The Spa and Wellness Destinations to Visit in 2020

Photo courtesy of Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti.

While we try to integrate self-care into our daily routines, we’ve found it can be extremely beneficial to carve out time and plan a getaway to truly recharge, hit the reset button, and recommit to healthy habits. Recently, we asked Leah Smith, owner of the Denver, Colorado-based travel agency Tafari Travel, to share her recommendations for the ultimate spa and wellness retreats to visit in 2020. Whether you’re looking for a way to kick-start a new exercise routine, want to take advantage of a holistic spa, or just need to re-center and reflect, these options are sure to offer the respite you’re seeking.

Europe

Photo courtesy of Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti.

Europe is an easy destination to travel back to time and time again, offering rich history, delicious food, and now, world class spa and wellness facilities. For those in search of a fully immersive wellness experience, Smith recommends SHA Wellness, located on the coast of Spain. Programs and treatments at SHA are personalized to help each guest reach their goal with a holistic approach incorporating nutrition, fitness, and of course, time in their renowned indoor/outdoor world class spa. For individuals who prefer mountainous and lake views, Smith suggests checking into Italy’s newest property in the Dolomites, Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti. The Lefay Spa features 5,000 square meters of wellness activities centering around energy healing, all with views of the beautiful Dolomite mountains. Last but not least, Portugal is definitely a hot spot for travelers of all types, but for those wanting a luxury take with a bit of wellness mixed in, Six Senses Douro Valley should be strongly considered. Guests will experience thoughtful spa treatments, a great night’s sleep thanks to a private sleep consultation, and farm-to-table dining complete with amazing Portuguese wines.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Photo courtesy of Las Ventanas al Paraiso. 

There’s been an explosion of new hotels in the Cabo area, most of which boast expansive spas that offer the best in pampering, as well as a long list of wellness activities. “With many nonstop flights to Cabo San Lucas, year-round great weather, and a variety of hotels and price points, the region is attainable for just about anyone,” Smith says. Luxury seekers enjoy the laidback atmosphere of Las Ventanas al Paraiso, where every room comes with its own butler. The Spa at Las Ventanas is a big draw, with many of the elements inspired by the ancient healers of Baja. For the workout-focused, the 2,900-square-foot fitness center offers more than 30 classes weekly, plus private training sessions. Those in search of a trendier place to stay should consider Chileno Bay, which offers daily fitness activities, including beach bootcamp, yoga with an ocean view, and spin class in the pool. Additional highlights include Chileno Bay’s signature Spa Journey in the resort’s holistic spa, wellness cocktails, and wellness weekends that include individual tarot sessions, mediation, yoga, and stargazing along with an ancient Shamanic Ceremony. As a third option, The Cape is one of the newest resorts on the scene, infused with a hip vibe and offering an award-winning spa along with an incredible food and beverage program. The rooftop bar makes for lively happy hours, while individual plunge pools in the suites make this a true getaway.

Peru

Photo courtesy of Sol y Luna. 

While many people initially begin planning their trip to Peru to explore Machu Picchu, they quickly realize the spirituality of this sacred place and all that is has to offer requires more than simply an afternoon with their camera. “The Andes Mountains provide a vast playground for those interested in hiking and biking,” Smith says, “while the Sacred Valley and history of the Incan people take clients on life-changing spiritual journeys.” For the adventure-seeker, Mountain Lodges offers the Wellness and Yoga Experience to Machu Picchu, during which guests will wake with yoga sun salutations, trek to hidden ancient ruins, and learn the history of Incan ritual. For those seeking a spiritual experience, there is Sol y Luna, nestled deep in the Andes, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The stunning spa casita is surrounded by stained glass that makes this wellness experience as equally beautiful as it is spiritual.

San Diego, California

Photo courtesy of The Golden Door. 

With its year-round temperate climate and accessibility, San Diego continues to be one of the leading health and wellness destinations in the nation. Those looking to recharge should look into the Golden Door, which is set amongst the eucalyptus trees, and offers a completely tailored wellness experience with daily massages, personal training and nutrition coaching, a curated meal plan, and various other spa and fitness activities. It also offers various women-only and men-only weeks, as well as coed programs, making it a great option both for couples and getaways with friends. Rancho La Puerta Wellness Resort has a loyal following of wellness seekers who take the short drive across the border to Tecate, Mexico, to experience the warm Mexican hospitality of this family-owned wellness-focused retreat. The resort centers around a variety of daily activities, including salsa dancing, pickleball, painting, and legendary hiking. Lastly, the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort is ideal if you plan to bring the entire family for a wellness break. This option offers a variety of children’s activities, as well as endless active programs for adults, including tennis, golf, and fitness classes. Multiple times a year the Park Hyatt Aviara offers dedicated wellness weekends centered around resetting the body.

Como Hotels and Resorts, Worldwide

Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts Turks & Caicos. 

“If you’re just not sure where to go, but want the consistency of a well done wellness program, take a look at COMO Hotels and Resorts,” Smith recommends. The locations around the world include closer afield Turks & Caicos and exotic, far-flung Bhutan and Indonesia. The concept that weaves all resorts together is the COMO Shambhala holistic wellness programs, which have a strong emphasis on ancient healing. All resorts offer complimentary pilates, yoga, and meditation training, and for an additional cost there are classes on offer that take a deeper dive into wellness. When it comes to cuisine, these resorts offer health seekers balanced, nutritious meals, but options abound, so your more indulgent partner can still enjoy dessert. COMO Hotels and Resorts offers frequent retreats, seminars, and workshops centered around a variety of themes at all of their locations.

Tafari Travel is featured in The Scout Guide Denver.