dina breathwork complete an experience that will leave you changed for the better.
Take note: Fitness classes like yoga, meditation sessions and wellness lectures are complimentary.
Nightly rates start at Miraval Austin from $762 per person.
The Ranch Malibu — Malibu, California
THE RANCH MALIBU/FACEBOOK
There are many reasons why [circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”20420171728?] is known for delivering life-changing results. It’s set on 200 acres of coastline amid the Santa Monica Mountains. Structured wellness programs are limited to 25 guests, so it is intimate and private.
Getting to know your fellow retreatgoers is part of the healing process. Each day begins with a four-hour group hiking excursion along the coast, followed by lunch, nap time, an afternoon strength training class, restorative yoga and a daily massage. Organic, plant-based meals help guests detox and revitalize. Guests can partake in various health services and treatments like IV therapy, cholesterol testing, energy healing and infrared saunas.
The property has?21 guest?cottages, blending indoor and outdoor living, an open-air kitchen, a certified organic garden, a gym,? Massage Village,?an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi and a cold plunge. With all of this included in the rate — with the option of add-ons — transformation has never been easier.
Rates at The Ranch Malibu start at $7,600 per person with a six-night minimum.
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection — San Jose Province, Costa Rica
ALTAGRACIA/AUBERGE RESORTS
In the Talamanca Foothills adjacent to Costa Rica’s famed Blue Zone, where residents are known for living healthier and longer lives sits the oasis that is [circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”8623?]. It feels like the estate of a friend, and a friend would never nickel and dime you. Thus, it excels in the all-inclusive luxury game with nightly rates, including meals, nonalcoholic beverages, daily adventures and wellness programming.
Travelers can spend more time exploring the lush green landscapes and themselves. Prearrival wellness consultations with a certified health coach are also included, as are ground transfers between Pérez Zeledón Airport and the resort.
The Well at Hacienda AltaGracia delivers transformative signature treatments that restore physical and mental balance.
Guests who book The Well Integrated Experience, a four-day retreat program that can be added to any stay of five nights or more, will do a prearrival virtual well-being consultation and up to three hand-picked treatments like Maderoterapia, a holistic massage technique using wooden tools to balance energy and renew the lymphatic system; and an herbal River Bath alongside the Calientillo River followed by forest-bathing and an integrative crystal healing session.
Adventure is just as much a part of the wellness experience at Hacienda AltaGracia as spa treatments. Guests can climb ficus trees in the adjacent rainforest, hike through the neighboring valley to Mina Escondida Waterfall or participate in a quetzal bird-watching expedition.
Through April 8, 2024, guests can take advantage of complimentary shared charter flights to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to make getting to the resort even more convenient.
Rates at Hacienda AltaGracia start at $1550 per night for one person. The Well Integrated Experience is a $2,995 add-on with a five-night stay.
Schloss Elmau — Krun, Germany
SCHLOSS ELMAU/FACEBOOK
[circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”20420171729?], a luxury retreat in the Bavarian Alps, has served wellness seekers for over a century; it centers around mind and soul well-being. It hosts frequent concerts, festivals and literary events and is the only hotel that has hosted two G7 Summits of world leaders in 2015 and 2022.
The resort complex has half a dozen heated pools, yoga classes led by certified Jivamukti Yoga teachers, wildlife excursions and even cross-country skiing trails. Schloss Elmau is as much a destination in the winter as in summer. There’s an ice skating rink and complimentary shuttle service to the best ski slopes in Seefeld and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Schloss Elmau is for big broods as well as solo wellness travelers. There’s unique programming for kids and teens, like soccer camps and hot tubs reserved for families. For guests who want to dive even deeper into their wellness goals, Schloss Elmau has structured packages that include all meals, breathing assessments, expert talks, treatments, tai chi lessons and personal training sessions.
No Schloss Elmau visit would be complete without visiting its two-Michelin-starred Luce d’Oro restaurant with artful Japanese and French-inspired fare, but note meals here are only included in the Dine and Sleep Package.
Rates at Schloss Elmau start at $404 for a single room with half board (breakfast and dinner).
Castle Hot Springs — Morristown, Arizona
CASTLE HOT SPRINGS
[circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”8839?], a historic desert wellness retreat in Arizona about an hour from Phoenix, goes beyond the traditional “all-inclusive” definition. It has a plethora of outdoor activities: guided hikes, farm tours, yoga, meditation classes, pickleball and bocce ball, to name a few, plus unlimited access to the property’s therapeutic hot springs.
Situated next to the Bradshaw Mountains, the resort has welcomed guests since the late 1800s; the first guests arrived via stagecoach, and during the 20th century, the glitziest names in America “took the waters” at the resort. The Vanderbilts, Astors, Rockefellers and even JFK have stayed at Castle Hot Springs.
During a recent renovation, architects preserved historical buildings but added modern amenities. The nightly rates include a $25 per night beverage credit and three farm-to-table meals daily, including a five-course tasting menu for dinner. Mouthwatering meals might consist of Tom Kha Gai soup with nasturtium and chive oil, Caesar salad with charred lemon and brioche dust and Faroe Island salmon with beluga lentils and blistered tomato, followed by peach mousse with sweet corn cake for dessert.
