Are you planning a restful or relaxing vacation or looking for a nearby place to getaway for the weekend? Where should you begin in your search for the perfect destination? Why not try out a facility that specializes in promoting mental & physical wellbeing?
Perhaps consider a spa, a wellness center, a meditation retreat, or even one of the float centers that are popping up all over the country. If you aren’t completely familiar with these types of sites, then keep reading and I’ll give you the basic rundown. I will give you information about what to expect, what the advantages are, and what makes them each special in their own way.
1. Spas
Most spa locations offer traditional therapies involving spring water that is rich in minerals. In some locations, even seawater may be used. Hot springs are another type of specialty spa that is popular in certain locations in the US.
Some of the treatments that you can enjoy at a spa include Swedish massage therapy, hot stone massage, facials, seaweed body wraps, mud or clay masks or wraps, manicures & pedicures, salt glows, hot tubs & hydromassage, sauna or steam baths, and so much more!
Hydrotherapy and aromatherapy are often used together in a spa setting to create the ultimate combination for relaxation. Pampering yourself is generally the name of the game at a spa…so that you can come away rested and revived.
The great thing about a spa is the sheer amount of selection! Most locations offer multiple services to choose from, allowing you to customize what therapies you want in your package. You can opt for as little as an hour or may wish to stay and relax for a whole weekend and beyond!
Luxury spas are often connected with resorts for maximum benefit and can be a fantastic destination for a vacation. One such place that is a great favorite and provides a complete spa service (and more!) is:
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa (located in Temecula, California)
Here at their Grapeseed Spa, you can enjoy skin care & body rituals with so many variations to choose from that you will feel incredibly indulged! Plus they have accommodations for exercise, such as a fitness center, yoga classes, a tranquility path, and a gorgeous saltwater pool. You don’t have to look far to see how this spot would make the perfect vacation.
2. Wellness Centers
Holistic wellness centers are becoming wildly popular as more and more people seek out ways to heal their mind and body from the stresses and rigors of everyday life. These facilities are generally staffed with friendly and knowledgeable healthcare professionals who specialize in mental health, holistic medical care, and nutrition.
The awesome thing about a wellness center is their emphasis on treating the whole person, mind, body, and soul. You will generally be assigned to a life coach, who will help with suggestions for overcoming individual obstacles & challenges that you may be facing. They may also guide you in your personal goal-making and coach you to find the answers within yourself for creating any changes you may need to make.
Many locations offer unique naturopathic and alternative medicine programs for various ailments. With the help of the program at a wellness center, you will have the opportunity to center yourself, become grounded, improve your overall health, find personal growth, and feel ready to embrace a new outlook on life.
If you are beginning your quest for a wellness center, one such location that may be a perfect fit for you is:
Lifeworks Wellness Center (located in Clearwater, Florida)
If you are struggling with health problems or need to jumpstart a special dietary requirement, this center offers a myriad of therapies, programs, and treatments that may be of value to you. They are available for treating your health with natural remedies and feel a commitment to find root causes to your problems so that you can find true healing. Whatever ails you, they will do their best to guide you back to wholeness!
3. Meditation Retreats
A perfect destination for those who need a mental break, a meditation retreat specializes in rest, relaxation, refreshment, and revitalization. Generally located in localities that give you the space you need to come away from the busy world, here you will find peace, quiet, fresh air, and guidance in your quest to let go.
Common to most retreats of this nature, you will likely encounter not only meditative practices, but will indulge in yoga classes, spiritually uplifting exercises, nature walks, self-discovery, art, and so much more.
If this sounds exactly like the type of place that you need to unwind and ground yourself, perhaps you might want to consider finding your way to the Blue Ridge Mountains at:
The Art of Living Retreat Center (located in Boone, North Carolina)
This tranquil sanctuary is designed to give you the space you need to start your wellness journey. They offer structured classes and programs, as well as free time to explore and just breathe. Their gorgeous facility is located in the mountains, where nature is all around you. Plus their team of professionals will be with you every step of the way as you go through your transformation.
4. Float Centers
Catching on all over the states is the idea of float centers. These super unique sites are designed to give you an experience like no other. Float pods are essentially private chambers of shallow water in which a huge amount of Epsom salt is dissolved and in which you can practically feel weightless.
Float centers create their spaces to be the ultimate distraction-free area, without glaring lights and noise and other stimuli, so that you can become in tune with your inner self. Here you can rejuvenate your body, expand your awareness, improve your health & well-being, and experience heightened visualization. The zero-gravity environment of a float pod is the closest you will likely ever feel to floating on a cloud.
Discover for yourself the intense relaxation of a float pod and awaken within yourself a quietness of soul that you have never experienced before. There are many locations available, but if you just so happen to be nearby, you may want to try this one:
The Chicago Stress Relief Center (located in Chicago, Illinois)
An oasis in a big city, this facility will give you the chance to unwind, destress, and relax in their Ocean Float Room. With a team of professionals and an emphasis on wellness & stress management, you will find that you have an amazing support system to guide you through this process. Find yourself and get relief from past trauma, depression, phobias, and more. Go weightless.
In Conclusion
Please keep in mind that many, if not most, of the types of places that we’ve covered may overlap in their services. Wellness centers can be full-service spas, too. A float center may treat certain ailments or a local spa may also provide meditation or yoga classes. Generally the larger the facility, the more services they will offer. Smaller-scale businesses may only be able to accommodate a few distinct therapies.
Whichever place you choose to go, may you find exactly what you need to rejuvenate your body and soul!

Melanie is mom to five energetic kids, including a sweet little toddler. She enjoys homeschooling her children from a peaceful parenting perspective and traveling with her family whenever she can.