travel therapy for wellness

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The 21 best wellness retreats in the u.s..

From morning hikes and therapeutic waters to yoga and meditation, these resorts offer comprehensive programs focused on improving your lifestyle and well-being.

(Courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort) |

Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit at one of these relaxation-focused properties.

(Courtesy of Cal-a-Vie Health Spa) |

Cal-A-Vie Health Spa: Vista, California

(Courtesy of CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa) |

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa: Scottsdale, Arizona

(Courtesy of Castle Hot Springs) |

Castle Hot Springs: Arizona

(Courtesy of Eupepsia Wellness Resort) |

Eupepsia Wellness Resort: Bland, Virginia

(Courtesy of Pritikin Longevity Center) |

Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa: Miami, Florida

(Courtesy of Road Scholar) |

Road Scholar Health & Wellness Retreats: U.S. and Canada

(Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts) |

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort: Lanai City, Hawaii

(James Baigrie | Courtesy of Miraval Austin)

Miraval Austin: Austin, Texas

(Kodiak Greenwood | Courtesy of Cavallo Point – the Lodge at the Golden Gate)

Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate: Sausalito, California

(Courtesy of The Lodge at Woodloch) |

The Lodge at Woodloch: Hawley, Pennsylvania

(Tanveer Badal | Courtesy of Golden Door)

Golden Door: San Marcos, California

(Courtesy of Canyon Ranch) |

Canyon Ranch: Arizona, Massachusetts and California

(Courtesy of Red Mountain Resort) |

Red Mountain Resort: Ivins, Utah

(Courtesy of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa) |

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa: San Diego, California

(Courtesy of Mii amo) |

Mii amo: Sedona, Arizona

Lake Austin Spa Resort: Austin, Texas

(Courtesy of The Ranch Malibu) |

The Ranch Malibu: Malibu, California

(Courtesy of Three Forks Ranch) |

Three Forks Ranch: Savery, Wyoming

(Courtesy of The Art of Living Retreat Center) |

The Art of Living Retreat Center: Boone, North Carolina

(Getty Images) |

Hilton Head Health: Hilton Head, South Carolina

(Courtesy of Skyterra) |

Skyterra: Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

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What Is Wellness Tourism? A Complete Guide to Taking a Health-Inspired Vacation

Practicing health and wellness in our daily lives isn’t enough for many of us — we seek well-being when we travel, too.

Enter: wellness tourism, a concept that the U.S.-based nonprofit organization Global Wellness Institute (GWI) defines as travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing overall personal well-being.

It’s important to note that, though “wellness”’ and “well-being” are often interchangeable and related terms, they have slightly different meanings. According to Gallup , wellness is a part of well-being and describes a healthy lifestyle beyond acute illness, whereas both Gallup and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define well-being in a broader life context — feelings of contentment and satisfaction, and positive function in career, social, financial, physical, psychological, and other frameworks — which are important for personal and public health.

Wellness tourism, as a mechanism to support overall well-being, comes in a variety of forms.

For some, it may entail a trip or destination exclusively for wellness purposes, like a yoga retreat in the mountains, and for others, it may involve incorporating healthy habits and experiences into established trips. For example, you might bring your family to a hot spring during your annual vacation, or stop in at a spa for a massage in between sessions at a work conference.

For others still, immersion-based wellness travel, such as a pilgrimage, intensive yoga training, a visit to a humanistic integrative education center (like the nonprofit Esalen Institute ), a silent vipassana meditation retreat, or an indigenous-informed plant medicine retreat, may help deepen a spiritual, self-inquiry, or purpose-driven path.

The main point? These types of trips and health-forward activities aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The global wellness tourism market value currently sits at $451 billion, but a 2022 report by Grand View Research reveals that it’s expected to jump to $1.02 trillion by 2030.

Here, we unpack how wellness tourism works, the possible benefits, and how to plan your next health-inspired getaway.

Common Questions & Answers

History of wellness tourism.

Wellness tourism may be everywhere today, but people have traveled with health or wellness as the primary focus for centuries.

According to  Health-Tourism.com , most ancient civilizations recognized the therapeutic benefits of mineral thermal springs , and many built healthcare facilities around them.

Ancient Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Celtic, and Hebrew cultures created health centers that attracted travelers from all over the world, per past research . Baths of different temperatures, swimming pools, exercise rooms, and rooms for massage and other health treatments became a mainstay in Roman culture, according to the World History Encyclopedia . And as early as 5,000 years ago, people trekked to India to seek benefits from Ayurvedic medicine , a holistic approach to physical and mental health.

But while traveling for wellness dates back thousands of years, wellness tourism as a global industry is relatively new, notes the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) .

“In the early 2000s, the spa industry’s marketing message went from ‘pampering’ to ‘prevention’ and that, along with the so-called ‘wellness revolution’ was the beginning [of wellness tourism],” says Anne Dimon , the Denver-based cofounder, president, and CEO of the WTA , and the editor of TraveltoWellness.com .

These days, the wellness-travel offerings are practically endless. Whether your interests lean toward yoga and meditation, spa experiences, weight loss, hiking, or even treatments purported to be customized to your DNA — like the Chenot Palace Weggis health and wellness retreat in the Swiss Alps — there’s a trip to suit your needs.

How Wellness Tourism Works

Do you ever feel like you need a vacation after a vacation? That may not be the case with wellness tourism. Whereas traditional vacations are often busy and stressful, wellness trips aim to relieve stress and promote health, so you can reenter everyday life feeling rejuvenated and grounded.

“[Wellness tourism] provides an opportunity for people to take a break from their lives and focus solely on themselves and their well-being,” says Jeanette Lorandini, LCSW , a New York City–based licensed clinical social worker and the owner of Suffolk DBT. It can allow you to de-stress and relax without any, or few, distractions.

Many people also find that they’re more open to changing their behaviors when they don’t have to worry about everyday responsibilities. “For the most part, people try to make their lives as orderly and predictable as they can, because the less you have to think about your normal day-to-day life, the easier it is to manage,” says Michael Brein, PhD , a travel psychologist living on Bainbridge Island, Washington. “All that goes out the door when you travel.”

Being in an environment where you don’t have to make everyday decisions may allow you to experiment with new behaviors or focus on cultivating ones you’ve neglected. This can help you create healthy habits, like sleeping better, eating well, and exercising daily, that you want to follow once you return home. A small observational study out of Australia, published in the February 2017 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found weeklong retreat experiences may lead to substantial improvements in multiple dimensions of health and well-being, maintainable for six weeks after the fact.

Plus, many wellness trips provide access to services that can positively affect mental and physical health, such as massage therapy , yoga classes , and nutrition consultations. These experiences can help you return home feeling refreshed and better equipped to handle day-to-day stressors, Lorandini notes.

Many people plan their own wellness-travel experiences, but you can hire a travel adviser if you don’t have time or need to pull it off, or need help finding high-quality options. The WTA offers a member directory where you can find vetted travel advisers who specialize in wellness tourism.

Types of Wellness Tourists

According to the GWI, wellness tourists fall into two main categories.

This traveler is mainly motivated by wellness when choosing their trip or destination. For example, they may book a weekend at an all-inclusive health resort or go on a dedicated meditation retreat.

This traveler seeks to maintain wellness while traveling, no matter what kind of trip they’re on. For example, they may take a yoga class during a family vacation or visit a spa during a business trip.

Possible Benefits of Wellness Tourism

Most of the health perks of wellness tourism are anecdotal and can’t be backed up by research. Moreover, existing research primarily focuses on general travel, not wellness tourism. That said, we may be able to pinpoint a few potential benefits of wellness travel.

1. It May Boost Happiness

New experiences and changes in scenery can give some people a mood boost. In a study published in July 2020 in Nature , people with more variability in their day-to-day location tended to be happier. Meanwhile, a past study found that women who vacationed twice a year were less likely to suffer from depression and chronic stress than women who vacationed less frequently.

2. It Provides Lasting Stress Relief

A wellness-inspired getaway enables you to escape the stress of everyday life and focus on activities and experiences that promote well-being. And the stress-relieving benefits of this kind of travel are almost immediate. According to a nonacademic online survey by Expedia referenced in 2018 by the Global Coalition on Aging , 88 percent of U.S. respondents reported feeling more relaxed and less anxious after being on vacation for just a day or two, and the same percentage felt optimistic and positive after a trip.

Time spent disconnected from daily stressful situations can also lower your overall stress once you return home.

Even a short trip (including to local venues) can potentially offer lasting stress relief. In one small study published in 2018 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , researchers had 20 midlevel executives spend four nights in a hotel outside their usual environment, while a control group of 20 spent their vacation at home. While both groups noticed immediate improvements in stress and well-being, the hotel cohort saw greater benefits. What’s more, the positive effects could still be felt 45 days post-vacation.

3. It May Improve Heart Health

The stress-lowering effects of travel may have benefits for your heart.

In a past study , middle-aged men at high risk for heart disease who reported that they had taken a vacation in the past year were 17 percent less likely to have passed away than men who hadn’t traveled, in research conducted over a nine-year period.

That said, the authors of the aforementioned study note that, while vacations may improve heart health by lowering stress, it may be that healthier people are more likely to travel. More research is needed to determine if and how travel benefits the heart and mortality risk. If you have a heart condition, be sure to consult your physician before you take a trip.

4. It May Enhance Brain Health

Exposure to new behaviors and environments through travel may stimulate the brain in new ways, potentially helping you stay sharp, according to the report from the Global Coalition on Aging.

In fact, when the authors of a past study followed more than 2,000 older adults for three years, they found that those who regularly participated in social or leisure activities, such as traveling, had a lower risk of dementia. According to the CDC , dementia is a general term for when the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions interferes with everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia , and it mostly affects older adults, per the CDC.

Wellness Tourism Risks

Travel of any kind comes with risks. You may face personal safety or environmental risks, such as altitude challenges, heat and humidity, foodborne and waterborne illnesses, and diseases carried by animals and insects, notes the World Health Organization (WHO) .

Traveling with a medical condition can also be risky. Air travel in particular can pose risks for people with cardiac failure, heart rate or rhythm disorders, epilepsy, and those who have recently had a heart attack or stroke, according to  Johns Hopkins Medicine .

Consult your medical healthcare provider if you plan to take a trip so they can offer guidance and support and help you craft an experience that’s appropriate for your healthcare needs.

Who Might Want to Try (and Avoid) Wellness Tourism

Wellness travel is for anyone and everyone. If you have the desire and the budget for a wellness trip, it may make you happier, relieve stress, and potentially improve brain and heart health.

Given the nature of being outside of your daily comfort zone, wellness tourism may be a stressful experience. “People with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression may find the experience more difficult than someone without these issues, so it’s best to speak with your doctor before making any plans,” Lorandini says.

People with chronic conditions don’t necessarily need to avoid travel. You should see your healthcare provider as early as possible before traveling to discuss any risks and create a care plan, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Access to Wellness Tourism

Wellness tourism can be expensive — for example, a seven-day stay at the Chenot Palace Weggis health and wellness retreat starts at $5,722, and tuition at Esalen Institute varies from $540 to $8,000 depending upon accommodation choice and workshop fees. But there are plenty of budget-friendly wellness-travel options out there, Dimon says. Just keep in mind that what’s considered affordable to one traveler may not be to another.

When searching for affordable wellness retreats and other health-inspired travel options, be sure to factor in transportation (airfare, train fare, car rental). Staying closer to home can cut down on your expenses significantly, and as mentioned above, even getting away on a local trip brings possible health benefits.

Depending on where you stay and what you do, you may also save money by designing your own wellness vacation; no rule says you have to sign up for a weeklong all-inclusive trip. “Think about it,” Dimon says, “Someone could enjoy a self-guided wellness vacation at a three-star hotel, reading, relaxing, walking in nature, making healthy food choices, getting a good night’s sleep, and simply being away from the stress of their everyday lives.”

Creativity and wellness tourism go hand in hand. With endless options available, you can craft a wellness trip to fit any budget.

4 Tips for Getting Started With Wellness Tourism

Follow this expert advice for making the most of your next wellness-travel adventure.

1. Start Small

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to be a wellness tourist. If you already have a family or business trip on the calendar, look for opportunities to focus on your health and well-being while you’re away. Check out the area you’ll be visiting to see if there are any wellness supportive experiences you’d enjoy. Consider yoga studios, hiking trails, healthy breakfast spots, spas, hot springs, and cooking classes. If you don’t have a trip scheduled, consider planning a self-guided wellness vacation. If you’re working with a limited budget, look for a hotel, AirBnB, or campground you can drive to and spend a few days away from your usual environment.

2. Find Inspiration

Wellness tourism offers so many possibilities that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where should you go? Should you sign up for a weekend retreat or try to DIY? Asking friends and family for recommendations is always a good first step. But you can also find inspiration by reading about other travelers’ experiences. TraveltoWellness.com , an online magazine for wellness-minded travelers, offers many articles detailing new travel options and stories from contributors who have visited a particular place. Use this and other online travel resources to help you discern what wellness experience fits you. (Also, see our wellness travel resources section at the end of this article for more.)

3. Identify Your ‘Why’

What’s your reason — or your “why” — for taking a wellness trip? Do you need a relaxing environment where you don’t have to plan anything or make decisions about food or activities? Or do you want to learn more about yourself, a culture, practice, or activity? Setting your intention and articulating your “why” may guide you toward finding and planning the right travel experience for you, says Lisette Cifaldi , the director of behavioral health at Hilton Head Health, a weight loss and wellness resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

4. Hire an Expert

If you dislike planning trips, you’re too busy, or you’re not sure where to start, reach out to travel advisers who specialize in wellness, Dimon suggests. The WTA offers a directory of travel advisers who offer wellness-travel guidance. Looping in a professional who knows the industry and who can make suggestions tailored to your well-being goals may be a solid starting point.

How to Make the Most of Your Next Wellness Trip

Follow these expert tips for preparing for and winding down from your wellness travel adventures so you can maximize the benefits of taking precious time off.

Before You Go

• Set a goal  Give yourself a goal to focus on during your trip. This way, you can plan your trip around that goal and maximize your time, Cifaldi says. You can also think about how you want to feel after returning home “and use that as inspiration when planning activities or experiences during your stay,” Lorandini says.
• Plan logistics.  Whether you’ve scheduled an all-inclusive experience or you’re DIY-ing, some logistics will be involved. “Read up on the different activities and services available at the destination so you can make informed decisions about how to spend your time there,” Lorandini says. Plan as many logistics as possible beforehand so you don’t have to worry about them during your trip. For example, if you’re doing a self-guided vacation, come up with a list of healthy food restaurants or grocery stores near your place of stay.
• Get support.  Can any friends or family members help with everyday responsibilities (childcare, pet-sitting, plant-watering) while you’re gone? Can your coworkers cover for you while you’re gone? Having a support system in place to handle routine tasks allows you to stay present and relaxed during your trip, Cifaldi notes.
• Practice self-care.  Preparing for a trip can be stressful, but try to take care of yourself mentally and physically in the days leading up to your departure. This means eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, and exercising, Lorandini says.

After You Get Back

• Reflect:   Go easy upon reentering everyday life. Take some time to let the experiences you had on your trip soak in. “Journaling about your experiences can be a great way to process all you learned and hold onto those feelings of relaxation and well-being,” Lorandini says.
• Change your environment.  Continue your wellness journey once you return home by tweaking your environment to encourage the healthy habits you practiced on your trip. “You might clean out your pantry to include more health-friendly options or find a space in your home to dedicate to a daily meditation practice,” Cifaldi says.
• Find a community.  Connect with people who share your wellness interests. Cifaldi suggests starting with group wellness or fitness classes. You may meet people who are walking a similar well-being path and can support you along your journey, she says.

Wellness Tourism Resources We Love

Organizations.

Global Wellness Institute (GWI)

This nonprofit organization advocates for preventative health and wellness worldwide. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) collects industry research, leads international roundtables, supports wellness initiatives, and offers an online resource where you can find medical evidence for mainstream wellness approaches. Find information about wellness tourism on their website and sign up for email updates.

U.S. Travel Association

The U.S. Travel Association is a national nonprofit organization representing the travel industry. Made up of more than 1,100 member organizations, they work to grow and sustain travel to and within the United States. They offer research, news, and commentary to keep you informed while you plan your trip.

Media and Planning

Wellness Tourism Association (WTA)

Launched in January 2018, the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) is a global network of destination management organizations (DMOs), hotels, tour operators, travel advisers, wellness practitioners, and media. The WTA is a great place to search for wellness retreats, destinations, and travel advisers. Browse their directory for options.

Travel to Wellness

Travel to Wellness is an online wellness travel magazine founded by Anne Dimon in 2004. Here, you’ll find reviews of wellness offerings, everyday wellness tips, roundups of retreats and vacations, product recommendations, and firsthand travel accounts. Stay updated with their email newsletter and start your trip search with the 2023 wellness retreat guide .

