Travel can be therapy. And I think a lot of us could use some of that right now. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the constant barrage of bad news or just destress with a little blissful relaxation in one of the world’s best wellness destinations.
Travel can soothe the soul and bring enlightenment. But mostly, it opens up an entirely new way of looking at the world. It can change your perspective on life, and sometimes even change your life in ways you never thought were possible. Perhaps you’ll connect with nature, discover a new passion or talent, or even find the meaning of happiness. Research has shown that traveling can boost levels of perceived happiness, lift one’s mood, lower the risk of depression, decrease stress hormones, and reduce blood pressure, helping you live a longer, higher quality of life.
What does travel therapy mean to you?
It’s something to think about, but whatever the answer, these wellness destinations are likely to provide some much-needed travel therapy.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona is known as a ‘thin place,’ where the veil between spirit and flesh, life and death, is believed to be more permeable. It’s considered a spiritual power center with multiple vortexes known to produce some of the most remarkable energy on Earth. There are four: Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. Many past visitors have claimed to feel what’s often described as a “tingling sensation” when in their presence, although others have felt nothing. Whether or not you believe they actually exist, there is one thing that’s undeniable, people are drawn here for something more than just its stunning beauty.
Activities & Wellness Options
Many visit Sedona as part of a wellness getaway. It’s a top spot for yoga and meditation as well as for spiritual healing. You’ll find a wealth of options to practice, from drop-in classes to Airbnb experiences where you’ll be immersed in the red rock landscape.
Sound healing is a popular practice in Sedona you might want to consider too. It can significantly enhance the wellness part of your escape. Sharon offers both private and group outdoor experiences on Airbnb – after a private session with her I was so relaxed it seemed as if I was melting into the Earth.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-moderate hike that brings the opportunity to soak up the area’s vortex energy, Airport Mesa is a great one to do at sunrise. About 3.3 miles round-trip, you’ll find details, including directions here. It’s also possible to enjoy a bird’s-eye view over it all at sunrise in a hot-air balloon.
Where to Stay
There are some luxurious resorts that make it easy to enhance wellness too, like Ambiente A Landscape Hotel blending luxury with nature for a “soul-stirring retreat.” The views from the room’s (atrium’s) rooftops are incredible, as you can see from the video above. But you can also find more affordable options, including a 5-star-rated yurt and an even more budget-friendly glamping tent on Airbnb.
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
A little farther from home, Todos Santos has become a popular retreat for wellness in recent years. Located just an hour from Cabo San Lucas at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, it’s an oasis in the desert. Officially designated a Pueblo Magico, or Magic Town, it boasts palms and lush fruit trees along with endless stretches of golden sands. The miles-long beach here along the Pacific is often practically empty, even during the peak of the busy season. If you’re here in the winter, watch for the gray whales that come close to shore while humpbacks breach in the distance.
The artsy town itself offers many galleries and interesting little shops to explore. The 1733 mission Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos not only offers stunning views of the Valle de Pilar and the ocean, but if you time it right, you can take in the scene with the beautiful songs of the choir. The food scene is also impressive, with many enticing eateries serving dishes based on fresh, local ingredients like organic produce and seafood.
Activities & Wellness Options
Be sure to check out the classes at Cuatro Vientos, the local yoga center. While the offerings change frequently, the schedule typically features everything from Chakra Meditation, Hatha Yoga, and Yoga Nidra, to dance.
When it comes to activities, everything from horseback riding and surfing to hiking and biking can be enjoyed here.
Where to Stay
For something upscale at beachfront, it’s hard to beat Villa Santa Cruz. You’ll be steps from the sand and The Green Room, one of the most popular restaurants in Todos Santos with tables right on the beach. The only downside is that it’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown. The Todos Santos Boutique Hotel sits at its heart for those who want to be within walking distance of everything in town. There are many Airbnb rentals as well, including the casitas at Claude’s like Casita de Los Inseparables, where I’ve stayed many times before moving to the area.
