Not so many years ago, a healthy spa diet arrived in shades of dark green and brown and would make a foodie wince. Not anymore. Health resort foods now tend toward the exquisite, the kind of meals you really wish you could make at home. And the same is true with health resorts in general. Forget boot camps: These places—whether simple or luxurious—provide an instant, invigorating change in lifestyle that immediately feels great. Given that so many of our physical and mental ailments are lifestyle related, a solid week devoted to healthy pleasures could be the best investment of the year. Here’s a range of healthy possibilities to ease whatever ails you.
Sunrise Springs, Santa Fe, New Mexico
The focus of this wellness resort is to teach you sustainable healthy practices that “allow you to thrive and experience life differently.” It’s a wonderful blend of Eastern and Western healing therapies, and the expert team here includes acupuncturists, behavioral health counselors, chiropractors, medical doctors, and massage therapists. The setting is lovely—70 serene acres to help you slow down, relax, and decompress—and the experiential activities (think nature bathing, “animal interactions,” and expressive arts) are noteworthy. Highlights include the Integrative Therapeutic Spa with private outdoor hydrotherapy, the greenhouse with its culinary classroom, and 20 acres of intentionally designed gardens, paths, and walking trails. Sunrisesprings.com; 505-780-8145
Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island, South Crolina
Long regarded as one of the best weight-loss retreats in the nation, Hilton Head Health underwent a renovation, revamping its programs and building The Indigo Spa (there are a lot of very good signature treatments here, including the Indigo Blue Eucalyptus Ritual to help relieve tiredness, low moods, and sore muscles). Stays at this health and wellness retreat begin with a 45-minute private consultation with a health specialist to tailor the most beneficial classes and experiences based on your needs. Try one of the Living Well programs, which includes a week-long Healthy Cuisine Kitchen and the Body + Mind Stress Management program. hhhealth.com
Good Commons, Plymouth, Vermont
Located in an 1840s building that was once a country store turned ice cream parlor, this eco-friendly retreat center/B&B prides itself on being a “home away from home” for those looking for a relaxing, creative escape with a focus on wellness. Known for their reinvigorating weekend yoga retreats, healthy themes have included Gluten-Free Gourmet Getaways. You can also build your own dream retreat. Cooking classes, wine and cheese tastings, hiking, and intense yoga flow are just some of the options. Goodcommons.com
Copperhood Retreat & Spa, Shandaken, New York
If you’re looking to recharge in an intimate, natural environment where nutritious, real food takes center stage, this 20-room healthy destination spa located in the Catskills, will hit the mark. On the menu: juicing, raw food, yoga, swimming, and lots of Mother Nature. There are a number of packages that can be customized to fit your needs, including a 3-Night Detox Plan and 21-Night Break Your Old Habits Plan. Copperhood.com
Red Mountain Resort
Renowned for its gorgeous red rock setting, healthy food, and topnotch hiking options, Red Mountain Resort offers a number of outdoor options for all. Of special note are the glorious hikes, like the all-day Zion National Park Hiking Adventure where you’ll experience one of the scenic natural wonders of the world. Experienced guides will lead you though the stark contrasts of lush forestland and colorful mountain peaks in Utah’s first National Park. Make sure to plan on plenty of time in the spa for rejuvenating treatments like the signature Red Mountain Revitalizer. RED MOUNTAIN RESORT
The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa, Fairfield, Iowa
If you want to experience ayurveda—an ancient system of preventive health care that was developed in India over 6,000 years ago—in its purest form without leaving the US, this is the place to do it. For a real life-changer, try one of the Panchakarma Programs (you may choose from three-day to 21-day-plus packages). This is a powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating therapy that includes pulse assessment, a number of intensive ayurvedic spa treatments, herbal enemas, organic vegetarian meals, and yoga classes, meditation, and evening lectures. theraj.com
Cal-A-Vie Health Spa, Vista, California
This luxurious destination spa is a real treat. Stay in one of 32 spacious Mediterranean-style villas, decorated in country French décor, and enjoy a personalized program designed to address your wellness goals. Choose from three-four- and seven-night packages that include gourmet cuisine, beauty and spa treatments, mind and body awareness programs (there are more than 20 different mind/body classes, including Feldenkrais, Chakra yoga, and tai chi) fitness classes, and lectures. Walk the labyrinth or spend some quiet time in the 400-year-old candlelit chapel. Cal-a-vie.com
Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
The mothership of health resorts, Rancho La Puerta is nearly 80 years old and keeps getting better. Start your day with a hike up the mystical mountain, followed by yoga, dance, pilates, weight circuits, aqua aerobics, a labyrinth walk, art classes, bird watching, cooking classes, organic farm walks, and much more. The options are endless, but you can wind down at the end of your day at the tiny wine bar and art gallery, featuring Mexican wines and original artwork. It’s the best week you’ll spend all year. rancholapuerta.com
Mary Bemis
Mary Bemis is Founder & Editorial Director of InsidersGuidetoSpas.com. An advocate for all things spa, Mary forged a vocabulary for spa reportage that is widely used by those who cover the issues today. Recently honored as a Top 30 Influential Voice Transforming Wellness by Medika Life, Mary is an inaugural honoree of Folio’s Top Women in Media Award. Her spa media roots run deep—in 1997, she launched American Spa magazine, in 2007, she co-founded Organic Spa magazine, and in between serving on the ISPA and NYSPA Board of Directors, she was on the launch teams of Luxury SpaFinder and New Beauty magazines. Named a "Wonder Woman of Wellness" by American Spa magazine, Mary was honored by the International Spa Association with the distinguished ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award. She is a special advisor to the non-profit Global Wellness Day.
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