Taking time to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies may help prevent many health risks. Stress can be harmful to our health, both mentally and physically. Most doctors will agree that finding ways to relax and reduce stress will improve your overall health.
This year, 30 spa and wellness destinations across the USA and Canada are making it easier for you to relax in their own individual styles.
Beach walk
Enjoy the beautiful expanse of fresh sea air and sounds of the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean across from the Aarna Spa at Pasea Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, California.
Play outdoors
Recharge your motivation for health at New York’s The Biggest Loser Resort Niagara and discover a naturally scenic 300-acre wonderland with its own private lake.
Nature views
Step outside the Sole’renity Spa at the Artesian Hotel in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and discover local activities including nature walks by restorative springs and views of bison at the Chickasaw National Recreation area, nestled in the heart of Chickasaw Nation and the Arbuckle mountains.
Soak up the ocean
Watch the world go by from a heated mineral pool on the edge of the Salish Sea at Victoria, British Columbia’s Boathouse Spa and Baths, at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
Beach cruise
Discover the pathways and boardwalks of Miami Beach on a beach cruiser at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort and ride to your heart’s content to the South Pointe Park Pier, 40 minutes away.
Art walk
Relax at the Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Spa, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville, Michigan. Set in a densely wooded 30-acre preserve with 1.9 miles (3 km) of hiking trails, the Art Park features over 50 sculptures, poetry stones and an outdoor amphitheater.
Jump off a cliff
In Vernon Township, New Jersey, discover amazing indoor and outdoor pools including a cliff jump, splash ground and grotto-like waterfall screened cave at Elements Spa at Minerals Hotel – Crystal Springs Resort.
River therapy
Perched atop the thundering Elora Gorge, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa in Elora, Ontario, offers stunning panoramic views and access to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. The easy loop trail is 3 miles (5 km) in length and is child and dog-friendly.
Sweat it out
At the L Spa and Wellness Centre in Grande Prairie, Alberta, enjoy a far infrared sauna treatment, which has been clinically tested and shown to assist in weight loss, skin purification, detoxification, and stress reduction.
Cool off in the snow
In Hawley, Pennsylvania, find your way to the snow room at The Lodge at Woodloch where the compact, dry snow and crisp, cold air allow for rapid and efficient cooling that is extraordinarily gentle, mild and pleasurable.
Soak in the minerals
Dip into the mysterious waters of Manitou Springs Resort & Spa in Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan – legendary for their natural buoyancy, mineral-rich properties and curative powers.
Cleanse yourself
Enjoy a Hammam & Gommage treatment at the Miraj Hammam Spa, Shangri-La Toronto. This steam and body exfoliation is part of the authentic traditions of the Middle East. De-stress between a private high-intensity and low-mist steam chamber, where the Hammam will cleanse your body while stimulating your senses and imagination.
Lakefront walk
With Lake Ontario as a backdrop, head out on the Lakefront Trail at Burlington, Ontario’s Pearle Hotel & Spa. This 18.6 mile (30 km) out-and-back trail is a popular area for hiking, road biking and snowshoeing.
Sunrise yoga
Experience yoga among the red rock cliffs, brilliant blue skies and petrified sand dunes of Snow Canyon State Park at St. George, Utah’s Red Mountain Resort. Guests practice and embody the ancient theories of postures (asanas), yoga breathing (pranayama) and meditation.
Wine tasting
Discover the charm of Niagara’s wine region at The Spa at White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, offering 39 wineries and 23 dining experiences.
Play a round
As the Northeast’s leading golf destination, the lush fairways and pristine greens of Reflections Spa at Grand Cascades Lodge – Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, New Jersey, are a golfers’ paradise. The resort’s six impressive championship-caliber courses wind through the picturesque Appalachian scenery.
Forest bath
At Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain in Ontario, forest air doesn’t just feel fresher and better, it actually is. Inhaling various essential oils (generally called phytoncides) found in wood, plants and some fruits and vegetables improves immune system function.
Live music
If music is your relaxation, New York’s Skaná, The Spa at the Turning Stone Resort offers four different music venues. From country line dancing at Tin Rooster and classic rock n’ roll at The Gig to sophisticated cocktails at Turquoise Tiger and the friendly Atrium Bar, there’s something for every taste.
Nature walks
In addition to 54 holes of championship golf at the Robert Trent Jones courses at The Spa at Grand National, Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort Hotel & Spa in Auburn, Alabama, the resort offers 7 miles (11.3 km) of relaxing forested trails and nature walks.
Hot springs
At The Spa at The Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia, the Serenity Garden combines the warm, natural waters of the local area’s hot springs with European-inspired surroundings.
Hit the pool
At Spa Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California enjoy The Cove, a stunning expanse of four pools, two whirlpools, two twisty waterslides, a family pool, 27 cabanas, a walk-up restaurant and an inviting swim-up bar.
Go hiking
Every spring, The Spa at Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, transforms from a skiing and snowboarding destination into a lush, wildflower-filled valley with miles of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding five mountain ranges.
Dine in The Barn
At Aurora, Ohio’s Spa Walden, Walden Inn & Spa, a relaxed, intimate and sumptuous dinner awaits you at The Barn. Walden’s signature gourmet dining room, set in an elegantly restored 175-year-old barn, offers imaginative appetizers and entrees enhanced by an extensive wine list and spectacular desserts.
Taste wine
One of the most exciting wine regions in the USA, Lodi, California’s The Spa at Wine & Roses is home to The Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, where you can taste award-winning wines from the region.
Play on a lake
Nestled on the beautiful shoreline of the Lake of the Ozarks, Spa Shiki at the Lodge of Four Seasons offers guests access to the largest full-service marina on the lake, ensuring fun is had by all.
Hike with the gods
Find yourself outside at STRATA Integrated Wellness, Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where you can witness the historic Garden of the Gods park, a dramatic mini mountain range in its own way, but also hike amongst its awe-inspiring vistas.
Experience salt
Discover the benefits of salt or halotherapy at The Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage, California. The calming and detoxifying effects of halotherapy can support the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems.
Walk a vineyard
Guests of Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California, not only get to enjoy a glass of wine but can walk through the vineyards – all without leaving the resort.
Feed a horse
Find peace of mind outdoors at Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario, where guests are encouraged to explore the on-site farm that is home to a number of domestic horses and cattle.
Make a wish
At La Jolla, California’s The Spa at Estancia, invest in your mind at the resort’s Wishing Tree. Write down your wish, meditate and set intentions for your mind and soul during your stay. Do you have a wish you’d like to place on the tree from wherever you are? Send a direct message on Instagram to @estancialajolla and they’ll add a tag to the tree for you.