You Need a Wellness Getaway: Eight Escapes That Actually Deliver

Written By Krista Nannery

Let’s be honest: not every “wellness” resort is worth the airfare. Some are just regular hotels with a juice bar and a yoga mat in the closet. Others? They’re transformational—places that leave you physically lighter, mentally sharper, and maybe even a little smug about your newfound glow. These are the properties where wellness isn’t an afterthought—it’s the whole point.

Here are eight of the best luxury health and wellness stays around the world. Some are Virtuoso, some aren’t. But all of them are worth bookmarking for when your mind, body, or soul (or all three) need a reboot. Read to talk wellness? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Miraval Austin

Miraval Austin, Texas

Perched above Lake Travis, Miraval Austin feels like it was designed by someone who actually understands burnout. (And possibly experienced it firsthand.) This is the place where Type A personalities come to remember what breathing feels like. Everything—from the no-alcohol policy to the digital detox reminders—nudges you toward calm whether you like it or not.

The spa here is less about fluffy robes and more about transformation: floating meditation, equine therapy, forest bathing. You can journal in silence or get coached through a ropes course that somehow doubles as a metaphor for your life. Meals are healthy but never punishing, and yes, you’ll probably start talking about “intention” unironically by day three.

Why go: Because you can’t exactly tell your therapist you “worked on yourself” in Cabo.

Schloss Elmau

Schloss Elmau, Germany

Deep in Bavaria, Schloss Elmau is what happens when a castle, a cultural retreat, and a wellness temple collide. The spa here isn’t one spa—it’s six. Six. Think multiple saunas, steam baths, and infinity pools with Alpine views that look suspiciously like a Windows screensaver.

But Schloss Elmau isn’t just about spa menus. It’s also a cultural hub, hosting concerts, talks, and literary events. You can meditate in the morning and listen to a world-class pianist in the evening. Or, if you’re more pragmatic, do the full sauna–cold plunge–nap routine on repeat. It’s Virtuoso, so yes—upgrades and perks are in play.

Why go: Because the idea of combining Mozart, mountain air, and massages feels oddly like the definition of “having it all.”

Kamalaya Koh Samui, one of my favorite places in the entire world.

Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand

Kamalaya isn’t a “dip your toes in wellness” kind of place. It’s the real deal. This is where you go if you’re serious about detox, stress management, or rebooting your habits. They’ll hand you a personalized program that includes everything from yoga to Chinese medicine to emotional healing sessions.

The property itself is carved into a lush hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. You’ll eat impossibly fresh food, spend time in the spa (because, Thailand), and maybe even unplug your phone for more than ten minutes.

Why go: Because sometimes wellness means putting yourself in an environment where excuses simply don’t work. Ready to book? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

The Retreat, Costa Rica

This isn’t just a retreat—it’s literally called The Retreat. Nestled in the mountains of Costa Rica, it was founded by a former “Real Housewives” star who traded stilettos for superfoods. The vibe is more boutique than sprawling resort, which makes it perfect if you prefer intimacy over anonymity.

The programming is heavy on organic cuisine, yoga, and nature immersion. And since you’re in Costa Rica, there’s plenty of opportunity to mix your meditation with adventure—waterfalls, zip-lining, or just a quiet walk surrounded by jungle.

Why go: Because sometimes the cure for modern burnout is a mix of farm-to-table food and the sound of howler monkeys at dawn.

Chablé Yucatán, Mexico

Now let’s add some Mexican magic to the list. Chablé Yucatán is built around a cenote (a natural limestone sinkhole filled with crystalline water), which is basically the world’s most Instagrammable spa setting. This Virtuoso property is a fusion of Mayan heritage and modern design, with casitas that come with private pools and hammocks you won’t want to leave.

The spa treatments here use local ingredients and traditions, so you’ll be slathered in things like cacao and honey while listening to jungle birds. Food is equally wellness-forward, but with the kind of sophistication that lands you Michelin-starred chefs in the kitchen.

Why go: Because “detox” doesn’t have to mean bland. Here it’s a feast for body, mind, and senses.

SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain

When your wellness routine needs a serious tune-up, SHA Wellness Clinic on Spain’s Costa Blanca is the place. This is not your average spa hotel—it’s practically a futuristic clinic wrapped in Mediterranean sunshine. Programs run from healthy weight loss to sleep recovery to stress management, all designed with input from doctors, nutritionists, and therapists who know their stuff.

You’ll live in sleek, white-on-white suites that overlook the sea, eat cuisine that tastes Michelin-worthy but is also meticulously calibrated to your health plan, and spend your days balancing yoga, medical consultations, and spa treatments. It’s rigorous, but not joyless—you can still lounge by the pool with mountain views when you’re not in a meditation session. And yes, it’s Virtuoso, which means you’ll get the extras that make the experience even smoother.

Why go: Because “feeling better” sounds vague, but here they actually define it—and deliver it—in style.

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali

COMO Shambhala is one of those names that wellness travelers whisper like a secret password. Hidden in the jungle outside Ubud, it’s a flagship for holistic luxury. Think Ayurvedic doctors, resident nutritionists, yoga masters, and personal trainers—all rolled into one stay.

The estate feels more like a village than a resort, with villas surrounded by jungle and rivers. You can spend your day hiking, practicing yoga, having therapeutic massages, or learning how to eat in a way that actually supports your energy levels. Then you’ll float in the natural spring pools and wonder why you ever thought back-to-back Zoom calls were a good use of life.

Why go: Because Bali is already synonymous with transformation, and this is transformation with impeccable service and design.

The upper deck on Farah’s main cruise ship. Wellness cruise ship coming soon!

Farah Cruises: Wellness on The Nile

At International Luxury Travel Week this past week, I met with Farah Cruises, who do luxury Nile river cruises. They shared that they are just about to launch their new wellness cruise. i am very excited to learn more about this! It could be a great option for anyone looking for a bachelorette party or girls’ weekend. History and spa time combined! More to come on this opportunity as soon as I have it!

The Bigger Picture: Why Wellness Travel Is Worth It

Here’s the unvarnished truth: wellness travel isn’t cheap. But that’s kind of the point. These resorts are investments in yourself, the way a good trainer, nutritionist, or therapist is. The return on investment isn’t just how you feel in the moment—it’s the habits, insights, and balance you take home.

Also: let’s not overlook the fact that these places are just plain gorgeous. Mountain castles, Thai coves, Costa Rican jungles, Mayan cenotes, Mediterranean cliffs, Balinese riversides—you don’t just get healthier, you get postcard-worthy memories along the way.

Final Thoughts

If your idea of “wellness” is sipping green juice at your local gym café, these resorts might feel like overkill. But if you’re looking for something deeper—something that resets your body and clears your mind—then they’re the gold standard.

The only hard part? Choosing which one to start with. Bavaria’s cultural castle? Bali’s jungle sanctum? A cenote in Mexico? Wherever you land, one thing’s for sure: your regular Tuesday treadmill routine will never look the same again.

📌 Pro tip for my clients: Many of these properties are Virtuoso, which means you’ll get extra perks when booking through me—think upgrades, daily breakfast, spa credits, and sometimes early check-in/late check-out. If wellness is on your horizon, let’s design a trip that not only feels good but does good for you long after the flight home. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad, and have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My background and 20 year career in the investment management industry have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation to anyone looking to plan their next trip.

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