Suite Dreams Travel

Hosted by the wellness travel planner Barbara Tuckett, the Suite Dreams Travel podcast covers various topics. You'll find episodes on must-see sights, travel reviews, what makes wellness travel different from other vacations, and how to handle travel stressors like canceled flights.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

• Wellness Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Service, by Travel Purpose, by Travel Type, by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2022–2030. Grand View Research .
• Wellness Tourism. Global Wellness Institute (GWI) .
• The History of Medical Tourism. Health-tourism.com .
• Roman Baths. World History Encyclopedia . May 2, 2013.
• About. Wellness Travel Association (WTA) .
• Heller AS, Shi TC, Chiemeka Ezie CE, et al. Association Between Real-World Experiential Diversity and Positive Affect Relates to Hippocampal-Striatal Functional Connectivity. Nature Neuroscience . July 2020.
• Chikani V, Reding D, Gunderson P, et al. Vacations Improve Mental Health Among Rural Women: The Wisconsin Rural Women’s Health Study. WMJ . August 2005.
• Destination Healthy Aging: The Physical, Cognitive, and Social Benefits of Travel. Global Coalition on Aging .
• Blank C, Gatterer K, Leichtfried V, et al. Short Vacation Improves Stress-Level and Well-Being in German-Speaking Middle Managers — a Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health . 2018.
• Gump BB, Matthews KA. Are Vacations Good for Your Health? The 9-Year Mortality Experience After the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial. Psychosomatic Medicine . September–October 2000.
• About Dementia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . April 5, 2019.
• Fabrigoule C, Letenneur L, Dartigues JF, et al. Social and Leisure Activities and Risk of Dementia: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society . May 1995.
• Health Risks When Traveling. World Health Organization (WHO) . April 28, 2020.
• Traveling With Chronic Conditions. Johns Hopkins Medicine .
• Moss G. Water and Health: A Forgotten Connection? Perspectives in Public Health . Sept 2010.
• Cohen M, Elliott F, Oates L, et al. Do Wellness Tourists Get Well? An Observational Study of Multiple Dimensions of Health and Well-Being After a Week-Long Retreat. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine . March 22, 2021.
• Wellness vs. Well-Being: What’s the Difference? Gallup .
• Well-Being Concepts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . October 31, 2018.

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Travel as Healing

Wellness vacations now go far beyond massages and diet advice, instead offering a respite from physical and mental stress. Here’s what to expect.

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By Concepción de León

Before the pandemic, when Mary Calliste, 32, traveled, she would try to hit as many tourist attractions as she could. But in early December, Ms. Calliste, who works in the financial services industry out of Plainfield, N.J., went to Guatemala and stayed at an eco-friendly hotel called Lush Atitlán . There, she ate vegan meals, walked around the natural reserve and listened to music.

And loved it.

From now on, she said, “I see myself incorporating a lot more of my needs into my travel instead of what I can see.”

As the pandemic lingers into its third calendar year, it’s probably not surprising that travelers are increasingly looking to their vacations to work on their mental and physical wellness. In a recent American Express survey , 76 percent of respondents said they wanted to spend more on travel that improves their well-being, and 55 percent said they would be willing to pay extra for these services or activities.

That has hotels ramping up their wellness offerings, from outfitting rooms with Peloton exercise bikes to adding programs that address mental health. Hilton has created a program called Five Feet to Fitness , which includes an interactive kiosk with fitness tutorials and a gym’s worth of equipment in some rooms.

At Miraval Resorts & Spas locations, guests over the past year have come in “having experienced symptoms of stress that they, quite frankly, were unfamiliar with,” said Simon Marxer, the hotel group’s associate vice president for wellness offerings.

In April, Miraval partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to create Sensory Journeys , a meditation and soundscape series available for free on the Miraval website. It also introduced Journeys With Intention , a customizable wellness program that allows guests to choose from a selection of “journeys” according to their health goals. Among the offerings: self-connection, grief and loss, and mental well-being, as well as more standard spa, adventure and fitness programs.

“What we’re seeing, certainly in hospitality, is the need to serve really the whole person,” Mr. Marxer said.

Spas took a hit

Spas, with their focus on high-touch, one-on-one services like massages and facials, were hit hard last year. Hotel and resort spas experienced a 42 percent dip in revenues, while destination spas, which offer an immersive experience, were down 37 percent, according to a report by the Global Wellness Institute published in December. But the wellness industry has since begun a rapid recovery, the report said, projecting that the spa sector will grow 17 percent annually through 2025.

Still, the downturn forced hotels and resorts — and their guests — to expand their notions of wellness and what activities fall under that umbrella. Before the pandemic, a wellness trip was probably centered on a spa’s traditional services, said Caroline Klein, the chief communications officer of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel group. Now, hotels may offer nature walks, meditation, yoga or any number of creative offerings.

In some ways, hotels are responding to the lifestyles that many people adopted at the height of lockdowns, including making home-cooked meals and taking virtual fitness classes.

“Hotels are really seeing people bring those new mind-sets, routines and preferences with them as they start to travel again,” Ms. Klein said. “What that creates is a definite shift in expectations and experiences that hotels need to cater to, because they’re not catering to the traveler from 2019.”

Emily Rossin, a spokeswoman for a hospitality group that includes the Ryder, a boutique hotel in Charleston, S.C., said that after seeing the surge in popularity of Peloton bikes during the pandemic, the hotel decided to make them an in-room option for guests.

“We noticed that people were still stuck in their habitual routines from when we were in lockdown,” Ms. Rossin said. “When they’re coming to stay with us, it’s within their same routine and they really don’t have to break that.”

Established wellness hotels are also benefiting from the boom. Alex Glasscock, a co-founder of the Ranch wellness retreat in Malibu, Calif., which offers hours of daily hiking and a vegan menu, has seen an increase in bookings, he said, notably from teenagers and young adults. It’s a significant shift from when he and his wife, Sue, started the company in 2010 and people were confused by the concept of a “luxury boot camp.”

“This is truly a mega-trend,” he said, adding that at the Ranch, “what we’ve noticed from the pandemic is that where people used to book two and three months in advance, now we’re full six months in advance.”

52 Places to Love in 2021

We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

Changing travel styles

What people want out of a vacation is shifting said Chris Kam, the president and chief operating officer of Omnitrak, a Hawaii-based research company that conducts regular national travel surveys. While travel has always been a reset, during the pandemic, “the travel experience transformed and became a place to heal — from mental, physical, spiritual stress,” he said in an email. “People travel for answers now about how to feel better.”

Shasha Du, 33, a founder and the creative director of Wild Awake , which organizes retreats for young people of color, said her travel style had changed. “I used to love traveling to cities a lot more,” she said. But looking back at that travel, which she said included a lot of shopping, Ms. Du realized that it “was enjoyable, but it was also not that fulfilling. It didn’t nurture my soul.”

In 2020, she designed two nature retreats for herself and her friends. And in November, she rented a barn north of Sacramento through Airbnb and, for the first time, signed up for an Airbnb experience: a tea-foraging event where she learned about the ancestral medicinal uses of many plants, some of which she’d been seeing all her life.

“It was just a different form of self-care, but I felt that it was really, really rejuvenating,” she said.

Feeling depleted by the pandemic, Ann Chen, 58, an English composition instructor at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., recently booked a wellness retreat with a friend for June 2022 “as a way to keep going — find something positive,” she said. They plan to stay at Ojo Santa Fe in New Mexico, a wellness resort with thermal pools, meals sourced from local farms and a spa. They planned ahead for personal scheduling reasons, but also to give them time to research the area and understand its “culture, attitudes and beliefs,” Ms. Chen said. The idea, she added, was “to be soothed, to work on being calm, to work on eating good food.”

“This kind of resort is getting us back to more of a normal feeling in our lives, where we’re just not so stressed out by worrying about whether we’re going to live another day,” Ms. Chen said.

Industry experts say the wellness travel trend is here to stay. The United States accounted for nearly 30 percent of the global wellness tourism market in 2020, and the sector is expected to grow to $919 billion by 2022 from $735.8 billion in 2020, according to the Global Wellness Institute .

“This is where we were headed,” Mr. Marxer of Miraval Resorts & Spas said. “The pandemic has brought the future forward in an accelerated way.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

An earlier version of this article misidentified a program that Miraval Resorts & Spas partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to create. It was  Sensory Journeys , a meditation and soundscape series available for free on the Miraval website; it was not Journeys With Intention , which is a separate program created by Miraval.

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Concepción de León is a travel reporter based in New York. More about Concepción de León

11 Best Wellness Retreats To Nourish Your Mind, Body, And Soul In 2023

From hiking to thermal body mapping and massage, there's something for everyone.

Let's face it—hitting your wellness goals can be challenging, especially when you only have time to pencil in the occasional meditation or HIIT sesh on your calendar. Well, imagine a whole week (or more!) dedicated to nourishing your body, getting spa treatments, experiencing joyful movement, and ultimately, returning home to the most important person of all...you!

When considering what kind of wellness retreat is right for you right now, communicate your goals to yourself—and to your travel agent if you decide to invest in one. Want a top-of-the-line medical experience where you get your blood drawn and analyzed every day? There's a spot for that. Hoping to just chill on the beach for a few days while getting complimentary massages and painting? Yup, there's a place for that, too.

Check out this list of the top 10 wellness retreats to plan your next relaxation vacation. (Meanwhile, I'll be booking my stay at all 10. See ya next year!)

1. Hotel Figueroa — Los Angeles

Having trouble catching those precious Zzzs? The fine people at Hotel Figueroa in Downtown Los Angeles have you covered. This hotel boasts sleep tourism and is targeting the one in three Americans who are sleep deprived, per the CDC . "As we all know, sleep is critical to our mental and physical health, skin, and overall well-being. The historic hotel is committed to well-rounded 'rest-cations' with customizable in-room wellness experiences outfitted by sleep & fitness industry leaders to encourage restorative stays."

To optimize rest (which sounds like a true dream—pun, intended!), the hotel offers these wellness features:

• Rest on an Eight Sleep mattress that smart adjusts for temperature on both sides of the bed through the night to maximize sleep quality.
• Wake up to a personal sunrise courtesy of the Loftie Lamp with dawn simulation that features gradual light.
• Enjoy a personalized workout from the FORME mirror, before recovering with a selection of Normatec tools from Hyperice , and supplements from beam .

2. Mandarin Oriental — Canouan in The Grenadines

This boutique beachfront resort has kicked off a wellness retreat program called " Inner - Outer Strength ," which is perfect for making both mental and physical changes in 2023. And if you're diving into some innerwork, you might as well have a view, right? This retreat is centered on a 1,200-acre property designed to make guests feel like they are on their own private island escape.

Enjoy wellness activities like:

• Yin yoga and breathwork
• Walking Meditation
• Beach Bootcamp workouts
• Spa treatments like massages, detoxifying body wraps, personalized facials, and more

3. Cal-a-Vie Health Spa — Vista, California

Take the holistic lifestyle SoCal is known for to the next level at this award-winning fitness and health spa retreat. The sprawling 450-acre resort features multiple wellness programs, targeting fitness, nutrition, mind-body connection, and more, as well as offers various luxe packages to make your stay extra special.

The resort's wellness activities include:

• Star-gazing
• Cryotherapy
• Yoga and meditation
• Mindful art
• Aquatics classes
• Nutrition services and functional medicine
• Acupuncture & chiropractor services
• The Feldenkrais Method, a unique approach to pain relief
• Forty-four different spa treatments
• Forty different beauty treatments
• Wellness injections, including immune boosters, hydrating IVs, and weight loss enhancers

4. Cosmic Creation — Costa Rica

This wellness retreat is based in Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica at Ojo Del Mar Eco Lodge and Retreat Center. Trauma-informed Breathwork Practitioner leads the experience, Spiritual Mentor and the CEO of Alyse Breathes, Alyse Bacine and guest facilitator and world-renowned yoga teacher Simon Park from April 1 to April 8 in the Costa Rican rainforest for a spiritual recharge. Of course, you can also visit the resort at other times of the year and still enjoy all the retreat's wellness activities, including:

• Energy Healing
• Thai Massage

5. Prince Waikiki — O'ahu, Hawaii

This resort in Honolulu offers a taste of both the city and the sand for travelers, located mere steps from the beach and the island's bustling neighborhoods. Not to mention, every guest room and suite has floor-to-ceiling windows to the infinity edge pool that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and a unique vantage point of Waikiki & the Ala Wai Harbor. I'm feeling more relaxed already!

During a visit you can enjoy these wellness activities:

• A dip in the infinity view and a retreat to your own private cabana
• Elite massages customized with add-ons like foot reflexology to fit your body's needs
• Facials with special services like gua sha and lymphatic draining
• Nutritious meals sourced from local ingredients that will leave you feeling nourished and fulfilled

6. Zen Freediving Retreats — Bali, Indonesia

This unique retreat incorporates breathwork, yoga, and meditation with freediving so guests can enjoy underwater marine life while learning healing different modalities. How. Cool!

Guests can select from three different retreat packages:

• Discovery Zen Harmony Freediving: This 3-day 4-night itinerary includes four spa treatments, pre-diving yoga sessions, the PADI Freediving Intro Course, and a sunrise dolphin sail.
• Zen Harmony PADI Freediving Certification: This 6-day, 5-night itinerary includes four spa sessions, pre-diving yoga sessions, breathing workshops, an Ayurveda wellness consultation session, the PADI Freediving Course and Certification, and a sunrise dolphin sail.
• Zen Harmony PADI + Safari Package: This 9-day, 8-night itinerary includes four spa sessions, pre-diving yoga sessions, breathing workshops, an Ayurveda wellness consultation session, the PADI Freediving Course and Certification, daily trips to surrounding national marine parks, and a sunrise dolphin sail.

7. Salamander Resort & Spa - Middleburg, VA

You don't need to travel far and wide to reach your wellness goals. Need proof? Look no further than the Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia. Just a 35-minute drive from the Washington Dulles International Airport, and one hour from Washington, D.C., this location blends luxury rooms with a rustic environment.

Guests can enjoy the following wellness activities:

• Ziplining tours
• An equestrian facility that offers custom tours on the resort's trails for horse therapy
• A full-service spa with 13 treatment rooms, featuring services like facials, body wraps, prenatal pampering, and sound therapy
• Personal training and yoga
• Meditation classes

8. Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort — Dominican Republic

It's hard to stress when you're sitting on the beach in the Caribbean with white sand as far as you can see. The Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort capitalizes on this fact with its ultimate Zen well-being travel experience. This resort is adults-only and focuses on reconnecting guests with their healthiest and happiest selves.

Here you can participate in many wellness activities:

• Mud cleansing
• Holistic therapy
• Sound healing
• Ayurvedic cooking
• Juicing detox program
• Taino rituals
• Active fitness classes

9. Wakaya Club & Spa — Fiji

If you're feeling a bit of wanderlust, the Wakaya Club & Spa is the place for you. This wellness sanctuary offers programming that is rooted in Fiji's natural healing powers. Explore the island with holistic adventures and activities, and once you're back at the resort, enjoy the infinity pools. (And the epic Instagram pics that will go with them. Just because you're doing some #HotGirlHealing doesn't mean you can't make it cute!)

At Wakaya Club & Spa you can enjoy activities like:

• Eat farm-to-table meals prepared with local ingredients. (Bonus: Join Chef Hajj and her team as they forage for the freshest island ingredients every day and get a primer on all of Fiji's magic ingredients. You can also dive and spear fish for that evening's dinner if you're into that sort of thing.)
• Enjoy a variety of spa services using locally-sourced ingredients to connect visitors to the world around them.
• Explore the island with guided nature walks, stand up paddleboarding, and snorkeling as you relax your mind, challenge your body, and soak up that Vitamin D!

10. Four Seasons Resort — Maui at Wailea

The Four Seasons Resort says that with wellness at the top of everyone's mind, they know the standard massage and facial won't do. Instead, they've curated a health and wellness experience that will regenerate your body and mind before you leave.

At the Four Seasons, you can indulge in wellness activities like:

• Next Health blood analysis as well as recommendations from medical professionals for infusions like Ozone Therapy, Stem Cell Therapy, and Exosomes Therapy, as well as NAD+ IV Drips, IV Therapy Drips and vitamin shots
• Reiki Energy Healing
• Acupuncture
• Holistic Mediums
• Extended spa services tailored to you

11. Castle Hot Springs — Phoenix, AZ

This 1,100-acre desert escape is designed to help people unplug and embrace tranquility. There is also a digital detox component, so you can leave your electronics behind for a truly blissful stay.

Self-care options here include:

• Watsu Pool Treatment , which blends linguistic therapy, water, and shiatsu (a type of Japanese massage) for a healing ceremony designed to release blockages
• Yoga classes tailored to the guest's unique needs
• Qigong, a gentle movement class
• Tai Chi which introduces grace, stability, balance, and calm in the guest's life
• Breathwork classes
• In January and May, the resort will offer Sleep Retreats designed to make life-changing habits to your rest through meditation, circadian-boosting yoga, and other methods.

Jacqueline Tempera is an award-winning writer and reporter living in New Jersey with her many pets. She is a business owner and a double Scorpio who loves all things astrology and reality television. She is passionate about body diversity and representation, mental health, and the fight to end sexual assault and harassment. To learn more about Jackie, follow her on Instagram @jacktemp or visit her website at jackietempera.com . 

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The rise of wellness travel, from rewilding to yoga and pilgrimages

Having escaped the confines of the spa, wellness now influences the travel experience far and wide, offering new ways to discover the world.

