When work, life, or just a random Tuesday has left you feeling overwhelmed, there's never a bad reason to take time for a little R&R. Some people go for a walk or meditate as a form of self-care, others take a digital detox. But there's nothing quite like a full escape that lets you do all of the above, in a gorgeous setting to boot. Here are some of the most relaxing hotels and resorts across the country where you can give your mind and body the TLC they deserve.
L'Auberge Del Mar, a Destination Hotel, Del Mar, CA: The L'Auberge Del Mar is a gem of a hotel in the heart of Del Mar, a relaxing Southern Californian coastal village that feels like a true escape. The service is as warm as a cozy summer evening, and the hotel — like the town of Del Mar itself — has the laid-back charm of a beach town that never got spoiled by tourism. Each of the 120 rooms has a private balcony or patio and is just steps away from the Pacific Ocean. While there, treat yourself to a spa service, sip a cocktail by the pool, or have the beach valet set up a chair on the sand for you (they'll also drive you directly down to the beach).
Looking for something active? You can take out a bike (manual or electric) to see the town for the day, skate in the outdoor roller rink, or arrange a surf lesson with hotel partner Fulcrum Surf (ask for Luiz, a three-time Brazilian surf champion, who will not just teach you how to surf, but also how to be a surfer). In the evenings, enjoy a meal at Kitchen 1540, where Executive Chef Nathan Lingle's locally-sourced dishes are inventive, delicious, and almost too pretty to eat. Although chill vibes are the norm, the hotel also knows when to bring it: It's the home of the official after-party for the Opening Day of the Del Mar Racetrack in July. (Photo via L'Auberge Del Mar)
Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA: Built on the site of the former Marineland (once the world's largest oceanarium), Terranea, part of the Destination Hotels Collection, is now a luxury resort sitting on 102 tranquil acres above coastal bluffs along the Pacific Ocean. The sprawling setting has all the best parts of Los Angeles — sun, beach, ocean, Californian cuisine, and a focus on wellness — without any of the traffic. Hiking trails dot the coastline, whales and dolphins swim in the distance, and a private cove provides the ideal place to launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Your hardest decision will be to choose whether to head to the golf course, lounge by the four saltwater swimming pools, or dine alfresco at one of the eight restaurants, which have casual fare and upscale farm-to-table dishes to satisfy any palate.
Other reasons to embrace this eco-friendly resort: An onsite falconer keeps the nearby seagull population under control; cottontail rabbits roam freely on the grounds; a private garden provides fresh ingredients, honey, and olive oil for the hotel; and the chef has his own sea salt harvesting program directly from the adjacent ocean waters. The highlight, however, may be the 50,000-square-foot spa, where you can sweat it out during an open-air cycling or Pilates class, indulge in a treatment for your mind and/or body, and then enjoy the calming Pacific from the private pool. (Photo via Terranea)
The Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg, OR: Head just 45 minutes outside of Portland and you'll reach Oregon's wine country, Willamette Valley, and the eco-friendly Allison Inn. Wander around the grounds and take in the rolling hillsides, or admire the local art that decorates both the interior and exterior. You'll feel good about staying in a hotel with numerous green initiatives — there are no plastic bottles, reclaimed wine bottles are recycled into guest room candle holders and glassware, and a 1.5-acre garden supplies fresh vegetables for the restaurant. The spa also focuses on using primarily local, organic ingredients; the signature Divine Wine Facial and Grape Seed Cure Body Treatment, for example, use grapes from the resort's on-property vineyard. Wineing and winning. (Photo via The Allison Inn & Spa)
Winter Park Resort, CO: Break out of your comfort zone in Winter Park, just 75 miles outside of Denver. Like most ski towns in the summer, there is plenty of adventure to be found. Hike the nearby trails, where you may cross paths with the local moose, or head up the mountain for a trail run at 11,000 feet elevation for the ultimate runner's high. For a speed fix, you can explore 40 miles of trails at Trestle Bike Park or zoom down the 3,000-foot Alpine Slide, the longest in Colorado. Looking to chill? Take a scenic chairlift up for a breathtaking view of the Rockies, try your hand at mineral panning at the resort, or head into the village for a relaxing massage. (Photo via Winter Park Resort)
The Surf Lodge, Montauk, NY: This boutique hotel in Montauk embraces the easygoing surf life with beachy decor, hammocks on private patios, fresh seafood caught off Montauk Harbor, summer concerts, and free beach cruisers to rent. Guests also have access to complimentary health and wellness classes curated by the hotel Wellness Director, Marisa Hochberg. A sampling of the summer program includes HIIT and body conditioning classes, yoga, and fireside chats with beauty (and now wellness) mogul Bobbi Brown. (Photo via Emily Winiker/The Surf Lodge)
Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples, FL: For the third time in the row, the Naples area found itself at the top of the Gallup Sharecare Community Well-Being Rankings in 2017, making it the "happiest and healthiest community in the nation." Residents rank low in depression and stress and rank high in having purpose, physical health, and supportive relationships. The Naples Grande helps carry on this sense of well-being with its three resort-style pools, golf course, tennis courts, and luxurious spa with seasonal treatments. Take a 15-minute walk or an open-air tram ride through the adjacent 200-acre Mangrove Estuary down to the private three-mile white sand beach, where a beach bar, cabanas and chaises, and a host of watersports await you. (Photos via Naples Grande Beach Resort)
Amangiri, Canyon Point, UT: If a desertscape is more your style, then look no further than Amangiri, a luxury resort designed to naturally blend into its 600-acre setting of breathtaking mesas, mountains, canyons, and dunes. Guests have easy access to early-morning hot air balloon rides, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, or kayaking on nearby Lake Powell. Locally-sourced Southwestern food is cooked on hot stones or wood-fired ovens in an open kitchen. The resort's spa uses Navajo healing traditions through the four elements of earth, wind, fire, and water. Not to be missed: taking a dip in the main pool, which is built around a giant sandstone rock, letting you truly feel at one with nature. (Photo via Amangiri)
Montage Deer Valley, Park City, UT: In the winter, Park City shines with snow and stars (particularly the Hollywood variety during the annual Sundance Film Festival). But year-round, you can find plenty of activities both in the mountain town and at the Montage. Bowl a few frames at the indoor alley or take archery on the lawn, or head out to experience the nearby hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or fly fishing. Don't forget to give yourself a full day to spend at the 35,000-square-foot spa, which has customized wellness experiences, redwood saunas, a full fitness center, and a lap pool and whirlpool with mountain views. (Photo via Montage Deer Valley)
Mii amo, Sedona, AZ: This destination spa is set in the Red Rocks of Sedona and has Native American culture weaved throughout. Its name, Mii amo, means "one's path or journey," which means your wellness vacation can be completely customized to your own preferences. Guests can book three-, four-, or seven-day all-inclusive journeys based on goals such as de-stressing your mind, bringing balance to your body, or discovering inner peace. Each journey is fully customizable and includes twice daily spa treatments as well as your choice of numerous daily activities, such as yoga, hiking, mountain biking, juicing classes, wellness workshops, art classes, and cooking demos. The cafe serves organic, seasonal food to help refuel your body as you disconnect from the outside world. (Photo via Mii amo)
Solage, Calistoga, CA: This resort nestled in Napa Valley is the epitome of California chic. The dog-friendly hotel has two bocce ball courts, a 130-foot pool, a yoga and wellness studio, a restaurant serving seasonal ingredients and sustainably-sourced seafood, and cruiser bikes for exploring the nearby trails. Calistoga is known for hot springs and mud baths, and there's no better place to experience both than at the spa's Mud Bar and Bathhouse. The signature Mudslide is a three-part experience where you'll be wrapped in mineral-rich mud, soak in geothermal pools, and then rest in a sound chair. If you're looking for a treatment that's a little less muddy, there are also plenty of massage, facial, and wellness options. (Photo via Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection)
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, Vista, CA: You'll feel more like you're in the French countryside than in Southern California at this 200-acre Provençal-style resort. The attentive staff (the staff to guest ratio is a pamper-worthy five-to-one) will work with you to customize an individual program to help you focus on your own health and wellness goals. Think a sunrise hike followed by a full day of cardio, yoga, spin, tai chi, Zumba, and/or and cooking demos. It's not all work and no play, though; the seven-day package includes 16 spa services. (Photo via Cal-a-Vie)
St. Regis Aspen Resort, Aspen, CO: Aspen has no shortage of incredible things to do, both on the mountains and off, and the St. Regis has a host of them. Get adjusted to the high altitude at the luxurious Remède Spa with an oxygen facial or hydrating body treatment, and then recharge fully in the oxygen lounge, steam caves, or Confluence waterfall pool. Once you're ready to explore the great outdoors, choose between a Jeep tour, hiking, horseback riding, stand-up paddle boarding, riding a gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain, or simply enjoying evening fireside s'mores at the hotel. (Photo via St. Regis Aspen Resort)
Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX: A lakeside retreat may not be what you first think of when you think of Texas, but this resort, and arriving to it via water taxi, will change your mind. Enjoy a bevy of lake activities and classes such as paddleboard yoga, hydro-biking, sculling, and kayaking, as well as on-land wellness activities like yoga, meditation, and hula hoop workouts. After you've worked up an appetite, enjoy healthy cuisine that incorporates fresh herbs and vegetables from the on-site garden, or participate in the monthly cooking classes that feature guest chefs. The LakeHouse Spa offers over 100 spa treatments and a heated Junior Olympic-length lap pool inside a pool barn. (Photo via Lake Austin Resort)
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