Get Your Om on at These Five Indulgent Enclaves

It’s been an intense two years for most folks and it’s no surprise that people want to get away, relax and rejuvenate. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is expected to grow to $919 billion by 2022 from $735.8 billion in 2020 – and it’s not just adding a hydrofacial to your next girls’ trip.

A recent global survey from American Express found that 68% of consumers will plan their next vacation specifically around improving mental well-being. While the wellness industry is booming, folks have been traveling in search of physical, emotional and spiritual growth for centuries. From secluded high desert hot springs to rural retreats to secluded luxury enclaves by the sea, there are a host of extraordinary destinations to unplug, recharge and reinvigorate heart, mind and soul.

Here are just a few wondrous wellness escapes:

Canyon Ranch, Lenox, Massachusetts

Tucked into the bucolic serenity of the Berkshires, Canyon Ranch is rooted in more than 40 years of integrative expertise. This secluded retreat is fully dedicated to personal wellness, offering 1,500+ expert-led services that are tailored to help you meet your health, lifestyle, nutrition, spiritual and self-care goals.

The architectural gem of this 120-acre property is Bellefontaine Mansion, built in 1897 as a private Gilded Age residence. Over the decades, it has served as a seminary and boarding school and today, the painstakingly restored manse is home to the resort’s dining spaces, library and private places where guests can meet with wellness experts.

The 100,000 square foot Spa Complex features a track, tennis courts, cycling and fitness studios, and cardio and weight rooms in addition to the spa dedicated body treatments and beauty services. This time of year, outdoor adventures include hiking, biking, meditation, yoga, tennis, archery and stand-up paddle boarding, while inside you can take part in cardio cycling, barre, Tabata, resistance training and so much more. Daily cooking classes mean you can bring some of the savory flavors served here home. Other locations include the flagship Canyon Ranch in Tucson plus locations in Las Vegas and Woodside in California’s Bay Area.

The Mayflower, Washington, Connecticut

Just two hours north of New York City, The Mayflower has long been a wellness destination as its farm fresh cuisine, peaceful manicured grounds, luxurious accommodations and totally indulgent spa experiences are top notch. Located in the Rockwellian town of Washington, Connecticut, The Mayflower, an Auberge Resort, gives private country estate vibes while being thoroughly modern. THE WELL offers enlightening wellness services ranging from acupuncture, micro-stimulation facials and craniosacral therapy to energy healing and stretching. The sun-drenched pool house includes a marble hammam (a Turkish bath experience) and biophilic thermal pool designed to connect seamlessly with the outside environment.

Deliciously designed rooms and suites with four-poster beds, rich textiles and private balconies exquisitely merge New England charm with modern sophistication while the dining program here is next level. A first-class culinary team creates unforgettable dishes both inside and al fresco whether fine dining or relaxing at the more casual Tap Room. Be sure to pack your favorite comfortable driving mocs in your LEIGH ShoeCase and don’t miss the opportunity to savor local farm fresh flavor served up at the Garden Room overlooking the Shakespeare Garden - its décor is stunning and trés IG-worthy.

The Ocean & Harvest Spa at the Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island

When a hotel has been named repeatedly one of the best hotels in the world, your spa better be on point, and the Ocean House’s Ocean & Harvest Spa delivers. Of course, LEIGH has a special affinity for the Ocean State, but even if we weren’t locals, we’d still fancy this unique, fully restored (to the tune of $146 million) turn-of-the-century oceanfront gem. It’s worth noting the Ocean & Harvest Spa is the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Rhode Island and one of only 56 destination spas in the world to achieve this coveted rating.

An elegant locker room with posh wooden lockers (perfect to tuck away your LEIGH Tote), a herbal steam room encased in marble and upholstered chaise lounges in the rotunda positioned to invite you to take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic (and Taylor Swift’s summer home!) set the tone for your spa experience here. Pampering for two? Escape to the couple’s suite for simultaneous 90-minute customized massages followed by an invigorating scrub that will exfoliate and soften the skin while you enter peak elation. After, enjoy a soak in their signature aromatherapy bath, take a swim in the heated salt-water lap pool or bask in the rays on the Seaside Terrace’s sun deck.

The Spa at Sunset Key, Key West

The Spa at Sunset Key is all about tropical seclusion, even though this serene island getaway is not far from bustling Duval Street and Old Town Key West. Part of the Opal Collection, here you’re shrouded by lush palm trees, cascading orchids and native vegetation, and treatment suites here have private patios where you can take it all in aprés pampering.

The Marine Anti-aging facial, a treatment for the face, hands and décolleté, refines, lifts, firms and nourishes the skin with protein-rich caviar. Bask in powerful antioxidants as you indulge in a gentle enzyme peel and contouring Acu-Lift massage that improves texture, tone and radiance. After, head to Latitudes to savor authentic tropical flavor including locally caught fresh fish and native fruit (and maybe a refreshing concoction!), all while soaking in the warm breeze and calming azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Ojo Spa Resorts, New Mexico

New Mexico has long been a hotbed of wellness journeys, attracting celebrities and the hoi polloi alike. Today, folks flock from near and far to experience the oldest natural hot springs resort in the country and the only hot springs in the world with four different sulfur-free, healing mineral waters. With a location in Santa Fe and another in Caliente (near Taos), Ojo Resorts has taken calculated steps to highlight the natural beauty of the high desert and rugged landscape iconic to New Mexico. Perfect for the solo traveler or a girlfriends’ getaway, Ojo Santa Fe is known for their spring-fed thermal pools flowing with pure spring water from their natural aquifer. An oasis in the desert, the private enclave is surrounded by towering cottonwood trees amidst a surprisingly lush 77-acres. When the temperatures rise, a dip in the Olympic-size saltwater swimming pool (the largest in Santa Fe!) is in order, rivaled only by a nap in one of the relaxing Ojo hammocks or a shaded cabana.

A little over two hours north, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs is currently undergoing a phased reopening as they improve the property known for its hot mineral springs. The clay-hued dramatic desert cliffs are breathtaking here, most indulgently enjoyed when you stay at the Cliffside Suite, where you can soak in your tub on your private patio. At night, warm yourself in front of the traditional Kiva fireplace – it doesn’t get more magical.

No matter where you travel, take time for a little self-care. You’ve earned it, and it’s the LEIGHway.

X, Andrea

 

Andrea E. McHugh is a travel and lifestyle writer, food editor and content creator whose work has appeared in USA Today, Family Circle, Yankee Magazine, Yahoo! News, MSN, Travel Pulse, The Hartford Courant, Providence Journal and Daily Candy in addition to appearing on Good Morning America, featured in Conde Nast Traveler and more. She’s the founder of NewportStylephile.com. And in her free time (lol), Andrea blogs for LEIGH 2-3 times per month (lucky us)!