Celebrated widely across North America, Thanksgiving is a time to cherish family, friends and, generally speaking, your lot in life: to be grateful for what you have and to reflect on the years yet to come. So if you’re doubting the feasibility of quiet reflection around the dinner table with a full roast dinner on hand, this might be the perfect time to step away and opt for an alternative Thanksgiving. These are our top picks for a week of well-being…
This article was originally published on October 18, 2018, by Amanda Sheppard and was last updated on November 10, 2022.
1. Lumeria Maui
On Hawaii’s biggest island, this intimate wellness resort offers budding and established yogas the chance to immerse themselves in their practice. So, seven-night custom yoga retreats can be tailored to suit the interests and needs of individual guests. Average days include yoga, meditation and cultural activities like hula dancing, while additional activities such as zip lining and cliff-top hikes can be added on at guests’ leisure. The all-inclusive retreats also grant access to all daily scheduled fitness classes and activities.
2. Mii Amo
In Sedona, Arizona, the Mii Amo wellness resort offers guests the choice of five different paths when they embark on a Journey Experience retreat: De-Stress Mind, Body and Spirit; Health Body in Balance; Spiritual Exploration; Transformational Wisdom; and Soulful Essence. Experiences differ depending on your choice, though each will include twice daily spa treatments and a range of holistic therapies throughout your stay. Moreover, packages are inclusive of all meals and snacks, and guests have access to tennis, mountain biking and other activities throughout their stay.
Editor’s note: Mii Amo will reopen its doors to guests in 2023.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
See also: 15 Luxury Ski Resorts Around The World For A Winter Retreat
3. Lake Austin Spa Resort
Set in the tranquil landscape of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas, the Lake Austin Spa Resort is the perfect place for active adventurers to spend a Thanksgiving outdoors. Sprawled across a 19-acre property, Resort Packages at the Lake Austin Spa provide unlimited access to activities (from boot camp to yoga and meditation) as well as the option for endless pampering. With over 20 fitness sessions on offer and a range of water-based sports, guests are guaranteed to work up an appetite in time for a Thanksgiving feast.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
4. Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat
Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat boasts a 17-year track record for promoting weight loss, and the benefits of being outdoors on mind, body and soul. Thus, retreats help to raise metabolism, balance hormones, lower stress levels and remove dependencies on sugar and caffeine. What’s more, the intimate retreats are capped at 16 guests per session, ensuring that you have a tailor-made experience and come to know the people you share the journey with.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
See also: 10 Best Luxury Wellness Retreats in the USA
5. Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
This luxury spa facility in southern California is a guest-centric resort that boasts a five-to-one guest to staff ratio. Retreats are inclusive of a range of pampering treatments. These include three 50-minute massages, a reflexology session and facial, as well as a manicure, pedicure and hair and scalp treatment. Also, packages are inclusive of three meals per day, nutritional and cooking seminars, and access to unlimited fitness sessions.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
6. Miraval Resort and Spa
Comprised of 22 unique residences in Arizona, Miraval Resort is designed to help guests retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life while learning to reconnect with nature. Unsure of what you need to relax? Choose from a seemingly endless spa menu. The Retreat Package, which is customisable in length, is a tailor-made programme that includes $250 in resort credit, plus the inclusion of all daily meals and snacks.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
7. Rancho La Puerta
Looking for an alternative Thanksgiving that offers luxury and relaxation in no small measure? Then head south for a wellness resort in Mexico. At Rancho La Puerta (set among a 4,000-acre nature reserve), the Ultimate Transformation Experience is a weeklong retreat experience, based in one of the property’s Junior Suites. Moreover, programmes include up to 14 treatments of your choice, three 210-minute cooking classes, three wellness and fitness consultations each.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
See also: 5 Aman Updates For Wellness Wanderlusters
8. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort
Spread across 53 acres in Paradise Valley, Arizona, the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort offers personalised, relaxing wellness programmes. Named ‘Satori’ – after the Japanese word for enlightenment – guests stay in a mountain casita or suite, can engage in Pilates, yoga, hiking and weight-loss programmes, or relax in the state-of-the-art spa and its services. Moreover, to start and end days, nutritious meals are specially designed by chef Beau MacMillan. Retreats are also customisable in length.
9. Tabacon Resort
Founded in 1997 by architect Jaime Mikowski, this Costa Rica retreat resort lies at the base of the Arenal Volcano. With just 42 rooms, the boutique property is an intimate one. Three-night programmes are inclusive of daily buffet breakfast, one dinner at the hotel restaurant, and a $75 spa credit. Guests have direct access to the Tabacon Natural Hot Springs, as well as access to the Shangri La Gardens.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
See also: 3 Belmond Wellness Updates & Happenings To Add To Your Calendar
10. The BodyHoliday
On the beautiful island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean, The BodyHoliday offers a range of all-inclusive holidays for active, outdoor types. In this outdoor adventureland guests can also engage in a range of water sports, go hiking, take part in a series of fitness classes, or indulge in spa treatments. The on-site restaurant boasts award-winning cuisine so it’s the perfect place to nourish the body after a day well spent outdoors.
Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat
