17 Hotels Doing Wellness Travel Right

"Wellness is a lifestyle, and you feel it the moment you arrive at Siro One Za'abeel, a wellness-focused hotel in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Located just a short walk from the Museum of the Future, the hotel offers sweeping views of the city, including the iconic Burj Khalifa, making relaxing or even working out a little more inspiring.

"I stayed during the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a city-wide initiative in November, when Dubai's weather is just perfect, not too hot, for 30 minutes of daily exercise for 30 days. Though I only participated for five of those days, I joined cycling groups, running clubs like Jumeirah Johns Running Club, and even visited Kite Beach, where free classes and events made it easy to stay active. Between the city's offerings and the hotel's in-room workout equipment, you really don't need a fitness membership this month.

"After workouts, recovery was a breeze with sports massages, muscle stimulation therapy, and other indulgent treatments. Dining was equally impressive. StreetXO served some of the best meals I've ever tasted, and though Nobu One Za'abeel wasn't open during my stay, I can only imagine its offerings are equally exceptional.

"For wellness, recovery, and city living all rolled into one, Siro One Za'abeel has it covered, and after a 14-hour flight across the world, that's exactly what I needed." — Haley Lyndes, shopping staff writer

"At the height of summertime, the Algarve region of southern Portugal is often thronged with tourists eager to soak up the sun on the stunning beaches and party in the many lively towns that dot the coast. But a visit during the shoulder season — like early October or springtime — promises a relaxed oasis, without sacrificing any of the splendors that make this part of the Iberian Peninsula so magical.

"The W Algarve, where I recently stayed with a handful of other travel journalists, calls itself the first luxury lifestyle hotel in the Algarve region. It's got all the trappings of a typical wellness resort — on-site fitness programs, a world-class spa, gorgeous outdoor pools — made extra special by the unique landscapes and cultural influences of southern Portugal. From guided cliff walks above the Atlantic Ocean to the luxurious wet spa, there were so many details of my stay at the W that made me feel grounded and grateful to be breathing in the sweet ocean air.

"My favorite part of my stay, however, might have been the food: for health-conscious foodies who still love to eat, the hotel's new on-site wine bar is an absolute must visit. Aside from an impressive selection of local wines (and a very knowledgeable and friendly sommelier), the food menu at Vino is the real star. It's dedicated almost entirely to the nutrient-packed tinned fish — an ultra-healthy staple food in the region that long predates the more recent tinned fish craze that's swept the US. At Vino, you'll find all varieties of tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, mussels, clams, and more. (There's also a raw bar and a dizzyingly robust charcuterie menu if that's more your speed.)" — Emma Glassman-Hughes, associate editor, balance

"Here, wellness feels enchanting, not intimidating. After check-in, a golf cart drove me straight to the beach where I ordered a lobster roll and sipped a smoothie on the sand before the sun permanently dipped behind the clouds. Slipping into dry clothes, I went for a walk around the grounds, and could barely believe I was still in California, surrounded by massive eucalyptus trees, rolling hills, and bright pops of orange nasturtiums. I chose to do another quick workout in my (gorgeous) room, but The Ranch also offers fitness sessions of its own, including a 45-minute restorative yoga class in the chef's garden, and a HIIT fitness class — both complimentary for overnight resort guests.

Dinner featured produce and fresh herbs from the hotel's own half-acre Harvest Farm, which I had the privilege of visiting the next morning (daily farm tours are available for all overnight resort guests). I got the mushroom risotto and had to stop myself from licking the plate. That night the staff helped me light the fire pit, where I listened to music and enjoyed a rare moment of total solitude.

It's worth noting that my Oura ring tracked 105 more minutes of restorative time than usual during my stay at The Ranch — wellness tourism, indeed. But it wasn't over just yet: In the morning, our wonderful farm guide led us around the Harvest Farm and let us feed the chickens — an enthusiastic first for me. We sampled strawberries, smelled the lemon balm, and learned about the produce being grown for the summer menu.