Isle of Islay, Scotland
The southernmost isle in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, the Isle of Islay offers serene beauty that includes idyllic stretches of sand framed by brilliant clear, azure waters. Locals and visitors alike often sense positive energy here, particularly when walking across the hill to see Loch Finlaggan. But there are several spots that are considered places of natural power while ancient relics spread across the landscapes add to the magic.
You’ll find an abundance of delicious yet healthy eats with most restaurants making great use of the high-quality local produce. That includes Islay-caught scallops, lobster, and langoustines as well as Argyll beef and lamb.
Activities & Wellness Options
There are numerous ways to enhance your experience in this wellness destination. Enjoy everything from peaceful strolls and meditation on the beaches (Laggan Bay stretches for seven miles) to facilities like the Islay Wellness Academy and sea kayaking trips along the coast.
Islay is best known for its smoky, peaty whiskies, however. While overindulging in the drink is not a good way to support your health, experts say that moderate consumption does bring some benefits. That includes boosting immunity, relieving cold symptoms, and lowering bad cholesterol. And, with nine working distilleries here along with The Islay Whisky Academy, you might want to indulge in a sample or two.
Where to Stay
I like The Little House Islay, an Airbnb rental just under two miles from the center of Port Ellen with grocery stores and eateries, while sandy beaches will be at your doorstep.
A listing of all accommodations on the Isle of Islay can be found here.
The Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps is a particularly luxurious wellness destination. So stunning you might think you’ve somehow entered heaven, the mountain scenery is even more breathtaking in person. The landscapes are lush and green while waterfalls cascade down cliffsides and quintessential postcard-perfect chalets are draped with colorful flowers.
No matter where you go here you can’t go wrong, but some of my favorite towns are Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwald, Zermatt, and Diemtigen.
Activities & Wellness Options
Many of the wellness resorts in the region combine modern spa treatments with outdoor activities like hiking and skiing for a holistic wellness experience. But you’ll find plenty of things to do on your own. This is a hiker’s and mountain biker’s paradise during the warmer months and one of the world’s best destinations for skiing and other snow sports. Paragliding is really a must here, with the jaw-dropping scenery making it a bucket-list experience.
Where to Stay
You’ll have plenty of hotel options, including Hotel Silberhorn, renowned for its spa. It includes a Finnish sauna, Bio sauna, Experience showers, a steam bath, solarium, massage room, and more. But if you want a quintessential Swiss stay, Sue’s chalet in Diemtigen is the place to book.
Iceland
Iceland offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation. It’s one of the ultimate wellness destinations for mind, body, and soul. All while surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. The country is renowned for its natural, mineral-rich hot pools surrounded by lava fields and dramatic mountains. The scenery alone is sure to provide a happiness boost that brings all sorts of health benefits.
Activities & Wellness Options
Across the country, there are world-class spas that tap into the country’s abundant, naturally warm mineral-rich waters from geothermal sources. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, where you can also enjoy all sorts of pampering treatments. But if you want to avoid the big tourist crowds, there are many other options. Consider the Myvatn Nature Baths or the remote Hveravellir pool.
When it comes to outdoor activities, the sky is truly the limit. Hiking, horseback riding, rafting, glacier climbing, ice cave exploring, and skiing, are just a few of the many options.
Where to Stay
One of my most memorable stays was at Nónsteinn, an Airbnb with floor-to-ceiling windows in Grundarfjörður. It sits just beyond Kirkjufell Mountain, one of Iceland’s most iconic images on the north side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You’ll enjoy awe-inspiring views of the dramatic landscape from this studio-style cottage on a farm with Icelandic sheep and horses.
If you plan to drive the Ring Road that encircles the island, check out these Airbnbs along the way. I’ve also created a 10-day Iceland itinerary that you’ll find here. It’s perfect to use as a base for creating your own ideal wellness destination experience.
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