5 Trending Wellness Retreats to Recharge Mind, Body and Soul in 2025

Feeling overwhelmed by buzzing notifications, looming deadlines or the relentless pace of life? A wellness retreat could be your reset button. Stress, burnout and digital overload are fueling this travel trend as travelers swap party vacations for retreats promising renewal, relaxation and detoxing. In 2025, Wellness travel is more popular than ever as people seek escapes that heal rather than distract. The appeal is clear: a chance to unplug, recharge and restore balance. From silent meditation retreats to culinary classrooms, here are five trending wellness retreats reshaping self-care.

Silent retreats: Finding peace in quiet

Imagine days without a single word—just you, your thoughts and the rustle of leaves or the burble of a distant stream. Silent retreats ban talking to immerse you in meditation and introspection, often tucked away in remote sanctuaries far from daily life. They’re trending because silence is a rare commodity in our 24/7, always-on world.

Science backs the trend: Research from the National Institutes of Health shows silence lowers cortisol levels, easing stress in as little as two hours, and boosts brain cell growth in the hippocampus—your memory and emotion hub. These retreats prove that silence isn’t just golden—it’s transformative. Are you ready to embrace the hush?

• Spirit Rock Meditation Center: This retreat center, located on 411 acres in the oak-dotted hills of California, offers guided meditations, forest walks and zero conversation.
• Kripalu Center: Located in Massachusetts, this retreat center mixes yoga with silent retreat options, set against the serene backdrop of the Berkshire Mountains .
• Gaia House: Across the Atlantic in Devon, England, this retreat center offers weekend and weeklong silent retreats in a converted 17th-century convent. 

Digital detox retreats: Unplugging to reconnect

Screens off, life on. Digital detox retreats ban phones and Wi-Fi to swap scrolling for stargazing. Americans average 7.5 hours of screen time daily per a 2024 Common Sense Media report, leaving us frazzled. The promise? Real connection without notifications. Workaholics, social media junkies and families love these rustic getaways. Your time at these retreats might mean journaling by a campfire instead of posting, playing board games instead of video games and enjoying fresh air instead of refreshing your feed.

• Digital Detox Retreat: Hosted in various U.S. locations, this tech-free wellness retreat encourages an off-the-grid experience. Activities include meditation and workshops to reevaluate your tech habits, leaving you refreshed and mindful.
• Unplugged Retreats: Unplugged provides minimalist, off-grid cabins, within an hour of London, where guests lock away devices for a 72-hour reset—proven to enhance sleep, reduce brain fog, promote calm and clarity.
• Grand Velas Resorts: Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos offer a digital detox program with a Detox Concierge who swaps TVs for board games, stowing gadgets to foster quality time with loved ones on sandy beaches and golf courses.

Active wellness retreats

Active wellness retreats are invigorating escapes that fuse heart-pumping adventures with nature’s soothing embrace, redefining relaxation for those who thrive on adventure. Active retreats are surging in popularity, with a 2023 Skift survey revealing 70% of millennials crave experiential travel that marries fitness with mental clarity. These retreats ditch sedentary spa days for dynamic renewal with activities such as sunrise yoga atop a volcano’s foothills, kayaking through mangrove-lined rivers or seeking exotic flora, fauna and wildlife in a rainforest. Studies show outdoor activity slashes stress, offering a potent reset for frazzled minds and bodies craving both challenge and peace.

• Costa Rica by Alexander + Roberts: The Private Week in Costa Rica journey by Alexander + Roberts is an eight-day active wellness retreat with tailored adventures like hiking, kayaking and zip-lining in Tortuguero, Arenal and Manuel Antonio. It’s perfect for rejuvenation, blending physical activity with Costa Rica’s stunning nature and luxury stays. Book your Alexander+Roberts trip with a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent to take advantage of exclusive AAA Member Benefits.
• Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, Glenorchy, New Zealand: A 21-acre retreat near Queenstown, New Zealand, Aro Hā, overlooks Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, offering guided hikes, yoga and plant-based meals. Six-to-eight-day programs rewild mind and body, prepping guests for a final 20-mile trek.
• The Ranch, Hudson Vally, New York: The Ranch Hudson Valley, an hour from NYC, offers 3- or 4-night active wellness retreats with hikes, yoga, strength training and massages for 25 guests, blending adventure and relaxation including pools and saunas for a transformative reset.

