A group does yoga together.

 


9 Curated Wellness Retreats for Your Next Relaxation Vacation
By Laura Nineham

 

Focusing on your health is one of the most impactful ways to ensure a longer, stronger, and better life—and travel is a great way to kickstart your wellness journey. In fact, one study found that a good vacation can reduce physical complaints, improve mood, and enhance sleep—and these benefits last for weeks after you return.1

However, planning a relaxing vacation can be a challenge. The hours spent sifting through hotel descriptions or researching flight and rental car options can be stress-inducing and exhausting. Instead of worrying, you can use the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia to find health and wellness vacations you’ll love. Save time and money with exclusive deals and guaranteed great rates for AARP members.*

Below, we’ve curated a selection of the best health and wellness trips for AARP members, ranging from indulgent and relaxing vacations to high-energy, active adventures.


 

Top Health and Wellness Trips for AARP Members:

Explore a range of adventures designed with accessibility in mind. These getaways ensure that all members, regardless of physical limitations, can enjoy exciting travel experiences.

Engaging with arts and culture has immense benefits for mental health and wellbeing, and there’s nowhere better to do this than in Puerto Vallarta. This Mexican seaside town has plenty for visitors of all ages, including its famous weekly art walk that will weave you through open galleries and studios. Stroll along the beach, horseback ride through lush rolling hills, or book a local tour. If you enjoy saunas, Puerto Vallarta offers cultural Temazcal ceremonies where guests enter a lodge heated by volcanic rocks. The wellness ceremony is said to relieve stress, aches, and injuries and can help with skin and respiratory illnesses.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

As one of the 10 healthiest towns in the US, Boulder, Colorado knows a thing or two about wellness. Nature exists at every corner of this city and is available to enjoy no matter your mobility. Take a ride on the wheelchair accessible Georgetown Loop Railroad into the Rocky Mountains or drive to the summit of Mount Blue Sky for incredible views. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails for those who want to combine adventure with activity. Boulder also has a vibrant and abundant food scene plus a farmers market overflowing with fresh local produce. Check out one of the many Farm to Table dining experiences and you might just return from this health and wellness trip inspired to make new, nutritious meals at home.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

Being near water is so good for you that it’s sometimes called blue therapy. Sea swimming boosts immunity, ocean views strengthen your focus, and sea air helps your brain function better. Cape Cod makes ocean living accessible to everyone, making it an ideal wellness destination for AARP members.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

 

Active Health and Wellness Trips for AARP Members:

Stay fit and active with our health and wellness trips. These adventures offer a perfect blend of physical activities and scenic exploration tailored to promote a healthy lifestyle.

With more courts per capita than any other major US city and a bounty of drop-in games, Seattle is the ultimate destination for pickleball fans. When you’re not working up a sweat on the court, you could take a trip to Bainbridge Island, the game's birthplace, take in the views from the top of the Space Needle, wander Pike Place Market and so much more. If that’s not enough, you could go hiking at nearby Mount Rainier, visit Olympic National Park, or explore one of Seattle’s iconic local parks. Balance out the exercise by indulging in a chocolate tour or bakery crawl and stay caffeinated with a cup of coffee at the Starbucks Reserve.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

Everyone can soak up the awe-inspiring might of the Canadian Rockies with a health and wellness vacation in Banff National Park in Canada. Banff’s most popular spots are wheelchair friendly—including the hot springs, where mineral-rich waters will soothe muscles, ease aches, and boost circulation. Plenty of short, paved walkways allow you to stretch your legs and let your lungs get some fresh air. Banff sits at 4,500 feet above sea level. If you are not used to this kind of altitude, you may find walking and breathing slightly harder. It’s recommended to talk with your doctor about any elevation concerns prior to your arrival.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

Its proximity to the Gulf Coast means Fort Myers offers everything to those searching for a health and wellness destination. Make the most of the water by kayaking with manatees, sailing, snorkeling, or even zooming around on a jet ski—or head back on dry land for a spot of golf, or hiking. After a day of adventure, you have the option to rejuvenate at your resort spa or catch the soothing tones of the Southwest Florida Symphony. No matter the season, you’ll be able to relax in sunny tranquility in Fort Myers, thanks to its subtropical climate. It’s a great place to escape colder climes and ensure your vitamin D levels stay high all year round.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

 

Relaxing Wellness Vacations for AARP Members:

Unwind and rejuvenate with our relaxing wellness vacations. Enjoy a peaceful retreat with activities and settings designed to help you de-stress and focus on your well-being.