In the end, I was sad to go, but I resolved to return for some of The Ranch's additional wellness offerings, like the Recovery Cabana, which features an infrared sauna and a cold plunge. Advanced wellness enthusiasts might also be interested in the hotel's Revitalize Experience, which allows guests to choose from a curated menu of IV therapies, and have the treatment performed in-room or in outdoor wellness spaces." — Chandler Plante, staff writer & social producer

"When people think of Cabo San Lucas, bumping nightlife, party cruises, and rowdy resorts might come to mind. But it turns out that Baja California is also the perfect place for a wellness-focused stay. Such was the case when my partner and I spent a weekend at Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences, a gorgeous boutique property perched above the Pacific, 15 minutes from all the action in downtown Cabo.

"From the hotel's luxurious Milagro Spa to a sprawling gym with 360 views of the Pacific, Vista Encantada offers the perfect balance of relaxation, wellness, and natural beauty. We stayed in a two-room residence with our own plunge pool and kitchen — a perfect nesting place for calm afternoons spent reading and lounging.

"The hotel's sister property, Hacienda Encantada, is also on site, which means that you have access to both resorts' amenities (and golf carts available to take you wherever you want to go). In other words, we had countless options at our fingertips, from dining to activities. Our favorite dinner was at Mestizo del Mar, which has sweeping views. We loved the fresh ceviche, rich surf and turf, and tasty coconut-crusted shrimp. Besides indulging in great food (and margaritas), we also loved the bevy of options for pools, many with beautiful views of Cabo San Lucas and the Pacific coast. One afternoon, we decided to get more active, and played (bad) tennis at courts on the property, then headed to the spa for a restorative massage.

"We loved that Vista Encantada offered this variety. If you're looking for an all-inclusive resort that allows you to craft the wellness vacation of your dreams — whether mostly spent at the spa, pool, or even playing some tennis — then I highly recommend Vista Encantada." — Lena Felton, senior director of special projects

Angelenos may be unaware the Santa Monica Proper Hotel has quietly been working on becoming a wellness getaway. While the swanky 263-accommodation property has previously been known for its rooftop bar (and killer margaritas), there's a suite of new amenities tailored to fitness and recovery.

For starters, there's the Recovery Suite, available for private bookings, which comes with a sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, compression therapy, and the uber-advanced Ammortal Chamber. This is all in addition to a full gym, group fitness schedule, and Ayurvedic spa, mind you. And for locals who'd like to access these amenities on a regular basis, the new Proper Club membership program can make that happen.

For guests, however, there are also dedicated wellness hotel rooms souped-up with specific features and gadgets the Restorative Wellness Rooms and Performance Wellness Rooms. I recently stayed in the former, for example, and took advantage of the customizable smart mattress, which allowed me to set certain mattress temperatures throughout the night. The room also granted me access to the Proper Club Lounge, which features similar amenities to the Recovery Suite and is available only to guests in wellness rooms. The evening tea service was also a nice touch.

"Equinox Hotel in NYC blends high-end hospitality with the luxury fitness and wellness experience that is the brand's signature. Situated in Manhattan's Hudson Yards, views of the city skyline and Hudson River can be seen from mostly any window, whether you're in your room, at the spa, or exercising at the 60,000-square-foot Equinox Fitness Club, which guests are granted complimentary access to with their stay. While the club offers group fitness classes, a sauna, and an indoor salt water pool, you can also fashion an impromptu yoga session in your own room, where you can roll out the complimentary yoga mat and select from a number of health supplements. Here, you'll also enjoy blackout blinds, soundproofing, and a proprietary temperature-regulating sleep system.

"I got to experience a 60-minute massage at the spa during my stay, on behalf of SoFi (as Equinox Hotel is a SoFi Plus membership perk) and was amazed by the state-of-the-art facilities, which include cryotherapy, infrared saunas, a hydrotherapy circuit, and customizable massages, facials, and treatments that can be tailored to athletic recovery.

"Equinox Hotel also serves clean cuisine at its onsite restaurant, Electric Lemon, and is complete with a year-round heated outdoor pool with city views." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, shopping

"This is the first hotel view that genuinely took my breath away. As the window shades slowly lifted at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach, I realized that my room was directly on top of the waves. I'd argue that sitting so close to the sea was a wellness experience in and of itself. After check-in, I leaned into the R&R vibes of this property with an Ocean Dream Massage at the Aquaterra Spa. If I could do it over, I'd spend twice as much time at the spa, enjoying the small bites, the cozy robe, and the private jacuzzi in the locker rooms. Still, I left feeling grounded and relaxed, in the perfect mindset to enjoy an evening by the ocean.