The number of people concerned about their health and wellbeing has rocketed since the pandemic began. The stats are legion but among them, 80% of those surveyed by Public Health England in 2020 — in the first year of Covid-19 — reported wanting to change their lifestyle in 2021 to become healthier. Meanwhile, an Ipsos study in 2021 noted that 62% of Americans believe health is more important to them than before the pandemic. And this has, as countless more reports will attest, changed the way many of us want to travel.

Just over a fifth (21%) of global travellers are currently travelling for health- and wellness-driven reasons according to the 2022 Travel Trends research by luxury travel network Virtuoso, conducted jointly with YouGov. And its findings suggest this is likely to grow in 2023, with 29% of global travellers stating interest in travelling for wellness reasons in the future. Trends include travel to reconnect — with friends, family, partners or children — and a growing focus on sleep wellness. The research notes ‘the rise in apps like Calm and Headspace permeating travel products, providing flyers the ability to plug in and meditate while in flight’ — not to mention the growing number of sleep retreats aimed at aiding insomniacs.

“Health and wellness technology is moving forward at a very fast pace and creating exciting new possibilities that we’re exploring, from sleep therapy and guided meditation to dynamic bathing, cryotherapy and infrared saunas,” says Emlyn Brown, vice president of wellbeing at Accor, Europe’s largest hospitality and hotels company, which released the Health to Wealth white paper earlier this year.

“Guests now come to us loaded with their own health data,” says Brown of the ubiquity of smartwatches and fitness apps. “We’re exploring ways that we can create bespoke wellness experiences for our guests in spa, nutrition, fitness and sleep.” Accor’s Fairmont Windsor Park hotel, for example, is home to the UK’s first spa multi-person cryotherapy chamber. Hotels Pullman Paris Centre-Bercy and Pullman San Francisco Bay, meanwhile, equip guests with Dreem, a technology wearable that monitors breathing, brain waves, heart rate and sleeping patterns.

Wellness travel is clearly no longer something that’s confined to the spa, but it’s travelled far beyond the hotel, too. “Wellness travel has evolved and expanded to encapsulate all manner of experiences that boost travellers’ mental and physical health,” says Paul Joseph, founder of Health and Fitness Travel , a specialist tour operator for wellness breaks. “Far from the ‘fly and flop’ wellness holidays of old, we’re able to send customers on a hand-picked retreat that includes a tailored wellness programme — from personalised nutrition and exercise plans to one-on-one coaching and holistic healing therapies. Following the pandemic and in spite of the cost-of-living crisis, we’ve seen a marked increase in bookings.”

It’s what Expedia is calling a ‘no-normal’ era of wellness travel. “We’re seeing a new wave of interest in wellness retreats, and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond beaches and mountains,” says Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands. “Not a new normal, but people branching out to unexpected trends: the ‘no-normal’.”

The travel brand has seen a 30% increase in demand for wellness breaks between 2021 and 2022, and found that almost half (46%) of global travellers are more open to wellness breaks than ever before. And the quirkier, the better. Expedia’s Travel Trends report reveals activities as diverse as sylvotherapy (forest bathing), food bootcamps, chakra sessions, puppy yoga and laughter therapy were more popular than some standard spa offerings.

So, what exactly does ‘wellness’ mean today? According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) — the US-non-profit offshoot of the Global Wellness Summit, which has been driving research and business across the industry since 2007 — the term is varied. It can be associated with fitness holidays and adventure travel focused around improving a sense of wellbeing or life balance, along with the obvious mind and body retreats. And it’s a booming sector. GWI projects a 9.9% average annual growth in the wellness economy between now and 2025, when it will reach nearly $7 trillion (£5.5 trillion).

Meanwhile, US-based non-profit the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) was founded in 2018 with the aim of bringing standards to the growing wellness sector of the tourism industry, and defines wellness travel as simply that which allows the traveller ‘to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase one’s sense of wellbeing’.

“What constitutes a wellbeing holiday is subjective,” says Justin Francis, co-founder and CEO of activist holiday company Responsible Travel . “I’d say a painting holiday in the Scottish Highlands or a wild camping experience can be as much about wellness as a vegan Pilates retreat. Wellness holidays simply allow you to rest and revive in your own way, mentally and physically.”

The company has added numerous nature-based holidays to its offering since the pandemic, in response to rising demand. It notes that activities like river kayaking are becoming more popular, and that interest in trips that give customers a chance to really focus on their physical wellbeing has risen almost 100% in the last five years. “We’re all much more attuned to the benefits of switching off our phones and being outdoors,” says Francis.

Active relaxation

It’s clear that well before the pandemic hit, our travel habits were changing. A McKinsey report in 2021 noted that 79% of respondents believed wellness was important, and 42% considered it a top priority, but in the preceding two to three years consumers in every market it researched reported a substantial increase (from 27% to 65%) in the prioritisation of wellness. Within the last decade, yoga mats have become the norm in hip hotels and gym access a hospitality standard, while spa-focused accommodation is ever-expanding.

Sports travel, with its tangible benefits and measurable outcomes — such as the number of miles hiked — is a thriving area of wellness. This boom in so-called ‘endorphin tourism’ attracts travellers seeking trips that give them a natural high — from desert marathons to trail running in the mountains. In Europe, the Alps have become something of an outdoor wellness playground. A 2020 report for France Montagnes, an association promoting French Alpine tourism, states that up to 70% of travellers see the mountains as a synonym for wellness.

“For several years now, and particularly since the post-Covid period, the mountains have been popular with visitors looking for an escape, nature and wellbeing, alongside more sporting activities,” says association president Jean-Luc Boch. The activities on offer range from the expectedly athletic to such specialisms as communing with nature while learning how to herd goats, meditative waterfall bathing, guided foraging for medicinal plants and mindful marathon running.

Cycling holidays have also boomed, with weekend/leisure bikers increasing between 30% and 60% across the UK and Europe between 2019 and 2022, according to European Parliament estimates. And surfing is seeing similar spikes in popularity. The International Surfing Association reported that around 35 million people surf worldwide, a figure it forecast to rise to 50 million by 2020, though it’s yet to release numbers. Whatever that number is, it looks set to increase further if the NHS starts adding to its ‘green prescriptions’ — issued for people to improve their mental and physical health by spending time outdoors in nature — by prescribing surfing as a treatment. A 2022 trial by select NHS trusts in England looked into the benefits of surfing for young adults with mental health issues.

Our increased state of ‘permanxiety’, be it fuelled by the stresses of modern life, lack of access to nature, economic instability, political turmoil or climate change, may be alleviated by travelling to immerse ourselves in the natural world, be it forest bathing, cold water swimming or mindful hiking. Travel, it seems, can be a proposition for salvation, not least among the booming number of people making pilgrimages. Both mainstream walking-tour operators and religious organisations are reporting soaring interest in such popular routes as the Camino de Santiago, with pilgrimages offering the chance for a hike to connect with yourself with others and with nature, even if religious beliefs don’t come into play.

But for some, this is exactly what travel, at its best, has always been about. Wellness was not something you singled out, found in a spa or were prescribed, but was about finding yourself out in the world, making connections with others or spending time in the great outdoors. Wellness was integral to the kind of travel that happened as slowly as time and money allowed, staying local, exploring on foot. Walking, for one, is something British travellers have long seen as vital to their health and wellbeing. Ramblers , a charity founded in the wake of the 1932 mass trespass on the Duke of Devonshire’s Kinder Scout grouse moors in Derbyshire, has received lottery funding in recent years for its Walking for Health initiative. The programme has seen some 70,000 people discover the benefits of a hike.

For many of us, working from home or a hybrid approach to work life has simply allowed more opportunities to do the things we enjoy. And the travel industry has responded with almost limitless options. Wellness has even infiltrated the traditional sand and sea resort-based breaks. Package tour operator On the Beach , for example, has curated a list of ‘dopamine-inducing’ destinations — places that boost the body’s natural feel-good factor with high-contrast colours and all-senses stimulation. Think: blue-and-white Greek island villages fragrant with wild thyme and oregano, or high-colour sights and jasmine-perfumed smells of Morocco.

Even Tui , one of the world’s largest holiday companies, is getting in on the act. It launched curated wellness breaks last year, a programme that partnered with television personality Davina McCall as a spokesperson for its ‘find your happy’ campaign. And in some ways, that’s what travel has always been about: getting away from it all, recharging, taking a break from the norm. But as travel and wellness become ever-more inexorably linked, our choices on exactly how we find our happy have become more nuanced and focused, immersing us in the outside world to soothe our inner one. Whether it’s working with a goat farmer in Morzine or running a marathon in a desert.

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What is Wellness Travel?

Wellness travel is travel associated with enhancing, maintaining, or kickstarting your own wellbeing (physical, mental, emotional, social). There are many types of wellness vacations, ranging from wellness retreats (where you go for a longer period of time to rejuvenate yourself), wellness resorts (you can choose from resorts that pamper you and help your mind, body, and soul or you can choose a weight-loss resort) and wellness tours (you can go hiking in the region you are visiting or cycling, etc.).

Some of the top destinations for wellness vacations are Hawaii, Arizona, California, and Florida in the United States. Outside of the US, the Caribbean, Canada, and the Maldives are among some of the popular places to go for a wellness getaway.

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Health and wellness travel trends for 2022: gut retreats, sleep therapy and menopause mini-breaks

Feb 11, 2022 • 5 min read

Wellness therapies support mental and physical health © Absolute Sanctuary

And so, we rumble onto the third year of the pandemic. The knots are tight in our necks. Our shoulders permanently lurched forward like gargoyles. Our eyes – once able to spot predators at 200 paces – have shrunk to dehydrated peas. They are now only capable of seeing Insta. We are all in need of a holiday. A reset. A trip where our wellbeing is prioritized. 

So this is an intervention: Stop what you’re doing and pick a vacation that will make you whole again. Look for a getaway that specializes in love and self-care. Realign your chakra. Patch your broken heart. Finally book that Himalayan hermit hut. You deserve it.

From improved gut health to complete and utter silence, it’s never been easier to choose your own cure. But wellbeing vacations are no longer just about salads and neck rubs – many now aim to rebuild us in some way following stress, trauma, and exhaustion. Here are health and wellness trends emerging in the tourism sector in 2022.

Menopause mini-breaks

Is there anything that can’t be cured by a week in the Cotswolds ? England’s pastoral idyll is like a bucolic beauty queen that unfurls across six counties. Soft rolling hills, twee thatched cottages, ancient, honey-stone pubs. This is the England the population lies back and thinks of.

Nestled to the north of these near-endless waves of the countryside are 400 acres of Worcestershire fields and woodland belonging to the Farncombe Estate. Onsite, the glorious Foxhill Manor will host a new menopause retreat led by medical specialists. The aim is to help women improve their hormonal and mental well-being with doctors, yoga teachers, nutritional therapists, and stylists.

Improved gut health and immune-boosting treatments

As the body's built-in bouncer, a strong immune system is integral to good health: It acts as an antibodies factory and naturally filters out any unwanted nasties. Immune-boosting treatments continue to grow in popularity as travelers seek ways to strengthen their body’s natural defenses, but there is emerging scientific proof that our gut could be a vital link in our wellbeing.

In Innsbruck , amongst the Austrian Alps, Park Igls is a modern-day sanitarium that follows the medical advice of the physician Franz Xaver Mayr, which found that our most common illnesses start in our digestive system. This preventive Medi-spa resort offers seven-day programs that lasers in on improving gut health and helping guests to de-stress through diet, exercise, and a personalized wellness plan.

Sleep and deep relaxation

Between the vivid stress dreams and exhausting bouts of heavy-eyed insomnia, the pandemic has played havoc with our shuteye. So now is the time to fluff up the pillows and sink into a world of better slumber, by taking a vacation that will put us in sync with our natural circadian rhythms.

On the northern tip of Qatar , the brand-spanking-new Zulal Wellness Resort  by Chiva Sm offers 3- to 14-night retreats that showcase traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine. Designed to improve sleep quality through better diet and nutrition, physical activity, and spa treatments – like the traditional Qatari hamiz , a soothing, stress-reversing massage with tadleek oil – this is a pioneering wellness resort in the Middle East .  The ancient healing traditions here can be traced back to the work of the great physician and philosopher Avicenna who, we can only assume, slept like a baby.

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Nature as therapy

Ah, the Great Outdoors – and all of its nourishing, life-affirming beauty. We've been hoodwinked into thinking that technology and sustenance from social media photography are all we need as modern beings, but – as plenty of evidence has shown – humans need to be in actual, real-life, tangible nature. It’s beneficial for our mental health. Sinking our toes into the soil. Sitting in the shimmering light of a verdant forest. In short: Stepping away from the smartphone.

The pandemic has made many of us crave something else as well: Silence. Proper, mind-clearing quietude. That hushed harmony you only find away from the cities. Original Travel organizes remote camping in Australia ’s Kakadu National Park – 20,000-sq-km of as-nature-intended nourishment: Tumbling waterfalls, thick rainforest, vast vistas that unfurl endlessly from the summits of its craggy gorges. The trips are all led by aboriginal guides.

CBD spa treatments to combat stress and anxiety

The pandemic put many of us on constant high alert. We've become hyper-anxious and mega stressed, but never really come back down. CBD, an active (but non-psychotropic) ingredient in cannabis that has been shown to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain and prevent insomnia, is now being used by spas and wellness retreats in a variety of ways to help people, well, chill out a little.

Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve , a luxury retreat perched above the golden, crumbling cliffs west of Faro , offers a number of CBD treatments including an 80-minute body massage designed to soothe and calm as well as a CBD stress-reducing face therapy and massage which is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.

Digital detox in Asheville: how switching off my device helped me reconnect

Twaddling – giving yourself permission to not do anything

When was the last time you did nothing? Like, deliberately just opted out? No scrolling through the phone. No checking emails. Just switching off entirely? As our smartphone usage spiked during the pandemic – along with our preference of Zoom meetings, computer games, and binging on TV shows – studies showed that increased screen time can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments. 

Digital detoxes have long been seen as the answer to countering screen burnout, but Fiona Arrigo, the biodynamic psychotherapist behind The Arrigo Programme , has come up with something even more novel: Twaddling. That's what Arrigo calls the periods she sets aside to do nothing. To twaddle. That may be to lie and relax or cook something for pleasure. But the idea is to switch off, just be, and not to beat yourself up about it. Arrigo will run a retreat in India this November, which aims to give women time to step back from everyday life and reconnect to their feminine wisdom.

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This article was first published Dec 29, 2020 and updated Feb 11, 2022.

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11 Amazing Wellness Retreats Around the World to Book in 2022

From Tibetan healing in Turks and Caicos to bathing in Arizona hot springs.

You came. You saw. You convalesced . In 2022, these 12 wellness retreats are among the best around to cure whatever ails you. From one-off themed weekend escapes to recurring retreats that can be booked whenever the time is right, read on and exhale deeply just thinking about unleashing your lighter, happier, freer self this year.

Sand Valley Resort, Wisconsin

When in Wisconsin, it doesn't have to be all about brats and beers. In the awe-inspiring setting of larger-than-life tumbling sand dunes and 12,000 acres of rural Rome, you'll delight in farm-to-table cuisine and elegant yet unfussy lodging as the backdrop to two retreats. First, the Wellness Weekend on Jan. 7-9, 2022, (from $825 for the weekend) helps you get that serotonin and adrenaline flowing with guided breathwork, sunrise yoga, nature hikes, and a Wim Hof introductory workshop. To delve more deeply into the Dutch icon's cold therapy technique, devote the whole weekend to it at the Wim Hof Event on Feb. 25-27, 2022 (from $750 for the weekend), during which you'll partake in a two-day workshop in "The Iceman's" principles led by certified instructors (yes, a guided cold exposure foray will be in the books). Both packages include accommodations, daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, and all resort activities excluding massages.

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Florida

Kicking off in 2022 at this Magic City hideaway, the five-star Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is offering two ongoing retreat options: Jump Start Your Health & Wellness (from $2,000) for individuals and Get Healthy Together (from $3,000) for two people. These four-night getaways feature a tailored itinerary based on your personal goals. Through the property's anti-aging and medical wellness center, the biostation — led by medical director, Dr. Martin G. Bloom — guests will receive extensive diagnostic testing and personalized wellness plans, with a range of services from hormone replacement therapy to HGH peptide therapy. Through your stay, you'll post up in a one- or two-bedroom luxury apartment and enjoy four touchless wellness experiences , like a meditation pod with color, sound, and energy therapies or a saltwater float session, and the choice of some 65 weekly fitness classes.

