The Evolution of Wellness Travel
When wellness travel first emerged, it was all about spa days — and there’s nothing wrong with that. A relaxing day at the spa is always a welcome escape. But the concept of wellness travel has come a long way since then. It has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry focused on intentional experiences that can transform more than just your vacation. High-end travelers are now seeking destinations that offer luxury, health, and personal growth.
Traditional wellness havens like Arizona and California still hold their own, but a new wave of cities in the U.S. are rising as wellness capitals. These cities are not your average tourist spots. They are places where wellness isn’t just an amenity — it’s a lifestyle. And they make the perfect escape for the purposeful traveler.
Austin, Texas: A Wellness Haven
Austin is no stranger to the vibrant, healthy lifestyle. Its wellness scene is a perfect reflection of this. The city prides itself on farm-to-table cuisine, outdoor activities, and a laid-back culture, making it a magnet for those looking for a luxurious yet authentic wellness experience.
If you’re on the lookout for luxury, Miraval Austin Resort & Spa is the spot. This luxury resort’s philosophy is centered around the question, “What’s your intention?” and guides guests on a personalized journey. Activities include everything from a Preserve Hike to the Quantum Leap challenge to Tex Zen Yoga and a sound ceremony. And the Life in Balance Spa offers treatments that are the cherry on top of this holistic, transformative experience.
Another hot Austin wellness destination is Lake Austin Spa Resort. Its LakeHouse Spa has been named one of the top destination spas in the world, complete with a thermal mud bar, cold plunges, and high-tech meditation loungers. Even better? The resort is all-inclusive and adults-only. And it provides the perfect escape, just 30 minutes from downtown Austin.
Here you’ll enjoy:
- Over 100 spa treatments to choose from
- Gourmet eats featuring ingredients from the property’s own gardens
- A range of wellness activities from yoga to hydrobiking
Denver, Colorado: Nature Meets Luxury
Denver’s wellness scene is not to be missed. There is far more here than the area’s iconic hikes in the Rocky Mountains. High-end health seekers are drawn to the Mile High City for its mix of outdoor adventure and urban luxury.
The Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs is a perfect representation of the area’s luxury wellness offerings. This resort combines the stunning natural beauty with wellness programs that transform beyond your time on the property. The resort has partnered with Strata Med to offer personalized wellness experiences, including:
- Spa treatments
- Workshops
- Fitness classes
- Nutritional consultations
- IV therapy
Personalizing the care is integral to wellness that lasts, and that’s precisely what you’ll find at The Garden of the Gods. That personalization, paired with the proactive approach to wellness, allows guests to design a journey that fits their specific wants and needs.
Head to downtown Denver for luxe wellness at hotels like the Brown Palace Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton. The luxurious spas here ooze tranquility and luxury at every turn. The Spa at the Brown Palace is known for its signature soaks that use natural artesian well water from 750 feet below the hotel. And The Ritz-Carlton Spa puts Colorado’s natural beauty to use with its treatments infused with oxygen, virtual reality, and CBD oil.
The wellness spirit is alive and well in the adventurous, nature-centric city of Denver.
Portland, Oregon: Sustainability and Mindfulness
Portland has had a reputation as an idyllic place for people who are looking to live a sustainable, mindful life. And this ethos extends to its luxury wellness scene. Here, high-end resorts and spas root themselves in the natural beauty and ecological elements of the iconic Pacific Northwest.
A short drive from Portland, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, sits The Allison Inn and Spa, a luxurious resort dedicated to all things health and wellness. The spa was inspired by its beautiful surroundings, and offers treatments that reflect that in their use of local fruits, herbs, and the area’s famous pinot noir grapes. And the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant JORY provides a culinary experience that nourishes the body with its fresh, local ingredients. The Allison’s focus on nature makes it the ideal retreat for those who appreciate eco-conscious luxury.
For an immersive wellness sanctuary and hotel that focuses on sustainability and health, check out CASCADA. This resort offers a variety of experiences centered around its healing thermal waters and saunas. The cuisine here is “Earth-inspired,” and meant to “revive your spirit.” The hotel’s philosophy is rooted in finding yourself and promoting healthy living, and that’s precisely what you’ll discover and experience here.
Conclusion
These U.S. wellness capitals are evidence of the changing landscape of wellness travel. People are moving away from traditional vacations and looking instead to transformative trips that offer a break from stress, a healthy dose of mindfulness, and personalized growth to take home with them. Cities like Austin, Denver, and Portland are at the forefront of this trend. They’re successfully combining local traditions and natural beauty with modern wellness practices to create luxurious wellness experiences that truly transform.
