(Want to pick up some healthier habits? Sign up to get healthy living tips, weight loss inspiration, slimming recipes, and more delivered straight to your inbox!) If you’re debating whether a getaway is worth your time and money consider this: Research suggests that a vacay—especially one focused on wellness and rejuvenation—is a great investment, and one that can actually improve your well-being. A recent Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine study showed that a one-week wellness trip improved vacationers’ physical, mental, and cognitive health. And those benefits were still hanging around six weeks after the trip ended. There’s also a big pile of research that shows spending money on new experiences leads to greater and more persistent increases in happiness than spending money on possessions. (Don’t miss these 4 other reasons you should take a vacation.) So stop debating and start booking, people! Here are six must-visit destinations that will help your mind and body get the most out of summer:
If you need to clear your headspace…
Head to: Asheville, North Carolina Calm your mind and immerse your senses in the natural sights and sounds of the OM Sanctuary Holistic Retreat (from $187 per night) near the French Broad River in mountain-rimmed Asheville. Most meditation retreats are so far off the beaten path that there’s little else to do. While that’s often the point, this retreat’s proximity to Asheville gives you (and whoever you’re traveling with) some options in between your marathon meditation sessions and yoga classes. Visit America’s largest home, Biltmore Estate (and stroll through their winery), or take in some culture at The Folk Art Center (admission is free!). Both are about 15 minutes from the retreat. If you’d rather take in the city on your own schedule, book a room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate (from $319 per night). In addition to the four-star accommodations, they also have a spa and host complimentary yoga classes and guided hikes.
If you’re a runner…
Head to: Monterey, California Whether you prefer to pound pavement or sand, the California coastline has no shortage of breathtaking running sites and cities. We could pick any one of dozens, but for access to both natural and manmade running terrain of all slopes and settings—and not to mention, stellar weather—few places beat Monterey and its surrounding environs. With an average high of 67°F, June through September, this region offers a welcomed respite from sweltering summer temps for outdoor workout enthusiasts. Stay in town at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa (from $199 per night) and run the beach or ocean-side boulevards, or head to nearby Carmel and Big Sur for challenging hills or inland trails. (Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is home to some of the best.) The Wayside Inn (from $399 per night) is a beautiful place in Carmel to rest and recharge after a long day of your feet. MORE: If You’re Over 40 And About To Start Running For The First Time, Here Are 8 Things You Need To Know
If you’re looking for outdoor, family-friendly activity…
Head to: Park City, Utah Park City is known as a winter wonderland for skiers and outdoor adventurists. But during the summer, its many resorts give visiting families easy access to hundreds of miles of breathtaking mountain trails fit for legs both long and short. Park City also boasts the world’s longest alpine slide, countless zip lines, and multiple places to go canyon tubing. Hyatt Centric Park City (from $249 per night), Park City Peaks Hotel (from $118 per night), and The Chateaux Deer Valley (from $199 per night) are just a few of the many resorts you can pick from to meet your family’s needs. MORE: 11 Sporty Swimsuits That Are Actually Cute And Supportive
If you love watersports…
Head to: Traverse City, Michigan If you’ve never been to Northern Michigan in the summertime, you can’t imagine the natural beauty and fresh-water fun available in Traverse City, Petoskey, and other nearby cities and towns. You can fly direct into Traverse City from many large airports, and Grand Traverse Bay—which opens out into Lake Michigan—provides endless possibilities for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and most other water sports. Golf and good local wine are also plentiful. The Chateau Grand Traverse is one of Michigan’s oldest wineries—and an attraction not to be missed. They host special events like “Yoga in the Vines” and “Wine Down Wednesdays,” which features live music. (Looking for more creative ways to get your “ohm” on? Find out what happened when one editor tried pig yoga!) Complete with health club, golf course, tennis course, a spa, pool, and a private beach club that offers stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing, Grand Traverse Resort And Spa (from $218 per night) is the place for active and health-minded travelers to stay. While you’re on vacation, remember these exercises to beat the summer heat:
If you’re looking to make over your health…
Head to: Miami, Florida When most people think about Miami, images of outdoor dance clubs and crowded beaches come to mind. But it’s also a must-visit wellness destination—especially if you have a decent budget to work with. (And by the way, the temps aren’t as sweltering as you might think. During the summer, they’re typically between 75°F and 90°F.) Miami’s Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa (packages from $1,949) is one of the most comprehensive and immersive health resorts in America. Private physician consultations, personal training, massages, and custom diet planning, are just a few of the things on offer. If you’re looking to turn your life around, a one- or two-week stay is your starting point. They also offer three-night packages. Rather piece together your own wellness adventure? Book a room at The Standard Spa (from $209 per night). The property features a poolside juice cafe, relaxing hammock garden, a spa complete with a mud lounge and sound pool, and fitness classes like stand-up paddle boarding and yoga. When you decide to venture away from the hotel, head into town for a sunset stroll along the beach and a meal at Dr. Smood, where the menu was designed to be anti-inflammatory. That means everything is dairy free and the bread is made from millet flakes and spelt flour, instead of wheat. MORE: The 50 Healthiest Eco Spas In America
If you’re looking to unwind and workout beachside…
Head to: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic There’s no shortage of luxury resorts and destinations you could choose from if you’re looking for exquisite spas and wellness-oriented activities. But few are located in places as stunning as Punta Cana (which stays in the mid-80s through summer). At Tortuga Bay (from $437 per night), wake up to morning walks or Tai Chi on white-sand beaches, snorkel in aquamarine waters, and spend the afternoon taking a guided tour of the resort’s ecological reserve. Access to 12 natural springs and a championship golf course are also offered. MORE: How High Of An SPF Do You Actually Need?
