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Best wellness destinations in North America

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Scottsdale (Arizona)
Desert luxury meets Western charm
8.0
Spa menus often use desert ingredients like prickly pear, sage and jojoba. Camelback Mountain has steep trails to a 2,704-foot summit with city views. The area gets about 300 sunny days a year, so outdoor yoga is common. Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West offers tours of his desert studio.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore the art galleries and boutiques in Old Town Scottsdale
  • 🎈 Ride a hot air balloon over the Sonoran Desert at sunrise
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic trails up Camelback Mountain
Costa Rica
Lush rainforests, stunning beaches, pure adventure
8.3
In 1948 the country abolished its army and shifted spending towards health and education. The Nicoya Peninsula is one of five Blue Zones where many people live past 90. Pura vida, meaning pure life, is a common greeting. Yoga retreats, hot springs and rainforest hikes are easy to find.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Spot sloths and toucans in Manuel Antonio National Park
  • 🌋 Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
  • 🌿 Zip-line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest canopy
Arenal Volcano National Park
Lava Trails, Rainforest and Epic Views
8.4
In 1968 a sudden eruption buried the small village of Tabacón. The volcano stayed active until 2010 and is now quiet. The 1968 Trail crosses old lava flows and forest with views of the volcano. Hot springs warmed by the volcano are only a short drive away.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Enjoy spectacular volcano views from multiple lookout points
  • 🌿 Explore rainforest biodiversity on the El Ceibo circuit
  • 🌋 Hike the Las Coladas trail over old lava flows
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
The islands are about 2,400 miles from California and far from other land. Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses long flowing strokes from the forearms. Kauai's north shore has yoga retreats and the Kalalau Trail. Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island has easy rainforest walks and steam vents.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
La Fortuna
Volcano Views, Hot Springs, Adventure
7.5
Steam rises from warm mineral rivers heated by Arenal volcano and flowing through rainforest. Tabacón, Baldi and The Springs are well known resorts with hot pools and spa treatments. Howler monkeys and toucans call from the trees nearby. La Fortuna Waterfall drops about 230 feet into a cool swimming pool.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park
  • ♨️ Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
  • 🌊 Hike to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall
Nosara
Serene beachside village with lush rainforest
8.9
The dry season runs from December to April, with sunny days and steady surf. Playa Guiones is a long beach with gentle waves for beginner surfers. The town is in the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone. Many yoga studios hold classes at sunrise and sunset close to the beach.
Highlights:
  • 🧘‍♀️ Take a sunrise yoga class on the beach
  • 🌿 Explore rainforest trails in Ostional Nature Reserve
  • 🏄‍♂️ Ride waves at Nosara's legendary Playa Guiones
Tulum
Ruins, reefs and boho beaches
6.8
The Tulum ruins are a Maya walled city on a cliff above the Caribbean. Many local spas offer a temazcal, a traditional steam lodge. Cenotes like Gran Cenote are freshwater sinkholes with clear water for swimming. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site, has lagoons and mangroves just south of town.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Tulum Beach
  • 💧 Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Gran Cenote
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Mayan ruins perched overlooking Caribbean Sea
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
7.6
El Arco, the rock arch at Land's End, is where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. Medano Beach has calm water for morning swims and paddleboarding. Humpback whales pass offshore from December to April. Todos Santos, about an hour north, has yoga studios and an artist community.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Experience thrilling ATV tours through desert landscapes
  • 🏖️ Relax on vibrant Medano Beach and swim safely
  • ⛵ Explore the iconic El Arco rock formation by boat
Sedona
Red Rocks, Vortexes and Starry Skies
7.5
The red rocks around Sedona are about 280 million years old, older than the dinosaurs. Visitors seek out vortex sites at Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. The city became an International Dark Sky Community in 2014. Mii amo is a destination spa in Boynton Canyon with red rock views.
Highlights:
  • 🚙 Take a scenic jeep tour through rugged canyons
  • 🌅 Experience sunrise at Airport Mesa vortex viewpoint
  • 🏜️ Hike to Cathedral Rock for breathtaking red rock views
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