The 2025 Women's Health Travel Awards Are Here

HX Expeditions is gearing up for its intrepid Alaska sailings on the 490-passenger MS Roald Amundsen. The ship’s small size means it can go places other cruises can’t. Instead of trying to sneak a peek at the giant glacier or breathtaking fjord among several thousand other visitors, you’ll get an intimate look at some of the last frontier’s otherworldly landscapes and an opportunity to visit authentic fishing towns. On these longer Alaskan cruises (journeys are usually 10 or 20 days), the voyage often sails through legendary Inside Passage, with stops on the Alaska Peninsula, picturesque St. Paul and St. Matthew Islands, places not typically covered on the Alaska ship circuit.

The company has also been thoughtful in creating unique opportunities for passengers to really engage with the places they’re visiting by meeting with indigenous communities, such as the Aleut, Alutiiq, and Tlingit peoples. Plus, there’s no shortage of active adventures: kayaking in pristine waters, hiking through remote wilderness, and spotting bears, whales, and eagles. On an HX Expeditions cruise, you’ll see nature in a whole new way and learn about the way of life in local communities in this far-flung part of the country.

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This premium yet affordable fleet of ships—a four-night Caribbean sailing on Celebrity Silhouette starts at $375—attracts a crowd who care about the finer details and unique experiences Celebrity Cruises has to offer. Consider the Iyashi Dome experience, a spa service rooted in Japanese traditions, available on the Celebrity Beyond. The body is heated using infrared sauna, to promote relaxation, help with jet lag, and speed up muscle recovery. Prices vary by sailing, but with the base fare being so wallet-friendly, you may be inclined to splurge a little on a spa treatment, like the Hot Mineral Body Boost or Poultice-Powered Muscle Release. Or indulge at one of the specialty restaurants (note: they typically require advance reservations), such as Murano, an updated take on classic French cuisine, or Sushi on 5, which offers fresh fish, of course, and other Japanese fare.

Passengers have access to the The Fitness Center and its Technogym weight machines and cardio equipment, including an expanded F45® training studio on the Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond. Guests can also choose from a variety of classes and sports activities—pickleball, Tai Chi 101, and bungee fitness, to name a few—included in the fare. But fitness fanatics, take note: An unlimited class pass (prices vary by itinerary and destination) can be purchased so you never have to miss your fave sweat sesh.

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There are kids’ clubs and then there are kids’ clubs—the kind your little ones actually want to hang out in all day, like MSC Cruises’ Doremiland, now featuring an exclusive partnership with LEGO. Designed for specific age groups from 0 to 17 years old, all the onboard kids’ club are included in the cruise fare and offer tons of activities from sports tournaments to the Doremi family disco. The cruise line’s newest ship, World America, will feature the largest Doremiland and in it, the first LEGO-themed parade at sea, a LEGO Family Game Show, master-building area, and more. Families with preteens and teens will find endless entertainment in high-tech drone relay races, VR technology experiences, interactive game shows, bumper cars, and roller skating.

While your kids are making new friends, building a LEGO spaceship, or learning to roller skate backward, you can relax with a traditional Balinese massage at the spa or enjoy a romantic dinner at sea. When you’re ready to reunite, make fun family memories while zip-lining on the MSC Seaview and MSC Seaside or sky walking across the Himalayan Bridge on MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, and MSC Meraviglia.

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Like most cruises, Crystal accommodates passengers’ dietary restrictions and preferences from vegetarian and vegan options to gluten-free substitutes and low-sodium and heart-healthy needs, but what sets this cruise line apart is its investment in an onboard head nutritionist. As Crystal’s nutritionist, former elite athlete Dalila Roglieri works closely with the fleet’s chefs to help develop balanced menus that keep wellness top of mind. The WatersideRestaurant (available on all ships) has some especially enticing herbivore options like carpaccio of celeriac with poppy seed goat cheese, crisp apple, and truffle honey, and a vegan cream of asparagus soup finished with lemon croutons and parsley chantilly.

Last year, Crystal also debuted its wellness retreats, with two themed sailings offering whole, plant-based culinary menus to guests. Future retreats will be announced in 2025 and 2026, with each bringing together industry experts to curate specialized programming that facilitates healthy aging, functional nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and body and mind detox. But every sailing offers tons of healthy eating options to fuel you as you check out the cruise line’s multifaceted fitness programming, which ranges from pickleball clinics to salsa and tango dance classes.