Low-impact activities are a great way to relax your body and mind, and walking is one of the best options. Reno’s easy access to nature means you’ll have plenty of chances to wander in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Lake Tahoe is also nearby, where you can reap the blue water benefits as you mindfully paddle across its surface. Once your head is calm and you’re ready to relax your body, there’s no better place than the dependable Spencer Hot Springs. Open 24/7 and free to use, you’re guaranteed warm waters and breathtaking panoramic views—but you’ll have to drive three hours to reach it.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

There are plenty of adventures in Phoenix, Arizona for everyone making it a superb choice for your next health and wellness vacation! Try sunset hiking, yoga, kayaking, golf, tai chi, and so much more. A sociable 50+ community hosts various events, so you can meet some new friends while getting your daily dose of vitamin D. Take a visit to El Dorado Hot Springs for a refreshing dip in some natural pools and when it’s hot out, you can enjoy gentle walks in botanical gardens or air-conditioned sports courts.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

If you’re looking for a wellness vacation overseas, Budapest could be calling. The City of Spas has over a hundred hot springs and nine medicinal baths filled with mineral-rich waters that can ease the joints, help with chronic inflammation, lower blood pressure, and alleviate many other conditions. When you’re not soaking up the magic waters, you can enjoy strolls on the flat city sidewalks, get around with accessible public transportation, and stimulate your mind with numerous museums and cultural institutions. Budapest is also an affordable destination, so you won’t have any added financial stress once you land.

Package highlights:
  • Stay
  • Activities
  • Roundtrip flight
  • Airport transfer

These AARP member wellness vacations offer plenty of activities to improve your mental and physical health. Whether you want to nourish your body with a therapeutic massage beside the soothing sound of waves crashing onto the beach, challenge your friends to a pickleball tournament, or simply spend time in nature regardless of your mobility level, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Before you toss your swimsuit and sneakers into your suitcase, be sure to check in with your doctor to ensure you are well prepared for your trip. You may require medication or vaccinations prior to your trip. Travel insurance is also a great way to ensure you are covered while you’re away.

Don’t forget to bundle your flight, hotel, and car hire to get the best AARP travel deals and discounts. Book your flight package today and get a $50 gift card** of your choice! See detailsOpens in a new window.

About the author: Laura is a keen traveller who has explored 40 countries and is always planning her next digital nomad adventure. She’s tackled everything from luxury stays to travel guides and train travel and has been published by Insider, Time Out New York and BOAT International. Laura also runs a travel blog for remote workers who want to see the world.


Explore More Packages

Build Your Own Package

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Terms and conditions: 

*Discover AARP member exclusive deals on select stays, car rentals, packages and more powered by Expedia. Learn moreOpens in a new window

**To qualify, you must book a “Flight Package Trip” (meaning, a trip which includes a flight and at least one of a hotel stay or rental car booked together) through the package booking option of the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia (http://www.expedia-aarp.comOpens in a new window). One $50 Gift Card will be distributed per Flight Package Trip regardless of the number of passengers on such booking, and redemption information will be sent to the email address provided to the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia when booking your Flight Package Trip. Canceled Flight Package Trips will be excluded. Gift Card will be delivered pursuant to the Redemption Instructions by Tango Card, Inc. You will receive your gift card within a week of your travel start date. You understand and agree that Expedia may share your contact information with Tango Card, Inc. solely for the purposes of enabling redemption of the $50 Gift Card. Additionally, Expedia and/or AARP reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify you, if it finds you to be acting in violation of the Terms & Conditions of http://www.expedia-aarp.comOpens in a new window, this program, or in a fraudulent or deceptive manner. Expedia and/or AARP may cancel this promotion at any time for any reason.

Reward Link is managed by Tango Card, Inc. Reward Links expire on the date stated on the Gift Card and are valid within the USA only. Reward Links are issued to Reward Recipient without charge for loyalty, award, or promotional purposes, and are not sold to consumers. Your Reward Link balance may be redeemed for national gift cards and can be accessed at any time by clicking the Reward Link URL. Gift Card can only be redeemed by the Reward Recipient; Gift Card cannot be transferred, sold or exchanged. All redemptions are final. Reward Link balances from different programs cannot be combined. No fees apply to Reward Link. Please treat like cash. Please view our full terms of service at https://www.rewardsgenius.com/reward-link-terms-of-serviceOpens in a new window. Use of this Reward constitutes acceptance of the Reward Link terms of service. Separate terms and conditions apply after Reward Link redemption based on merchant selected for redemption.

Source material:

1 National Library of MedicineOpens in a new window
2 Budapestinfo.huOpens in a new window