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Days are spent in ceremonial rituals, beach yoga classes, workshops with the resident shaman, and sweating in the traditional temazcal saunas.
We believe in a two-pronged approach to healthy, radiant skin: from the inside out and the outside in. Here are a few places to work on that inside-out glow.
Sometimes the body craves nothing more than a beach, a book, and a frozen cocktail. If you’re seeking some serious restoration, however, consider embarking on a wellness retreat. With programs that range from detox to yoga to spiritual healing – and sometimes a little of each – a week of internal work can be more refreshing than even the best piña colada. Here are a few destination spas we love for working on that inside-out glow.
Chablé Resort, Yucatan, Mexico
Travelers tempted by Mayan mysticism should head to Chablé Resort in the Yucatan jungle. Not to be outshone by its surroundings, Chablé is set inside a beautifully salvaged 17th-century hacienda. The highlight is the spa, built around a cenote (a natural cave formation filled with mineral-rich waters). The Mayans believed cenotes to be sacred, and Chablé does, too. Traditional Mayan healing is weaved throughout the guest experience. Days are spent in ceremonial rituals, beach yoga classes, workshops with the resident shaman, and sweating in the traditional temazcal saunas.
COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
There’s no need to forsake the beach entirely. COMO Parrot Cay is a private island paradise in Turks and Caicos that offers personalized wellness retreats. “Private island” sounds flashy, but Parrot Cay is about barefoot relaxation and holistic wellness. The COMO Shambhala Spa specializes in Asian-inspired treatments like Ayurveda, reflexology, and Balinese massage, as well as pranayama breathing workshops, Pilates, and yoga led by visiting masters. In addition to body treatments, a long list of facials tackle a range of skincare concerns (including a little too much sun).
Mii amo, Sedona, AZ
For travelers seeking a spiritual reset, Mii amo is the holy grail. Set in the red rocks of Sedona – one of the world’s great healing centers – the energy is on your side. If that’s a little too woo-woo for you, just bask in the majesty of the scenery. Hiking these hills is a spiritual experience in itself. The spa offers sessions in reiki, meditation, energy clearing, past life regression, and astrology. For the physical body, there are scrubs, wraps, massages, Watsu, and Ayurvedic cleansing rituals.
Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico
Wellness retreats are more popular than ever, but Rancho La Puerta is no newbie: they’ve been in the game since the 1940s. Set in the foothills of the revered Mount Kuchumaa, days are spent soaking up nature and working on the physical and spiritual self. Guests are invited to hike mountain trails, take guided nature walks or trail runs, try salsa lessons, or join a long list of fitness classes. More relaxing pursuits are found at the spa, like hot river-stone massage, acupuncture, Watsu, facials, and body wraps.
Shou Sugi Ban House, The Hamptons, NY
Just 90 minutes from New York City, Shou Sugi Ban House is an oasis of peace in the humming Hamptons. The newly opened Japanese-inspired destination spa is based on the principles of wabi-sabi, or beauty in imperfection and transience. The grounds are made for exploring, peppered with Japanese gardens, reflective pools, fountains, and sculptures. Wellness journeys are highly personalized, blending disciplines to suit each individual’s needs. There’s reiki, crystal healing, and shamanic healing, as well as dry brushing, reflexology, and fresh collagen facials.
Booking your retreat? Be sure to pack your Starter Set. There’s no better time to kickstart your skincare regimen.
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