Outdoor escapes, meditation programs, yoga retreats, spa getaways, foraging forays — wellness travel is in for 2024.
A new era of travel, one that cultivates health and longevity + prioritizes rest and relaxation, is taking the industry by storm as demand spikes for more wellness-forward destinations.
Fortunately, the US is already home to several award-winning options — you just have to know where to look. Or, you trust us to do the digging for you and present five that stand out amongst the crowd.
Great Smoky Mountains, TN
Mist-draped mountains, diverse flora and fauna, and waterfalls galore make this east Tennessee destination the perfect wellness escape for those eager to disconnect, get outside, and enjoy the well-worn trails of the nation’s most-visited national park.
Stay
Blackberry Farm is located an hour west of Gatlinburg, TN and just outside the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The opulent resort is celebrated for its luxury accommodations, renowned Appalachian cuisine, state-of-the-art spa, and wellness-forward activities that include horseback riding, bird watching, guided meditation, yoga classes, journaling, and farmstead tours.
Eat
Guests at Blackberry Farm can enjoy memorable meals at The Barn, The Dogwood, and The Main House; the restaurants’ menus rotate seasonally to include the freshest local ingredients. Or, they can wander over to the nearby town of Townsend for sweet tea-brined pork chops from Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro and fried apple pie from Apple Valley Cafe.
Do
Hiking is a must. Find a trail that fits your needs and take in the area’s rich biodiversity and lush scenery. We particularly love the Middle Prong Trail that follows an old railroad bed to provide unmatched views of wildflowers and waterfalls. If you’d prefer to explore the area on two wheels, bring your bike, get a rental, or book a guided tour.
Texas Hill Country
Historic small towns, picturesque swimming spots, and blissful spas make this region of the Lone Star State a must-visit for those looking to prioritize both mental and physical well-being.
Stay
Enjoy the Texas Hill Country’s idyllic surroundings and experience top-notch wellness programming at Horseshoe Bay Resort. The resort’s world-class facilities include award-winning golf courses, four different accommodation offerings, six on-site restaurants, a private jet center, spa, fitness center, and multiple tennis and pickleball courts.
Eat
Enjoy chef-inspired cuisine at Horseshoe Bay’s six restaurants — we love having dinner at J’s Restaurant and Bar for the Skirt Steak Salad and Charcoal Smoked Chicken — or opt for an excursion to a nearby town. Fredericksburg is home to several memorable eats, particularly German cuisine.
Do
It wouldn’t be a wellness trip without a little heart-pumping action at Station Mountain Bike Park — complete with 23 trails + 75 jumps — or Krause Springs. Finally, no trip to Texas Hill Country is complete without a wine tour.
Hilton Head, SC
This quaint coastal town boasts plenty of vitamin sea, as well as opportunities for biking, birding, and America’s new favorite — pickleball.
Stay
Whether it’s for a wellness retreat or a resort stay that’s customized to your goals, Hilton Head Health has a little something for everyone. The resort’s wellness-forward amenities include sports courts with private lessons available, personal training programs, bike rentals, kayaking, private yoga and meditation services, nutrition counseling, and cooking classes.
Eat
At Hilton Head Health’s True Dining restaurant, your meals can be tailored to your preferred diet. Plus, everything is cooked with locally sourced ingredients and hand-crafted to ensure a beautiful presentation. For unforgettable seafood dining outside of the resort, head to Skull Creek Boathouse — trying the fresh ceviche is a must — and Poseidon for an order of Spicy Tuna Deviled Eggs and oysters on the half shell during happy hour.
Do
Enjoy popular activities like birding, biking, and pickleball. Hilton Head boasts 60 miles of leisure pathways, making it the perfect place to explore on bike. Also, plan a spa day at The Indigo Spa — services include massages, facials, and nail care.
Poconos Mountains, PA
Get off the map and on the mountain with a vacation to this four-county region in northeast Pennsylvania (we’ll mainly touch on the Hawley area below) that is lauded for its hiking trails amidst breathtaking scenery, horseback riding, and the Pennsylvania Railbike.
Stay
The Lodge at Woodloch is an award-winning hotel that offers guests the opportunity to “reconnect to creative and stress-relieving outlets” through wellness programming that ranges from archery, biking, and foraging to botanical hiking and vibration sound therapy — not to mention the spa, which has received praise from national publications.
Eat
Enjoy The Lodge’s elevated culinary offerings that prioritize local, organic ingredients, many of which have been procured from the resort’s three on-site gardens. The Boat House, a vintage restaurant situated on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, is also worth a visit, offering contemporary American dishes in a casual atmosphere. We recommend trying the savory Roasted Rainbow Carrots, Hot or Not Salmon Cobb, and Portobello Ribs.
Do
Enjoy the benefits of forest bathing with a hike to one of the Poconos’ pristine waterfalls. Or, for a form of exercise and exploration that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else, try the Pennsylvania Railbike: a 10- or 20-mile excursion that traces the area’s lush landscapes. Finally, don’t miss the chance to go horseback riding — the activity provides an opportunity to bond with horses and connect with nature from a perspective you won’t get through hiking.
Big Sur, CA
Opportunities for wellness are aplenty in Big Sur. Ample walking trails make it easy to explore the area’s lush greenery and cliff-laden seasides + moments for mindfulness and meditation are fostered by soft echos of the rolling waves.
Stay
When you book a stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in a sanctuary of wellness. The 160-acre resort features 54 guest suites, a spa, two heated outdoor swimming pools, Japanese bathhouses, fitness facilities, and dining at The Sur House. Some of Alila Ventana Big Sur’s exclusive wellness offerings include daily movement classes, guided hikes, guided meditation, foraging classes, forest bathing sessions, art classes, fermentation classes, and breathwork sessions.
Eat
All meals at The Sur House are included when you stay at Alila Ventana Big Sur. The restaurant’s menus are updated periodically to reflect the seasonality of local ingredients — breakfast staples include the Farm Egg Omelet and Chicken Hash, while the dinner menu boasts dishes like Pacific Striped Bass and Tuscan Kale Salad. Explore additional culinary delights in the area with COAST Big Sur for lunch + Nepenthe for dinner.
Do
Drive north along Hwy. 1 for some of the best views of the rugged coastline until you reach Point Lobos State Nature Preserve in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Enjoy one of the preserve’s meandering walking trails — the Point Lobos Loop is a classic — for the chance to see towering redwoods, stunning coastal views, harbor seals, and sea otters. If you’re eager to test out your sea legs, opt for a kayaking tour in Monterey Bay; while you’re there, visit the award-winning Monterey Bay Aquarium.
