Last updated January 4, 2025
Teens are finding a new oasis in an unexpected place—the wellness world. As mental health challenges among young people continue to rise, spas and resorts are stepping up to offer teen wellness experiences that nurture mind, body and spirit.
The numbers tell a sobering story. A report by the World Health Organization states that one in seven teens faces mental health struggles. In the wake of the pandemic, anxiety and depression have surged among adolescents, prompting the wellness industry to take notice and action.
While spas and resorts can’t replace professional therapy, they’re carving out valuable spaces for teens to decompress and disconnect from the digital deluge. More importantly, these retreats are becoming classrooms for essential life skills, teaching teen guests how to manage stress, maintain emotional balance and prioritize their physical health.
Wellness resorts like Miraval and Canyon Ranch lead the charge with family wellness weeks. These programs offer a refreshing twist on family bonding, swapping traditional vacation activities for shared wellness experiences. It’s a chance for parents and teens to reconnect, away from the pressures of daily life.
This shift in the wellness travel industry is about fostering a new generation of wellness-minded individuals. By introducing teens to self-care practices early on, these resorts are helping to shape healthier, more balanced adults of tomorrow. And as teen wellness programs continue to evolve, they’re not just transforming the spa landscape—they’re altering lives, one retreat at a time.
Four Resorts Leading the Way in Teen Wellness
Wellness resorts are breaking ground, crafting teen wellness experiences that speak directly to younger generations. Beyond traditional relaxation, innovative programs now prioritize emotional resilience, stress management and meaningful family connections. Such transformative approaches offer more than a temporary escape—they’re arming teens with critical life skills to navigate an increasingly complex world.
1. Zulal Wellness Resort
In Qatar, Zulal’s Discovery Oasis reimagines family wellness as an immersive, age-tailored adventure. This innovative center transforms traditional resort experiences into dynamic learning landscapes for every family member. The magic happens when individual growth meets family connection.
Group wellness consultations, beachside meals and interactive learning create a holistic approach to well-being. Families can also participate in nature-based activities including mangrove planting, adding an environmental component to the wellness journey.
2. Miraval Resorts
Miraval takes a family-first approach with its wellness offerings, hosting family connection weeks where parents and teens participate in activities together. These immersive experiences encourage emotional bonding through meditation, fitness classes and nature walks. The programs are designed to foster open communication, offering families a chance to relax and reconnect away from everyday distractions.
3. Canyon Ranch Resort & Spa
Canyon Ranch’s Lenox Family Summer Camp offers an enriching blend of wellness and classic summer camp fun. Set in the heart of the Berkshires, this week-long program is designed to cater to families of all ages, with activities ranging from archery and yoga to scavenger hunts and stargazing.
Teens can delve into personal interests through unique experiences like science of happiness workshops or TikTok dance classes, while parents indulge in solo wellness pursuits such as paddleboard yoga or tarot reading. The camp prioritizes emotional well-being, offering families opportunities to bond over shared activities and fostering individual growth through age-appropriate programs designed for kids, teens and adults alike.
4. Skyterra Wellness Retreat
The Skyterra Young Adult Retreat stands out as a model for how wellness retreats can impact youth. Although designed for those aged 18 to 29, the retreat offers valuable lessons that spas can apply to teen wellness programs.
At Skyterra, expect activities like yoga, hiking, journaling, cooking and fostering habits that build mental resilience. Stress management and emotional awareness are at the forefront, providing attendees with strategies that carry through adulthood.
Shaping the Future of Teen Wellness
Expanding into teen wellness brings exciting possibilities, but also hurdles. Liability is a key consideration, as one-on-one treatments require parental consent and safety protocols. Spas are working around this by offering touch-free treatments including red light therapy and sound healing, which allow teens to engage in wellness practices without direct physical contact.
Another challenge is shifting the focus away from appearance-based treatments. Traditional spa services such as facials and beauty treatments aren’t always a fit for teens. Instead, experts suggest leaning into programs prioritizing self-care, mindfulness and stress relief. This avoids promoting harmful beauty standards.
But as teens and their families look for ways to navigate modern pressures, wellness-focused retreats are becoming part of the solution. Resorts that adjust age policies or introduce family-friendly programs are tapping into a growing demand—and in the process, creating environments where wellness extends beyond individual treatments.
Whether through seasonal family camps, structured retreats, or innovative touchless therapies, spas have an opportunity to redefine wellness for teens. This isn’t just about expanding a customer base—it’s about laying the groundwork for lifelong well-being and self-care practices.
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