Life can be a lot to deal with. Whether it’s work stress, balancing a career with family time, or a lack of inspiration in your creative endeavors, everyone has at least a little stress coming at them from somewhere.

The holistic concept of wellness (rather than health or fitness, or therapy) has really taken off across North America, and it is, as the name implies, an idea that includes a whole host of experiences, explorations, and activities aimed at keeping both body and mind well and balanced, even when stress is at an all-time high. If you’re seeking some calm, a little assistance to get back on track with your wellness journey, or guidance in starting one, these wellness retreats across North America will help you on your way. 

Things to Remember

1. Travel Well

A wellness retreat is about peace, calm, looking inward, and connecting with yourself. Begin the travel portion of your experience with the same level of calm that you want to enjoy all trip long: book a private jet for your trip and take it easy from the start. You’ll arrive in a happy, relaxed state of mind, not harassed and fried from commercial air travel.

2. Be Open

Wellness experiences often require that you extend yourself past your comfort zone or push through some limitations that are holding you back. Go into the experiences with an open mind and heart; the professionals you’ll be dealing with are there to help you be well, so let them!

3. Be Kind To Yourself

Depending on the nature of the wellness experience, there may be some fatigue or mental discomfort involved – some things take a little hard work, after all. Be kind to yourself while you’re at your retreat. If you’re struggling, ask for help. If you’re feeling low, ask for support. If you’re unsure, ask for clarity. And remember to make time for rest.

North American Wellness Retreats

Canyon Ranch, Tucson, AZ

Canyon Ranch is a one-of-a-kind experience, even in a field where “one-of-a-kind experiences” are advertised at every turn. Housed on a sprawling 150-acre ranch, the 80,000 sq ft complex has every kind of modern wellness tech available (and probably some that aren’t yet). The setting provides exquisite views and deeply relaxing strolls, but the flagship branch of the Canyon Ranch chain itself is what makes the experience so spectacular. This is a world-class wellness destination that’s received the Michelin Guide’s highest honor: the Three Keys.

Time spent here is designed to inspire lasting change rather than a quick fix that fades just as fast. Every aspect of the ranch is centered around mindfulness, and every aspect of the being is nurtured: world-class spa facilities; a selection of 35-plus daily activities; chef-crafted dining made with local, seasonal ingredients; warm and cozy yet refined accommodations; four pools and a hydrotherapy experience; pilates, dance, yoga, and more. Enjoy outdoor activities that let you connect to yourself through nature and even learn some outdoor skills that you can put to use.

Red Mountain Resort, Ivins, UT

The imposing natural surroundings would be worth a trip on their own, but the Red Mountain Resort in Utah has a lot more going for it than just the outdoors. Set on 55 acres, this resort and its striking rust-colored backdrop provide guests with a chance to disconnect from their daily lives for a while and reconnect to themselves. Wellness meets nature here in the desert, and the goal is transformation. From guided hikes to desert-inspired spa treatments or a calming, introspective walk around the stone labyrinth, Red Mountain is a destination for those who seek. Visit the Sagestone Spa to rejuvenate your skin, select a personalized fitness or meditation training regimen, choose the Personal Discovery journey to work on your inner self, dine on nourishing fare at the Canyon Breeze Restaurant, or get off the property and into one of the nearby national parks.

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, the Berkshires

Kripalu Center has been changing lives since it opened its doors in 1983. The Berkshires are already a place of incredible natural beauty, so it’s no surprise that the 100-acre campus is a place of incredible mountain serenity. High-powered career people from New York and Boston descend on this location to work on their mindfulness and usually a hefty dose of yoga practice too (though yoga is a key focus at Kriplau, it’s not a hard and fast requirement).

There’s more than physical mindfulness here: the practices and principles of the programs offered focus on all manner of wellness pursuits from exploiting spirituality to writing, dance, processing grief, or embracing a silent experience. There are often celebrity-led courses (Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love, has hosted here before, as have Artist’s Way author Julia Cameron and yoga guru Seane Corn), but there are also a more “choose your own adventure” options that allows guests to create bespoke itineraries that work for them. Spend time on the water, indulge in rest, nourish your body with health-conscious meals, and walk away with a long-term plan for change.

Be Well

It’s often ourselves that we neglect the most, when we all know somewhere deep down that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Treat yourself to one of these incredible wellness experiences and nourish yourself, body and soul, so that when you step back into your daily routine, you have the tools you need to stay well.