I loved every bite at Surf & Sand's oceanfront dining experience, Splashes, which was also right on the water. (I ordered the lobster bisque and sea bass.) But truthfully, I couldn't stop thinking about getting back to my room and catching the last bright glimpses of sunset. Follow in my footsteps and spend the evening in the soaking tub or enjoy a charcuterie board at happy hour to make the most out of your experience.

I ended the night with a long shower, and fell asleep to the sound of crashing waves. You quite literally could not get closer to the beach if you tried, and I can confidently say it did wonders for my mind and body. A wellness tourism must for anyone looking to slow down, ground themselves, and clear their head." — Chandler Plante, staff writer & social producer

There are some hotels that really stay with you long after checking out. The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is one such place. Located just outside of Ubud, the luxury resort consists of 42 private villas and 18 suites tucked away in the jungle. And while it can be hard to leave the comforts of one's accommodation, the various amenities and activities make it worth it.

Sayan offers wellness experiences such as Reiki, yoga, meditation, and even a "sacred nap," which is essentially guided nap time in aerial hammocks. The Sacred River Spa, which recently underwent a major refresh and reopening, is not to be missed. Each treatment feels truly indulgent, but the Restu Bumi ritual, which included a gemstone massage and sonic elements, was a favorite.

For more, read the full PS review of Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.

The Ranch Malibu can be quite a mystery. There's been chatter over the years about its high-profile guests and a headline-making almond allotment, but really, the retreat's aims are clear: move your body, eat clean, and rest.

The Ranch Malibu, located in the scenic area just outside of Los Angeles, consists of 21 private cottages. Most guests participate in the famed one-week program, which includes guided hikes, workout classes, massages, and plant-based meals. Some, however, stay for as long as four weeks.

As far as wellness hotels go, The Ranch is no nonsense: meals are communal, cell service is sparse, WiFi is limited to cottages, and the 5:30 a.m. wake-up call (which is actually done by bell) applies to all. Intense, yes, but somehow The Ranch has managed to inspire many to pay thousands for that level of structure and routine.

And while The Ranch Malibu is the original, for east coasters, a Hudson Valley location opened last spring. (You may be pleased to know that the minimum there is just three nights.)

For more, read the full PS review of The Ranch Malibu.

"For years, my first-ever beauty boss, Cheryl, talked about how, out of every wellness resort she'd been to in her decades-long career, Canyon Ranch stood at the top. (There are five locations in total, but she was referring to the Lenox property in Massachusetts.) This is all to say: the expectations were high when I finally booked my stay a few years back, and it lived up to the hype on all fronts.

"Every part of your visit is designed around your personal wellness journey. Is it a more active lifestyle? They've got daily yoga, hikes, tennis, and meditation — you name it — plus mental and spiritual wellness experts and an exercise physiologist on tap to help. After a little relaxation? Run, don't walk to the amazing spa of massage treatments, facials, acupuncture, sauna and steam rooms, heated pools, oh my. Looking for a healthier relationship to food? If it's not the nutritionists on staff to help you build a plan, maybe the hands-on cooking classes or sustainably sourced, healthy, unprocessed, top-of-the-line options for every dietary need will do.

"I did a lot during my four-day stay — the spa treatments, the yoga classes, the wellness coaching, the spiritual guidance sessions, the drinking of non-alcoholic red wine and cocktails (which were actually delicious, much to my surprise), and I left feeling better than ever. It's not cheap, but it is all-inclusive once you get there, so if you can swing it, it's worth every penny." — Kelsey Castañon, editor in chief

"Tucked a few steps away from this cute country retreat — where the rooms are the textbook definition of the grandmacore aesthetic — you'll find The Well at Mayflower Inn, where guests can go for a dose of R&R.

"There's a heated pool house (cute), integrated health coaching (helpful), and daily workout classes (fun), but my personal favorite offering is the spa. Here, head-to-toe services abound, and you can indulge in everything from hammam treatments to lymphatic drainage massages to reflexology, or even your traditional facial and bodywork treatments (just don't miss out on the exciting plus-ups like hot stones, cupping, dry brushing, and so much more). There are few better havens." — KS

"If you believe nature is healing, as I do, then there is no greater source of self care than Rayavadee. Nestled across 26 acres of lush jungle and cliffs near the Krabi National Marine Park in Thailand, it's the perfect space for people looking to disconnect and decompress with nearby nature walks, hot springs, and hikes. (The sounds alone from just standing outside are like opening up your Calm app on repeat.)

