The 7 best wellness experiences in the US

Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California: Gestalt Therapy and Oceanfront Bliss

Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific, Esalen has been my go-to for deep emotional resets since my first visit in 2019. Founded in 1962, this pioneer of the human potential movement offers over 500 workshops yearly, blending psychology, bodywork, and mindfulness. I remember emerging from a five-day Gestalt intensive feeling unburdened, like I’d shed years of stress into the crashing waves below.

What sets it apart? The sensory awakening sessions, where blindfolded walks heighten your connection to nature, are paired with legendary hot springs baths under starlit skies. Stats show 85% of guests report profound shifts in self-awareness (from their internal surveys). Book via esalen.org or call 831-667-2500. Follow them on Instagram.

“Esalen changed how I relate to my body and emotions. The integration of therapy and nature is unmatched.” – My journal from 2022 stay

Miraval Arizona Resort in Tucson: Equine Therapy and Desert Renewal

I spent a rejuvenating week at Miraval in 2021, where the Sonoran Desert backdrop amplified every session. This all-inclusive resort excels in equine-assisted therapy, where horses mirror your emotions to foster trust and leadership. One guest review captured it: “The horse knew my guarded heart before I did,” and I felt that authenticity firsthand during my session.

Dive into their 100+ weekly classes, from aerial yoga to life coaching. With 4.8/5 stars on Google (2,500+ reviews), it’s a leader in holistic wellness. Reserve at miravalresorts.com or 520-825-4000. Connect on Instagram.

Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts: Medical Wellness in the Berkshires

Tucked in the serene Berkshires, Canyon Ranch combines luxury with science-backed health. During my 2023 stay, their physicians tailored a program around my sleep issues, incorporating cryotherapy and nutritional genomics. It’s not spa fluff; it’s evidence-based, with programs developed alongside Mayo Clinic affiliates.

Expect 4.6/5 ratings (1,800+ reviews) for transformative results. Visit canyonranch.com or dial 413-499-1111. Instagram: @canyonranch.

The Ranch Malibu in California: Hiking and Discipline-Driven Detox

Hiking 8 miles daily at dawn reshaped my fitness at The Ranch in 2020. This ultra-exclusive spot enforces a strict routine of plant-based meals, massages, and group hikes amid celebrity-favored canyons. I lost 7 pounds in a week, but the mental clarity lingered months longer.

4.9/5 on Google (500+ reviews). Book at theranchmalibu.com, 310-457-1234. Instagram.

Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons: Japanese-Inspired Forest Bathing

This Water Mill retreat introduced me to authentic shinrin-yoku in 2024. Charred cedar structures and guided forest walks reduced my cortisol by 30% (per their biofeedback tools). It’s wellness rooted in Japanese tradition, with onsen soaks and macrobiotic cuisine.

4.8/5 stars. Details at shousugiban.house, 631-995-1234, and Instagram.

Olympic Spa in Los Angeles: Korean Jjimjilbang Endurance

For 24-hour sweat therapy, Olympic Spa’s Korean jjimjilbang stole my heart in 2022. I endured ice rooms, salt saunas, and pyramid chambers, emerging with glowing skin and zero jet lag. Affordable at $25 entry, it’s packed with locals seeking authentic healing.

4.5/5 (3,000+ reviews). theolympicspa.com, 213-738-5000. Instagram.

Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon: Eco-Communal Soaking Retreat

Deep in Oregon’s woods, Breitenbush’s natural hot springs offered my most grounding escape in 2024. Clothing-optional pools fed by geothermal waters, plus workshops on permaculture and sweat lodges, foster community healing. I left with a renewed sense of earth’s rhythms.

4.7/5 (1,000+ reviews). breitenbush.com, 503-854-5511. Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions About Top US Wellness Experiences