The US has many iconic drives, from cross-country adventures through the heart of the country to coastal drives with stunning sea views, but have you ever thought about combining a few days behind the wheel with an invigorating wellness experience?
LessIf your idea of wellness focuses less on yoga and more on the calming presence of animals, a weekend at a ranch could be just what you need. Spend a three-day getaway on horseback, exploring the mountains that were once home to Apache chiefs Geronimo and Cochise. Experienced staff and friendly horses mean that even novice riders will be trotting through the mountains with ease.
Get an authentic Tucson experience at this working ranch at the base of the Santa Catalina mountain range. Award-winning culinary experiences are available if you’d like to try your hand at whipping up some new dishes on holiday, or you can simply relax in the same place that once welcomed Hollywood greats Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.
This wellness retreat harnesses yoga, massage and ayurvedic nutrition for a holistic approach to your wellbeing. Staying in a private room in a resort in Alachua, you’ll be treated to a daily two-hour ayurvedic massage, vegetarian meals that adhere to ayurvedic food guidelines – which involve eating certain foods based on your personal dosha and body type – alongside practicing yoga, meditation and pranayama. This is a three-day trip that will have you glowing from the inside out.
Downtown Saint Petersburg is one of those up-and-coming Florida destinations that feel like they are part of a new movement for the state. Art galleries and museums are within easy walking distance of this property if you want to enjoy a cultural stay here, but you can also drive to all the old favourites too. For anyone keen on staying at the hotel and not venturing too far, there are plenty of spa therapies available for free, which is something of a welcome surprise for many guests.
Described as one of the most romantic spas in the world, this beautiful resort is in the heart of the region known as The Great American West. The wider city, also known as Coeur d’Alene, is a popular destination for out sports enthusiasts as the surrounding lakes are excellent for every type of water activity imaginable. The 18-storey resort also has the distinction of playing host to the world’s only moveable floating golf green.
Billed as Idaho’s cosmopolitan capital, Boise has a bustling downtown area with breathtaking views of lush greenery close by. Fitness and leisure facilities at The Grove make the most of the surroundings with guests having access to hotel bikes to fully explore the best of the city. The fifth floor pool and hot tub also let you unwind with an incredible view of Boise that is hard to find anywhere else.
This four-day trip balances mental nourishment with physical wellbeing through a series of mindfulness sessions that aim to make sure your health starts with your brain. Set in an idyllic lodge on the edge of the Kennebec River, the accommodation aims to evoke nostalgia about summer camps, but with a distinctly adult air. Lots of time is dedicated to being outdoors so you can benefit from the healing powers of nature, plus have ample opportunity to lie by the pool for a few hours.
This small property fits in perfectly into the picturesque backdrop of Kennebunkport in Maine whilst offering all the facilities you would expect of an upmarket place to stay. You are within sight of the beach and will have a room that feels homely when compared to some of the big chains in the area. If you’re after a place to fully fall off the grid, then this is the perfect option.
Each day kicks off with breakfast followed by a late morning yoga session, before the chance to explore the surrounding hiking trails that lead through acres of lush forest. After dinner in the evening, there’s a wellness-focused session to help you wind down – such as sound bath chakra meditation, which involves using a singing bowl to create a mellow humming sound that instils a sense of inner peace.
This distinctive Adirondack style lodge features upscale accommodation with spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains. The hotel has been open since the 1940’s and was recently renovated as part of a wider rejuvenation of Tannersville. The result is a calming hangout that feels like it was purpose-built as an escape from the trappings of city life.