Many people embark upon the same familiar trips each year or take travel recommendations from friends and family. But you can also use travel as an “excuse” to improve your health and learn more about natural health lifestyles, depending on the destination you choose. Although you can pursue wellness essentially anywhere, some places are disproportionately packed with yoga, meditation, and self-care opportunities to rejuvenate you and inspire you to adopt healthier habits.
Here are some of the best natural health and wellness destinations around the world to help you plan your next vacation.
Sedona, Arizona
The landscapes of Sedona are absolutely inspiring with red rock formations that tower above and mysterious vortexes that bring healing energies to the land. This is a great place to get outdoors and active with hiking at Oak Creek Canyon and Bell Rock, and there is some excellent mountain biking and rock climbing here too. After working your muscles, soothe them at one of the many wellness spas in Sedona and learn about the healing power of crystals, meditation, and mindfulness at a local class.
Ojai, California
Another wellness destination in the American West is Ojai, California, which is just northwest of Los Angeles. This is a creative, charming, and wellness-focused small town with lots of scenic trails for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities to get you out of the city and into nature. In town, you’ll also find healthy restaurants, top-rated spa hotels, and a great farmers’ market to browse.
Lenox, Massachusetts
There are also some amazing wellness destinations on the East Coast of the U.S., such as Lenox, Massachusetts. This is a small Northeastern town in the Berkshires that is a long-standing wellness retreat. The Cramwell Spa & Golf Resort is a local institution, and there are lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, and relaxing picnics here.
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is always a popular tourist destination, but many people stick to the only tourist attractions and don’t think about the wellness opportunities here. A good wellness hub here is Wailea on the island of Maui. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches, pure serenity, and resorts that offer every wellness opportunity you could want. For outdoor recreation, check out the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve for snorkeling and the lava field, as well as the La Perouse Bay and the Hoapili Trail along the coast.
Costa Rica
It’s easy to focus on natural wellness when you plan a trip to Costa Rica because so many local companies in Costa Rica make eco-tourism and natural living a top priority. Alajuela is a popular destination here because it is home to the Asclepios Wellness and Healing Retreat, which offers programs that include organic meals, yoga, nutrition consulting, healing stone massage, flotation therapy, and other revitalization services. Other Costa Rican wellness retreats are the Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary in the Limón Province and the Alya Retreat Center in Guanacaste.
Bali, Indonesia
A bucket list wellness destination that should be on every natural health enthusiast’s radar is Bali, Indonesia. Bali is the epitome of serene, tropical, and spiritual, and it is a culturally rich destination with amazing food and natural scenery too. Fivelements Puri Ahimsa is a popular healing center that incorporates ancient local healing practices. Other options for holistic wellbeing here include the Yoga Barn, Escape Haven, OMunity Bali, and Desa Seni.