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You’ll feel the calming atmosphere as soon as you step on the ship, and you’ll continue to feel cocooned in its soothing embrace during The Ritual of Ocean Renewal, a 1-hour-and-45-minute spa service that starts with a tailored body massage and includes an aquamarine-quartz face and scalp massage while oceanic sound therapy plays in the background. One of the best things about Explora’s wellness initiatives is its “integration into the overall cruise experience,” Volovitz says, like the ship’s signature Mandala Blue scent that sets the tone for relaxation.

Passengers who are dedicated to achieving specific wellness goals can also partake in two specialized programs: the Sleep Retreat and Immune Boosting retreat, both of which include restorative yoga classes and expert-led workshops. Meanwhile, active guests will love the fitness options, Volovitz says, from open-air exercise areas featuring Technogym equipment to bespoke workout classes. On shore, choose from a wide range of excursions—scenic hikes, zip-lining adventures, and cycling explorations—that often have the added advantage of taking place in less-traveled ports around the globe.

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Several themed wellness sailings in 2025 suggest the Virgin Voyages crowds have their priorities set. Special sailings include April’s Elevate Voyage, which the company endearingly refers to as a glow-up vacation; it focuses on self-discovery and invites guests to enjoy exclusive fitness classes like The Class. Popularized in NYC and L.A. studios, the mindful-movement session includes cardio, strength training, and guided meditation, all set to music, and Elevate’s special programming is led by none other than The Class’s co-CEO, Natalie Kuhn. (Sound baths, a customizable mentorship program, and financial-independence talks are also part of the Elevate cruise experience.)

But sailing with Virgin on any cruise comes with free access to all of the brand’s fitness classes, from outdoor boxing to SUP-yoga. The classes utilize Technogym equipment in a nonjudgmental environment that caters to both “gurus” and “newbies.” And if you’re, say, training for a marathon or half-marathon, you can lace up and get in outdoor miles on Virgin’s signature red running track. An adults-only, four-day itinerary, a popular Virgin offering, is just long enough to recharge and relax, says Blaine. That is, when you’re not hitting the trail on specifically curated hikes or hitting up an intense cycling class.

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Santa Margarita, California

The all-inclusive resort boasts a robust repertoire of yoga retreats, including ones that combine the practice with hiking, live music, meditation, writing, and myofascial release. Others are themed around mental wellness, such as increasing calmness, boosting resilience, and living inspired. Retreats often incorporate different yoga modalities, including Hatha, Yin, Iyengar, Ashtanga-influenced vinyasa, and Qi Gong, or even Pilates, usually with two to three classes per day.

Mexico was Sagrada Wellness’ first home before owners Scott Currie and Eva Inglizian moved to California’s Central Coast and opened the center outside San Luis Obispo. Currie, who is also an architect, designed the retreat center to be a place of reflection and rejuvenation, with nature trails, outdoor showers, a welcoming courtyard, and a hot tub and saltwater pool. Private rooms share a bathroom and communal rooms offer a more budget-friendly alternative. Both Currie and Inglizian lead retreats, and Inglizian, a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, further helps guests on their well-being journeys through the use of acupuncture and other holistic therapies.

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Jacó, Costa Rica

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time surfing or your 50th: Surf Synergy’s week-long programs are designed to meet you at your level. All stays come with five private lessons and video analysis, so you really have an opportunity to improve your stance and build on your beginner or advanced board skills.

While surfing (and stand-up paddleboarding, a.k.a. SUP) are the Costa Rican retreat’s main beats, Surf Synergy also offers other complimentary health and wellness activities to up your game off the board, which is not the case at all surf-centric camps. Yoga (five classes), ice bath therapy, a breathwork training session, and bodywork are all part of the experience. Add to this list freshly opened coconuts on demand, a chance to hang with surf pros, boho-chic accommodations, and the absence of televisions to foster a deeper connection with nature and one’s self in the present moment, and it’s hard to picture a better place to hang 10.

