The USA boasts a diverse climate, terrain and range of exciting adventures. That includes everything from horseback riding to stargazing. Looking for a little inspiration to narrow down your search? These are our top picks for exciting wellness experiences in the USA…
This article was originally published by Amanda Sheppard on January 9, 2020, and was last updated on June 10, 2022.
Stargaze in Utah’s Deserts
If getting out into the wilderness is your idea of an adventure, look no further than Utah’s desert. Camp Sarika, an extension of Amangiri, is a luxurious glamping getaway in the desert, 30 minutes from the main resort. Canyon Point in Southern Utah boasts some of the clearest skies and unbeatable stargazing opportunities. Guests can hike, climb, immerse themselves in Navajo culture or lay back and relax. Thus, they can take full advantage of the resort’s trademark wellness offerings.
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Hang Ten in Hawaii
Whether you’re a pro surfer or hoping to hang ten for the first time, there are few better places to hit the surf than Hawaii. Incredible surf breaks like the Pipeline and Waimea Bay have attracted world-class surfers from around the globe. Although, the home of surfing has, as you’d imagine, plenty of brilliant surf breaks for beginners and veterans alike. If you’re looking to make the most of your time, tie it in with hikes around the volcanic landscape and a yoga escape at Lumeria Maui. The nearby Kaanapali Beach is perfect for those just starting out, while Jaws—aka, Peahi—is one of the biggest waves in the USA.
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Spacation in the Big Apple
New York is a bucket list item in itself, but make it extra special with an urban wellness break. Whether your trip to the Big Apple is for business or pleasure, stop in for a spacation and unwind for a weekend. Aman New York makes for a blissful option.
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Ski at Jackson Hole
Ski resorts are hardly few and far between. But Jackson Hole’s reputation as a cut above the rest is well deserved. Situated at the foothills of the Teton mountain range, Amangani is just a 20-minute drive from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski slopes. It boasts three healthy dining venues on-site, a fitness centre and spa with a wealth of treatments on offer. Meanwhile, outdoor adventures include heli-skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more.
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Hike the Grand Canyon
Stretching over 440 kilometres and reaching depths of more than 1,800 metres, the Grand Canyon is a natural world wonder well worth travelling for. While you can see the sights by air or kayak, there’s no better way to experience it than by foot. There are several trails running through the canyon, and you can opt for a single day excursion or a camping trip to venture to harder-to-reach corners, away from the crowds—the wave at Marble Canyon and Antelope Canyon are just a couple of jaw-dropping spots off the traditional tourist track. Eqi-distance from the National Park is Mii Amo Sedona, and Amangiri, where Miley Cyrus took her dreamy red rock Canyon snaps.
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Take a Dip in Lake Tahoe
One of the most crystalline bodies of water in the country, Lake Tahoe is located in the mountainous wonderland of the Sierra Nevada, straddling California and Nevada’s state line. Those looking to immerse in nature won’t be disappointed with the activity selection here, and for an ultra-luxe experience, check into the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. Winter offers plenty of stunning skiing opportunities, but summer is the best time for blue-sky days and temperate outdoor activities: a championship golf course, lake-view luxury spa, biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, rock climbing, hot air balloons and parasailing are just some of the possibilities here.
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Go Horse Riding in Montana
Live the life of an old-time cowboy and gallop through Montana’s sweeping terrain. The state is known as the land of the sweeping mountains, and for good reason. The vast planes, prairie lands and mountain ranges make for the perfect place to explore by horseback. Take an unofficial digital detox, and check-in somewhere like Sage Lodge on the fringes of Yellow Stone National Park for days spent outdoors horseback riding, hiking, biking and canoeing, as well as traditional wellness activities like yoga and Pilates. Time spent here will leave you feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time and far away from the pressures of city life.
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See the Northern Lights in Alaska
You don’t have to travel to the far-reaching corners of the earth to enjoy a mindful moment and see one of the world’s most spectacular sights. The Northern Lights are visible from Fairbanks, Denali National Park and even the state capital, Anchorage. Wilderness resorts like Ultima Thule Lodge offer an unparalleled experience of the wonders of nature, and opportunities to hike, canoe and explore the forests and mountains of Alaska. Plan your trip between November and January for the best chance of seeing the lights—the days may be short, but the nights are long and your trip is bound to come alive amid the stunning scenes in the sky.
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Run a Marathon in Niagara Falls
Not only does this run trace the stunning network of waterfalls, but it also crosses borders too. Beginning in Buffalo, New York and ending in Ontario, the Niagara Falls Marathon has a history dating back more than 40 years and winds along the spectacular waterway for 42 kilometres.
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Spot Wildlife in the Everglades
Both in the water and on land, the Everglades is home to unique and diverse wildlife in Florida’s southern reaches. The largest mangrove in the Western hemisphere, from flamingos to alligators, freshwater wildlife ascends on the wetlands in the winter months. Explore the 1.5-million-acre region by canoeing and immerse yourself in the unique terrain. COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach is a perfect base to explore this epic nature reserve in style, while detoxing with the resort’s signature COMO Shambhala cuisine.
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