You might imagine that the largest growing category in the travel industry would be all-inclusive packages for families or honeymooning couples. But one of the buzziest movements has more to do with coming into your life than escaping from it: wellness retreats. Here’s what to know about them.
Wellness travel is one of the fastest growing categories in the travel space, says Sallie Fraenkel, New York City–based president of The Mind Body Spirit Network. Spending in that category is expected to grow by 9.9 percent between 2022 and 2030 to reach about $1.02 trillion by the end of this decade, according to Synergy – The Retreat Show, a trade show focused on wellness travel.
“The pandemic shined a very strong spotlight on many issues that were in people’s lives before COVID,” such as our loneliness epidemic, Fraenkel tells DailyOM. “A retreat allows you to be part of something; to connect with self, others, and nature.”
What Makes a Wellness Retreat Different?
There are plenty of similarities between a more traditional vacation and a wellness retreat, but the main differences are purpose, intention, and tools.“Personal growth and development is the primary motivation [for a wellness retreat]. You’re taking time to focus on yourself with some kind of aspiration that you will in some way heal or better yourself,” Fraenkel says.
Conversely, your goal with a vacation might be to check a location off your bucket list, introduce your family members to a new culture, or connect on a deeper level with loved ones. A retreat is about you — even if you go on one with friends or family.
“Retreats are unique because they’re a transformational journey. It’s something you embark on with a purpose,” adds Laura Montesanti, Monaco-based founder and managing director at Synergy. “You don’t just go to a place and leave; you bring back tools to implement in your daily life. The retreat is about YOU. It gives you dedicated space to grow individually or alongside the support of a group.”
“A retreat allows you to be part of something; to connect with self, others, and nature ... You’re taking time to focus on yourself with some kind of aspiration that you will in some way heal or better yourself.”
Those tools can deliver some serious health benefits, says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a psychologist in private practice and faculty member at Columbia University in New York City. She should know: In addition to advising clients who have grown as a result of wellness retreats, Dr. Hafeez has been taking one herself, with three of her best friends (who are like sisters), for 20 years running.
“We go somewhere new each year to focus on yoga, hiking, and spa treatments. After my wellness retreat, I always return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Retreats offer an opportunity to escape the stresses of daily life and immerse oneself in activities that promote relaxation and well-being,” Hafeez says.
Interested in learning more? Check out Ancient Medicine Wheel to Heal and Reclaim Your Life
The Benefits of Going on a Wellness Retreat
According to Hafeez — and research on this topic — wellness retreats include the following health benefits.
1. Lower Stress
Wellness retreats often occur in serene and natural settings, allowing participants to disconnect from daily stressors and unwind. Activities such as meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices can further contribute to soothing sensations.
2. Improved Emotional Well-Being
Engaging in activities that promote self-reflection and self-awareness, like journaling, can lead to a better understanding of one’s emotions and how to manage them effectively.
3. Enhanced Resilience
“Retreats may offer opportunities to learn coping strategies and develop resilience in dealing with life’s challenges, which can have long-term benefits for mental health,” Hafeez says.
4. Connection and Social Support
Interacting with like-minded individuals and staff in a safe and supportive environment can combat feelings of loneliness and create a sense of belonging, positively impacting your mental state.
5. Mind-Body Connection
Many wellness retreat categories (see several below) emphasize practices that promote the mind-body connection, such as yoga, mindfulness, and nature. Strengthening this connection — and integrating practices that support mental health — can lead to greater overall wellness. The American Heart Association released a scientific statement in January 2021 in the journal Circulation that confirms strong psychological health can lower the risk for the leading cause of death in America: heart disease.
6. A Break From Technology and Distractions
Disconnecting from digital devices and the constant demands of modern life can offer a much-needed mental break, allowing participants to recharge and reduce mental fatigue.
The Best Wellness Retreats to Consider for Self-Growth
Montesanti and Fraenkel recommend searching for your perfect fit on sites like We Love Transformational Travel, Vacayou, Wellbeing Escapes, and Transformational Travel Council. Many larger hotel brands, such as Hilton and Marriott, now even offer wellness retreat options at some of their properties.
Some small but quickly growing categories of wellness retreats include men’s retreats, cold water plunge retreats, and “painmoons” (designed to help individuals grieve and bounce back from loss). Smoking cessation retreats and alcohol dependence recovery retreats also continue to be in demand. You can even coordinate a backyard reading retreat right at home if you’re seeking an affordable and accessible option.
Read on to learn about seven different types of wellness retreats that can help you return home feeling centered and serene and experiencing a new level of self-growth.
1. Menopause Retreat
Since the transition to menopause is something about half of all humans experience, it’s about time the collective conversation gets louder about the world of wellness during menopause.
Research shows that it impacts everything from our careers to our sex lives to our self-esteem. So, as part of what’s sometimes deemed the “wellness-menopause revolution,” menopause retreats involve therapies and treatments that focus on the physical, mental, and emotional changes and challenges during this big hormonal shift.
Offerings vary, but might include creative elements, emotional release therapy, breathwork, acupuncture, and more. For example, Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, is launching their Making Over Menopause immersive retreat that even includes a style clinic led by What Not to Wear’s Stacy London.
2. Mushroom Microdosing Retreat
While the conventional scientific jury is still out, research suggests that the active ingredients in ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms, and other psychedelics might help ease symptoms of everything from depression to addiction to post-traumatic stress disorder.
These microdosing retreats focus on offering a safe space for those who would like to explore what some have described as “transcendental journeys” enhanced by small doses of these compounds (usually in the form of food or drink). These aren’t always individual excursions with expert guidance; in Vancouver, B.C., the Journeymen Collective has hosted everyone from CEOs to couples to executive teams hoping to remove mental blocks, stop carrying old trauma, and align with their higher purpose.
