Well & Good: Wellness Roundup
Our favorite retreats are custom-designed to embrace your complete well-being.
The travel predictions for 2025 have been made, and one that’s topping the list? Hotels and resorts that aim to curate the ultimate in comprehensive wellness retreats. These four U.S. properties are heeding the call with hyper-specific and mindful programming, where a sense of place is as paramount as a sense of well-being.
The Ranch Hudson Valley
Known For: This East Coast enclave is the sister property of the Malibu flagship. Launched by visionary owners Sue and Alex Glasscock, The Ranch is a trailblazer in the health and wellness space, a gold standard of highly focused health resets offering a 360-degree holistic approach to fitness, wellness, and plant-based cuisine. The Hudson Valley locale is just an hour from New York City.
The Programs: Up to 25 guests can opt for either a 3-night/4-day or 4-night/5-day program featuring The Ranch’s signature schedule of mountain hikes, strength-training classes, restorative yoga, deep tissue massage, and organic, plant-based meals.
Healthy Eats: The Ranch’s expert culinary team educates and nurtures every guest. Program options are designed to jumpstart a journey that can lead to an improvement in mental and physical health, including fat loss, muscle gain, full body detoxification, and mental clarity.
Not To Miss: Need a winter warm-up for the soul? Discover a transformative experience at The Ranch Hudson Valley from January 30 – February 3, 2025. Our first annual Winter Reset blends guided activities, therapeutic treatments, and the serene embrace of winter's quiet beauty. It's the ultimate 'chill pill' that lets you press pause and truly reset.
Miraval Arizona
Known For: As the flagship of the Miraval brand, this resort has remained a pioneer in the international wellness scene, consistently upleveling “life in balance” journeys. Making the most of the serene Sonoran Desert and its 350 days a year of sunshine, the setting is as inspirational as the robust team of wellness and culinary experts.
Class Act: Decision fatigue here is a good thing — expect an inspiring number of daily classes to choose from. Opt for ones you can’t take anywhere else, like the Miraval Hike, the Miraval Equine Experience, or a sunset walk through the Gratitude Labyrinth.
Healthy Eats: Mindful eating at Miraval is made easy with cooking classes, organic farm tours, and wine classes. The resort’s balanced approach to cuisine includes slowing down to appreciate the source of nurturing foods — and the experts that bring it to life.
Not to Miss: Meet the resident beekeeper during the popular and unique All the Buzz journey. You’ll get to wear a beekeeping suit to meet the hives, and taste some of the most delicious honey ever procured.
Cal-A-Vie Health Spa
Known For: This San Diego haven marries health, elevated travel, and inspiration. Originally opened in 1986, the facility, which graces 200 lush acres just 45 minutes north of San Diego, has been reimagined — and today’s French-inspired retreat exudes European charm. Guest rooms feature antique furnishings and plush amenities, while favorite amenities include a gorgeous column-lined pool and beautifully designed communal lounge.
Active Activities: Mornings typically jumpstart with a hike or walk through the surrounding hills, vineyards, and lavender fields, followed by a choice of 150+ fitness classes, including kickboxing, yoga, Zumba, and aqua-spinning in the Olympic-sized saltwater pool, all led by attentive personal trainers. Afternoons are reserved for spa treatments, with products from the custom vinotherapy line, while evenings can include meditation, talks and tips by nutritionists or acupuncturists, cooking classes, or sessions with visiting experts.
Healthy Eats: Guests dine on tasty, healthful meals and snacks made from fresh ingredients, including organic fruit and vegetables from the property's 10-acre farm.
Not to Miss: Unlike many other spas, coffee is available upon request, as is Chateau Cal-a-Vie wine, made with grapes from their own vineyards.
Miraval Austin
Known For: Celebrating the serenity and perspective of the Texas Hill Country. Located just 40 minutes from downtown Austin (also worth a pre- or post-visit), the all-inclusive Miraval Austin is a wellness sanctuary stylishly designed for natural resets. Unwind in The Club’s cozy one-bedroom retreats and customize a journey defined by downtime.
Active Activities: Discover the Cypress Creek Organic Farm and Ranch, tackle the Hill Country Challenge Course, and recharge at the Body Mindfulness Center or Life in Balance Spa. In between? Lounge poolside, where the views are as inspiring as your next treatment.
Healthy Eats: Miraval Austin’s culinary scene celebrates the city’s authentic flavors, featuring fresh ingredients from the onsite farm. Eating well here is not about denying yourself, but rather slowing down and appreciating food, including its origins and preparations.
Not to Miss: Make time to interact with your Austin wellness teams, which include beekeepers, tarot card readers, artists, chefs, yoga instructors, and more. These best-in-field experts are a wealth of knowledge that together celebrate a unique, 360-degree approach to wellness.