Amanyara, Turks and Caicos

The focus at this Turks and Caicos retreat is on reaching a state of peace through shifting your mindset and working on letting go and acceptance, with itinerary highlights including mantra meditation classes, mindfulness coaching workshops, and that unbeatable desert stillness. Led by Lama Geshe Yong Dong, a master of the pre-Buddhist Tibetan Bon tradition, oceanfront oasis Amanyara will become your very own healing temple on the Journey to Peace retreat (from $4,151) from Jan. 31-Feb. 4. Your days will revolve around group chanting, mantra, and meditation sessions, and relaxing spa treatments and beach strolls will abound. Accommodations and meals are included for the retreats, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

Lithia Springs Resort & Wine Garden, Oregon

Grab your best friend or college roommate for this two-night retreat (from $498 for a Garden View Room) in the Southern Oregon city best known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This package is run by holistic health and transformational lifestyle coach Andréa Matteson. During your stay, you'll work with Matteson to practice self-compassion and overhaul negative mindsets, interspersed by dips in the sulfur-rich mineral waters and sips of Applegate Valley vino in the verdant wine garden. On day one, you'll partake in the two-hour "Discover Session," whereas day two is the equal length "Mindset Empowerment Session," and you can make the most of your downtime with complimentary gourmet breakfasts, afternoon tea, outdoor jacuzzi sessions, or bike rides along the local trails.

Castle Hot Springs, Arizona

Journey 50 miles outside of Phoenix any time of year, and you'll be rewarded with an immersive nature experience in the Bradshaw Mountains that does the body and mind good from the moment you check into Castle Hot Springs . Named the No. 1 Arizona resort in Travel + Leisure's 2021 World's Best Awards , the pièce de résistance at this 30-room resort are its thermal hot springs, but those looking to re-align their chakras will also find salvation in the property's digital detox philosophy. Between stand-up paddleboarding in the hot springs, yoga sessions, and conquering Arizona's first via ferrata cable climbing course , this adults-only resort (from $1,500 per night) is ideal for a retreat-like experience without the formal structure and mandatory group meditations.

Casa Alternavida, Puerto Rico

Another great choice if you're looking for an anytime adventure, this beachfront retreat center (from $450 per day) has perfected the art of helping guests unleash their higher selves and learn powerful techniques to keep anxiety's nefarious head at bay. In the middle of the El Yunque Rainforest, you'll work with a coach to quiet your mind while nature therapy does its thing. Your schedule includes three daily organic meals, movement classes, a personalized retreat program , and guided nature excursions. Bring your favorite travel journal and let that spiritual rebirth commence.

Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland

Yes, it will cost a pretty penny — a one-week stay at Chenot Palace Weggis starts at $8,668 — but it will be worth it. On the northern shore of Lake Lucerne, eudaimonia enthusiasts will be like a kid in a (sugar-free) candy store at The Chenot Molecular Lab for Optimal Living, which was unveiled in November 2021. The program uses mRNA-based molecular tests to create a customized treatment plan to supercharge your health. The famed luxury wellness retreat currently has three different programs you can also sign up for during your stay: Advanced Detox, Recover & Energize, and Prevention & Aging Well. All include a slate of Chernot diagnostic assessments, medical and nutritional consultations, mud treatments, massages, and more, along with features unique to the specific program.

Wild Hive Women's Retreats, Various Locations

Those looking for a life-changing retreat in a gorgeous destination should add Wild Hive to their list. To date, the retreat outfitter has ventured to Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Joshua Tree, California, Tucson, Arizona, and Sonoma, California with the 2022 adventures currently being finalized. For each retreat, founder Mollie Krengel rents out an entire property, and the pillar of these getaways is an hour of freewheeling dancing every day. Beyond that, retreats may include philanthropic projects (in Guatemala, they installed water filters and stoves in the homes of Mayan women, for instance), poolside cocktails, and cultural and adventure activities. Women who are interested can fill out this intake form to ensure the program is a two-way fit and be kept in the loop about upcoming retreats, which start at $1,900 (accommodations, meals, and excursions are all included).

Royal Mansour, Marrakesh

There's just something about Marrakesh that soothes the soul. At Royal Mansour, travelers can book this immunity-supportive agenda on an individual basis (from $12,785 for five days). As you follow your bliss, you'll be showered with programming running the gamut from private sport lessons and Tibetan singing bowl therapies to oxygen facials and massages. Consultations with a nutritionist and wellness advisor, as well as a body composition and scalp analysis, are also part of the retreat, as are personalized menus. When you're not flooding your cells with delectable fare from acclaimed chefs, enjoy the 27,000-square-foot spa, art therapy class in a glass-paneled greenhouse, or a chaise lounge by the pool.

Inns of Aurora, New York

This small, almost enchanted Finger Lakes village on the placid shores of Cayuga Lake is enough to leave you feeling restored and re-energized. The inviting lakeside boutique resort ups the ante with multi-day retreats, like the three-day Metta Retreat ($1,610) or two-day Duet Retreat (from $605) at The Inns of Aurora's new 15,000-square-foot Spa at the Inns of Aurora . The Metta Retreat, for example, is inspired by the Buddhist practice of metta meditation, and guests work on cultivating kindness to themselves and staying grounded in the present. In addition to meditation, this mind shift is helped along by massages, facials, wraps, hydrotherapy circuits in the spa's six indoor and outdoor pools, and other detoxifying treatments. Multi-day retreat packages start at $605 per person.

The Ranch Malibu, California

The Ranch Malibu hosts retreats year-round (from $8,600 for the signature one-week program ; the seven-day program is also available as The Ranch Private for groups of one to four people traveling together, from $11,000). The celebrated fitness and wellness program seeks to adjust your mind, body, and spirit through an intense fitness and wellness routine paired with a plant-based diet. While you unplug from the dizzying daily array of smartphone alerts and Zoom calls, you'll participate in four-hour morning group hikes, yoga, daily massages, and more. Other items on the holistic wellness menu include pre- and post-program cholesterol testing, a weekly sound bath, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, cryotherapy, and IV therapy. The stunning views along the property's 200 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, just three miles above the Pacific Ocean, doesn't hurt the mind and body reboot, either.

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From Trauma Healers to In-House Psychologists, Hotels Are Increasingly Catering to Travelers' Mental Health

By Debra Kamin

Raj Mahal travels for work multiple times a month, and last winter, while staying at the  Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago, he was feeling down.

Mahal, 34, is the founder of Plan More Trips , an app that helps travelers book low-cost travel, and the stress of running a startup, he says, was beginning to take a toll on his mental health. In his hotel room that day, he saw a flier for a  partnership Kimpton was rolling out with  Talkspace , a company that offers virtual, online psychotherapy, offering guests at Kimpton properties a free video therapy session with its licensed counselors.

“I had tried therapy before,” says Mahal. “I find it useful to have somebody to bounce things off of, and to make sure I’m approaching things in the right way.”

He logged on and did his first session there in the hotel room, connecting with a therapist who listened to his concerns. The year-long program, which launched last February to “increase access to mental health resources at a time when it was needed most,” per a statement from Kimpton, also provides guests with a $100 code to continue therapy after they check out. Mahal took advantage of this and signed up for a plan; he now has a regular weekly meeting with that same virtual therapist, and makes sure he doesn’t miss it—whether he’s home or on the road.

The Global Wellness Institute projects that the wellness tourism sector will grow by 21 percent annually through 2025, thanks in no small part to the pandemic. Three years after lockdown, America remains in a mental health crisis, with nearly half of respondents in a 2021 study reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to the National Institute of Health. As travel continues to pick up, hospitality brands are expanding their offerings in response, moving beyond yoga, massages, and juice cleanses to offer concrete, science-backed solutions focused on travelers’ mental and emotional health.

Emotional health and wellbeing are prioritized at the recently opened Sensei Porcupine in Rancho Mirage, California.

Beyond Kimpton, whose Talkspace partnership concludes at the end of the month, the holistic wellness-minded  Miraval Resorts is collaborating with The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to create virtual events and video content, all designed to increase awareness of mental well-being and widen access to resources for travelers who might be struggling with their own mental health. Sleep, a continually elusive mistress for millions,  is being touted as a new luxury at wellness retreats across the globe—a trend that took root before the pandemic and has only grown in popularity. Meanwhile, at 30,000 feet, anxious fliers are finding succor with targeted video content:  JetBlue reports that its guided breath work and meditation videos, produced in partnership with Mindfulness studio Open , are now the second most-watched in-flight content on their planes after  Curb Your Enthusiasm .

But as the wait lists for the services of seasoned mental health professionals  continue to grow , some travelers are craving in-person treatment and connection. And properties are stepping up, adding psychotherapists and counselors to their staff so guests can schedule a therapy session as easily as they might order a burger from room service.

“Hotels have been offering different workout classes and gyms for a while,” says Logan Brantley, a licensed psychotherapist and clinical social worker, who starting in February will offer couple’s therapy sessions to guests at San Diego’s  The Guild Hotel . “Now they’re bringing mental health into the playing field and showing it’s important—and you can access it during your stay. We’re turning the page in the treatments we offer, and including mental health in overall wellness.” Her presence at the historic property, which sits in a renovated former YMCA building in the heart of San Diego’s downtown, is part of a new package, “Work It Out,” which offers couples a one-night stay in the hotel’s penthouse along with private yoga and kickboxing workshops, and a therapy session with Brantley.

By Matt Ortile

By Todd Plummer

By Lauren Dana Ellman

By Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

At Sensei Porcupine Creek in the mountains of Rancho Mirage, California, evidence-based healing has become a foundation of the property’s wellness philosophy, and some packages, including the Guided Wellness Experience , see guests paired with personal guides who hold PhDs in psychology and provide private, one-on-one sessions.

Preidlhof , an award-winning wellness resort in northern Italy, bills itself as a “healing hotel,” offering five, six, and 10-day retreats focused on helping guests with unlocking and releasing trauma. Renowned trauma healer Stefano Battiglio is on staff, as is an in-house psychologist who teaches classes on mindful eating and yoga nidra, and a medical doctor who uses biofeedback to help guests understand how their state of stress affects their body.

“This has been my passion for the last 18 years,” says Patrizia Bortolin, Wellness Project Manager and Director at Preidlhof. “And now everybody is in need and asking for this kind of approach.”

SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain

SHA Wellness Clinic's Health Screening Lab

Lingering stigmas continue to deter some travelers from seeking help for mental health issues, specialists say. So the integration of tourism and psychological care, at a time of increased need, is particularly powerful.

“Some of our guests, who normally don’t talk about their issues, want someone to discuss them with,” says Cinthya Molina, an in-house psychologist at SHA Wellness Clinic , a resort in Alicante, Spain. At SHA, guests can choose from a number of mental health programs, including a psychological consultation and an emotional coaching session. Those two services, Molina notes, are identical. But for some guests, simply labeling their experience as a coaching session and nixing the word “psychology” helps ease them into the process.

Travelers who are experiencing mental health crises should not consider hotel-based treatments as a substitute for clinical psychological care, and those who feel they may be a risk to themselves or others should reach out to crisis centers and trained psychotherapists for help. But when it comes to lowering stress, increasing happiness, and widening the circle of care for the public’s mental health, hotels can offer a convenient, well-positioned catchall.

“The emotional coaching is for people who might be embarrassed to ask for help,” says Molina. “So they say, ‘I want to see a coach.’ And I say, ‘Ok! I’m a psychologist.’ But if they prefer that I call myself a coach, that’s fine,” says Molina. “It’s really nice that we have this wellness space to put into practice the things that we are trying to teach.”

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Well and Good Travel

The Top 16 Wellness Travel Trends in 2023

As we emerge from the years that changed all of our lives in some way or another, people want to travel! And not just travel, but travel to improve their well-being. 2023 is the year of revival! With burnout, isolation, anxiety, and depression at all-time highs, people want to break free and feel better . Gone are the days when we fly away for a weekend of debauchery, only to return worse-off. Today people use travel instead as a proactive betterment of their health and well-being. So let’s dig in and see – what 2023 wellness travel trends are we likely to see in the new year?

According to all the polls, travelers are looking for travel that improves their physical, mental, and spiritual condition, and that they can feel good about participating in. Travelers are more aware of the impact travel has on the planet and communities now more than ever, and they will become increasingly interested in the well-being of the people and places they visit.

There is also evidence of a strong desire for a sense of community. Thanks to social media, remote work, and the increasing siloing of our lives – people are craving human connection and seeking it in their travel.

What is Wellness Travel?

Wellness travel, or wellness tourism, is the intersection of the travel industry and the wellness industry. It is travel that incorporates healthy habits, activities, and other experiences that maintain or improve physical, mental, emotional, financial, or other components of your well-being.

The Global Wellness Institute defines it as: “ travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing “. Wellness travelers seek remedies to stress, disease, and monotony through retreats, beautiful destinations, and authentic experiences.

And, it’s blowing up. The wellness tourism market is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 9.93% from 2022 to 2030, and be worth $1 trillion.

Travel isn’t something we indulge in once a year anymore, it’s part of our wellness routine now. In 2023 travel looks like healing, moving, and learning. It’s colorful, engaging, and restorative. Out with the going hard and in with the balance. Let’s take a look at 2023 wellness travel trends and how they fit into the different pillars of wellness.

Physical Wellness

In 2023 we want to return from vacation feeling physically well. We want to prioritize movement, healthy meals, and sleep. Hilton’s 2023 trends report shows that people want enhanced wellness offerings. For example, access to unique spa treatments, fitness activities (beyond the hotel gym), and healthier food options. People are recognizing travel as an essential part of their wellness routine and want to be able to maintain their physical wellness while they travel in order to fulfill their mental and spiritual wellness.

Trend #1: Soaking and Steaming

Saunas, steam baths, and thermal soaks are on our priority list. More and more people are catching on to the benefits of heat therapy and the travel industry is noticing. People are choosing the hotel or rental with the sauna over the one without.

It’s so popular now that an increasing number of resorts are building new sauna and hydrotherapy complexes to keep up with the new (old) trend. One resort in Colorado even built 41 Japanese-inspired soaking tubs around their concert venue so people can soak while they watch live music.

Soaking and steaming (heat and hydrotherapy) also make for popular wellness activities when traveling. Your hotel or Airbnb may not have a sauna but you can find some sort of heat therapy almost anywhere – and each destination has its own cultural take on it. For example, in Mexico you can partake in their version of a traditional steam bath, called a Temazcal .

Trend #2: Walking, Trekking, and Other Mindful Movement

Move over pool lounge chair, we’re moving on this vacation! Body immunity and fitness retreats are growing in popularity. As people turn their attention to building back their immunity and improving their overall health condition after the pandemic they’re looking to movement. Movement retreats are a way to travel and meaningfully maintain or improve physical and mental health.

Movement retreats usually include healthy meal plans and are located in stunning destinations. For example, Greece offers a number of yoga, hiking and fitness retreats year-round. Not into the whole retreat part? Try a hiking vacation like this Tour du Mont Blanc trek . Spending ten+ days in the mountains will absolutely change your physical and mental health – trust me.

Trend #3: Recovery Treatments

Recovery treatments for the body beyond soaking and steaming, like cryotherapy, oxygen and light therapy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy (to realign your hunched shoulders) are popular. Wellness hubs and hotels are incorporating these amenities into their spa programs now.

SIRO , a new fitness-led hotel brand hopes to lead the fitness and recovery hospitality space by making health and wellness attainable while traveling. They offer top-of-the-line wellness facilities and programs centered around fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mindfulness. Each hotel even has a dedicated Recovery Lab offering the latest technology to reduce stress, and improve blood circulation and sleep.

Emotional / Mental Wellness

This new generation of travelers is traveling for their well-being. They see the toll sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, overworking, and other lifestyle choices have taken on older generations. And, they’re seeing firsthand the impacts of increased isolation and technology use on their peers. We’re seeing a mindset shift in the younger generation. Younger travelers are opting for wellness-based getaways and seeking out restorative, healing experiences on their travel.

Polls show that younger generation travelers are willing to spend more on their travels if it means it will improve their state of mind. Gen-Z specifically is looking for drug-free, non-invasive approaches to manage stress and anxiety and lead more healthy and balanced lives. Escaping routine, learning a new language/navigating new places, and allowing yourself time to rest and rejuvenate. These are great ways to combat the modern challenges people experience today.

In addition, traveling is a great way to build confidence in yourself and your capabilities. It’s the opposite of social media – the land of comparison and inaction. Here are some of the 2023 wellness travel trends we’re seeing that improve mental and emotional wellness.

Trend #4: Arts and Crafts

Yep, arts and crafts. Working with your hands is calming and engaging. When you indulge in your creative side the world around you often melts away. When your hands and your right brain are activated you don’t have time to scroll or think about stressful thoughts.

Creative play can improve mood and reduce anxiety. If you need help relaxing on vacation, try taking an art class or participating in a craft workshop. Many hotels are incorporating arts and crafts classes into their programming now. A hotel in Santa Fe celebrates the relaxing nature of arts and crafts by offering a variety of classes. Take a painting class, learn the art of ancient lettering and journaling, make your own incense, or take a seed working class.

Trend #5: Animal Therapy Retreats

We all know that being around animals has a positive impact on our mental health. Well, hotels and retreats are taking their wellness programs a step further and incorporating animals for an additional boost of dopamine. You may have heard of goat yoga, but did you know there’s a whole realm of wellness programs that feature all sorts of animals? Dogs and horses are the most popular but you may encounter programs that feature chickens, birds, pigs, and more.

This low-tech and reasonably accessible way to reduce stress and increase our feelings of well-being is gaining popularity in the hospitality industry. From full-day excursions that include meditation on horseback, and painting horses (yes you read that right), to bird watching with a resident resort guide, we’re seeing variations of animal therapy pop up everywhere.