3. Yoga Retreat
Whether you’re ready to take your yoga practice to the next level physically or are simply craving a serene, quiet flow to clear your brain, a yoga retreat might align with your needs. Offering much more than a traditional class, yoga retreats like Xinalani in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, often include classes in indoor and outdoor studios, a healthful menu, eco-tour add-ons, and serene spaces.
At seven Mandarin Oriental locations across the globe, their Inner Strength, Outer Strength retreats include yoga in tandem with other total-body wellness boosts, such as circuit training, fitness assessments, body composition analysis, personal training, and even a triathlon course.
Even if you can’t touch your toes (yet), you’ll be welcomed with open arms and an unfurled mat. Many yoga retreats focus on a particular style (or a few), so be sure to look into the format if you prefer yoga nidra over HIIT yoga fusion, for example.
4. Mindfulness Retreat
About one in three Americans experience anxiety at some point during their lives, according to a National Institute of Mental Health report, and 79 percent of employees say they frequently feel distracted at work, a 2022 survey reveals.
A mindfulness retreat is designed to help you learn how to be right here, right now — rather than fretting over what happened or what might occur. Through programs like Amanzoe Optimal Living Mindfulness Retreat in Greece, you can take part in a series of classes in meditation, breathwork, and gentle exercise, with massages and nutritious fare to help you rejuvenate and refuel.
5. Postpartum Retreat
Welcoming a new child into your family is supposed to be a joyful, giggle-filled experience. But according to research published in June 2018 in The Journal of Perinatal Education, 45 percent of new mothers experience some form of birth trauma, which can impact everything from a mom’s eating patterns and spending habits to her mood and marriage, according to the March of Dimes. But having ample social support during the year following birth is proven to lower risk for postpartum depression, according to a February 2022 study in the journal Scientific Reports.
At postpartum retreats like Boram Care in New York City, you can receive not only 24/7 care for mom and baby for three to seven days, but also score pre-birth support, interactive workshops, therapy, recovery-minded meals, and community.
If traveling during that time feels stressful, you can tap into similar services in the comfort of your own home through Boram Anywhere or other virtual postpartum retreats.
6. Nature Retreat
If you’re more in tune with the touch screen of your phone than the turning planet you’re living on, a nature retreat can assist you in feeling grounded again. Meet Mother Nature (or reintroduce yourself) in al fresco retreats like those hosted at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee.
Featuring hikes, yoga, meditation, and wholesome meals all enjoyed amid the forest, these getaways are designed to help you harness the healing powers of nature. (No need to fret if you’re not a camper; many nature retreats are outdoors by day, with a comfortable resort-style room or glamping-style setup by night.)
7. Build Your Own Retreat
More of a lone wolf than a lover of being in groups? You can build your own retreat by booking several self-care sessions in your hometown. Stack up a series of appointments for massage, skin care, and a pedicure, alongside yoga, educational classes, reading time, and counseling, and voila!—your own budget-friendly boost.
Alternatively, you can book a stay at a nature-centric space, like Wildflower Farms in Hudson Valley, New York, to commune with the fauna. You can also choose to do relaxing activities, like healing reiki rituals, hiking, Pilates, yoga, sound baths, and classes in pottery, cooking, and mixology.
What to Look for in the Best Wellness Retreats
Wellness retreats aren’t a fit for everyone. You need to be interested and ready to embrace the experience — and, of course, have the time and budget for it. An average all-inclusive wellness retreat will clock in at around $4,500, plus airfare. At-home and build-your-own options will often be far less, though.
The retreat itself should also check all of the following boxes to be the most fulfilling experience (and the best investment of your money and time), experts say.
1. A Serene Setting
“Being surrounded by nature has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, promoting relaxation and reducing stress,” says Hafeez. Whether you enjoy the beach, mountains, or a forest, being near some form of natural element can be incredibly soothing.
2. A Digital Detox Option
Many retreats encourage or enforce a cell phone–free or limited technology usage policy. “Disconnecting from devices allows you to immerse yourself in the experience fully and promotes mindfulness,” Hafeez explains.
3. Activities That Align With Your Interests
If you’re not at all interested in medicinal mushrooms, no need to force it. Look for a retreat that offers activities and workshops that resonate with you. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, hiking, art, or cooking, participating in activities you enjoy will enhance your overall experience.
4. Professional and Qualified Leaders
“Check the credentials of the retreat’s facilitators and instructors. Experienced professionals should be able to provide high-quality guidance and support,” Hafeez says.
For example, if you’re participating in a postpartum retreat, make sure the experts and leaders have the proper credentials and background. Similarly, if you’re attending a menopause retreat, you want to make sure that the experts are specialists who cater to this specific demographic.
5. Healthy and Nourishing Meals
Pay attention to the retreat’s menu. It shouldn’t be restrictive, as this is about nourishing yourself and growing rather than shrinking away. “Wholesome and balanced meals play a role in both your physical and mental well-being,” Hafeez adds.
6. Appropriate Duration
Consider the length of the retreat and how it fits into your schedule. While longer retreats may provide more profound experiences, shorter ones can still be beneficial for quick rejuvenation, and might feel less daunting to schedule amid your other obligations — not to mention they can be more affordable.
7. A Depth Level You’re Prepared For
“Not everyone is ready to go super deep, super fast, and you don’t have to. The beauty of retreats is that you can move your way in,” Fraenkel says. Or you can find a retreat that’s more introductory and focused more on physical activities than intensely emotional or psychedelic experiences.
Don’t feel like you need to reach “rock bottom” to feel worthy of looking into a wellness retreat. “You don’t have to take holidays only when you have to. Do you need something? You can go and check in,” Montesanti says. “It’s empowering that you can do something for your body and mind.”
