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Reset and Refresh at These Nature-Focused Wellness Hotels

For those of us who spent more time retoxing than detoxing in 2022, let the reset begin. Banish those goblin mode habits for a fresh start at these stellar sanctums of salubrity. They make wellness easy. 

Troutbeck (Upstate New York)

Imbued with the spirit of bygone poets and philosophers who stayed on the estate for repose, this recently reborn getaway  in the woods once hosted Thoreau, Twain and Emerson. On 250 leafy acres, ideal for forest bathing, the outpost includes a manor house and various cottages and residences, all kitted out with luxurious accoutrements—think Frette sheets and tantalizing artwork. Wellness wise, however, the retreat’s ne plus ultra happens in the new Wellness Barns, bucolically nuzzled into the landscape, built from wood reclaimed from the old Tappan Zee Bridge. Within, expect yoga, meditation, somatic experiences, facial  gua sha, acupuncture, massage and more.


Rancho Pescadero (Todos Santos)

Opened at last (we’ve been waiting with bated breath), adults only Rancho Pescadero sits on a secluded beach in the shadow of mystically empowered desert terrain and the Sierra Laguna Mountains. Meant to mirror the typography, as well as the culture that surrounds it, the innovative wellness mecca looks to plants to fuel its ethos, featuring an apothecary with adjacent garden for make-your-own tinctures, scrubs and cures. Guests can also forage for their dinner or assist the herbalist bartender when not enjoying a native cacao ceremony, a spa treatment in a freestanding “nest” or Breathwork sessions. 


Naviva®, A Four Seasons Resort (Punta Mita)

Immerse in nature to find yourself at this much anticipated, luxury tented camp on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, about an hour from Puerto Vallarta. Intimate, profoundly centered on initiating and supporting transformation, this adults-only hideaway spreads across 48 forested acres along a cliff. Offering bespoke itineraries for each guest, intimate Naviva, with just 15 tents, presents mind, body and spirit illuminating wellness experiences: a traditional tamazcal, spa pods and guided hikes.Go for the Refuge Retreat, a full immersive ritual replete with a mud massage and gemstone facial.  Customized menus include organic wine, local produce and fresh caught fish, though guests have access as well to the amenities of sister property, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.


Burgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa (Lake Lucerne)

Even the arrival—by boat across a glimmering lake, then up an old-fashioned funicular—erases tension. But once atop the pine forest-studded cliff where Burgenstock Resort lies (an enclave of three unique hotels, various restaurants and oodles of nature—including bell wearing Swiss cows), you’ll forget you ever felt one iota of stress. Choose Burgenstock Hotel, the most swanky of the three lodges, for its three-story Alpine Spa, jaw dropping-precipice-clinging infinity pool, countless saunas, dedicated well being programs, and myriad spa nooks, including saline floating baths to infrared cabins.


Royal Malewane (South Africa)

Many believe the safari experience to be one of life’s most transformative adventures. Rejigger your spirit at Royal Malewane. Located in Thornybush Private Game Reserve on the verges of Kruger National Park, this exclusive and luxurious safari lodge promises some of the best wildlife spotting imaginable. When not bumping through the bush with some of Africa’s most qualified guides or relaxing in sumptuous suites (complete with soaking tubs), take your African recooperation deeper at Royal Waters Spa. Indulge in a Royal Thaba Massage, a deep tissue ritual that unravels the kinks with an African “Knobkierrie” stick.


ION Luxury Adventure Hotel (Selfloss, Iceland)

ION Luxury Adventure Hotel (Selfloss, Iceland)

Iceland’s rugged, fiery terrain might be a metaphor for 2022’s version of self care. But that very same nature can calm the beast. As a dose of nature’s ultimate cure—breathtaking scenery, rigorous exercise opportunities, and geothermal soaks to replenish and restore—Iceland invariably initiates new pathways within. Whether redefining yourself while looking into a volcano,  hiking on a glacier or standing beneath the Northern Lights, base at stylish ION Adventure Hotel, a member of Design Hotels.  Ideally situated on the slopes of volcanic Mount Hengill near Thingvellir National Park, the chic adventure lodge offers outdoorsy excursions, has a geothermal pool and boasts the dreamy Lava Spa. 


Oberoi Vanyavilas (Ranthambhore National Park, India)

While the twice daily jungle drive to look for tigers remains the reason travelers trek all the way to Ranthambhore National Park, the Eden-like ambiance of graceful Oberoi Vanyavilas sets a healing mood among nature. Guests go out into the wild, then return to the pristine resort with its ornate common areas and l3 luxury glamping tents to do yoga in the garden, eat immunity boosting dishes and enjoy exquisite Ayurvedic spa treatments in The Spa. Imagine Mughal arches, flower-filled bodies of water, birdsong and the echoed whisper of “Namaste” reverberating through the expanse.

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