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Big Sky, Montana

This upscale hotel has the feel of a cozy, welcoming cabin, rather than a pretentious lodge (like a few in Colorado that shall go unnamed), though it still offers an unmistakably luxurious stay. Volovitz loves Montage Big Sky for its ski-in, ski-out access to “pristine slopes” and appreciates the “authentic Montana vibe” too. After a day reaching new vertical goals, a visit to the capacious spa is in order. Opt for the “Peak Performance Recovery” treatment, a 60- or 90-minute massage utilizing the pro-athlete-approved Hyperice Normatec leg system, with customizable time, pressure, and zone settings to increase circulation via dynamic air compression. The therapeutic leg treatment is only enhanced with a hydrating face mask to soothe wind-battered skin.

Other spectacular spa offerings: The High Altitude massage (60, 90, or 120 minutes), which includes an oxygen beverage, is a no-brainer for those suffering from mountain fatigue and headaches, and the CBD Mountain Ritual, a massage with organic full-spectrum hemp oil, may help soothe inflammation and regulate overall wellness. But before your first day on the mountain and first visit to the spa, there’s Boots & Bubbles: Every day from 5 to 7 p.m., the on-site ski concierge, Compass Sports, fits guests with gear as they sit back and sip a glass of champagne before tomorrow’s alpine adventures.

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Woodacre, California

With its meditation practices guided in Buddha’s teachings, Spirit Rock offers an array of one-day and multi-day retreats (and online courses, too!) on a sliding scale payment system to make meditation more accessible. Spirit Rock believes meditation can be a part of daily activities, not just saved for dedicated times of seated reflection. As such, the idea is to build it into everyday activities and movements like sitting, walking, and eating.

Located about 45 minutes outside of San Francisco, the Spirit Rock campus includes two meditation halls, walking rooms, walking trails, dorms with simple, comfortable single and double rooms, and a dining hall. The meditation center adheres to the basic principles of dharma: mindfulness, patience, kindness, ethical conduct, non-harming, non-grasping, trust, and wise attention.

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Locations: Governors Island, New York; Wolcott, Colorado; Grant, Colorado; Wimberley, Texas; Saudi Arabia (coming in 2026)

Governors Island all but shuts down at night, the lack of nightlife and noise restrictions offering the ultimate escape from the big, bustling apple to guests of Collective Retreats. Marrying rustic accommodations with luxury amenities, the glamping collection also has locations in Wolcott, Colorado, Grant, Colorado, and Wimberley, Texas. (A retreat in Saudi Arabia is expected to open in 2026.)

Outdoor immersion in a comfortable setting is what Collective Retreats is all about: Whether you stay in an elegant tent or upgrade to a villa, each lodging features locally sourced decor, an antler chandelier, a king-size bed fitted with 1,500 thread-count sheets, and a spa bath. Spend your days horseback riding in Colorado, partaking in Hill Country’s Bubbly & Branding (your own personal cutting board is branded at the campfire), or eating oysters while the sun sets over the New York Harbor. One visit to a Collective Retreats destination will have you wanting to seek out every location.

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San Marcos, California

Bio-intensive, farm-to-table dining is at the core of a stay at The Golden Door. With a focus on growing sustainable, nutrient-dense agriculture on property, many ingredients from the resort’s organic gardens are used in the all-inclusive meals. A wholesome diet is touted as having a strong connection to overall health at the 600-acre spa, and a staff nutritionist can be booked for private sessions. Not simply a place to eat well and practice self-care, and not just a resort to help you hit reset, the property is a California institution. With just 40 guests on site per week, a Golden Door retreat is intimate, cozy, and very much customized. Spa treatments/services, including daily-in room massages, classes, meals, and car transportation are all complimentary with the cost of a seven-day stay (pricey but it delivers).

Although the fitness class options are plentiful, those who prefer working up a sweat in the company of nature can get moving on over 30 miles of hiking and walking trails. Healthy menus, including daily snack breaks featuring colorful crudité and potassium broth for replenishing tired muscles, are the designs of executive-chef Greg Frey Jr. And no meal is complete without one of his three-bite desserts (especially the ginger cookies you’d never know are gluten free) that devotees swear by.

