Wellness travel for men is finally having a moment. More men are ditching traditional vacations in favor of getaways that prioritize body and mind.
Whether they’re pushing physical limits in the wild, unplugging from digital overload or investing in mental health, today’s male travelers are after something deeper—experiences that deliver lasting benefits.
Five Wellness Travel Trends for Men
From adrenaline-fueled retreats to quiet reconnection, here are five wellness travel trends helping men travel with purpose and return changed.
1. Adventure-Based Wellness
Men’s getaways that blend adventure with wellness tick multiple boxes, offering both personal growth and the adrenaline rush of physical challenge.
Adventure and risk-taking release dopamine in the brain, which boosts motivation and contributes to the formation of positive habits. Many of these adventure-based retreats are set in remote landscapes—such as mountains or forests—where even the scenery promotes a sense of calm while still providing that all-important rush.
Activities often include kayaking, hiking, climbing, diving, rafting or learning survival skills. Together, they improve cardiovascular health as well as foster brotherhood and trust.
2. Mindfulness & Mental Health Escapes
Men face increasing pressure to perform in all areas of life. As a result, male travelers are turning to mindfulness and mental health retreats to cultivate space for reflection, introspection and growth. These programs create safe spaces for men to be genuine and vulnerable, without needing to perform or demonstrate strength.
Mindfulness retreats provide tools and strategies to navigate life with better clarity and resilience. Stress not only impacts your mind, it triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing cortisol, which can exacerbate skin conditions and other health issues. The pay-off is full circle. Men’s mindfulness retreats deliver tangible physical benefits via mental well-being, a true win-win for everyone.
3. Fitness & Performance Retreats
Men’s fitness retreats focus on structured sessions tailored to various fitness levels, high-intensity workouts, strength training, cardio training and outdoor exercise.
In addition, most also offer yoga, Pilates or tai chi, along with nutrition workshops and healthy eating coaching. At their core, these retreats use high-end athlete training to improve fitness and performance holistically, not just through exercise.
As a bonus, because physical exercise helps to reduce stress, fitness and performance retreats for men also yield mental health benefits. Bottom line. These retreats are a good all-around choice for men into health and fitness.
4. Men’s Spa Retreats
Spas around the world are waking up to the fact that men, too, can benefit from spa retreats. A growing number now offer targeted treatments such as magnesium scrubs for leg muscle circulation.
Beyond relaxation, therapies like deep tissue massage and hot stone treatment can ease muscular aches and pains from sports injuries and active lifestyles.
Some spas go further, offering cutting-edge experiences such as ice rooms and Nordic-style contrast therapy for men seeking more than just a massage.
What’s more, spa retreats for men often include mindfulness or meditation practices, and occasionally counseling or therapy support. The result is a space where men can unplug and recharge in ways that feel restorative and grounded.
5. Digital Detox & Nature Immersion
In an always-on world, there’s renewed focus on the health and emotional benefits of disconnecting. Digital detox retreats help reduce anxiety and quiet the need for constant stimulation. Without a phone, men can engage more fully in the present moment and restore balance.
Likewise, immersion in nature has been shown to reduce stress hormones, boost mood and ease symptoms of depression. These getaways are an excellent experience for any man looking to restore calm and focus.
Nature and digital detox programs also rekindle an appreciation for simple joys, such as meaningful conversations and unhurried surroundings. When you return to everyday life, this connection with nature can have a profound impact.
Recommended Wellness Travel Destinations for Men
If you’re looking to book a wellness journey, think about what type of retreat best aligns with your goals. Here are four suggestions, all of which either cater exclusively to men or have programs designed with men in mind.
The Peaceful Place
This men’s retreat in the North Georgia Mountains centers on nature immersion, mindfulness, meditation, gratitude, intention setting and basic survival skills. Group numbers are small, and the guides are licensed psychotherapists.
EVRYMAN Retreats
Weekend retreats in locations such as California’s Joshua Tree National Park or Texas Hill Country focus on emotional growth through guided exercises, group work and shared meals. Programs may also include sports, rafting, hiking and yoga.
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
As the largest retreat center in North America, Kripalu offers select men-only retreats, including The Way of the Empowered Man, which focuses on yoga, fitness and movement as healing modalities.
The Ranch Malibu
The Ranch Malibu offers six-, seven- and eight-night guided spa and wellness retreats, including male-centric getaways that weave men’s spa treatments with fitness and nutrition activities for holistic well-being.
About the author:
Jack Shaw has spent the last seven years writing freelance and seeing as much of the world as he can. He has a distinct love of traveling, exploring new cultures and helping others to learn to do the same. Writings about his experiences can be found on Modded, where he serves as the senior lifestyle editor, as well as Trekaroo, Travel Dudes and more.
Snapshot Summary
Wellness travel trends for men reflect a shift toward purposeful, health-driven getaways. Today’s male travelers are choosing adventure-based retreats that pair physical challenges with personal growth, mindfulness escapes designed to ease mental pressure, high-performance fitness programs and spa therapies tailored specifically for men’s needs. Digital detox experiences are also on the rise, offering a way to unplug and reset. Destinations like The Peaceful Place, EVRYMAN, Kripalu and The Ranch Malibu are leading the way, providing structured programs that support physical strength, emotional resilience and lasting connection.
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