Itineraries are curated prearrival to make vacations even more relaxing. Adventurous guests can add on activities such as taking a Via Ferrata adventure course, exploring Crater Canyon with a guide, horseback riding and wine-tasting classes.
Rates at Castle Hot Springs start at $1,650 per night for double occupancy. Arrivals and departures are on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday for two-night minimum stays.
Blackberry Mountain — Walland, Tennessee
BLACKBERRY MOUNTAIN/FACEBOOK
At [circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”20420171730?], the goal is for you to feel pampered without any guilt. Guests will feel cared for from the moment they step onto the property. Traditional rates include dinner, lunch and breakfast, all pantry snacks, nonalcoholic beverages, unlimited morning group wellness classes (helping encourage guests to try new activities) and guided morning group hikes.
Guests can go mountain biking or hiking on the miles of trails, visit a recovery lab to rest, indulge in a spa treatment at the first certified Joanna Czech spa in the U.S., take a pottery class and meditate.
Extra charges will apply for spa services, guided activities and alcohol. Still, guests do not have to compromise — they can access indoor and outdoor adventures, world-class facilities, luxurious accommodations and award-winning food and wine, all in the healing environment of the Great Smoky Mountains without paying extra.
Rates at Blackberry Mountain start at $1,595 per night.
Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa — Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
THE WESTIN RESERVA CONCHAL/MARRIOTT
Since it was one of the first resort brands to partner with Peloton and the brand credited with starting the 24-hour gym, Westin has been a pioneer in wellness hospitality. The brand’s Costa Rica property, [circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”8635?] , is a haven for wellness seekers.
In a natural reserve, the all-inclusive golf resort offers guests the stunning wellness setting of jungle meets beach (Conchal Beach is named for the abundant seashells found on its shores). Animals like iguanas, birds and coati roam in their natural habitat, and there are many outdoor spaces for meditating, reading and reflecting.
Complimentary activities include yoga classes, bike tours, sunset stretching rituals and painting classes. As part of the all-inclusive program, guests can dine at six restaurants. Inspired by local ranching traditions, the steakhouse La Sabana is effortlessly elegant and set beneath a giant palapa. A wellness property that is also family-friendly, there’s a kids club, and guests can arrange childcare for a fee.
Facials and body treatments, while not included in the rate, at the renovated Heavenly Spa and the Westin Club leave guests feeling rested and rejuvenated. Treatment rooms smell like white tea and lavender; they feature light stone walls and windows for fresh air and lush garden views.
If there was ever an adventure to add on, make it the guided Arenal Volcano Rainforest Walk. This two-hour trip includes exploring one of the wonders of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano and a rejuvenating dip in natural hot springs.
Rates at The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa start at $479 for doubles.
Six Senses Vana — Dehradun, India
SIX SENSES VANA/FACEBOOK
India’s [circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”9508?], named after the forest it inhabits, opened as the sustainable hospitality group’s first dedicated wellness retreat in January 2023. Spread over 21 acres near Rishikesh, where yoga was invented, the resort aims to protect and nurture guests and the environment. It also specializes in all-inclusive wellness stays and programs.
Every stay at Six Senses Vana includes full-board accommodation, including nutritious meals, a wellness screening, private treatments and group activities.
In addition to the basic wellness stay, there are intention-based programs targeting specific goals. The Sleep program, where practitioners track sleep patterns and help guests reset through treatments and therapies like yoga Nidra and holistic massage, can help guest transform their routine.
Rates at Six Senses Vana start at $630 per night for single occupancy with a three-night minimum.
Zoetry Mallorca — Mallorca, Spain
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUY
Part of World of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts are adult-oriented boutique resorts offering personal service and a focus on well-being.
In a restored Mallorcan-style manor house, [circuit type=hyperlink circuit_id=”9300?] offers a level of character typically reserved for boutique design hotels. Buildings on the grounds include a 15th-century windmill and a neo-Gothic chapel, but wellness seekers will also enjoy every modern-day convenience.
The property features a FIFA-standard soccer pitch, private cross-country running track and scenic bicycling routes.
The resort offers early check-in and late checkout, a daily replenished minibar, personalized concierge services, unlimited food and drinks — including top-shelf spirits — and a wellness experience at no extra charge.
Dining at the Michelin-starred restaurant Andreu Genestra — which showcases the evolution of Mallorcan and Mediterranean cuisine — does come with an added cost, but it’s a worthwhile one. Expect to pay more for experiences like vineyard tours, spa treatments and accompanying the chef on a traditional trawl fishing boat to fish for the catch of the day.
Zoetry Mallorca, which obtained the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Certification in 2023, is a seasonal resort open from April through October and offers three packages — all-inclusive, half board and bed and breakfast.
Starting rates at Zoetry Mallorca for Endless Privileges are $400 per person, per night.
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