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Location: Varies with each retreat

On a recent retreat set high in the mountains of Tepoztlán, Morelos, at an eco-conscious venue that Women’s Health Assistant Social Media Editor Isabel McMahon says “felt like the perfect escape for relaxation and reflection,” a highlight of the experience was doing daily Vinyasa flows in a “yoga shala,” or yoga home, with breathtaking views of the Tepoztlán valley. Holistic Soul Project’s next retreat is in Greece this summer, but in spite of location changes, the ethos remains the same.

The retreats focus on healing, adventure, and sustainability, offering an immersive experience as they pay homage to the destination through meals, traditions, and treatments. At McMahon’s recent retreat outside Mexico City, the temazcal ceremony, a two-hour ritual led by local medicine woman Sarya Luna, received high praise. Rooted in Mesoamerican tradition, McMahon explains that the “steam bath ritual is designed to cleanse the body and soul, fostering a deeper connection to the earth and a sense of renewal within its sacred heat.” Above all, it was the moments of mindfulness McMahon embraced throughout the trip that left her feeling “grounded and intentional,” just like the retreat intends.

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Carlsbad, California

Women’s Health Beauty Director Brian Underwood has visited hundreds of hotel spas throughout his 25-year career, but the Miraval Spa (located at the Park Hyatt Aviara) blew him away because it’s “almost like a mini resort within a larger hotel.” Everything takes place in a gorgeous, lush space with hanging topiaries throughout and lots more greenery, says Underwood. “When it’s time for your service, you’re escorted outside to treatment rooms that have access to the open air so you can smell the sea,” he adds, noting how the hotel spa plays up its location, including a lagoon hike on offer.

In fact, the Park Hyatt Aviara is one of the few hotels where you “can really customize your entire stay around the spa,” Underwood says, with unique fitness/wellness opportunities like Nâga, a type of Thai massage treatment that involves being suspended in hanging silk ribbons, as well as more traditional spa treatments, like body scrubs, facial peels, and mani/pedis. And if you want some “hardcore skin care”? Underwood recommends checking out the spa’s HydraFacial machine. Simply, this Miraval Spa (the only one available outside a Miraval resort) offers the best of both worlds, he says, combining “the experience of a traditional resort hotel—the fine dining, the entertainment, the whole nine yards” with “the sense of peace and restoration you get from a true wellness property.”

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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Almost 50 years ago, before wellness became a buzzword, Hilton Head Health & Wellness Resort & Spa was busy making its early mark on the holistic health space and becoming a true industry leader. This year, the resort is introducing an entirely new experience: H3 Island Healthy Getaways focuses on beachside wellness and self-care. Whether you opt for a recharge weekend or a more immersive weeklong retreat, the customizable program allows you to strike the perfect balance between fitness, nutrition, adventure, and relaxation. (A number of “healthy enhancements” such as pickleball, kayaking, Pilates, or mindfulness practice sessions, may be added to any H3 program.) The “Renew Experience” is a must for spa enthusiasts, offering seaside massages, facials, and body treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate at the Indigo Spa.

Designed to complement guests’ comprehensive health and wellness experience at Hilton Head Health, you can always enjoy its extensive menu of offerings, from therapeutic massages to custom facials to body treatments that incorporate the healing power of the ocean.

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Tecate, Mexico

When most people visit a spa, they often choose between a facial or a massage, without considering a body treatment because it’s an unfamiliar offering. But Underwood considers the Xocolatl Skin Replenishment at Rancho La Puerta a must-do service because it “combines the relaxation of a massage with actual therapeutic benefits to the skin.” The 90-minute body treatment has three distinct phases: a scrub, body wrap, and massage, most of which incorporate cacao, which was considered food for the gods in ancient Mexico, explains Underwood, who is obsessed with the skin-softening scrub. “It really replenishes the skin’s moisture post-exfoliation,” he says. But, as lovely and amazing as that scrub is, Underwood says “the massage is the cherry on top—the whole room smells like chocolate; it’s a real treat for your senses.” says Underwood.

The best part, however, and the reason veteran spa-goer Underwood is obsessed with the treatment is because it’s got both style and substance. “There’s often a trade-off with spa experiences—it’s either a relaxing ritual-type treatment, or it’s one that really gives great results but isn’t quite as restorative mentally,” Underwood says. This service delivers both: baby-soft skin and a totally blissed-out state.