Culinary retreats

Culinary retreats blend nutrition as medicine with vacation allure, growing popular as farm-to-table trends rise—U.S. organic food sales climbed 15% in 2023, per the Organic Trade Association. These retreats attract foodies and health enthusiasts to hands-on experiences, chopping fresh herbs or crafting healing meals with chefs. Rejecting processed foods, guests enjoy simmering stews and sun-ripened produce in settings like Tuscan villas or Thai kitchens. Each dish, from rolled pasta to freshly made cheese, boosts vitality, offering a flavorful, educational escape that redefines nourishment and wellness.

• Olive Your Life Culinary Retreats, Italy: This retreat in Italy’s Umbrian countryside offers immersive culinary experiences, teaching participants to craft Mediterranean dishes with fresh, local ingredients like olive oil. It blends interactive cooking classes with cultural exploration, promoting wellness through food and the region’s rustic charm.
• Brush Creek Ranch Culinary Retreat, Saratoga, Wyoming: Brush Creek Ranch offers a luxurious culinary retreat in Wyoming, where guests master farm-to-table cooking with ingredients from the ranch’s own gardens and pastures. This immersive experience combines classes with wine tastings, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains.
• Khum Lanna, Chiang Mai, Thailand: Khum Lanna, nestled in the serene Phrao valley north of Chiang Mai, offers a tranquil escape surrounded by rice fields and mountains, immersing guests in traditional Northern Thai culture. This countryside lodge provides hands-on experiences like cooking classes and biking tours, blending relaxation with authentic local living.

Spa & resort retreats

For those looking for wellness mixed with luxury, spa and resort retreats deliver an enchanting fusion of indulgence and serenity. Interest in spa retreats is thriving, driven by travelers craving uncompromising self-care. Spa enthusiasts are captivated by plush robes, fragrant essential oils, gourmet wellness cuisine and gorgeous surroundings that elevate relaxation into a lavish ritual. From sunrise meditation on a secluded balcony to twilight dips in mineral-rich hot springs, every moment is meticulously designed to cocoon guests in comfort and relaxation.

• The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Hawaii: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua offers a luxurious spa retreat blending ancient Hawaiian rituals with modern wellness, set amidst Kapalua’s natural splendor. Their wellness program restores balance using indigenous ingredients like coconut and papaya, promoting relaxation and connection to nature. AAA Members lock in great savings and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA rates.  
• Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona: Located in the Sonoran Desert, Miraval focuses on mindfulness and balance with programs like yoga and equine therapy. Its spa offers unique treatments such as the Prickly Pear Body Polish, using local desert ingredients and the Spirit Flight, blending massage with energy work.
• Club Med, Various Destinations: Wellness Fusion by Club Med seamlessly blends relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a total, 360-degree, holistic escape. Set in breathtaking destinations, this program combines fitness classes, nourishing cuisine and serene spa experiences tailored to individual needs. Guests can unwind with yoga at sunrise, savor wholesome gourmet meals and embrace nature’s tranquility, all while discovering a renewed sense of balance and vitality.

Whether you’re craving the introspection of a silent retreat, the freedom of a digital detox, the thrill of an active adventure, the flavors of a culinary escape or the luxury of a spa getaway, wellness retreats offer a tailored path to renewal. Stress and burnout don’t stand a chance against these sanctuaries of self-care. So, which is calling you to recharge your mind, body and soul?

Wellness retreats 101: Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right wellness retreat for me?

Start by identifying your goals—stress relief, fitness, mindfulness or relaxation—then look for retreats that match your interests, location and schedule. Consider the focus, amenities and atmosphere and check reviews or sample itineraries to find the best fit for you.

Can I go on a wellness retreat alone?
Yes. Wellness retreats are welcoming to solo travelers and offer a great chance to relax, reflect and connect with like-minded people in a supportive setting. Retreats often create a welcoming, inclusive environment where solo travelers can feel comfortable and supported.

Are there wellness retreats for couples or families?
Many retreats cater to couples and families. Couples can enjoy shared experiences like partner yoga and spa treatments, while family-friendly retreats offer activities for all ages, from outdoor adventures to mindfulness sessions—making it easy to relax and connect together.

Are wellness retreats really worth it?
Absolutely. Whether you're looking to relax, reset or jump-start a healthier lifestyle, wellness retreats offer the space and support to do just that. It’s an investment in yourself—and one that can leave a lasting impact on your mind, body and soul.

Can beginners attend wellness retreats or is prior experience needed?
Wellness retreats welcome all levels, including beginners. No prior experience is needed—activities like yoga, meditation and fitness are typically tailored to suit everyone, with guidance provided throughout. It’s all about going at your own pace and enjoying the journey.