Some hotels offer appointments with their resident therapy dog, and one hotel in Santa Fe actually partners with a humane society to foster puppies year-round. Guests are able to play with and spend time with the puppies, and can even adopt them if they are so inclined. We love to see it!

Trend #6: Dopamine Travel

Speaking of dopamine, have you heard the term ‘dopamine travel’? Because according to data it’s a thing. To combat growing burnout people are booking trips to ‘dopamine destinations’. These are destinations with bright and bold contrasting colors, vibrant sites, sounds, and smells all of which help to stimulate those coveted ‘feel good’ chemicals. To paint a more clear picture, some of the top dopamine travel destinations are India, Mexico, and Morocco.

Trend #7: Slow Travel

Slow travel is a popular term in travel and wellness spaces. It’s an approach to travel that emphasizes spending more time in one place versus jumping from one destination to the next to “see as much as you can”. This allows for a deeper connection to local people, cultures, food, and music and an understanding of other ways of living.

Slow travel is balanced and intentional, and emphasizes supporting local businesses and veering off the main tourist routes. It’s conscious, mindful travel. Consequently, this style of travel is less stressful and more sustainable (mentally).

Trend #8: Emotional Healing & Holistic Wellness Retreats

These are multi-day, guided, intention-driven retreats. Think meditation and yoga retreats, retreats in nature and retreats focused on personal growth. They typically address lifestyle and focus on developing tools to manage stress. Emotional healing retreats allow you the space to acknowledge, process, and release painful experiences and strong emotions that might be holding you back in life.

Trend #9: The “Workcation”

Workcation, the pandemic evolution of “bleisure” (business and pleasure) blends work and play on another level and it looks like it’s here to stay. The concept? Log in from anywhere in the world during your working hours and enjoy wherever you are on your off hours as if you are on vacation. The ultimate manifestation of work-life balance.

As this trend continues to grow we’re seeing more hotels offer ‘workcation’ packages, and short and long-term rentals feature workstations to attract remote workers. A desk and high-speed internet are critical amenities these days. Popular workcation destinations? Arizona, Wyoming, Hawaii, Colorado, Florida, and Georgia.

Spiritual Wellness

The theme is inner peace. People want to get more in touch with themselves. This is looking like off-grid, culturally rich, tech-free, and sometimes solo trips. Polls show travelers are seeking more engaging experiences to connect to friends, family, cultures, and the planet on a deeper level. These desires manifest as the following 2023 wellness travel trends.

Trend #10: Digital Detox, Off-Grid Travel

With the desire to disappear into a pre digital era, there is an increased percentage of travelers searching for and booking off-grid style vacations. According to a Booking.com poll, travelers are using off-grid trips as opportunities to learn survival skills, bathe in nature, or participate in other outdoor adventure activities.

Companies like Unplugged and Getaway , which offer off-grid cabins and boxes to lock up your devices, are seeing major growth through the end of 2022. There are actually several companies they partner with who offer digital detoxes to their employees and they’re creating more locations to meet the demand. You can read about my experience at a Getaway Cabin in Washington State here .

Trend #11: Plant Medicine & Ayurveda

We’re seeing a resurgence of interest in plant medicine, specifically Ayurveda and psilocybin, as a powerful tool to connect with intuition and achieve greater mind, body, and spirit wellness. As I mentioned earlier, the younger generation realizes they need to take responsibility for their health and longevity into their own hands. One way they are doing this is engaging in ancient preventative medicine.

People interested in these experiences are interested in transformational travel more generally as well. Individuals, organizations, the spa and hospitality industries, and the travel sector more broadly are seeing demand for these types of experiences and building out programs to support them.

Trend #12: Solo Travel

No travel partner? No problem! Traveling solo is gaining momentum among 65+, Gen-Z, and millennials. Choosing to go solo means more time with yourself, no coordinating, and no compromising.

Additionally, traveling solo travel also allows for more growth and transformation. Solo travel builds confidence, proving strength and capability. If you’re trying to get in sync with your own power, try taking a solo trip 🙂

Trend #13: Traveling to Gather

While solo travel is on the rise, so is traveling with the purpose of being with a group. This is where the longing for sense of community comes in – people are willing to fly anywhere to connect. We’re seeing more family travel and more friend group travel/meetups. These trips are often built around an activity too – retreat, reunion, adventure. Going through an experience together strengthens bonds and releases feel good chemicals.

Environmental Wellness

Trend #14: climate-friendly/sustainable travel.

Wellness for the planet is a major 2023 wellness travel trend. Nowadays, travelers want to know what the hotel or resort they are staying at is doing to minimize its impact on the environment and surrounding community. Whether it’s contributing to a conservation program, using recycled building materials, or offering pull-chain showers – guests want to see that they are spending their money somewhere that has a small and sustainable footprint.

We’re seeing more and more travelers choose to vacation in green cities and sustainable destinations in the face of climate change. Of course, they may still be hopping on long flights, but until there is an alternative there, we might as well be more conscious in the ways that we can – like the destination.

Trend #15: Regenerative Travel

AKA, travel that gives back to people and place/leaves a place better than you found it. This concept applies in many fields – agriculture, development, etc. The definition of regeneration is “the process of renewal, restoration, and growth that makes genomes, cells, organisms, and ecosystems resilient to natural fluctuations or events that cause disturbance or damage”. When applied to travel, the idea is to restore communities/destinations and then make the community/destination resilient to, and benefit from, travel.

A good way for a traveler to know if they are staying in regenerative accommodations or are participating in regenerative travel experiences is to ask questions. How was the hotel built? Are staff being treated well? How is the local environment being protected? How is the hotel or tour supporting the local community?

Hotels are slowly but surely catching on and encouraging philanthropic and sustainable efforts amongst guests by making regenerative efforts more accessible. Many incorporate give-back initiatives to local communities on-site, sustainable purchasing, and recommending attractions and creating partnerships with charities connected to community and environmental impact.

Want to stay in a regenerative hotel? Then check out Regenerative Travel , a booking agency that vets members based on metrics such as carbon usage, employee well-being, immersive guest activities and sourcing local food.

Trend # 16: Air-Free Travel

As the pandemic forced everyone to stay closer to home, alternative ways of travel began to spike. In turn, people realized that there was so much more to be seen in their back yards. As we emerge from the pandemic, planet-friendly transportation options and close to home trips are still on the rise.

This isn’t just because people realized there was more to do close to home. It has become more common in the travel sphere for people to actually feel guilty traveling by plane. There’s even a word for this in Swedish, “smygflyga”, which translates to “flight shame”.

For both of these reasons we’re seeing sustained spikes in travel via train (one of the most climate-friendly options), car, and public transport. Airlines have noticed this and several are investing in sustainable fuel and carbon offsetting options. For example,  Southwest Airlines  recently announced a plan for carbon neutrality by 2050.  

2023 Wellness Travel Trends Wrap-Up

Some themes that are easily pulled from this list are regeneration (for people and the planet), relaxation, small footprint travel, and desire for spiritual fulfillment. This list of 2023 wellness travel trends tells me a lot about our society right now. People are overworked, they’re grasping for some sense of community and belonging. People are worried about the state of our planet, and worried about the state of our older generations. Younger generations are determined to turn the future of their health and the health of the climate around.

This is manifesting in travel in many ways. Travelers are opting for:

• Off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Transformational, healing experiences (traditional ceremonies, retreats, partaking in meditation or spiritual practices)
• Taking the train or going on a roadtrip over flying
• Choosing more outdoor adventure travel
• Taking up local art classes on trips
• Choosing locations with animals
• Longer-term stays
• Choosing destinations or accommodations where fitness activities and healthy food are accessible

So, what does your 2023 travel look like?

Jade Gershen is the founder of Well and Good Travel. She has lived on three continents and explored more than 20 countries in the past 10 years. U.S. based, she also shares her favorite places to go and things to do in the States. Having experienced the impacts of chronic stress Jade has a particular interest in using travel and outdoor adventure to improve well-being and shares that with her readers.

Top retreats for holistic health and rejuvenation

• By Isaac Ocean
• Jun 05, 2024

Traveling is no longer just about sightseeing and indulging in local cuisine; it’s evolving into a journey of wellness and self-discovery. With the wellness tourism industry projected to reach a staggering $1.3 trillion by 2025, more individuals are seeking retreats that cater to their health and wellness goals. Here’s a glimpse into some of the top destinations that promise to nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

Detox and revitalize: At The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines, travelers can detox their bodies with cleansing treatments, natural spa therapies, and a raw vegan diet. Tailored programs address various health objectives, including mental health and yoga retreats.

Sober fun in Las Vegas: The Wynn Las Vegas offers a ‘Drinking Well’ program featuring an array of nonalcoholic beverages infused with unique ingredients like reishi mushrooms and ashwagandha, proving that a sober lifestyle can be maintained even in Sin City.

Healing with horses: Experience the therapeutic power of equine therapy at Miraval Austin in Texas. This retreat combines country charm with modern wellness practices, offering activities from yoga to horseback riding as a form of healing.

Escape to tranquility: Just 90 miles from the hustle of New York City, Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill, New York, embraces the Japanese principle of wabi-sabi, offering services that range from spa treatments to spiritual healing.

Postnatal pampering: New mothers can find solace and support at Boram Postnatal Retreat in New York City. This sanctuary provides 24/7 assistance, nourishing foods, and therapeutic services to help moms recover and bond with their newborns.

Fitness-focused getaways: At Skyterra Wellness Retreat in North Carolina, guests can focus on fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Whether it’s a week-long stay or an extended retreat, Skyterra aims to improve your overall well-being.

Restorative Hawaiian escape: Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii, offers a Rest & Recovery program that includes health assessments and personalized techniques for stress management, nutrition, and fitness , ensuring guests leave with a renewed focus on health.

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Why You Should Definitely Book a Solo Travel Vacation This Year

Solo travel is a boom to your mental health

Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics.

Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania.

Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images

Travel is one of the most exciting, challenging, and eye-opening things you can do for yourself. Whether you’re road-tripping to the next state over or hopping on a plane and zooming to the opposite side of the world, traveling immediately takes you out of your comfort zone and invites you to see the world through new eyes. Solo travel elevates this experience further, inspiring you to explore both inward and outward.

Mandi Getz, Travel Expert at Fit4Travel 

Go into the experience with an open mind that this will be an adventure and that you'll learn something and grow.

Solo Travel and Mental Health

Raise your hand if you’ve ever deeply felt the mundanity of life. You wake up in the morning, drink your coffee, work, enjoy maybe an hour or two of free time, then go to sleep only to repeat the same sequence day after day.

“People need challenges in their lives and to break free of their comfort zone to expand their mental health, allowing them for personal development and growth,” explains licensed professional counselor and avid traveler, Abbey Sangmeister , MS.Ed, LPC, ACS. “I encourage clients to do solo travel as they have more time to turn inward and focus on themselves and areas that are no longer working for them.” 

Mandi Getz, a travel expert at Fit4Travel , which creates tailored wellness retreats, agrees. She says that traveling is an opportunity to step outside of your daily life and experience new people, new cultures, and new adventures.

Disrupting that day-to-day flow allows you to work through challenges, empower yourself, and discover your inner strength (or even help you find what you didn’t know you had!). So often we quiet our own passions and longings, but solo travel has the potential to silence all the external influence so you can tune into yourself.

8 Ways Solo Travel Improves Mental Health

Let's explore some of the specific ways solo travel benefits your mental well-being in the short and long term.

• Simply planning and looking forward to your trip can help you feel happier.
• The experience provides you with intentional opportunities to look inward and self reflect.  
• It encourages you to think about what you really want to do versus catering to another person’s preferences.
• Solo travel increases your tolerance for adversity and challenges, which can benefit you in your daily life, too. 
• It can help you feel greater satisfaction about your overall quality of life and even improve your relationships.
• The experience shows you just how strong and resilient you are, which can promote confidence and a greater sense of self.
• It can make you a more open and agreeable person, which is crucial for social interactions and relationships, as well.
• Solo travel allows you to meet new people and make new friends. When you’re with a partner or longtime friend, that same desire to meet others isn’t quite as high.

Tips for Planning a Solo Trip 

Feeling inspired to book a solo vacation but aren’t sure where to start? You're not alone. Follow these expert tips to help ensure you have an amazing experience from beginning to end.

Start Small 

It’s OK if the idea of traveling alone makes you feel nervous. It's guaranteed to get those butterflies going! But you can do it, and remember, small steps only lead to bigger ones. 

“If someone has never traveled alone and feels anxious about it, start small,” Sangmeister says. “Have you ever sat at a coffee shop alone without a laptop in front of you? Expand upon that and go out to lunch and then dinner alone. Try adventuring in your own neighborhood. Then book that trip." 

Join a Group Retreat 

Participating in a group trip is an amazing way to travel solo without being completely alone. These trip itineraries are curated by travel experts and are packed with highlights of your destination while remaining flexible to give you the freedom to be on your own.

“Our wellness retreats make things super seamless instead of you having to go in and plan everything on your own,” Getz adds. "This is especially helpful if you're not a well-traveled person or feel nervous about traveling. From hotel transfers to excursions to having a local guide lined up, we ensure you can enjoy a fully integrative experience with the culture and the history.” 

Choose the Right Destination  

Newbie solo travelers should put a lot of thought behind where they’re going. Jay Ternavan, founder of JayWay Travel , recommends starting with a destination that’s known for its safety and travel-friendly environments. These destinations often have robust tourism infrastructures and low crime rates, making them ideal for building confidence. 

Stay Smart 

The reality is that crime is possible even in your own backyard. (To that end, some destinations may even be technically safer than where you live!) Still, Ternavan says to always be aware of your surroundings. 

“Trust your instincts and avoid secluded areas, especially at night,” he advises. “Keep your valuables secure using hotel safes and avoid displaying expensive items in public. I also recommend sharing your travel itinerary with family or friends and scheduling regular check-ins with them.” 

Pro Tip: You don't have to be fluent, but learning a few basic phrases in the local language can help you navigate and interact with locals more comfortably. 

Be Open to the Experience 

Travel forces you to roll with the punches and be adaptable. Maybe the restaurant won’t have any food you like (time to try something new!) or perhaps the tour started way later than you wanted. Whatever the case, try to remain flexible.

“I know a lot of people are nervous just because they want everything to go perfectly, and with travel, things don't always go perfectly no matter how much you plan,” Getz says. “Go into your travel day and the experience with an open mind that this will be an adventure and that you'll learn something and grow. It will all be well worth the experience.”

Don’t Over-Schedule Yourself 

To make your trip really count, avoid the temptation of overbooking and account for some flexibility in your plans. “With most people having an over-scheduled daily life, I encourage them to listen to their inner voice and practice flowing when they are on solo travel,” Sangmeister says. 

Try to Be Present 

It’s already a struggle to remain present in our daily lives, but that can compound when we’re traveling. So often, our minds go to what's the next thing on the itinerary versus soaking up an experience while you’re there. “Taking time to be in the moment is super important,” Getz says. “Be mindful and continue to remind yourself to be present where you are.” 

Abbey Sangmeister, MS.Ed, LPC, ACS

Use the time of solo travel to listen to your thoughts, find your breath, and think through ideas and goals.

Do Some Self-Reflection 

Solo travel is the perfect opportunity to look inward and better understand yourself. “ Keep a journal to reflect on your trip and those messages that come when you are in quiet moments,” Sangmeister suggests. “Use the time of solo travel to listen to your thoughts, find your breath, and think through ideas and goals.” 

Solo travel can help you uncover a path you never dreamed of or discovered. It allows you to courageously conquer fears, build new coping skills and strategies for success, and learn about new cultures and experiences. Embrace it all! 

Gilbert, D., & Abdullah, J. (2002). A study of the impact of the expectation of a holiday on an individual’s sense of well-being. Journal of Vacation Marketing , 8 (4), 352–361. https://doi.org/10.1177/135676670200800406

Chikani, V., Reding, D., Gunderson, P., & McCarty, C. A. (2005). Vacations improve mental health among rural women: The Wisconsin Rural Women’s Health Study. WMJ: Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin , 104 (6), 20–23.

Zimmermann, J., & Neyer, F. J. (2013). Do we become a different person when hitting the road? Personality development of sojourners. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 105 (3), 515–530. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0033019

By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics.

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How Wellness Psychology Tailors Therapy to Your Needs in Calgary

Wellness Psychology is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of mental health and achieve a brighter future. Today, the world is filled with uncertainty and daily mental health challenges, and choosing a healing path can lead to profound personal growth. Wellness Psychology, now open in Calgary, offers a supportive environment where people can heal, rediscover themselves, build and plan their path for a future, and realize their full potential.

Lindsey Stephenson, the Founder and CEO of Wellness Psychology, verified psychologist on Psychology Today, is passionate about helping clients achieve their personal goals. “Life happens, and it can cause wounding, ways of thinking, and behaviors that are not healthy,” says Lindsey. ”When we have the courage to face our pain, healing can occur and we can become who we were always meant to be.”

Wellness Psychology is a team of compassionate individuals who have experienced the power of therapy firsthand. Each of them has sat in the other chair, shared stories, and undergone significant change in their life. Wellness Psychology is passionate about helping you experience the same transformation in your life and is excited to partner with you on your journey.