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Sundance, Utah

Mountain top yoga, meditation, scalp treatments, and botanical exfoliating treatments are just a snapshot of what’s on the menu at the full-service spa of this year-round destination resort envisioned by Robert Redford, which happened to receive a coveted Michelin hotel key last year. Women’s Health Associate Fashion Commerce Editor Lily Wohlner doesn’t usually expect small hotels to deliver in such a big way in the spa category, but “this one blew me away with its offerings,” says Wohlner. The spa “has very unique treatments,” such as facial guasha and dry brush exfoliation, as well as your classic services, but Wohlner considers the ski boot soother treatment a must after a long day on the slopes. “I love that I can go skiing and step right into the spa knowing I’ll be warm, cozy, and can get customized treatments that will hit the spot,” she says.

Wohlner also loves how the “spa feels intimate,” but not too small or like an afterthought. “It’s a fully built-out spa with tons of different treatment rooms,” she says. In the winter months, a fireplace blazes in the center of the space, “making it feel like you’re getting a treatment in the comfort of your home,” Wohlner explains. The absence of others (Wohlner says there’s no dodging a ton of other people like at large resort spas), adds to the appeal as you might just be the only person in the cute, rustic space.

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Madrid, Spain

Underwood is excited about this destination “spa within a spa” dedicated to your strands! But don’t let that focus fool you: Each of the three tress-enhancing treatments offered takes a comprehensive mind-body approach that will not only help you discover your healthiest, thickest, shiniest hair, but leave you feeling totally rejuvenated from head to toe. By combining high-tech hair cosmetics methods with tried-and-true massage techniques, all the services stimulate your body and scalp’s full repair capabilities, while also preventing stress and premature aging.

Underwood tried the “super luxurious” 60-minute Reset: Inner Balance Cure, which included the use of a revitalizing hair formulas, a sound-bath meditation, and “the best part—a scalp massage.” A combination of head yoga and body effleurage massage, the rubdown “alone makes the treatment worth it to me,” says Underwood, who is a fan of Japanese and Korean scalp work offered by many day spas. The Sense spa itself, located on grand boulevard Paseo de la Castellana, minutes from Art Triangle museums, is “truly unique,” says Underwood, because it also features a Berber-inspired hammam, designed by the former owners and kept after Rosewood took over. Underwood suggests indulging in the Mayrit Hammam Ritual while you’re there for a thorough body exfoliation using traditional black soap that will leave your skin as silky soft as your hair.

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Isla Holbox, Mexico

“Sometimes, wellness involves a beach and margaritas at an eco-friendly tree house–inspired resort tucked away on a secluded and naturally beautiful island at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula,” says Blaine. “For just about $1,400, you can have a four-night vacation that rivals many other luxury wellness resorts.” Each of Nômade Holbox’s 30 rooms are so deeply immersed in its natural surroundings that you “fall asleep to the sound of the ocean and you wake up to the island’s singing birds,” she adds. Daily yoga, guided meditation, and many other wellness classes are included in your stay.

It helps, too, that the island—part of Yum Balam nature reserve—is car-free; guests get around on golf carts, by bike, and on foot, allowing them unfettered access to the beautiful expanse of sea where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean. Locals are quick to offer a recommendation, Blaine says, noting the time her boat operator/photographer, an island native, told her where the fisherman go for fish tacos. With plenty of adventurous activities to keep travelers entertained on and off the resort—such as nighttime kayaking tours, wingfoiling, and agua mágica (a class that demonstrates the healing powers of water)—this affordable retreat offers immense value, says Blaine.

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Albir, Spain; Isla Mujeres, Mexico

With locations in Spain and Mexico and a third planned to open in the United Arab Emirates in 2026, SHA Wellness Clinic is, according to Volovitz, “truly transformative,” thanks to its integrative method of blending advanced medical care with wellness practice. Each of Sha’s signature four to 14-day wellness programs, which address everything from longevity to nutrition to stress management, “ensure each guest’s journey is not just relaxing, but life-changing,” she says. Sha staff, who work hard to personalize and customize each guest’s experience, get high marks from Volovitz’s clients—as do the state-of-the-art facilities offering hydrotherapy circuits, ozone IVs, virtual-reality training, cryotherapy, and infrared therapy.

