There’s nothing quite like a hike to get the endorphins going: high peaks, stunning views and that unrivalled sense of accomplishment as you take in the distance you’ve travelled. Seasoned hikers and those simply looking for a little escape to the country can find comfort in the great outdoors, and there’s no better place to explore the wilds than North America.
From sprawling lakes to red rock mountains, there are retreats to suit everybody, from the north to the south, and right the way through the middle. We’ve rounded up the best hiking holidays in North America for an adventurous escape like no other.
1. Red Mountain Resort (Utah, USA)
Embedded deep in the heart of Utah, this St George resort and spa is the ultimate hiker’s sanctuary. This package, which runs for a minimum of four nights, includes an excursion to the stunning Zion National Park, situated in the southwestern part of the state. The awe inspiring canyons and ethereal waterfalls and rock pools make this a hard place to leave, but back on site, the daily morning hikes and personalised activities focus on self-improvement.
With all this and more, the resort, one of the top hiking holidays in North America, offers facilities that will certainly not leave you wanting. In between the wealth of fitness activities on offer, you’ll be fed three healthy meals per day and even get the chance to attend a healthy cooking class. Packages run for a minimum of four nights. Prices start from around US$300.
See also: Why Tracey Welsh Uprooted Her Life For Red Mountain Resort
2. Pravassa Wellness Retreat (Nicaragua and Costa Rica) (now closed)
Pravassa hosts retreats around the world with the aim of rebalancing the bodies and minds of their guests. Focusing on cohesive and rounded wellness experiences, Pravassa bases its experiences on five key principles – breathe, experience, move, mindfulness and nourish.
Their retreats in Central America offer just that. Your experience includes guided nature hikes, expert-led wellness classes from yoga to breathing work, and healing sessions led by new age practitioners. After a few days here, you’ll find body and mind in perfect sync and complete harmony. Choose from their organised retreat programmes, or design your own in the location you want. Customisable experiences start around US$400 per day.
3. Sky Ranch Fitness at Bacara Resort & Spa (California, USA)
Reaching for the sky takes on a whole new meaning at this Californian health and wellness resort in Santa Barbara. The retreat packages at Sky Ranch Fitness offer a vast range of activities, including yoga and the all-important daily hikes. With a wide range of fitness classes on offer and a focus on weight loss, we can see why this place is a popular celebrity haunt—a quick glance at their Instagram page and you’ll spot Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Mario Lopez, to name a few.
Balanced, healthy meals and a host of vegetarian options are available, with the resort focusing on the individual nutritional needs of their guests. Four and six-day retreats are available. Prices start around US$2,800.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your wellness retreat
See also: YUN Wellness at Island Shangri-La Hong Kong Offers Exceptional Pre and Post-Natal Spa Treatments
4. Mountain Trek (British Columbia, Canada)
While Mountain Trek operates an additional retreat in Baja Mexico’s Rancho La Puerta as well, it’s their mountain lodge in Nelson, British Columbia, that has stolen our hearts. Their all-inclusive, seven-night retreat aims to distress, detox and recharge guests. The stunning boutique lodgings host a maximum of 16 guests, guaranteeing a feel of intimacy and luxury for all who stay.
Here, a team of highly trained professionals lead guided hikes through the Selkirk Mountains, mindfulness sessions, and a series of dedicated fitness classes. To top it all off, an outdoor spa is on hand to iron out any knots that city life may have left you with. If all that doesn’t guarantee a good night’s sleep, we don’t know what will. Prices are available on request.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your wellness retreat
5. Wild Women Expeditions (British Columbia, Canada)
Doing exactly what it says in the name, WWE offers women the chance to go on some wild expeditions (or gives wild women the chance to go on normal expeditions? You decide. While they operate multi-sport adventures across five continents, it’s one of their hiking holidays in North America that we’re looking at today. The six-day West Kootenay’s hiking retreat combines gorgeous scenic trails with morning yoga, rustic lodges and hot natural springs, creating an unforgettable experience that will both exhaust and exhilarate you.
The retreat includes experienced guides and activity leaders, all equipment, accommodation and meals. These women-only retreats build community and leadership among their participants–you won’t find any damsels in distress here, although maybe a few learning to canoe for the first time. If you’re interested in their other wild North American expeditions, check out their Hawaii, Baja and Belize adventures too. Prices start around US$1,100.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your wellness retreat