Wellness Psychology Values

• Acceptance: “We accept you for who you are and are open to listen.”
• Empathy: “We strive to see, feel, and understand things from your perspective.”
• Collaboration: “We partner with you to find your way forward – together.”

Wellness Psychology Services

Wellness Psychology offers a range of services tailored to meet your unique needs, including:

• Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
• Career Dissatisfaction Counseling
• Christian Counseling
• Internal Family Systems Therapy
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy
• Trauma Counseling
• Grief Counseling
• Anxiety Treatment
• Depression Treatment

Local Space in Calgary or Online Therapy

Wellness Psychology is a boutique practice located in a beautifully restored character home, designed to create a warm and welcoming environment. People can meet there in-person or have sessions online, and appointments can be booked here .

Discover how Wellness Psychology can help you achieve deep and transformational change. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.wellnesspsychology.ca/

Wellness Psychology: Email: [email protected] Wellness Psychology on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellnesspsychology/ Wellness Psychology on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellnessPsychologyYYC Website: https://www.wellnesspsychology.ca/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240605665819/en/

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The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First , we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second , we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them.

The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

10 Best Online Therapy Services: Tried And Tested In 2024

Medically Reviewed

Key Takeaways:

• The top online therapy platforms range in price, from $65 to $145 per session. 
• Important factors to consider when selecting a provider include therapist credentials and specialities, insurance eligibility and privacy protocols. 
• We found that Brightside Health is a great pick; our reviewer found her therapist’s insights to be enlightening during her two-month trial of the service.

To determine the best online therapy options of 2024, the editorial team analyzed over 43 platforms across the market, factoring in cost, therapist credentials, insurance eligibility and other metrics.

Here are our top picks for the best online therapy services in 2024. This ranking represents therapy and psychologist visits only—psychiatry and medication management services may be available as a separate service or for an additional cost.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Health

The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about mental health treatment that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our methodology for the rankings below.

• 43 telehealth platforms considered
• 35 metrics analyzed
• 4 months of analysis from Forbes Health editors
• 10 platforms tested
• Best Online Therapy That Takes Insurance
• Best Affordable Online Therapy
• Best Online Couples Therapy
• Best Online Therapy For ADHD
• Best Online Therapy For Anxiety
• Best Online Therapy For Depression
• BetterHelp Online Therapy Review
• Talkspace Online Therapy Review

Best Online Therapy Services of 2024

Brightside health, teladoc health, online-therapy.com, growing self, livehealth online, methodology: how we picked the best online therapy services of 2024, what is online therapy, how does online therapy work, the pros and cons of online therapy, how much does online therapy cost, does insurance cover online therapy, is online therapy effective, is online therapy safe for privacy, who benefits most from online therapy, who should avoid using online therapy, questions to ask before you sign up for online therapy, how to prepare for an online therapy session, is online therapy regulated, filing an online therapy complaint, what to look for in an online therapist, how to choose the best online therapy for you, summary: compare the best online therapy services of 2024, frequently asked questions (faqs), our top-rated online therapy services.

• Best Value: BetterHelp
• Best Online Therapy: Brightside Health
• Best Therapist Credentials: Teladoc Health
• Best for Insurance: Amwell
• Best for Additional Tools: Calmerry
• Best for Additional Medication Management: Cerebral
• Best Educational Resources: Online-Therapy.com
• Best for Finding In-Person Care: Sesame
• Best for Couples: Growing Self
• Most Affordable: LiveHealth Online

• Monthly fee: Varies, but around $260 for four video therapy sessions
• 34,000 active providers in network
• Session length: 30 to 45 minutes
• Does not accept insurance or Medicare
• Accepts HSA/FSA
• Types of therapy available: Individual, couples (through Regain), teen (through Teen Counseling)
• Modes of communication available: Messaging, live chat, audio and live video
• BBB rating: A-; Trustpilot rating: 4.5

BetterHelp particularly shines for its provider network, which consists of 34,000 providers, according to the company. All of its providers are licensed and experienced psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers or licensed professional counselors who have a minimum of three years and 1,000 hours of experience, as well as a master’s or doctoral degree. Where BetterHelp does fall short is that it, notably, does not accept insurance. Still, $260 per month for four video therapy sessions comes out to $65 per session, which is a competitive rate for online therapy.

“Overall, I would rate my experience with BetterHelp as excellent. My therapist was skilled, empathetic and competent. She listened to my issues without judgment or criticism. BetterHelp allows customers to change therapists at any time and as many times as they find necessary. However, I stuck with the same therapist, and over the course of four video sessions, she offered suggestions on ways to alleviate or prevent anxiety and resolve recurring communication issues with one of my siblings…”

“I found my online video sessions with my therapist to be as helpful as my previous experiences with in-person therapy. My counselor made suggestions without pushing me to follow them and offered ways I could cope with anxiety, such as breathing exercises and journaling techniques for perceiving fears or worries in a more realistic and logical way.”

Learn more about her experience in our full BetterHelp review.

• Huge provider network consisting of 34,000 providers
• Offers a student discount ($180 per month)
• Offers the ability to stay anonymous with a nickname
• Flexibility with appointments on nights and weekends
• Offers four modes of communication: Messaging, live chat, audio and video sessions
• Offers therapy specifically geared toward individuals, teens, couples and more
• You cannot select your own therapist but you can request to be matched with a different therapist at your discretion
• Shorter sessions than others on this ranking
• Does not offer psychiatric care

• Monthly fee: $299 for four video therapy sessions
• 1,500 active providers in network
• Session length: 45 minutes
• Accepts 12 insurance providers, Medicare and Medicaid
• Accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Types of therapy available: Individual, psychiatry, Crisis Care
• Modes of communication available: Anytime Messaging, live video
• BBB rating: A-; Trustpilot rating: 1.4

Brightside Health checks all of the boxes for a standout online therapy provider—it’s comprehensive, efficient and reasonably-priced. For its online therapy offering, Brightside charges $299 per month, which encompasses four monthly video therapy sessions, equating to $74.75 per session—a lower rate compared to other online providers on this list. The platform notes that it does not share client data with third-parties, and that it only employs fully-licensed therapists who have worked independently for at least one year and hold at least a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology or counseling. Brightside accepts 12 insurance providers as well as Medicare and Medicaid. With therapists available in all 50 states, this is an accessible online therapy provider for a variety of mental health needs, from mild anxiety to more specialized care, including psychiatry. It also offers an arsenal of tools to help support individuals in between sessions, including progress trackers, audio lessons and practice exercises.

“Within a few weeks, I started looking forward to our sessions—partly because they were an opportunity to slow down and focus on my frustrations, and partly because the psychologist’s insights were often illuminating. During our second session, after acknowledging that I have a lot of pressure on me coming from multiple directions, he noted that some of the challenges I’ve been facing aren’t changeable and that trying to change them can get in the way of using my focus and energy for things that are changeable. That observation instantly felt like an aha! moment…”

“After two months of online therapy, I’m ready to take a break and fly solo, using the new tools I now have, thanks to my psychologist. But I will return to Brightside the next time I need help.”

Learn more about her experience in our full Brightside review.

• Robust network of 1,500 providers with appointments available in 24 hours
• Unlimited messaging available
• Users can select their own therapist
• Accepts a number of insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid
• Offers Crisis Care for those at an elevated suicide risk (in certain states)
• Offers psychiatric care
• Lower Trustpilot rating
• One year of experience qualification for providers is lower than others on this ranking
• Does not offer audio-only or text-based therapy sessions

• $119 per video therapy session, billed per session
• Does not disclose how many providers are in its network
• Accepts insurance; does not accept Medicare
• Types of therapy available: Individual, medication management
• Modes of communication available: Live video
• BBB rating: B; Trustpilot rating: 4.8

Teladoc Health may be a great option for those looking for virtual therapy. Its network of credentialed health providers are available seven days a week, and those who are anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, experience mood swings or who are not feeling like themselves can see a specialist by video or talk to one on the phone. Medication management is available as a separate service for those who are currently taking or are curious about prescription medications to manage mental health concerns. Teladoc points out that it’s the only remote licensed care provider to receive four certifications from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its physician-screening process, which is rigorous and includes peer references, licensure and a minimum of three years of experience, according to the company.

“I chose a therapist who specializes in anxiety and work-related stress, and scheduled my first appointment for three days later…I experienced reliable video and audio quality during my session. The therapist was highly-qualified and provided helpful advice and tactical next steps. After the appointment, I received a follow-up email and a PDF with tips on how to deal with stress. I’d consider using Teladoc for future therapy needs, as my session provided great value in an easy to navigate online experience.”

Learn more about her experience in our full Teladoc Health review.

• Accepts insurance
• Straightforward pricing model
• Ability to select your own therapist
• Appointments available on nights and weekends
• Providers go through a rigorous screening process
• A bit more expensive per session than others on this ranking
• Unclear how many insurance providers are accepted
• Does not accept Medicare
• Does not offer text therapy

• $109 to $129 per video therapy session, billed per session
• 350+ active providers in network
• Accepts 40 insurance providers and Medicare
• Unclear if it accepts HSA/FSA
• Types of therapy available: Individual, couples, psychiatry
• BBB rating: N/A; Trustpilot rating; 1.8

Amwell is an online therapy provider that shines for its acceptance of 40 insurance providers, which is more than many of the platforms on our ranking. Its network features providers who hold a master’s or doctorate-level license and have a minimum of two years of experience post-licensure. While Amwell may not have all the bells and whistles as other platforms on this ranking (it does not have text therapy, for example), its services are straightforward, with users billed per session, and offers the convenience of being able to select your own therapist along with appointment availability on nights and weekends.

“Though therapy isn’t always an enjoyable experience, I found the four sessions following my initial phone session very helpful…my therapist was very kind and shared just enough about her life that I felt connected to her, but not so much that she crossed professional boundaries. She was also an empathetic listener. She also taught me several concrete strategies to use to address the specific issues I was experiencing.”

Learn more about her experience in our full Amwell review.

• Accepts 40 insurance providers
• Accepts Medicare
• Smaller provider network
• Slightly more expensive per session than others on this ranking
• Does not offer therapy via text or chat
• Lacks additional tools and resources, such as worksheets and mood trackers

• Monthly fee: $360 for four live video therapy sessions and text therapy
• 1,000+ active providers in network
• Session length: 30, 60 or 90-minute sessions available
• Types of therapy available: Individual
• Modes of communication available: Messaging, live video
• BBB rating: A+; Trustpilot rating: 4.0

Calmerry stands out as an online therapy provider for being rich in features, including mood tracking, journaling and daily check-ins (with the ability to share with your counselor) and a library of courses, worksheets and journal prompts. It offers a monthly subscription for either text therapy or text therapy along with live video sessions. Calmerry’s network features licensed clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors who hold either a master’s or doctorate degree and have at least one year of experience. For those who prefer a clear path of goals and action items, Calmerry may be a good fit—the platform provides a Therapy Plan with treatment goals, action items and milestones.

“As a veteran of therapy (in-person and online, one-on-one and group, individual and couples), I approached Calmerry with a clear idea of what to look for. I wanted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help me navigate transitions related to aging, wellness and caregiving.”

“In our first session, I launched right into the issues I wanted to address. My counselor provided a balance of empathetic compassion and thoughtful questions that challenged me to identify ways I can effect meaningful changes. It was apparent she’d studied my questionnaire, taken my text messages to heart and found medical and psychological resources. This objective information helped me see my situation in a new light.”

Learn more about her first-hand experience in our comprehensive Calmerry review.

• Offers text therapy
• Offers discounted rates for your first month ($295)
• Offers an array of resources including mood trackers and journaling tools
• Offers financial aid (up to 30% off) to those who qualify, according to the company
• Monthly fee is more expensive than others on this ranking
• Does not accept health insurance
• Cannot choose your own therapist (but you can request to change therapists)

• Monthly fee: $295 for up to five video therapy sessions
• 350 active providers in network
• Accepts health insurance but not Medicare
• Types of therapy available: Individual therapy, medication management
• Modes of communication available: Live video, messaging or phone
• BBB rating: B-; Trustpilot rating: 4.0

Cerebral is an online therapy service that’s simple and intuitive to use. It may be particularly convenient for those looking for prescription medication management along with talk therapy, as unlike other providers on this list, Cerebral combines medication management and therapy in a majority of its plans and offers three plan types to choose from: Medication and care counseling, medication and therapy or therapy only. If you need a prescription, the platform can mail it straight to your home for privacy and convenience. Cerebral offers a range of therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

“I felt as though my therapist was well trained and empathetic. She listened intently, took notes, remembered what I said from session to session and was definitely focused on my goals. I found myself making small changes as a result of what we discussed or, more accurately, the questions she asked. This seems like how good therapists work—they don’t tell you what to do, but rather encourage you to see connections and set goals.”

“After six weeks of using Cerebral, I completed another assessment. The results showed I was a bit lower on both insomnia and anxiety scales.”

Learn more about her experience in our full Cerebral review.

• Ability to choose your own therapist
• Appointment availability on nights and weekends
• Ability to meet with your therapist up to five times per month
• Monthly mental health assessments act as check-ins on progress
• Bundled medication management plans available
• More expensive than others on this ranking
• Some of its therapists hold an associate level license (which means they are working toward independent licensure under the direction of a professional clinical supervisor)

• Monthly fee: $320 for one session per week (for standard plan)
• 200 active providers in network
• Types of therapy available: Individual, couples
• Modes of communication available: Live video, audio and chat
• BBB rating: Not available; Trustpilot rating: 2.8

Online-Therapy.com is a straightforward teletherapy option that may be a good fit for those who prefer the flexibility of having multiple ways to communicate with their provider, as it offers unlimited messaging along with live chat, audio and video sessions. It also offers a slate of helpful resources to provide support between sessions, including educational materials, journaling, activity plans and more. Its network of providers all hold a master’s or doctorate in mental health fields, and the platform requires they have a minimum of three years of experience or 2,000 hours of providing counseling services.

“My therapist was kind, empathetic and provided gentle, non-judgemental advice. They helped me to recognize unhelpful patterns and behaviors in my life and offered solutions from an outside perspective…while I was initially going to try out the program for only a month, I decided to subscribe for a second month because I connected with my therapist and saw improvements with their guidance.”

Learn more about her first-hand experience in our comprehensive Online-Therapy.com review.

• Offers unlimited messaging, as well as audio and live chat, in addition to video sessions
• Offers a 20% discount the first month
• Offers financial aid to students, veterans and low-income individuals who qualify, according to the company
• Basic subscription does not include live video sessions
• Shorter sessions consisting of 45 minutes
• Does not have an app

• Monthly fee: Varies by provider, but discounts available with $10.99 monthly membership
• 100+ providers in network
• Session length: Varies by provider
• Modes of communication available: Live video, in-person
• BBB rating: A-; Trustpilot rating: 4.0

Sesame stands out from other platforms on our ranking for offering the option to filter for in-person care (in addition to online therapy). Details such as session length and cost depend on the provider—and can vary widely on the platform. For this reason, Sesame serves as more of a directory of therapists than an online therapy platform in itself, showcasing both online and in-person providers available near you. It allows users to search for providers on its platform for a range of use cases, including online therapy sessions, mental health consults, psychiatric care or prescription refills. Additionally, for a monthly fee of $10.99, the Sesame Plus membership unlocks deep discounts for therapy sessions with providers in its network.

“Because I live in an area with a minimal amount of therapists, I didn’t have the best luck with Sesame. For those interested in trying Sesame, first ensure that there are therapists available in your area, as finding a provider in a timely manner is important when you’re in need of mental health treatment. You can do so by checking the company’s list of providers before you sign up.”

Learn more about her experience in our comprehensive Sesame review.

• Offers the ability to search for in-person care near you
• Monthly membership unlocks discounts per session
• Easy-to-use search function allows you to filter for specific use cases
• Many providers offer affordable rates per session
• Offers psychiatric care and medication management
• Session pricing varies, as providers set their own rates
• Does not offer additional resources like text therapy or worksheets
• Experience can vary widely by provider

Varies by provider, but Sesame Plus prices are as follows:

• $145 per video therapy session, billed per session
• 55 active providers in network
• Accepts out-of-network insurance coverage for those seeking therapy with a provider licensed in their state for a diagnosed mental health condition; does not accept Medicare
• Types of therapy available: Individual, life coaching, relationship counseling and coaching, dating coaching, parent coaching, career coaching and more
• Modes of communication available: Live video, in-person (in very limited locations)
• BBB rating: A+; Trustpilot rating: Not available

Growing Self online therapy may be a great option for those looking not only for online therapy, but for coaching and counseling services. Its platform features a variety of targeted counseling programs to address specific needs, such as career coaching, parent coaching and even “heartbreak recovery.” Growing Self’s network of providers consists of licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed counselors and those who are obtaining their licensure under supervision, according to the company. Additionally, it offers in-person counseling at locations in Colorado. This provider particularly shines for its therapy and counseling options geared toward couples, which include premarital counseling, marital counseling, dating coaching, breakup therapy, divorce counseling and more.

“I was matched with a doctoral-level professional, so the rate was $170 for a single session (a bit pricey, in my opinion). He was very nice, with a calming and intelligent demeanor, and I could tell he was listening keenly to what I had to say…”

“Overall, I had a positive experience with Growing Self, though I don’t believe their offerings are right for me at this point in time. If I were in the middle of a family or relationship crisis or had specific personal, romantic or professional growth goals, I would probably reach out again, though I would likely request a provider with lower rates.”

