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. 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…
Lumeria Maui
On Hawaii’s biggest island, this intimate wellness resort offers budding and established yogas the chance to immerse themselves in their practice. 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.
Prices start from $1,820 | Book now on Compare Retreats
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. Packages are inclusive of all meals and snacks, and guests have access to tennis, mountain biking and other activities throughout their stay.
Prices start from $3,154 | Book now on Compare Retreats
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, three-night 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.
Prices start from $1,875 | Book now on Compare Retreats
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. Six-night retreats help to raise metabolism, balance hormones, lower stress levels and remove dependencies on sugar and caffeine. 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.
Prices start from $5,100 | Book now on Compare Retreats
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. Four-night retreats run from Wednesday through Sunday and 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. Packages are inclusive of three meals per day, nutritional and cooking seminars, and access to unlimited fitness sessions.
Prices cost from $6,400 | cal-a-vie.com
Miraval Resort and Spa
Comprised of 22 unique residence 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 tailormade programme that includes $250 in resort credit, plus the inclusion of all daily meals and snacks.
Price available on request | miravalarizona.com
Rancho La Puerta
Looking for an alternative Thanksgiving that offers luxury and relaxation in no small measure? 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. Programmes include up to 14 treatments of your choice, three 210-minute cooking classes, three wellness and fitness consultations each.
Prices start from $7,500 | rancholapuerta.com
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. To start and end days, nutritious meals are specially designed by chef Beau MacMillan. Retreats are customisable in length.
Price available on request | sanctuaryoncamelback.com
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 offers a Take Me to the Springs retreat. 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.
Prices start from $910 | tabacon.com
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 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 and makes for the perfect place to nourish the body after a day well spent outdoors.
Price available on request | thebodyholiday.com
