Wellness and spa vacations: At home and across the globe

If you’ve ever gotten back from a trip only to feel like you need a vacation from your vacation, you might want to consider a wellness retreat for your next getaway. 

Explore what you might expect from world-class wellness and spa vacations in the U.S. and abroad. And get tips for booking your next trip and earning rewards while you do it. 

What you’ll learn: 

• Wellness travel is a type of tourism that focuses on the pursuit of health and well-being through activities like spa treatments, fitness classes, meditation and more. 
• You don’t have to leave the U.S. to find a rejuvenating wellness vacation. 
• If you’re interested in international travel, consider looking into European thermal baths, Japanese onsen, tropical resorts, Alpine spas or Ayurvedic retreats. 
• Capital One Travel can help you save an average of 15% on flights by letting you know when it’s the right time to book.

A wellness retreat is a program or destination that’s meant to help visitors improve their emotional, mental, physical or spiritual well-being. You might follow a structured plan that could include fitness activities, meditation and healthy meals.

No, wellness resorts differ from wellness retreats. They may offer similar activities, but without the seclusion of a retreat. Your activities may be less structured at a wellness resort because they operate like a traditional resort.

Some wellness resorts may focus on classic spa treatments like massages, steam rooms, hydrotherapy, body scrubs and facials. Others may center around fitness or meditation. Or you might find a spa retreat that combines the best of both worlds. You may even be able to customize your wellness itinerary.

Wellness tourism can be a great way to recharge, whether you’re seeking personal growth or a break from your smartphone. Here are a few potential benefits of wellness travel: 

1. Stress relief: Wellness travel gives you the chance to take a break from everyday life and truly relax. Some wellness retreats even offer stress management and mindfulness courses. 
2. Kick-start healthy habits: Wellness travel can be an opportunity to focus on finding healthy habits. Some wellness retreats offer a variety of exercise classes so you can find the fitness style that works for you. There may even be on-site nutrition consultations and cooking classes. 
3. Improved sleep: If one of your travel goals is to reset your sleep patterns, certain wellness retreats might fit your needs. Some wellness retreats focus on creating a relaxing, serene environment to help travelers get deep, restorative sleep and improve the quality of their rest. 
4. Community building: Social connections can play a significant role in overall health. Many wellness retreats offer experiences like group classes and communal meals to encourage travelers to build bonds and form new friendships. 
5. Cultural enrichment: Every part of the world has its own culture. No matter where your trip takes you, it can be your opportunity to learn something new and immerse yourself in a different culture. 
6. Digital detox: Wellness travel can allow you to completely disconnect from your phone and computer. You might find that taking a break from technology helps you stay present and find more balance. 

Wellness travel isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. You can tailor it to suit your specific goals, travel style and budget.

You don’t have to leave the United States to get that faraway vacation feeling. Here are a few parts of the country to look into for your next wellness escape:

The Southwestern United States’ desert landscapes and breathtaking sunsets create the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating spa vacation. The Southwest has wellness retreats for all kinds of travel styles, whether you’re looking for a yoga and meditation retreat or a full-service spa resort.

Mountain resorts combine the active thrill of a ski vacation with the luxurious relaxation of a spa getaway. Breathe in the crisp mountain air while soaking in a natural hot spring. Or spend the day hiking the trails before enjoying a hot stone massage and a locally sourced meal in front of a cozy fire. You can find mountain resorts across the U.S., from the Berkshires on the East Coast to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

If you’re a beach lover to your core, consider heading to the coast for your next wellness vacation. Start your day with a sunrise beach yoga class or a guided meditation with the soothing sound of the ocean in the background. If you’ve always dreamed of riding ocean waves, you can even seek a wellness retreat that focuses on learning how to surf.

Escape city life for a tranquil countryside wellness retreat. Slow down and spend your days reconnecting with nature and savoring farm-to-table meals. Some countryside retreats may offer things like gardening classes, horseback riding and bird-watching, along with some classic spa pampering. 

No matter what part of the country you choose for your wellness retreat, full-service or all-inclusive resorts could help you find everything you’re looking for. Typically, a full-service resort offers a wide range of services and experiences, some of which are included in the price of your stay. That might include things like: 

• Meals
• Fitness classes
• Spa treatments 
• Wellness consultations

Wellness travel can take you to every corner of the globe. Here are a few types of international wellness retreats to consider for your next getaway:

Onsen are natural, mineral-rich Japanese hot springs. Soaking in an onsen is a healing practice that dates back centuries. Onsen are often attached to hotels or traditional Japanese inns called ryokan. These spa facilities may offer other treatments, like massages and aromatherapy.

From Costa Rica to Bali, you can find wellness retreats in tropical locations around the world. Every destination has its own culture, and each retreat has special services to offer. But here are some of the types of things you may be able to expect: 

• Meditation and mindfulness courses 
• Outdoor massage 
• Sound-healing ceremonies 
• Water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, surfing and scuba diving
• Spa treatments like seaweed wraps and body scrubs

People have been visiting thermal baths and hot springs in Europe for centuries. Some believe these naturally heated, mineral-rich waters have healing properties. If you’re looking for a rustic feel, look for a thermal bath in a more secluded countryside location. If you want to be close to big-city amenities, you can find plenty of thermal baths in or near major European hubs.

The Alps are known for picturesque snowcapped mountains, crisp Alpine lakes and stunning vistas. This mountain range is also home to luxurious Alpine spas, resorts and wellness retreats. Fit in a weekend visit to an Alpine spa on your European tour or make it your sole vacation destination. Either way, you can enjoy a relaxing reset for mind, body and soul.

Ayurveda is an Indian health philosophy and medical system that’s thousands of years old. You might find wellness retreats across India and Asia, but many consider Kerala—a state on India’s southwest coast—to be a hub of Ayurveda. You can stay at a retreat that focuses on Ayurvedic healing and offers individualized programs to help visitors regain their balance and improve their health.

Capital One Travel can help you book your next wellness vacation with confidence. Capital One Travel tracks flight prices, predicts when it’s the right time to book and can help you save an average of 15%. And if you’re a Capital One rewards credit cardholder, you can earn elevated rewards when you book with Capital One Travel. 

Eligible Capital One Venture, Venture Business, Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can also receive up to a $120 statement credit on their application fee for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. Simply use your eligible travel card to pay when you apply for either program.

There are so many amazing wellness and spa vacations to choose from, both in the U.S. and abroad. Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. And none of Capital One’s U.S.-issued credit cards charges foreign transaction fees. View important rates and disclosures. 

• Explore travel rewards cards to earn unlimited miles you can actually use. 
• Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with the VentureOne card.