Find out more about her experience in our full Growing Self review.

• Coaching and counseling available for very targeted needs (such as affair recovery or long-distance couples counseling)
• Ability to select your own provider from a curated list
• Offers specific courses and classes for a variety of concerns
• Offers a library of resources including blogs, podcasts and quizzes
• Smaller network of providers than others on this list
• Requirements for providers are not as rigorous as others on this ranking
• Typically does not accept insurance

• $85 per session with a therapist, $100 per session with a psychologist
• Accepts insurance; unclear if it accepts Medicare
• Types of therapy available: Individual, psychiatry
• BBB rating: D+; Trustpilot rating; 1.2

One of the most affordable per-session providers on our ranking, LiveHealth Online offers licensed counselors, therapists and psychologists for depression, anxiety, stress, grief, relationships and more. Users have the option to choose their own therapist and schedule appointments based on personal availability. Sessions are typically 45 minutes long, and users have the opportunity to see the same therapist repeatedly, if they prefer. Psychiatric care is also offered through a separate service for those looking for assistance with medication management for a $185 initial consultation and $80 follow-up visits. While this platform may not offer as many additional features as others on our ranking, its straightforward, affordable approach to online therapy makes it an accessible option for many.

“I tried the psychology services provided by LiveHealth Online, and I loved how I was able to schedule an appointment with a therapist within the same week I registered on the platform. In fact, there are usually open appointments you can book within 24 hours, which makes it a great choice for someone trying to get into therapy quickly.”

“With that said, I did notice a number of drawbacks. The profiles provided for the therapists aren’t very detailed, so it’s difficult to gain a clear understanding of their expertise before meeting with them….my overall experience with the actual sessions wasn’t great, either.”

Read our full LiveHealth Online review to learn more about his first-hand experience.

• Affordable rates per session
• Users are able to choose their own therapist
• Offers psychiatry services with medication management, if needed
• Accepts some insurance plans
• Limited information about its services and provider network is available on its website
• Does not offer text or messaging therapy
• Does not offer additional tools or resources
• Does not provide information on HSA/FSA or Medicare acceptance

To determine the best online therapy providers of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team distributed an in-depth survey to 43 online mental health providers with questions about their services including therapist qualifications, types of therapy offered, insurance acceptance, size of provider network and more. The Forbes Health editorial team also independently collected data on a variety of metrics, and in total, analyzed 35 metrics to determine its best online therapy ranking. Extra points were awarded to companies who were transparent and provided information about their services via the aforementioned survey.

All of our online therapy rankings take into account a general score that features the same methodology for all rankings (30%), a score specific to the use case we are analyzing for that specific ranking (60%) and a survey completion score (10%).

The general score is calculated as follows: 

• Size of provider network (15%) 
• Transparency of therapist background and credentials (10%) 
• Platform features, such as the ability to select your own provider, if you can switch providers, appointment availability on nights and weekends and whether you can message your therapist any time (34%)
• Privacy, including session privacy and third-party data sharing protocols (10%) 
• Inclusivity, including whether it offers gender-affirming care and offers providers who specialize in care surrounding minority group issues (10%) 
• Mobile app availability and number of reviews, along with the average review rating (9%) 
• Average third-party ratings, including ones from the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot (12%)

Meanwhile, this specific ranking also takes into account the following methodology:

• Cost of initial consultation, if applicable (15%) 
• Session fee or monthly subscription fee (30%) 
• Number of sessions included in monthly subscription, if applicable (10%) 
• Whether it accept insurance, and the number of insurance providers accepted (20%)
• If it accepts Medicare (5%) 
• If it offers special discounts (5%)
• Availability in all 50 U.S. states (10%)
• The ability to stay anonymous (5%)

Read more about our methodology for the best online therapy providers. 

Please note: Providers on this list may not be shown in order of their star rating. The star rating is determined solely by the editorial team.

Online therapy provides a private, convenient and often affordable way to access mental health help without requiring you to visit a counseling center or therapist’s office in person. Instead, you can connect with your therapist via video call, phone call and/or text message conversation , depending on your needs and preferences.

Online therapy is a safe space in which you can address topics like depression , anxiety , stress , anger management, insomnia , panic attacks , eating disorders , trauma , relationship issues , life transitions, bereavement and more.

• Thousands of licensed therapists
• Insurance accepted. Most insured members only pay a $25 copay or less
• Flexible plans to meet your needs and lifestyle
• Seamlessly switch therapists, at no extra cost
• Save money while receiving high-quality care

Different online therapy platforms support different methods of therapy delivery, so first, consider the way(s) in which you would like to receive help.

Some online therapy platforms allow you to purchase one video therapy session at a time while others require a monthly subscription, which usually includes a single video therapy session a month and access to unlimited text messaging with your therapist. If ongoing communication with your therapist sounds beneficial to you, consider a platform with this subscription option. Just note that “unlimited messaging” means that you can text message your therapist as much as you like, but your therapist might respond only once or twice a day on weekdays.

Many online therapy services have their own mobile apps as well.

What’s the Difference Between Online Therapy and Counseling?

While therapy and counseling are often used interchangeably to refer to dialogue-based treatment for mental health conditions, there are differences in these two types of practices. “Therapist” is an umbrella term and does not necessarily reflect the training of the clinician—experts recommend seeking out the degree earned by the clinician in order to understand their level of training.

Typically, though, mental health counselors and therapists are each master’s-level health care professionals who are trained to evaluate an individual’s mental health and provide treatment, depending on their specific training. Counselors typically provide short-term treatment to alleviate symptoms and guide individuals through current concerns or events, such as relationship conflicts or the loss of a loved one. Therapists, on the other hand, may provide long-term treatment that addresses ongoing or chronic mental health concerns and symptoms like depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Is Online Therapy Better Via Chat, Video or Phone?

“Each [communication] format plays a significant role in the total therapy process,” says Lisa Henderson, a licensed professional counselor expert at the American Counseling Association, a co-founder of Synchronous Health in Nashville and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member . “If you’re doing anything that’s what I would consider deep work—trying to resolve trauma, getting into the roots of addictions or eating disorders, anything where you’re doing a lot of processing—I prefer video. You need to be able to see and read body language.”

Meanwhile, Henderson says texting is fantastic for check-ins around skill building and using those new skills. “Texting is much better for the coaching side when I want to deviate away from the processing side.” Texting or check-ins between live sessions are often used in dialectical behavior therapy to reinforce the client’s practicing of evidence-based skills when they encounter difficult situations.

As far as phone calls go, Henderson suggests this format is best for navigating gray areas. “It’s harder to coach without getting into processing on the phone, but if it’s complicated and you need to work through why something didn’t work, then the phone would certainly be better than texting,” she adds.

The best online therapy platforms connect you with licensed providers, which can include psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors.

Mary Alvord, Ph.D., a psychologist in Maryland who teaches mental health professionals about telehealth, Jay Shore, Ph.D., a psychiatrist and director of telemedicine at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Henderson offer these pros and cons for online therapy.

Circumvents mental health stigma. “For people whom stigma is a concern, especially if they live in a tight-knit community, parking their car outside a counseling center or therapy office can really violate their privacy,” says Henderson. “But online therapy is really discreet and can protect people’s privacy and confidentiality in ways that in-person [therapy] simply cannot.”

Convenience and safety. If you’re unable to travel safely during bad weather or can’t take time out of your workday to travel to and from a mental health professional’s office, a virtual visit can be a good substitute.

Sense of intimacy. Dr. Shore says some patients may prefer their familiar at-home surroundings versus an “artificial clinic environment.” Henderson echoes these sentiments. “In some ways, video is more intimate than being in the same room because we’re in each other’s space,” she says. “You might be in my office, but it’s in my home, so it feels like you’re in my home just as I am in your home. That really bridges a gap, as opposed to being on my turf when you come into my office.”

Similar outcomes. In-person and video visits hold the potential to deliver similar results, according to Dr. Shore. Henderson agrees: “We see just as much, if not more, improvement in online therapy settings. Apples to apples, in-person therapy versus telehealth, there’s really no difference between which one is more effective.”

Easier access. For people who live far from the nearest therapist’s office or counseling center, online therapy can provide a readily available alternative.

Little to no wait time. A virtual appointment may be able to begin on time while an in-office appointment may be delayed by paperwork and other bureaucratic hurdles.

Nonverbal communication. A therapist may not pick up on a patient’s nonverbal cues during a virtual appointment. Dr. Alvord explains that much of our communication is nonverbal . However, Henderson points out that the proximity of the camera lens during video appointments can provide more visual communication through facial expressions than in an in-person appointment where a greater physical distance exists between the therapist and the client.

Limited effectiveness for some. Certain patients, such as some children or people with autism spectrum disorder , may not respond well to virtual therapy, notes Dr. Alvord. Individuals with dementia or other cognitive issues also may not do well in virtual sessions without modifications, such as a caregiver being with the patient, explains Dr. Shore.

Technology . Some people’s homes may not be equipped with high speed internet service, or the patient may not be comfortable with technology, making virtual therapy difficult or even impossible to carry out.

• Prices vary and start at $65/week
• Users can be matched with one of over 35,000 licensed therapists in as little as 24 hours
• Over 4 million people have received support through BetterHelp
• Subscription includes a weekly one-on-one session and optional group session, journaling, worksheets, goal setting, and more
• Ability to switch therapists or cancel at any time

Online therapy costs vary based on the type of care needed and what your employer, insurance or health plan covers. For example, a telehealth service such as BetterHelp charges $60 to $90 weekly, while traditional therapy may be between $75 and $200 a session. However, there are also affordable online therapy options available.

Can You Get Online Therapy for Free?

A variety of telehealth companies have reduced-price therapy options. Additionally, you may be able to access free therapy through the following resources:

• College campuses for students
• Doctoral training program clinics for non-students
• Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for high school students
• The Trevor Project for LGBTQ young people
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for parents
• The Therapy Aid Coalition for health care professionals and first responders
• Free Black Therapy for Black and African American individuals
• U.S. Vets or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), most insurance providers’ coverage includes some type of telehealth service, and private insurance coverage is required to reimburse telemedicine in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Many commercial health plans have also increased the number of telehealth services available in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether your insurance will cover online therapy specifically will depend on your specific insurance provider and plan.

Does Medicare Cover Online Therapy?

Certain telehealth services—including teletherapy—are covered by Medicare Part B . If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, you must pay your annual deductible and 20% of the Medicare-approved cost for your health care provider’s services before accessing the benefits offered by this coverage, as well as the benefits of a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan (if you’re enrolled in them). Costs for many telehealth services are similar to those of in-person care.

Does Medicaid Cover Online Therapy?

Medicaid coverage for telehealth varies from state to state, and many states expanded their Medicaid coverage to include telehealth services, such as those that are asynchronous (happen online) or originate within the home, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check the Medicaid website to see what your state may cover.

Some research shows that online therapy can be promising for depression and other behavioral outcomes [1] Andersson G, Cuijpers P. Internet-based and other computerized psychological treatments for adult depression: a meta-analysis . Cogn Behav Ther. 2009;38(4):196-205. . Research also shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be just as effective online as it is in person, but further studies are needed [2] Ruwaard J, Lange A, Schrieken B, Dolan CV, Emmelkamp P (2012). The Effectiveness of Online Cognitive Behavioral Treatment in Routine Clinical Practice . PLOS ONE 7(7): e40089. .

Additionally, studies have shown there is no difference in patient satisfaction between traditional in-person therapy and online therapy, but the number of times a person attends sessions makes a difference in their personal outcome [3] Does Online Therapy Work . ? National Center for Health Research. Accessed 2/27/2023. .

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), online therapy can also be more convenient, appear less expensive, feel more comfortable for patients and offer wider access for those unable to visit an office in person.

Privacy is likely a concern for any individuals accessing online health services. When it comes to online therapy in particular, feeling comfortable that your information is safe and secure is paramount. If your chosen online therapy provider uses a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant platform, you can feel certain that your communications are safe and secure. Most online therapy websites include information on what privacy measures they are taking to protect your confidential health information, which you can review to ensure you are comfortable with what a prospective online therapy provider is able to offer in terms of privacy.

Many people are likely to need some mental health support due to a myriad of issues, as well as the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of adults with depression symptoms more than tripled between March 2020 and September 2020—from 8.5% to 27.8%—according to a study in JAMA [4] Ettman C, Abdalla S, Cohen G. Prevalence of depression symptoms in US adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic . JAMA Network Open. 2020;3(9):e2019686. .

Certain disorders and issues may be better suited for virtual therapy than others. It’s usually appropriate and effective to address anxiety disorders, body image issues and guilt issues with online therapy. People seeking personal growth can benefit from the online therapy format as well, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology [5] A, Zack J, Speyer C. Online therapy: Review of relevant definitions, debates, and current empirical support . Journal of Clinical Psychology. 2004;60(3):269-83. .

Therapy Anywhere, Anytime

Save money, eliminate commute time, create a flexible plan, and seamlessly switch providers at no extra cost with Talkspace online therapy.

Individuals living with certain conditions may need more help than online therapy can provide. Some of these individuals and/or situations include:

• Individuals with suicidal ideation or intent to harm themselves or others
• Those with borderline personality disorder
• Those with thought disorders, which may include symptoms of delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thinking that are associated with disorders like schizophrenia
• Medical issues that aren’t well monitored

Before you commit to online therapy, ask yourself:

Are These Online Therapists Licensed?

Some sites market their services as therapy, but those claims may be false or misleading, says the American Psychological Association (APA), because some therapists may not be professionally licensed.

According to the APA, “therapist” and “psychotherapist” are not “legally protected” words in some states, meaning someone who promotes themselves as a therapist may not be licensed. Numerous online therapy providers promote the fact their therapists are licensed.

Is Online Therapy the Best Option for Me?

Online therapy may not be right for everyone in every situation. For example, online therapy may not be ideal for people with several mental disorders or who pose a threat to themselves or others, according to a Frontiers in Psychiatry study [6] Stoll J, Müller JA, Trachsel M. Ethical issues in online psychotherapy: A narrative review . Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2020;10:993. .

However, research suggests professionals and patients view telehealth favorably and that teletherapy can be effective. “I would say—and have heard some of my clients say, too—that in some ways, online therapy is even a little bit more comfortable than being in the same room,” says Henderson. “And that has implications on people feeling relaxed and opening up.”

Does My Insurance Cover Online Therapy?

If an online therapy provider accepts insurance, they can bill your insurer directly. You’ll still be responsible for your copays and deductibles. If the site doesn’t accept insurance, you may be able to submit your bills to the insurer for reimbursement, depending on your plan. You may also need a diagnosis in order to use insurance.

Meanwhile, you may be able to use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA) to pay for online therapy.

Dr. Alvord and Dr. Shore provide these tips for getting ready for an online therapy session:

• Make sure you’re able to chat with your online therapist in a private space, perhaps even in a car if you’re at work or home and can’t find an otherwise suitable spot.
• If you’re undergoing therapy via video, be sure your surroundings are properly lit so the therapist can clearly see you. Check whether your computer, internet connection and other required technology are working properly ahead of your appointment.
• Limit disruptions during your therapy session. For instance, you can hang a sign on the door asking people not to come in during a certain period.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

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Regulation of online therapy sites and mobile apps—an area of mental health known as telebehavioral health or telemental health—is a bit of a hodgepodge.

Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulate some, but not all, medical apps. The safety of medical apps “is an emerging public health issue,” say researchers in a 2020 study in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association [7] Saba A, Enrico C, Farah M. Safety concerns with consumer-facing mobile health applications and their consequences: a scoping review . Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. 2020;27(2):330–340. . They called for the establishment of “vigilant regulatory frameworks” to govern these apps.

As the FDA “continues to develop a framework for oversight, industry professionals have noted that the agency has taken a hands-off approach for mental health apps in particular,” says researchers in The Regulatory Review , a publication by the University of Pennsylvania’s Program on Regulation [8] Regulating Mobile Medical Applications . The Regulatory Review. Accessed 3/18/2021. .

At the state level, regulation typically focuses on doctors who deliver telehealth services, but state agencies have stepped up their regulation of psychologists, counselors and other mental health professionals who use telehealth. For its part, the American Counseling Association emphasizes that counselors who offer telebehavioral services must adhere to state licensing requirements. Many online therapy sites stress that all of their therapists are licensed.

On top of state regulations, compliance with professional ethical standards and HIPAA may come into play with online therapy.

Online therapy also raises questions about regulation when a therapist is in one state and the patient is in another. Most of the time, therapists can only practice in the state they’re licensed, which means their client must be in the same state even if the sessions are virtual–an exception would be if they obtained some type of temporary or provisional permit with the state board where the client resides. This is important because therapists must abide by rules and regulations overseen by their specific licensing boards, and interstate cases can cause issues in investigating problems involving a therapist’s professional conduct.

If you need to lodge a complaint about an online therapy platform, first alert the site to your concerns. Next, you can reach out to the FDA and FTC. To file a complaint about a specific therapist, contact the agency in your state that’s in charge of licensing the therapist’s profession. Licensing rules vary for psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and counselors.