Of course, all-inclusive programming abounds: Beyond the expected food and beverage package included in the rate, yoga classes, cooking workshops, body composition analysis, and fitness sessions are all complimentary. Plus, longevity and other health experts are available to educate and answer questions, and guests also get a free acupuncture session, massage, and functional assessment with a personal trainer. Volovitz’s clients have nothing but praise for the all-inclusive spot, with one remarking that Sha changed the way she perceives wellness and clean eating in a “best of both worlds” setting—“vacation in a beautiful luxury resort” with “access to professional guidance and wellness experts.”

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Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Québec, Canada

Like all Club Meds, this one—located in Québec’s Charlevoix region, about 75 minutes northeast of Québec City—is incredibly family-friendly with customized programming for infants, toddlers, children, and teens. The “outdoor adventurers’ paradise,” as Women’s Health Beauty Director Brian Underwood calls it, is especially vibrant during festive season when Santa is on-site to meet and greet the kiddos. Throughout the winter, the ski-in, ski-out resort has everything (equipment, lift tickets, etc.) outdoors-loving families might need, including free group lessons for children four and older, including ski and snowboarding. Other family-friendly winter activities include guided nordic walks and snowshoe treks, and the mountain guides also lead year-round hikes up the picturesque trails of the surrounding UNESCO biosphere region.

And for some well-deserved alone time, rest and recover at the world-class Sothys spa while your children enjoy the kids’ clubs. There’s plenty to keep the whole family busy and engaged at the resort, but make sure to carve out time for excursions: touring Québec City, whale-watching, and kayaking are all worthy pursuits organized by the hotel.

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Phoenix

You don’t have to jet off to Paris for a romantic getaway, especially one that marries outdoor adventure with intimate luxury. Instead, Blaine recommends staying stateside at James Beard Award semifinalist Sam Fox’s “fabulous five-star hotel that could be in a fabulous European city.” Start your day with an early morning hike up Camelback Mountain, where the summit offers stunning views of Scottsdale. Then, rest and recover with a couple’s massage or body treatment (with optional enhancements, such as cryotherapy or infrared sauna) at the spa. Finally, whet your appetite with a cocktail at the rooftop Théa, where you can watch a gorgeous Arizona sunset, before heading downstairs to Parisian steakhouse Le Âme for a romantic candlelit dinner for two.

European-inspired and curated with comfort in mind, each room offers a sophisticated, yet welcoming vibe with custom walnut closets, high-thread-count sheets, and real duvet covers (a rarity even among five-star hotels). Although the hotel is open to all, it feels like an “adults-only escape,” says Blaine. “It’s luxurious in every way, from the thoughtfulness put into the room details to the service standards and culinary offerings.”

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Rico, Colorado

Last year, Dunton Hot Springs, located in a former mining town founded in 1885 in the Colorado Rockies, underwent a multimillion dollar renovation that included upgrading and redesigning its cabins and expanding its equestrian program. On a visit during the fall, one Women’s Health editor hiked the nearby trails, learned to fly-fish in an exclusive stretch of the Dolores River, and went horseback riding through canyons, stopping at a vineyard for lunch along the way. Other can’t-miss activities include ice climbing a frozen waterfall, backcountry skiing, and snowmobiling in the winter, while summertime calls for rock climbing, mountain biking, and even paragliding.

Year-round, the resort’s hot springs beckon from a “dreamy glass-walled bathhouse that overlooks the mountains,” the WH editor says. Guests can also soak in the hot spring pools behind the Dunton Store cabin and inside Well House cabin, but those who truly want to connect to nature can also soak under the stars at the source. Calcium bicarbonate–based, with a strong concentration of iron and manganese (plus a dash of lithium), the healing waters are believed to help with circulation and promote healthy skin.

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Rancho Mirage, California

The best wellness program is the one that’s best for you, and Sensei resorts deliver unparalleled personalization. Before your stay at Sensei Porcupine Creek, work with a pre-arrival specialist to design a customized wellness program that addresses your individual health goals with a wide range of movement, spa, and mindful eating activities. What makes this location stand out from Sensei’s other outstanding offerings: Nestled in the Santa Rosa Mountain foothills, the 230-acre desert resort offers world-class wellness at an accessible destination (only 10 miles away from the Palm Springs International Airport).

