Five Relaxing Retreats Developed with Wellness In Mind

Wellness-themed accommodations are growing, giving health-conscious guests the amenities and offerings they crave to live a healthier lifestyle. Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (Paradise Valley, AZ) was among the first to recognize the desire for wellness-themed accommodations. It launched the Spa House, a private house dedicated to health and wellness in 2016. With four bedrooms, a full kitchen, a movement studio, a treatment room, an outdoor patio and pool, and four neighboring casitas, it is designed to offer groups a tranquil retreat to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect.

The workout studio in the Spa House

It accomplishes that by offering healthy refreshments, such as organic dark chocolate, raw nuts, and coconut water; Molton Brown amenities; and turndown service that can include anything from custom journals, fresh-cut flowers, personal cards offering a mantra or suggested yoga pose, and an adult coloring book. A spa concierge is also available to schedule treatments either in-house or at Sanctuary Spa. And fitness enthusiasts will welcome the dedicated menu of Spa House classes, including Awake sunrise stretch, Breathe meditation, and more. 

The Spa House (top) and The Retreat (here) at Miraval are both dedicated to promoting wellness.​​​

In February, Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa (Tucson, AZ) debuted The Retreat, which features 22 private suites with exclusive wellness amenities. Overlooking the Santa Catalina Mountains, the suites provide incredible views and outdoor patios. Award-winning interior design firm SFA Design drew inspiration from the Sonoran Desert to create the suites, which incorporate an earthy color palette, textured fabrics, wood floors, and custom furniture.

Spa-goers can choose among four types of accommodations: Solace, a studio; Reflection, a one-bedroom suite; Unity, a two-bedroom suite; and Gratitude, a three-bedroom suite. Each suite comes with Miraval signature bedding, a free-standing soaking tub, an indoor-outdoor shower, and a patio with a hot tub and a fire pit.

The outdoor patio at The Retreat gives spa-goers 24/7 wellness amenities.

Adding to the spa-like ambience is the custom aromatherapy diffuser found in each suite with scents designed to complement each guests’ Miraval journey. The scents are based on whether they want to achieve relaxation, rejuvenation, or focus. And because sleep is such an important component of wellness, the suites feature a number of sleep-enhancing amenities, such as a pillow menu and specialty snacks and beverages. There is also a communal canvas and journal in which guests can reflect upon their experiences at Miraval. 

The Wellness Suites at Grand Velas Los Cabos.

South of the border, Grand Velas Los Cabos (Mexico) recently introduced six new duplex Wellness Suites with a dedicated fitness loft, private training, personal wellness concierge, health-inspired minibar, in-suite juicing, and more. The 1,829- square-foot suites come with a king-sized bed, a lounge area, two bathrooms, a spacious terrace with a plunge pool, and a second-floor wellness deck.

Fitness enthusiasts have access to a recumbent exercise bike and equipment for daily training in the fitness loft. Other highlights include a master bath with a vitamin C shower, a Jacuzzi, and artisanal soaps. For a good night’s sleep, the suites feature a nightly turn-down service, Nikken Kenko pillow and sleep pad, Phillips Wake-Up light, and Alchimia Apothecary aromatherapy kit. Guests can also take advantage of a 50-minute massage at Se Spa every other night and enjoy unlimited access to the spa’s hydrotherapy facilities, as part of the suite rate.

In-room yoga at Chatham Bars Inn

At Chatham Bars Inn (MA), the resort’s exclusive Spa Suites invite guests to indulge their five senses with aromatherapy, music, organic snacks, and more. In January, the resort debuted two new bespoke experiences, Sleep to Dream and Inspire, which are available only in the suites. “By engaging our guests’ senses of smell, sight, taste, touch, and sound, our new Spa Suite experiences allow for restoration, rejuvenation, or relaxation, all depending upon the guest’s personal preferences,” says general manager John Speers.

After booking, a spa concierge contacts guests to determine their preferred aromatherapy, music, and signature body products. The concierge will also recommend additional experiences to enhance their stay, based on their wellness goals. The suites come with a specially crafted mini bar with customized skincare products from Osea and refreshments, such as fresh-pressed juices made with ingredients grown at the resort’s eight-acre farm.

Yoga mats and a curated library of wellness books are also available to inspire healthier pursuits. Guests can also enjoy a steam shower infused with eucalyptus oil or opt for an in-room spa treatment. “So far, we’ve received great feedback from our guests,” says Kathleen Shea, vice president of sales and marketing. “Today, luxury is entirely personal and contextual—what constitutes a transformative travel experience can only be defined by each individual traveler based on their own personal values, passions, and aspirations at a moment in time. People want to put their wellbeing first but on their time and in their own way, and the new Spa Suites allow our guests to continue their own personal wellness journey.”

Spa-goers can enjoy beach-side massages at Las Ventanas.

Guests at Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort (Mexico) can take advantage of the Signature Villas, two of which come with a wellness room. The 4,500-square-foot one-bedroom oceanview signature villa and the 5,700-square-foot one-bedroom beachfront villa feature a lush sunlit courtyard ideal for Tai Chi and yoga sessions, a reflecting pool that is perfect for meditation, and a spacious master bathroom with a soothing steam and rain shower and an infinity-edge bathtub. The wellness room includes the latest fitness equipment for versatile workouts. Guests can choose to enlist the services of a wellness coach or work out solo. 
 

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