How (and Why) to Book Wellness Travel on Top Travel Sites
The wellness travel industry has taken off, with experiences everywhere from small group retreats in hidden corners of the world to luxury spa escapes and wellness camps in remote settings. But if you’re new to wellness travel, there’s no need to get complicated. You don’t have to rely on boutique travel brands to enjoy a wellness-focused getaway—popular sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO also offer wellness stays. You just need to know how to find them!
Because we’re all about easy, stress-free travel, we’ll walk you through how to find the best wellness spots on big booking sites. While they don’t always make wellness travel obvious, the options are there if you know where to look. Let’s get you ready to explore, recharge, and unwind!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and end up booking. That said, we would never recommend something we don’t stand behind 100%.
Wellness Travel Trend Overview
What is Wellness Travel?
Wellness travel doesn’t have to mean signing up for a structured retreat or intense activities. It’s simply about choosing a place where you can relax, recharge, and feel good. Whether it’s a cozy cabin by the water, a resort with a spa, or a quiet spot with views you can just sit back and enjoy, wellness travel is all about feeling refreshed in your own way—no schedules or group programs required.
Who Goes on Wellness Trips?
Honestly, wellness travel is for anyone who wants a break. Solo travelers looking to unplug, couples hoping for a little quality time, friends up for a relaxing getaway, or families needing some downtime—it’s a great fit for everyone. You don’t need to be a fitness junkie or a meditation guru to enjoy wellness travel. If you want a peaceful place to recharge, wellness trips are perfect for finding that balance without any pressure to follow a plan.
Quick and Easy Links
- Flights & Hotels: Booking.com, Expedia or Hotels.com
- Tours: Get Your Guide
- Vacation Rentals: VRBO
- Language Learning: Babble
- See our Travel Insider Resources Page for tools to make travel day easier
Is Wellness Travel Here to Stay?
Wellness travel is more than a trend—it’s a way to restore balance in our busy lives. A restful escape feels essential with work routines ramping up and more people back in the office. Instead of just taking a quick getaway, wellness travel offers a chance to unwind and find some quiet. Ahhhh, yes. It doesn’t have to mean joining a pricey retreat or guided group; it could be as simple as a mountain cabin or beachside condo where you can truly disconnect. It will continue evolving, but wellness travel is here to stay.
Top Wellness Travel Destinations
Don’t feel constrained by the options available; there are countless destinations waiting to help you unwind and recharge! However, to make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top wellness travel destinations for U.S. residents. When exploring these options, aim for locations that are easily accessible without a lot of travel hassle. After all, if getting to your wellness retreat is too complicated, it defeats the whole purpose of relaxation!
10 Popular Wellness Travel Destinations
- Sedona, Arizona – Renowned for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual vortexes, Sedona offers a perfect blend of nature and wellness.
- Bali, Indonesia – A popular destination for yoga retreats and holistic healing, Bali is an exotic escape for wellness enthusiasts.
- Tulum, Mexico – With its beautiful beaches and eco-friendly resorts, Tulum is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Costa Rica – Known for its lush rainforests and wellness retreats, Costa Rica is a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
- Wellness Resorts in Palm Springs, California – This desert oasis is home to numerous luxury wellness resorts focusing on relaxation and self-care.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico – Blending culture and wellness, Santa Fe offers a unique atmosphere with its art scene and natural hot springs.
- Napa Valley, California – Famous for its vineyards, Napa Valley also features wellness retreats focusing on relaxation and spa treatments.
- Aspen, Colorado – Known for its outdoor activities, Aspen also offers wellness retreats set against a stunning mountain backdrop.
- Miami, Florida – Combining beach vibes with wellness offerings, Miami has plenty of spas and healthy dining options.
- Big Sur, California – With breathtaking ocean views and serene nature, Big Sur is a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude and reflection.
How to Find Wellness Travel on Major Booking Sites
Using Hotels.com for Wellness Travel
Hotels.com is a great spot to start if you’re looking for hotels with wellness amenities but don’t want to spend hours filtering. On the homepage, look for wellness or spa features, which can be found under the “Property Amenities” filter. Choose from “Spa,” “Hot tub,” or “Wellness center,” to narrow down options that cater to relaxation and recovery. A tip? Try adding locations known for natural beauty—places like Sedona, Tulum, or the Alps—for a built-in wellness vibe.
Using Expedia for Wellness Travel
Expedia doesn’t have a specific “wellness” filter, but it’s still possible to find relaxing stays. Try searching for spa or resort hotels under the “Property Type” filter, and select amenities like “Full-service spa” or “Hot tubs” to add a wellness element to your trip. The Explore portion of their site has some great guides and travel ideas, but it does not look regularly updated. Keep searches location-specific—think beach towns, mountains, or other nature-rich areas (like Banff, Canada) —to find more peaceful and rejuvenating stays.
Using VRBO for Wellness Travel
Finding a wellness-focused stay on VRBO can be easy if you know how to use the right search terms. Start by searching with accommodation types like “resort rentals” or “waterfront vacation rentals” to find properties with a wellness angle. VRBO listings may also highlight keywords in their titles or descriptions like “quiet,” “escape,” “secluded,” or “spa.” These terms often are used for properties that offer a more peaceful setting, ideal for wellness trips. By fine-tuning your search, you can find just the right VRBO getaway for a restorative experience.
We also like this VRBO landing page to start a search.
Why Book Wellness Trips on Popular Platforms?
Booking your wellness getaway through major sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, or VRBO has several perks that make the process easier and more flexible:
- Flexible Cancellation Policies: Life happens, and having a flexible cancellation policy makes planning a wellness trip a lot less stressful. Most major platforms offer free cancellation or the ability to change your dates, so you’re covered if plans shift.
- Trusted Reviews: Knowing what to expect is a big part of a relaxing trip. These platforms provide real reviews from past guests, giving insights into how genuinely “wellness-focused” a stay is before you book.
- Use Loyalty Points and Benefits: All of these sites have loyalty programs where you can earn or redeem points, making wellness travel more affordable. Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO all use One Key Rewards. Here is a helpful guide on One Key! You can earn and redeem benefits across these major sites, no matter which you book!
Summary: Booking Wellness Travel on Major Hotel and Vacation Sites
Wellness travel doesn’t need to mean a pricey retreat or a strict schedule; it can be as simple as finding a peaceful spot that helps you recharge. The best part? You can find relaxing, wellness-oriented stays on big-name sites—if you know where to look. Here’s a quick summary to help you make the most of wellness travel options on popular booking platforms:
- Hotels.com: Use the “Property Amenities” filter to find hotels with spas, hot tubs, or wellness centers for a relaxing stay.
- Expedia: Look for “Full-service spa” and “Hot tubs” under “Property Type” to add some wellness elements to your trip without needing a specific wellness search.
- VRBO: The “Wellness, Vacations, and Retreats” section highlights stays that are perfect for peaceful escapes, whether you’re traveling solo or with family.
With these quick tips, creating a wellness escape on your next trip is (hopefully) easy and stress-free! If you find any more tricks as you go, comment below or reach out to us on the Contact page.
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