From quick spa weekends to intensive programs, explore curated wellness destinations that deliver real transformation and renewal.
Image courtesy of SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico
The new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. Destination spas and wellness resorts set the scene with calm spaces to reflect and rejuvenate through curated programs designed to counter our hectic modern lives. Skip the resolution you'll abandon by February—instead, find a retreat that lets you explore your goals at your own pace. Whether you're drawn to hardcore detox programs, or prefer gentle mornings with yoga and evenings with wine, intentional wellness means discovering what actually works for you.
The best part? You don't need to fly to Bali or carve out a week for the Alps. Amazing wellness retreats exist close to home, and sometimes a long weekend by yourself or with friends is all it takes to feel transformed. From forest paths and meditation at sunrise to spa treatments, hydrotherapy, and peaceful pool time, these retreats blend movement, mindfulness, and restoration into days that naturally reset both body and mind.
Here are some of our tried and true wellness destinations, plus what to expect when you arrive.
Spa long weekends
Image courtesy of Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa
If you can only get away for a weekend, long or otherwise, here are some wellness properties where you can choose from a menu of services rather than a program with a required minimum stay.
Miraval (Arizona, Massachusetts & Texas)
Miraval has built a name in offering a mental reset and programs for mindful living and personal growth, without the rigor of a more structured program. Their properties are set in stunning locales, running from desert landscapes, forested mountains, and wide plains. Each Miraval resort offers expert-led workshops, a bevy of physical activities, and restorative spa rituals.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort (Florida)
Carillon features an oceanfront fitness center and one of the most expansive thermal hydrotherapy circuits in the country. From acupuncture to cryotherapy, the resort combines integrative therapies, advanced diagnostics, and thermal hydrotherapy, pulling from Western, Eastern, and alternative medicine. Bed and breakfast rates are possible, but it’s worth exploring the property’s curated programs, including a Menopause and Perimenopause Retreat. Carillon’s central location on Miami Beach gives you the option to step out to some buzzy dining and nightlife.
Fora Perks include a $100 spa credit, daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Castle Hot Springs (Arizona)
Established in 1896, this adults-only boutique resort is an oasis in the heart of Arizona's Sonoran Desert, just 50 miles outside of Phoenix. This iconic property has attracted Hollywood hotshots, and even JFK, who reportedly came to soak in its therapeutic waters before becoming president. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, climbing a via ferrata course, as well as a tour of the resort’s expansive farm and gardens. Rates include full board and resort activities, plus access to the area’s claim to fame: mineral-rich hot springs.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Physical transformation retreats
Image courtesy of Canyon Ranch Tucson
These multi-day programs require a higher level of commitment, with set arrival and departure days, with a rigorous curriculum. Emphasis is placed on achieving a reset through fitness and physical activity.
The Ranch (California & New York)
The Ranch remains the standard for wellness aficionados when it comes to a bootcamp-style wellness experience. Days are regimented: wake up, stretch, breakfast, hiking, lunch, fitness class, deep tissue massage, free time, followed by dinner, then do it all over again the next day. The Malibu location offers six- to eight-night programs, while The Ranch at Hudson Valley has three- to four-night stays. This intensive programming, combined with plant-forward nutrition, has avowed repeat guests who see measurable physical and mental transformation.
Fora Perks at The Ranch Malibu include a $250 spa experience credit, breakfast, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa (California)
For a multi-day program that allows more flexibility, Cal-a-Vie has different length packages tailored to your goals. Guests choose their daily calorie count, and caffeine and wine are allowed. This intimate and luxurious property is set in southern California’s hills and resembles a charming Provencal village. There are set dates for check-in and checkout, but beyond that, you’re free to choose how rigorous an experience you want.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Canyon Ranch (Arizona & Massachusetts)
Canyon Ranch Tucson enjoys a vaunted position in the wellness community. Its sister resort in the Berkshires on the East Coast also enjoys a stellar reputation. The brand offers a range of spa journeys, from allowing guests to design their own experiences to packages like All You Can Spa, The Adrenaline Junkie, and Retreats to Beat Burnout. There are also programs centered around fitness, like pickleball and Pilates. Experiences are designed for two- to seven-night stays.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
BodyHoliday (St. Lucia)
This pioneering beach resort and fitness destination in the Caribbean nailed the right formula: a tropical beach, plenty of sports between land and sea (diving, sailing, golf, and tennis), and exercise classes all day, everyday, not to mention a spa and wellness center that includes an authentic Ayurvedic Pavilion. There is no minimum stay, but BodyHoliday’s promise is: “Give us your body for a week and we will give you back your mind.”
