Last updated October 29, 2025
Remember when taking a holiday meant coming home more tired than when you left? The endless sightseeing, tight itineraries and airport sprints rarely left space for real rest.
Today’s travelers are rethinking that approach and choosing health and wellness holidays that focus on feeling good from the inside out—where slowing down, moving mindfully and reconnecting with yourself are part of the plan.
The shift isn’t just personal—it’s global. Wellness travel has evolved from a niche trend into a defining part of modern tourism.
According to a recent travel trend report, interest in fitness-focused getaways and well-being weekends is soaring, with searches for workout holidays up 50% year-over-year.
From yoga by the sea to forest bathing in the mountains, more people are discovering that the best trips don’t just take you somewhere new—they bring you back to yourself.
What Are Health & Wellness Holidays?
Health and wellness holidays are a modern remedy for our always-on world. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, these experiences invite you to slow down and focus on what your body and mind actually need.
Such holidays can be as simple as a restorative weekend at a spa resort or as immersive as a week-long retreat that resets your habits, energy and outlook. There’s no single formula for a health and wellness holiday. And that’s what makes them so appealing.
You might start your mornings with sunrise yoga overlooking the Pacific, join a guided hike that doubles as meditation or spend your days soaking in mineral-rich thermal springs. Others take it further, signing up for fitness boot camps, mindfulness intensives or digital detoxes designed to help unplug completely.
The common thread of a health and wellness holiday is intention. Every element—where you stay, what you eat, how you move and even how you rest—is crafted to support your well-being.
Whether you’re seeking balance, vitality or simply a fresh perspective, these journeys are about coming home to yourself—healthier, lighter and a little more in tune with what matters.
Where to Stay for a Health & Wellness Holiday
Not all wellness getaways are created equal. From weekend resets close to home to once-in-a-lifetime retreats across the world, these destinations show just how personal a health and wellness holiday can be.
Stay Close to Home (U.S. Picks)
Canyon Ranch — The place to start if you’re serious about wellness. With locations in Arizona, California and Massachusetts, the Retreat & Renewal program skips the cookie-cutter schedule. Meditation, hiking, dance and intention-setting are all on the menu—whatever your body and soul need that week.
Amangiri, Utah — Mornings begin with yoga atop a desert butte as the sun rises over the sandstone. The resort’s 900 private acres on the Colorado Plateau ensure total serenity, and the water pavilion alone—complete with steam room, sauna and plunge pools—makes the desert feel indulgent.
Miraval — With resorts in Arizona, Texas and Massachusetts, Miraval has long been a favorite for those seeking mindful, modern wellness. Its equine therapy is a standout, and its mindfulness programs make inner work approachable, not abstract.
Shou Sugi Ban House, New York — This Hamptons retreat brings Japanese minimalist magic to the East Coast. Guests can experience authentic forest bathing and restorative bathing rituals rooted in tradition and tranquility.
International Destinations Worth the Flight
SHA, Spain & Mexico — A pioneer in integrated health, SHA combines cutting-edge medical diagnostics with holistic therapies. Each program is personalized to help guests address stress, aging and overall vitality.
JOALI BEING, Maldives — Transformative wellness unfolds amid turquoise water and white sand on a private island. Functional medicine and advanced diagnostics are seamlessly integrated into this serene setting.
Amanpuri, Thailand — Perched on cliffs overlooking the Andaman Sea, Amanpuri blends ancient Thai healing with modern medicine. Guests might experience a traditional massage in the morning and advanced health screenings by afternoon. And the setting itself feels oh so curative.
Chablé Yucatán, Mexico — An authentic retreat where Mayan healing guides modern wellness practices. Treatments draw from cenote waters and indigenous botanicals, while traditional ceremonies offer genuine spiritual connection, not performance.
Euphoria Retreat, Greece — Set in the mystical Peloponnese, Euphoria integrates ancient Greek healing practices with contemporary luxury. Every element of the retreat is designed to restore and revitalize.
Cutting-Edge Places Pushing Boundaries
Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland — On the shores of Lake Lucerne, this retreat offers science-driven wellness. Cellular regeneration and detox programs feel futuristic yet deeply restorative.
RAKxa, Thailand — A leader in medical wellness, RAKxa combines state-of-the-art diagnostics with traditional Thai healing. Guests begin customized treatments immediately after assessment, optimizing results efficiently.
Six Senses Vana, India — Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Vana creates individualized programs grounded in Ayurveda, yoga and meditation. Every detail—right down to your daily schedule—is tailored to what your body and mind need most.
Hidden Gems That Locals Love
Doe Bay Resort, Washington — A Pacific Northwest favorite for yoga, meditation and outdoor adventure set against rugged coastal scenery. It’s simple, soulful and deeply connected to the natural surroundings.
The Retreat Costa Rica — A jungle sanctuary built for complete renewal. Spa rituals feature local ingredients, yoga engages both body and mind, and meditation resonates with the sounds of the rainforest.
Snapshot Summary
Health and wellness holidays are transforming travel, offering more than sightseeing. They help you slow down, recharge and reconnect with yourself. From sunrise yoga and forest bathing to fitness retreats and spa escapes, each experience is designed to support your mind, body and spirit. Whether close to home or across the globe, these trips combine intention, movement and rest, leaving you refreshed, balanced and ready to return home feeling lighter and more energized.
About Vacayou
At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. However, the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve simplified your search for wellness and active vacations with Vacayou’s Instant Book, so your dream wellness getaway is now just one click away.
Start the trip of your lifetime today with Vacayou. We are here to help create a healthier global community through wellness and active travel.
To keep up with the latest wellness trends and experiences, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
