9 Sublime Health Retreats Across The U.S.
Everyone has their own reasons to feel completely worn out. The holidays, children, work, and what happens on The Bachelorette are stresses that can really break just about anyone down. That's when you know it's time to book a week-long retreat where your greatest concern will be whether to go on another hike, take a seaside yoga class, or attend an organic cooking demonstration.
Situated in some of the most serene, scenic parts of the country, these health retreats range from strict detoxification to a calming week of vegan food and Pilates. Regardless, the goal is to leave with a renewed spirit (and a flat stomach). With nutritionists on staff, award-winning spas, and all-inclusive fitness itineraries, these retreats are well-being havens and what's more — they don't scrimp on the food.
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, in California, is one of the best known health retreats in the U.S. and has been "forcing" local summer corn chowder, multi-grain chicken salad, and petite chocolate tortes down guests' throats for over 120 years. Travaasa, a brand new spa retreat with locations in Texas and Hawaii, offers regional cuisine, cooking demonstrations, a how-to on juicing, and nutrition consulting. Arizona's Canyon Ranch offers guests mesquite-flour pancakes, almond butter with ricotta and honey, and healthful breakfast burritos to start their day.
These retreats have also made names for themselves by creating unique fitness regimes and while some make their guests stick to rigid schedules, others allow visitors to follow their own guidelines. At Mii amo in Sedona, Ariz., creating your own fitness package is part of the fun and visitors can choose from restorative yoga classes, meditation, tennis lessons, and hiking the Red Rocks. Personally, we'd choose the wine tastings, tea courses, cooking demonstrations, and the organic gardening workshop.
One of the best known wellness retreats is The Golden Door Spa in California. They host women's, men's, and coed week-long stays each with an individual focus. With a personal fitness guide, guests will shift from working on their flexibility to their forehand swing on the tennis court and from yoga poses to tai-chi.
No matter what your reasoning (even if it's nothing more than a desperate need have a to break from your smartphone for a week), these retreats are the authority on making you feel like you again — a well-rested, fitter, healthier, and more spiritual you.
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