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, a complimentary 50-minute treatment, a complimentary 30-minute fitness session, a complimentary 30-minute wellness clinic consultation, an invitation to the resort’s weekly sunset cruise, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Medical spas
Image courtesy of Nemacolin
These spas are for travelers who see well-being as both a lifestyle and a long-term investment. Booking a stay at any of these destinations means you’re a serious spa lover and don’t mind more invasive therapies. Medically focused wellness properties typically require longer stays, and the most notable ones are in Europe.
SHA Wellness (Mexico & Spain)
This pioneer in preventive medicine focuses on achieving and maintaining people’s optimal health through SHA’s integrative method, which combines the latest advances in scientific medicine with proven natural therapies. This is the spa for the biohacker monitoring every metric, the executive nearing burnout, the aesthetics-focused wellness devotee seeking visible results, or someone emerging from a major life shift who wants a full mind–body reboot.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade, based on availability. Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 Wellness credit. Additional perks apply for suite and residence bookings.
Clinique La Prairie (Switzerland)
Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, the clinic combines breathtaking lakeside views with nearly a century of expertise in medical wellness. Guests can engage in comprehensive programs that include cellular therapies, precision diagnostics, and revitalization treatments tailored to restore energy and well-being.
Fora Perks include a CHF 300 spa credit, breakfast, plus an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
L’Alberata (Italy)
Set in a 19th-century villa in the rolling countryside of Italy’s Franciacorta region, this Relais & Châteaux property is the home of the acclaimed Chenot Method, a philosophy centered around detoxification and aging well. Spanning over 21,000 square feet, this spa features a medical department for consultations and diagnostic tests, private cabins for treatments, and a floor dedicated to hydro treatments.
Fora Perks include breakfast, a 50-minute massage for two guests, a complimentary wine tasting at the property’s winery, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Nemacolin (Pennsylvania)
Who knew that southwestern Pennsylvania would be home to innovative wellness therapies? This sprawling luxury resort more known for family gatherings has the Holistic Healing Center, which melds ancient Chinese medicine with modern science. The spa boasts an acupuncturist and doctor of Chinese medicine on staff, and their methods include cryotherapy, tai chi, and shirodhara, the Ayurvedic practice of steaming oil on the third eye to induce a blissful state.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Spiritual retreats
Image courtesy of Mii Amo
On the other end of the spectrum (or astral plane, if you will) is the wellness enthusiast who believes beauty and growth come from within. Science takes a back seat to spirituality at these New Age spa resorts.
Mii amo & Enchantment (Arizona)
Enlightenment seekers flock to Sedona, a reputed energy vortex, and at the helm of the spiritual movement is Mii amo, a beloved wellness retreat set amid the area’s red rock canyons. Their Wellbeing Pathway is a four-night journey featuring astrology workshops, celestial exploration, and guided meditations. Mii Amo also offers more personalized programming. Space books up quickly with just 23 luxury accommodations, but its sister property Enchantment next door has more rooms with access to some of the spa and wellness activities.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Civana (Arizona)
Another notable spiritual retreat in Arizona, Civana is situated in the Sonoran Desert, just outside Scottsdale. Besides a host of more traditional fitness classes and spa offerings, Civana offers alternative practices, including “meditative and joy-inducing dynamic movement,” desert bathing, and a journey designed to honor your zodiac element: Earth, Water, Fire, Air.