"What makes this space extra special is how it leans into traditional Thai culture as a form of wellness, whether it's the daily afternoon tea sessions or how the spa utilizes restorative plants and herbs found in traditional Thai practices, like turmeric, lemongrass, and tamarind." — KS

What would a wellness hotel list be without Miraval? Described by Vazquez as the "gateway drug to wellness," Miraval currently has three massively popular properties, with a fourth opening along the Red Sea in 2025. And while travelers may be more familiar with the Austin, TX, and Tucson, AZ, locations, Miraval Berkshires might be the sleeper hit. The idyllic Massachusetts resort features a daily schedule brimming with all kinds of wellness activities from ski archery to beekeeping and equine therapy.

One unexpected pro tip, however: visit during the winter. The resort is set up in such a way that buildings are all connected indoors. "There's something that's so fantastic about it in the winter. It doesn't matter how bad the weather is outside," Vazquez says. "Yes, people were still hiking, even in February, but for me not being a cold weather person, I was able to have a really busy, active weekend in really bad weather."

Chablé Yucatán is a wellness hotel that tends to fly under the radar — and many guests may very well want to keep it that way.

Located in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula a few hours east of the more trotted Cancún, the hotel is actually the site of a historic hacienda, and accommodations are made up of individual casitas throughout the grounds.

Fora cofounder Henley Vazquez recommends Chablé Yucatán because it exists pretty centrally on the larger "spectrum of wellness." Shamanic rituals and spa treatments abound, but the restaurant, Ixi'im, also holds the world's largest collection of tequila.

"They do Mayan ceremonies for people who are looking for that spiritual wellness part, but then they do workout classes for those who just wanna get a sweat on," Vazquez tells PS. "It's really one of the most special hotels I've ever been to anywhere in the world."

You've seen the Instagrams, you know the view. Nobu Ryokan Malibu is perhaps most known for its prime location right on Carbon Beach (well, that and the star-attracting sushi restaurant), but the zen hotel also has quite the wellness appeal.

With its ocean views, Japanese design, and teak soaking tubs, this Nobu property is primed for relaxation. What's more, the hotel boasts in-room spa treatments, a fitness concierge service, and access to the private Malibu Racquet Club. (Do you know how hard it is to get a tennis court in Los Angeles?)

Better yet: Nobu Ryokan Malibu recently rolled out a new partnership with HigherDOSE, making it so that guests will have the brand's wellness products, like the popular Infrared Sauna Blanket, directly in their room. That's one way to compete with the miso black cod seen round the world.

France may not immediately come to mind when thinking about wellness destinations, but Lily of the Valley is attempting to change that. Located in La Croix-Valmer, in the South of France, the luxury wellness hotel consists of 53 stylish accommodations, including villas overlooking the Cavalaire-sur-Mer bay. Its wellness programs, however, may be the true star.

The wellness hotel's Shape Club offers four programs, targeting weight loss, self-care, athletics, or longevity. Programs range in length from four to 14 days, but they typically include activities like personal training, massages, and Biologique Recherche facial treatments. (It is France, after all.)

And for guests who want to take it easy, there's also a beach club on the adjoining Plage de Gigaro. It's all about balance.

SHA isn't messing around. Described as a medical wellness clinic, the original location is in Alicante, on the southeast coast of Spain, but a new location in Costa Mujeres, Mexico is making it even easier for travelers to access its rigorous programs.

The resorts are centered around SHA's signature integrative method with amenities tackling gut health and emotional wellbeing, as well as aesthetics and longevity. Meaning, you can learn how to meditate and get a sleep analysis but also laser facials and radiofrequency treatments. Despite first opening in 2008, SHA still manages to feel like a wellness clinic of the future.

Kelsey Garcia (she/her) is the lifestyle director at PS, where she oversees coverage across Balance and Fitness & Health. Kelsey is passionate about travel, wellness trends, and evolving parenting styles. Before joining the PS team as an editorial assistant in 2015, she interned at Elle and Harper's Bazaar, among other publications.