Best wellness retreats to look out for in 2024
Do you ever go on a vacation with the intention to relax, only to come back feeling more exhausted than before?
From planning the itinerary to eating rich foods every day, staying up late and not moving a whole lot… this is the perfect storm for exhaustion and fatigue. Unfortunately though, this is the vacation style most of us are used to. Isn’t the reason we take vacations that we can give our bodies and minds a rest from the hustle and chaos of life?
One of the best things I ever did for myself was shift my mindset around vacationing to be geared towards true rest & replenishment. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to explore, eat good food, and take in all the sights just as much as you do, but I make sure to balance that with lots of rest, relaxation, and mindful movement.
One of my favorite way to ensure my vacation is a true vacation is by scheduling an annual wellness retreat. A wellness retreat is the perfect way to hand off the stress of planning the itinerary and let trusted locals and wellness experts take the wheel. Think: 4-7 days in paradise with luxurious accommodations, nutritious meals, scheduled movement and excursions to keep you feeling your best while simultaneously exploring, and plenty of free time to just be. This is the vacation style you didn’t know you needed, and I’m here to make it even easier. I did the research for you and compiled some of the best retreats I found for 2024.
By the way, this post isn’t sponsored - these are simply the retreats I found that look like the perfect balance of rest, relaxation, exploration, and a true mind-body-spirit experience.
My complete list of the best wellness retreats for 2024
A few things to note…
First, I am not associated with any of these organizations, so I cannot guarantee or vouch for any of them. With that being said, most have a plethora of reputable reviews and all are run by qualified professionals with lots of experience, but please do your own research before booking anything! If you need extra help, reach out to JACA Travel to book the perfect retreat for you.
Next, I’ve broken this list down into categories depending on the type of traveller you are, but know that all of these places have one thing in common: they all take place in breathtaking locations and incorporate mind-body wellness practices.
Finally, I provided a range of pricing options from affordable to higher end so you can find something that fits your budget and needs. Keep in mind that most of these retreat prices include some or all of the meals and excursions.
Happy vacationing!
For the adventurers: best wellness retreats for 2024
Surf, yoga and nature retreat in Kaua’i
Kaua’i is known for it's picturesque landscapes, breathtaking beaches and abundance of stunning, towering mountains, making it a true paradise for the adventurer. This retreat in particular stood out for its focus on surf lessons, island exploration, and guided adventure tours, making it an all-in-one wellness experience that caters to those who love to explore and stay active.
Words from a retreat go-er:
“I returned more peaceful, with tools to help me take better care of my emotional and spiritual health.”
Explore and Unwind in Costa Rica
With expert local guides and dreamy accommodations, this retreat feels like the perfect way to experience the magic of Costa Rica while unplugging from the stress of daily life. I love that the price includes pretty much everything except your airfare: activities, meals, accommodations, airport transportation, workshops and classes. You quite literally won’t have to lift a finger upon arriving!
Words from a retreat go-er:
“From the boat ride, paddle boarding, yoga with amazing views, the eco-friendly retreat, hiking to a waterfall, eating great meals, friendly staff, and all the wonderful women I met, this was a wonderful trip that I came home feeling relaxed and recharged!”
Yoga & Adventure Retreat in Thailand
I like that this retreat provides a variety of itinerary options for you to choose from so that you can have a mix of relaxation, pampering, culture, and adventure. Thailand is a beautiful country with a rich, diverse culture and picturesque landscapes - this retreat allows you to soak it all in while also providing a restorative and peaceful experience. The food also looks divine!
Words from a retreat go-er:
“I choose this retreat as it had a combination of relaxing days (eg spa, massage, energy healing) and adventure days (eg hiking, zip lining, etc). I made new friends, strengthened my connection to myself and developed a consistent yoga practise.”
For the spiritual girlies: best wellness retreats for 2024
Yoga & Reiki Retreat in Ecuador
Nourish your mind, body and soul with reiki, sound baths, yoga, and meditation while connecting to nature in the gorgeous Andes Mountain Range. Hundreds of nearby streams, forests, and tropical landscapes will surround you in your serene private cabin in the trees. So dreamy!
NOTE: this retreat is new and doesn’t have any reviews yet.
Yoga, Sound Healing & Meditation in Thailand
If you’re in need of a cleanse, why not detox in the beautiful island of Koh Samui with delicious plant-based food and juices prepared for you each day? Not to mention you can practice yoga each day with an ocean view and rest on a private beach.
Words from a retreat go-er:
“I cannot recommend Vikasa enough. The resort is stunning, rooms are spotless, food is top class, yoga is mindful, shalas are a perfect practice environment, everything here is 10/10”
Chakra Balancing Retreat in Bali
Cleanse your chakras and soak in the beautiful island of Bali on this 7 day yoga & wellness retreat. Whether you feel you need a physical, mental or emotional reset, this retreat looks like the perfect way to get back into alignment. Waterfalls with clay mud baths, dolphin watching, hot springs, and rice fields are a few of the excursions you can expect to enjoy.
Words from a retreat go-er:
I wanted to go to a retreat for personal and emotional growth. Looked as if offered a lot for the value and it definitely surpassed any expectation possible. Amazing!!! Clarity, understanding, personal growth and reflections. Met so many people who came from all over the world. The ability to meet, share and experience life altering experiences with one another was priceless. We have all done home renewed and with many new friends.”
For the wellness enthusiasts: best wellness retreats for 2024
7 day holistic wellness retreat in the mountains of Italy
Enjoy daily massages and wellness treatments tucked away in the Dolomites Mountain Range. The experience integrates a variety of holistic wellness systems: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homeopathy to create a truly restorative and replenishing experience in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Words from a retreat go-er:
“I became calmer, more balanced and already see some improvement with my sleep problems. Culinary experience- gourmet dinner program- mind-blowing and absolute pleasure for stomach and soul.”
Wellness & Fitness Retreat in Thailand
Reinvigorate your love of movement in Chiang Mai surrounded by cascading mountains and tropical forests. This experience includes daily movement (accessible for all levels), massage, sauna, wellness workshops, and educational experiences to help kickstart your fitness routine and come back feeling ready to prioritize self care.
NOTE: this retreat is new and doesn’t have any reviews yet.
Innovative Healing Retreat in the mountains of California
If you want a shorter weekend retreat, this 3-day nature & wellness getaway looks like the perfect fit. What I love about this retreat is that it incorporates biofeedback technology, sound healing, float tanks, salt caves, and other wellness amenities for you to try on. A dream for the wellness enthusiast who loves to explore different practices.
Words from a retreat go-er:
Wisteria Eco-Lodge is unlike any other retreat center I've ever visited. Completely surrounded by woods, this powerfully positive, energetic space allows you to fully relax with the aid of both nature's healing powers and innovative healing devices. After spending six hours sampling the amazing offerings here, including the cosmically calming float tank, my partner and I felt ten years younger and completely refreshed.
And that’s a wrap!
I hope this gets you excited about a new way to vacation in 2024. For me, a wellness retreat is the perfect way to amplify my wellness routine while exploring a beautiful new place, and I hope it can be the same for you.
I highly recommend JACA Travel if you need support in booking your retreat!
If you need help reaching your health & fitness goals, don’t hesitate to book a call with me here.