Surprising staycations
Image courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort
If you can’t wrap your head around booking a flight for a wellness retreat, look closer to home. You may be surprised to find some local hotels with robust spa facilities. Here are some of our favorites.
Four Seasons Westlake (California)
Just outside Los Angeles, this Four Seasons flies under the radar as a serious medical wellness facility. The hotel has four-day programs with specific goals like sustainable weight management, optimum performance, and beauty enhancement. The hotel employs exercise physiologists, psychologists, energy healers, dietitians, and chefs, and the impressive facilities include a 40,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art gym with spin and yoga studios, meditation areas, and a wellness kitchen for immersive cooking classes. Med spa services include treating hormone imbalances, hair loss therapy, plasma therapy, and brain mapping.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit for rooms and $200 for suites, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lake Austin Spa Resort (Texas)
Set on the shores of Lake Austin, this historic lodge is all-inclusive and adults-only. A true destination spa and favorite quick getaway for Austinites (it’s 40 minutes away), this resort knows its real draw is its gorgeous lake—daily activities include paddle boarding, boating, and other water sports. For indoor activities all year long, the 25,000-square-foot spa provides a lot of options.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Mandarin Oriental (New York)
The Mandarin Oriental brand has always been recognized for having exceptional spas at their hotels. Their Manhattan property is no different—its spa set the standard for city’s hotels, long before hotels started updating their branding to include “& Spa” in their name. The MO spa’s perch on the 35th floor affords breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and nearby Central Park, especially from the 75-foot pool.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit (more for suites and up), breakfast, a welcome amenity, a 15% discount on Shop MO, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Equinox Spa (New York)
When Equinox opened its flagship hotel in Manhattan’s trendy Hudson Yards, it signaled the type of clientele it hoped to attract: tech-savvy, fitness-obsessed guests who like the convenience of a vitamin IV nutridrip as much as they appreciate a high-tech room optimized by sleep scientists. There is, of course, an Equinox fitness club spanning a full floor, including an outdoor pool, and guests can book a session with a personal trainer and take group fitness classes.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit (stays of 5+ nights will receive an additional $100 credit), daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. Additional perks apply for junior suites and up.
European spa options
Image courtesy of Six Senses Douro Valley
If you want your spa getaway to feel like a big trip, long-haul flight included, then consider these European properties for a wellness trip across the pond.
The Retreat (Iceland)
The closest European spa resort isn’t the most obvious one. The Blue Lagoon is, to many, a tourist attraction—something to experience for a couple hours while in Iceland. The Retreat elevates this experience with luxe hotel rooms, some of which open up to the therapeutic waters of the Blue Lagoon, and an excellent, full-service spa. Stays include access to a more private section of the Blue Lagoon, as well as access to the Retreat Spa, plus morning yoga and guided group hikes.
Heckfield Place (England)
Just 45 minutes from Heathrow, this country estate in Hampshire brings together lovely English gardens and wild woodlands with a serene wellness center, The Bothy by Wildsmith. This 17,000-square-foot sanctuary works with a range of master practitioners, with specialties including naturopathy, nutrition, and myofascial release.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal)
A scenic 90-minute drive from Porto, Six Senses Douro Valley combines the best of European getaways: breathtaking natural scenery, historic buildings, and lots of pampering. While it’s easy to mistake this property as a wine resort given its location, it is a premier destination spa through and through.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, a welcome amenity, and an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Palazzo Fiuggi (Italy)
For serious transformation, you’ll need at least a week to commit to the highly regimented programs at the renowned Palazzo Fiuggi. An Art Nouveau palazzo in the town of Fiuggi, known for its healing waters, was transformed into a leading medical spa. Guests choose between programs centered around longevity, detox, and weight optimization, for which there are daily medical tests and treatments.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, breakfast, a welcome ritual hammam, and an upgrextended check-in/out whenever possible.