Dr. Alvord suggests asking these questions when selecting an online therapist:

• What are the therapist’s qualifications? Is the therapist a mental health professional licensed in the state where they live or work? How many years have they been in practice?
• Does the therapist specialize in certain areas, topics or issues related to mental health? Do these specialties align with your needs? How many patients have they treated that have concerns similar to yours?
• What modality does the therapist practice (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, somatic experiencing therapy, etc.)? What specific tools do they have to treat your specific concerns?
• Will the therapist ask you to sign an informed consent agreement? Informed consent educates a patient about treatment risks, benefits and alternatives.
• What would the therapist’s backup plan be in case you’re experiencing a mental health emergency but can’t reach the therapist?
• Does the therapist’s platform comply with privacy security rules laid out by HIPAA?

When deciding which online therapy service is best for you, it’s important to consider what you want in a therapist, how you want to receive therapy and what the cost could be with or without insurance.

It can be challenging to compare online therapy platforms due to their wide range of plans and prices. Based on our research, here are several ways to identify the best online therapy for you:

• Decide the format in which you want to receive therapy. That might be a live video session, phone call, text messaging conversation, live text chat or a combination.
• Look at plan options that best match the amount of interaction you want. For example, if you want live video sessions, know how many you will get a month in the plan, how long they are (30 minutes versus 50 minutes) and how much it would cost to add extra video sessions in a month.
• Contact customer service to clarify the details if you’re unsure. For example, can you pause a subscription for a week or two? How do you change therapists if you’re not happy with your current provider?
• Understand the refund policy, which isn’t always clear on the website. In many cases, you can cancel your subscription at the end of a month but you won’t receive a refund for your unused days.
• Make sure you can access the type of provider you want. For example, if you want sessions with a psychiatrist , confirm the service has one available in your state.
• Ask if you can interview therapists to find the right fit. You’ll be sharing intimate details and working through deep issues with this person, so you want to be sure you’re comfortable with them and can build rapport well. You may want to ask them where they received their training, what therapeutic modalities they practice and what ideas they have about addressing your specific concerns.

What is the best online therapy platform?

The best online therapy brand is largely individual as not everyone seeking online therapy is looking for the same thing. Our ranking of best online therapy brands includes optimal choices in terms of access, plan variety, session length and more. Narrow down your options by researching which online therapy platform would best serve your specific needs.

What is the best online therapy service covered by insurance?

There are several online therapy services that accept insurance . The best match for you will depend on what kind of therapy you are seeking. If you have questions about what your insurance plan covers, you can contact the insurance company directly.

Are online therapists legit?

Not all “online therapists” are legit. To be safe, make sure your therapist has licensing in your state, such as a licensed marriage and family therapist or licensed clinical social worker. The best online therapy services will also have psychiatrists and/or psychologists available.

Can online therapy platforms prescribe medication?

Most therapists cannot prescribe medication, regardless of whether you meet with them online or in person—a psychiatrist is typically the prescriber for those medications. A couple of online therapy services we evaluated have plans that specifically include medication in the pricing: Cerebral and Brightside. Other online therapy services, such as Amwell, can connect you with professionals who can prescribe.

What are the potential risks of online therapy?

Potential risks of online therapy may include misunderstandings or miscommunications due to lack of non-verbal cues in teletherapy settings, technological difficulties and inability to detect and address emergency or crisis situations. Additionally, online therapy may not be suitable for all individuals or for those with severe mental health conditions.

Is online therapy confidential?

Telehealth and teletherapy practices must adhere to the same codes of ethics, regulations (federal and state) and professional standards as in-person treatment. These responsibilities include maintaining confidentiality and storing electronic patient records securely.

What should I do if I can’t afford therapy?

There are many options for affordable or free therapy. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a host of resources for mental health support, including crisis support chat and recommendations for free or low-cost mental health care. Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides information for mental health resources, including online support groups and a directory with recommended online mental health services.

• Andersson G, Cuijpers P. Internet-based and other computerized psychological treatments for adult depression: a meta-analysis. Cogn Behav Ther. 2009;38(4):196-205.
• Ruwaard J, Lange A, Schrieken B, Dolan CV, Emmelkamp P (2012). The Effectiveness of Online Cognitive Behavioral Treatment in Routine Clinical Practice. PLOS ONE 7(7): e40089.
• Does Online Therapy Work. ? National Center for Health Research. Accessed 2/27/2023.
• Ettman C, Abdalla S, Cohen G. Prevalence of depression symptoms in US adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA Network Open. 2020;3(9):e2019686.
• A, Zack J, Speyer C. Online therapy: Review of relevant definitions, debates, and current empirical support. Journal of Clinical Psychology. 2004;60(3):269-83.
• Stoll J, Müller JA, Trachsel M. Ethical issues in online psychotherapy: A narrative review. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2020;10:993.
• Saba A, Enrico C, Farah M. Safety concerns with consumer-facing mobile health applications and their consequences: a scoping review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. 2020;27(2):330–340.
• Regulating Mobile Medical Applications. The Regulatory Review. Accessed 3/18/2021.
• A growing wave of online therapy. American Psychological. Accessed 3/18/2021.
• What is autism spectrum disorder?. American Psychiatric Association. Accessed 3/18/2021.
• What you need to know before choosing online therapy. American Psychological Association. Accessed 3/18/2021.
• Shah P, Thornton I, Turrin D, Hipskin J. Informed Consent. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
• Professional Association Codes of Ethics and Guidelines On TeleMental Health, E-Therapy, Digital Ethics, & Social Media. Zur Institute website. Accessed 3/18/2021.
• Wantland DJ, Portillo CJ, Holzemer WL, Slaughter R, McGhee EM. The Effectiveness of Web-Based vs. Non-Web-Based Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Behavioral Change Outcomes. J Med Internet Res 2004;6(4):e40.
• Private insurance coverage for telehealth. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Accessed 8/17/2022.
• What you need to know before choosing online therapy. American Psychological Association. Accessed 8/17/2022.
• Therapy vs. counseling: Is there a difference? Which is right for you?. Ohio State Health & Discovery. Accessed 10/6/2023.
• Types of Mental Health Professionals. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Accessed 10/6/2023.
• Psychotherapy vs. Counseling: Which Mental Health Treatment Is Right For You?. BetterHelp. Accessed 10/6/2023.
• Stoll J, Müller JA, Trachsel M. Ethical Issues in Online Psychotherapy: A Narrative Review. Front Psychiatry. 2020;10:993.

Next Up In Mind

• Best Online Therapy Platforms That Take Insurance
• Best Online Therapy For Couples
• Best Mental Health Apps
• BetterHelp Review
• Talkspace Review

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff is a Harvard-trained clinical psychologist, professor, researcher and frequent contributor to major media outlets. She works with individuals and couples in her private practice based in New York City. Dr. Romanoff specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression and trauma. Her research has been presented at the Harvard Medical School Mysell Psychiatry Research Symposium and published in The Journal of Psychiatry Research. Dr. Romanoff served as a professor at Yeshiva University where she taught clinical psychology doctoral students principles of group theory and practice. As a media contributor, Dr. Romanoff is featured frequently on major print, television and radio media outlets to discuss trending topics related to her expert knowledge in personal and professional relationships, stress and high-functioning anxiety.

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The biggest wellness travel trends for 2024

By Jen Murphy

Wellness used to be as one-dimensional as a spin class and a smoothie. Diet and exercise are of course still fundamental, but we’ve finally started to embrace a more holistic approach to achieving better health. This means focusing on long neglected areas like a solid sex life, socialising, rest and recovery, and emotional and mental wellbeing. Feeling good now trumps looking good and healthspan – the quality of our years – has become just as important as lifespan. Longevity, the concept of living a longer and healthier life, will be the biggest buzzword of 2024, with wellness clinics as well as sybaritic beach retreats offering the latest biohacks (cryotherapy, infrared light treatments, poolside vitamin IV drips) to optimise our performance. Tantra gurus and sex therapists will be the new must-have in-house expert and artificial-intelligence empowered smart beds are fast becoming an expected amenity.

Wellness tourism is expected to hit $1.3 trillion by 2025 . Anticipating that the next generation will continue to fuel that growth, acclaimed adults-only retreats are finally opening up to kids and teens and even offering multi-generational spa retreats . With health-conscious offerings infiltrating every type of travel – family vacations , couples getaways , fly-and-flop beach escapes – it’s easier than ever to be well on your next trip . Here are the wellness travel trends and destinations, resorts , and retreats that promise to boost your health in 2024.

At Tucson's Miraval resort, one-on-one sessions on embracing pleasure address subjects like the female orgasm.

Sexual wellness

According to research from the World Health Organisation, boosting your sexual wellbeing is key to improving overall mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. Yet, for years, experts have touted the importance of honing a mind-body connection without mentioning the word sex. Forward-thinking wellness retreats are helping shatter the taboo with new programmes focused on exploring intimacy and desire . Tantra sessions are primed to be the new couples massages with properties like Hotel Wailea in Maui introducing tantra classes rooted in themes such as exploring sacred sensuality. Hotels like Shou Sugi Ban House in New York have started hosting sexual and emotional intimacy retreats led by tantric experts and clinical sexologists. At Miraval resort in Arizona , workshops on sex and desire and one-on-one sessions on embracing pleasure address topics like low libido and the female orgasm. Earlier this year, SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Spain, launched a sexual health unit staffed with gynaecologists, hormonal experts, and urologists. SHA Mexico , which debuts this January in the Yucatán Peninsula , will also have a dedicated sexual health unit offering similar therapies and diagnostic testing capabilities. In October 2024, private island wellness resort Aerial BVI will host its first Elevate Love Summit, a four-day retreat rooted in love-language mastery and rekindling physical and emotional intimacy.

For a different kind of room service, try Susurros Del Corazón's soon-to-launch in-room IV infusions that aim to strengthen immunity.

Biohacking beach vacations

Islands you once escaped to for sybaritic pleasures are now attracting a health-conscious crowd in search of more than vitamin D and salt air. Beach vacations now deliver the latest biohacks to boost longevity (or at least help you recalibrate after a full moon party). Guests at 1 Hotels Hanalei Bay in Kauai are welcomed with a vitamin B 12 shot rather than a traditional mai tai and an exclusive collection of Within Wellness rooms and suites are equipped with recovery tools like infrared PEMF mats that stimulate cell regeneration. ONDA, the just-opened spa at Susurros Del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection in Punta Mita , Mexico has a "wellness library" stocked with loaner Theragun massagers and compression technologies to improve circulation, and guests will soon be able to request in-room IV infusions that aim to strengthen immunity.

Katikies Kirini in Santorini has supplemented its spa with an outpost of a ZOE Bio Regenerative Wellness Clinic where guests can get live blood analysis or book hyperbaric oxygen chamber sessions. Six Senses Ibiza recently teamed up with biotech company RoseBar to offer guests full diagnostic testing that can inform biohacking treatments like localised cryotherapy, and Soneva Soul wellness centres at Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives will soon be offering stem cell therapy. Through a partnership with Next/Health longevity centre, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea has launched a multi-day Longevity Protocol package that includes everything from stem cell therapy to NAD+ (aka the fountain of youth) IV drips.

Intergenerational wellness programs are on offer at Zulal Wellness Resort in the heart of Qatar’s desert landscape.

Multi-gen wellness getaways

Wellness has long been an individual pursuit with adults-only health retreats forcing parents to leave the kids at home and focus on self-care. Now, wellness vacations are becoming a family affair. At the 2023 Global Wellness Summit Krip Rojanastien, CEO of Chiva-Som International Health Resorts, noted it’s “crucial that wellness knowledge and understanding be built into early education” and as knowledgeable professionals we are “well-placed to provide guidance on physical and mental health at all ages.” To that end, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar has introduced family bonding retreats aimed at fostering healthy eating and exercise habits as well as intergenerational retreats for grandparents and grandkids that involve healthy cooking classes, family fitness activities, and intergen spa time. Health retreat pioneers, Miraval and Canyon Ranch, will both welcome guests of all ages for the first time in 2024. Miraval Berkshires resort in Massachusetts will host a Spring Break family week and in July, Canyon Ranch Lenox , also in Massachusetts, will run a week-long family summer camp complete with kid-friendly spa treatments and outdoor family adventures.

Grief-focused retreats include everything from surf therapy to hypnotherapy.

Grief-related wellness

The last few years have been heavy, and many people have struggled to cope with the overwhelming weight of the world. Experiencing fleeting feelings of sorrow is normal, but when grief lingers it can have serious physical and emotional repercussions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. Talk therapy sessions are no longer the only option to move past the loss of a loved one , the end of a relationship, or a traumatic event. New grief-focused retreats prescribe everything from surfing to chakra realignment. The grief recovery program at New Life Portugal, a wellness centre in Serra da Estrela Natural Park, incorporates meditation and yoga and workshops on topics like transitions and wonder and awe. In the UK, the Grief Space taps into the healing powers of nature during its five-day Grief Alchemy retreat on the bucolic grounds of Erth Barton manor in Cornwall. Wave riding is the foundation of trauma resolution retreats hosted by surf therapy company, Resurface. Week-long trips in Sri Lanka and Morocco include daily surf lessons as well as mindfulness practices and group therapy sessions.

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For those hesitant to share their feelings in a group setting, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort ’s resident hypnotherapist taps into the subconscious to help guests manage grief and release emotional blockages. Hotel Las Torres in Chilean Patagonia recently introduced grief-relieving massages designed to release oxytocin (the mood-boosting hormone) and L’Auberge de Sedona ’s customisable Pursuit of Peace experience taps into aromatherapy, reiki, sound healing, and chakra reboot sessions to help guests find closure – no talking required.

Emulating the lifestyle of the longest-living people on the planet includes learning how they cook and what they eat.

Blue Zones retreats are the new bootcamp

Netflix’s hit series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones reignited our obsession with discovering the fountain of youth. This fascination with longevity will likely bring a boom in tourism to the five Blue Zones: Okinawa, Japan , Sardinia, Italy , the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica , Icaria, Greece , and Loma Linda, California . Italian tour company Tourissimo has already designed a Blue Zone Diet, chef-led cycling itinerary in Sardinia . This summer, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo will host a six-day Blue Zones retreat that explores the secrets of regional centenarians. And pioneering wellness sanctuary Kamalaya in Thailand has developed a Blue Zones group retreat rooted in plant-slanted meals inspired by these regions’ traditional diets, natural movement, and other Blue Zones Power of 9 lifestyle habits.

Sleep suites at the Malibu Beach Inn come with smart beds and sleep masks fitted with biometric sensors.

Sleep is still in the spotlight

The quest for improved sleep hygiene has become such a top priority that resorts are designing dedicated suites and retreats to help insomniacs embrace better habits. And they’re enlisting the help of artificial intelligence-powered smart bed companies to ensure guests get a solid night’s rest. Select rooms at California’s Mission Pacific Hotel now have Eight Sleep smart beds which leverage AI to dynamically cool and heat the body to keep guests snoozing and the Malibu Beach Inn ’s new sleep suites feature Sleep Number smart beds and heated eye masks equipped with biometric sensors that calm the heart rate to induce a state of relaxation. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort recently partnered with high-tech mattress company Bryte to launch a four-night Sleep Well Retreat that includes a luxury apartment with a Bryte Balance Smart Bed, plus a Sleep Well Circuit of treatments such as quantum harmonic sound therapy table sessions and vibroacoustic, electromagnetic, and infrared therapies.

Innovative light and sound therapies are hallmarks of the latest sleep aids. The new six-plus hour Dream Like Relaxation treatment at the spa at T he Logan Hotel in Philadelphia takes place in a room with specialized lighting to mimic the night sky. In January, Swiss wellness brand Chenot will introduce an option for guests to enhance their detox program with a Sleep Cycles module focused on increasing time spent in deep sleep. Specially designed sleep suites are equipped with technology that mimics the natural acoustic environment (panels on the ceiling filter sound like a leafy tree canopy), and light sequences mimic a natural sunset and sunrise. And nano bionic bed linens emit far infrared light (the longest wavelength that penetrates deeper into the tissue) for more restorative sleep. Treatments, such as photobiomodulation, neuroacoustic deep relaxation, and cryotherapy, are specifically timed to each guest’s chronotype and circadian rhythm.

Women’s health retreats, particularly those targeting menopause, will be a big area of growth in 2024.

Menopause retreats

By 2025, around 1.1 billion women globally will have experienced menopause. The wellness industry has taken note, catering to this audience with programs designed to help women cope with symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. 02 Beach Club & Spa in Barbados has an in-house menopause specialist and works with the nearby Bioconnect Medical Centre, one of the few clinics in the world specialising in perimenopause and menopause. Week-long menopause retreats at Preidlhof Wellness Resort in South Tyrol, Italy feature acupuncture and massage as well as holistic coaching sessions. Diet is the focus on perimenopause and menopause retreats at Marine North Berwick in Scotland . The hotel has partnered with nutrition expert Amanda Hamilton to offer detox-style meals focused on metabolic and gut health. When Longfellow Hotel opens in Portland, Maine in the spring of 2024, women’s health, particularly menopause, will be a focus of its programming.