At Sensei Porcupine, guests can also upgrade to a Guided Wellness Experience or the resort’s five-day Optimal Wellbeing Program. The Optimal Wellbeing Program is designed around the Sensei Way of Move, Nourish and Rest, and highly-trained Sensei guides, wellness practitioners, and even golf and tennis professionals can work with you to reach new fitness goals, up your sports performance, or simply help you lean into the self-care, feel-good vibes. Of course, other à la carte options to personalize your wellness journey abound, including one-on-one health, fitness, and nutrition consultations, custom massage and facial options, and private golf and tennis lessons.

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New York City

You can expect a five-star hotel to have a gym with the basic cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and maybe a few class offerings. But you’ll never find a gym as superb as the fitness facility at Equinox Hotel New York. Hotel guests have full access to Equinox Hudson Yards, including a 25-yard indoor saltwater pool and a rooftop pool, complete with outdoor barrel saunas, that’s open in warmer months. An outstanding lineup of classes—every runner should try the Precision Run workout at least once, but the HIIT classes and cycling sessions are must-sweats too—and beautiful facilities, including a sauna and a steam room, add to the appeal.

Back in your hotel room, get ready to embrace the rest and relaxation that emanates from every corner of the minimalist decor. Beds are fitted with not one but two plush down comforters (each guest in a party of two can sleep soundly knowing their blanket won’t be snatched), while serious blackout shades are effective and easy to employ with the switch of a button by the bed. To prep your body for the next day’s workout, take advantage of the amenity kit’s for-purchase offerings, such as a high-tech, face-fitting sleep mask from The Inactive Company or Fleur Marché’s Sleep, Plz. hemp and melatonin–containing wellness patches—the latter had this writer purchasing her own pack immediately after a blissful night’s sleep.

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Turks and Caicos Islands

For a splurge-worthy stay (rooms start at $1,299 in low season—a relative steal considering what other luxury stays on these islands are going for), look no further than The Beach Houses at COMO Parrot Cay. From Volovitz’s point of view, the property resides on “one of the most pristine islands” she’s ever had the pleasure of visiting. Once you arrive, take advantage of each day’s complimentary wellness sessions (yoga, Pilates, aqua fitness, and more), or embark on a specialized COMO Wellness Journey, designed to help guests achieve a nutrition, fitness, or well-being goal.

But what makes The Beach Houses at COMO Parrot Cay stand out is its “exceptional” butler service that Volovitz says goes “above and beyond” similar offerings at other ultra-luxe properties. “It’s the little touches, like always having your favorite drink ready or suggesting the perfect spa treatment that make you feel truly special and relaxed,” she adds. (Some butlers have even stepped in as nannies when families were in a pinch.) At this jaw-dropping oceanfront enclave, your butler “becomes like a personal concierge,” anticipating your every need, whether it’s organizing a sunrise yoga session, curating personalized excursions, or simply making sure you’re properly looked after and pampered throughout your stay, says Volovitz. Worth every penny.

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Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

If you’re looking for the ultimate in health and wellness, look no further than Six Senses Yao Noi, which Women’s Health News & Features Editor Currie Engel calls a “magical place.” Located on a compound on the island of Koh Yao Noi, about a 45-minute ferry ride from Phuket, this Six Senses has much to recommend it—including a “spectacular staff,” an “incredibly fun and thoughtful” pillow menu, and an impressive “range of mocktails.” The “super eco-conscious” resort also features an organic garden, mushroom hut, goat farm, duck farm, and chicken farm, where Engel got fresh eggs for her breakfast every day.

She was particularly smitten, though, with the 24/7 gym that provides fresh towels and flavored water presented in “the most adorable ceramic mugs.” And while the gym itself has all of the cardio and strength-training equipment you might want on a vacation, the setting is in a class of its own. “The cardio equipment looked out onto the lush island landscape, and I got to watch the sun rise from that gorgeous spot several times on our trip,” says Engel, who also spent many hours snorkeling with her husband on their honeymoon. Volovitz gives the resort top marks too, saying, “It’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature, all while supporting a resort that prioritizes sustainability.”

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