Health Update: Experts Tell How To Find the Best Wellness Retreat for You – What Experts Say

The type of restorative wellness treatments you seek may not fit the bill for others. With resorts, spas and specialty retreats putting an emphasis on diverse programs, it is increasingly becoming the case that there is something for everyone.

“When choosing a wellness retreat, travelers should look beyond a single spa treatment and consider how wellness is woven into the entire stay. The best hotels for wellness getaways offer flexibility—spaces and experiences that balance movement, rest, and indulgence,” Amaury Piedra, vice president of operations and managing director of Caribe Royale Orlando Resort in Florida, told Newsweek.

Options matter, the executive explained, saying, “At Caribe Royale, that can mean starting the day with a bike ride or pickleball match, unwinding with a restorative massage in the afternoon, and choosing nourishing dining options without sacrificing taste.”

Ashley Quarles, director of guest experience and wellness at Hotel Viata in Austin, Texas, agrees but cautions, “Travelers should look for intention first. The best wellness retreats aren’t defined by the number of amenities offered, but by how thoughtfully those experiences are curated to support restoration. A meaningful retreat creates space to slow down, reset, and feel cared for, rather than overwhelming guests with programming.”

Additionally, wellness retreat seekers should be wary of marketing and look deeper into the list of offerings before booking. “As wellness travel continues to surge, today’s travelers expect far more than a spa appointment or a fitness center when selecting their next restorative escape,” Thomas Inasu, hotel manager of the Marriott Marquis Houston, told Newsweek. 

The Marriott offers a Curator of Culture who works to combine multiple hotel offerings into a true luxe wellness experience. “Effective personalization means meeting guests where they are, then guiding them toward activities that support both immediate restoration and long‑term well‑being,” Insau said.

Quarles echoes that sentiment, saying, “The most effective wellness retreats rely on skilled and nurturing therapists who are attentive and adaptable, helping guests shape experiences based on how they’re feeling rather than following a rigid itinerary. Wellness should feel intuitive and supportive, not prescriptive.”

She also recommends looking at treatment lists and amenitiy offerings to gauge the quality of the retreat, saying, “Thermal experiences are a strong indicator of quality because they are both science-backed and timeless. Steam rooms, saunas, and contrast therapy support circulation, recovery, and nervous system regulation, especially when they’re well-maintained and integrated into the overall guest experience.”

Beyond that, wellness retreat shoppers should look at the environment of their prospective getaway space.  Environment matters, too: open air, warm weather, and room to spread out significantly impact how relaxed and restored guests feel. Ultimately, a great wellness retreat meets travelers where they are, allowing them to choose from both active and restorative experiences at their own pace,” Piedra explained.

“A location that offers natural grounding opportunities, open air, quiet landscapes, and outdoor space can significantly enhance the impact of a wellness stay. At our hotel just outside of Austin in the Texas Hill Country, nature becomes part of the experience, reinforcing balance, presence, and perspective,” Quarles shared.