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Best for Sculpting Long, Lean Limbs
Sure, with locations in nine U.S. cities, Exhale's mind-body classes are available stateside, but wouldn't you rather sweat in a tropical location? At Gansevoort Turks + Caicos visitors can take advantage of Exhale's yoga and barre classes, as well as the spa's signature calorie-torching Core Fusion classes.
"We have a lot of people who come down on vacation and drop in for class," says Kim Kiernan, Director of Public Relations and Communications. "Another great option at Exhale Turks + Caicos is to create your own mini-retreat." There's also the Stand Up Strong Retreat, offered in October, which features stand-up paddleboard and snorkeling lessons.
Cost: The "Get Fit" Package starts at $695 per night, but other options are available at varying rates.
Photos courtesy of Exhale
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Best for Revealing Glowing Skin
Located in the middle of cooled lava, this spa has made a name for itself in part due to its distinctive in-water treatments. That's right. You can receive a massage, facial or scrub as you bob in mineral-rich H2O. Blue Lagoon's signature Salt Glow treatments are particularly worth checking out. As you float, a professional polishes your skin to glowing perfection using Blue Lagoon minerals, silica and oil. Has luxuriating in a pool has ever been so productive? The accommodations aren't bad either. The hotel's modern rooms overlook the lava field, and guests have access to a private lagoon and a special post-treatment relaxation room.
Cost: Salt Glow treatments start at $72 for 30 minutes; room rates vary.
Photos courtesy of Blue Lagoon
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Best for Establishing Healthy Habits
When it comes to boosting your health, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely does the trick. Sanctuary's Satori Wellness Retreats offer experiences that are tailored to your specific needs and designed to help you maintain your fitness in the weeks and months after you leave the property.
"Our wellness retreats are customized with the guest in mind," says Kara Thomas, fitness director at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. "We take the time to communicate with the guests on their needs and goals to create an exciting and sound wellness program that they can take home with them. One that is enjoyable, effective and easy to maintain."
A typical trip includes meals prepared by a celebrity chef, a health and nutrition consultation, a fitness assessment and personalized program to take home and spa treatments.
Cost: The Satori Wellness Retreat rates vary, depending on the experience you choose.
Photos courtesy of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
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Best for Boosting Strength and Flexibility
Yogis, get ready to strike a pose -- or several. At Maya Tulum, guests choose from 10 different types of yoga, ranging from walking meditations and Hatha to Vinyasa and Kundalini. The resort's Mind-Body Package includes two yoga classes a day, but the resort also hosts a variety of intensive yoga retreats year-round, hosted by top instructors, which go in-depth on topics like teacher training and posture.
When guests aren't downward-dogging, they're noshing on fresh, nutritious meals, chilling out in the spa or exploring the nearby tropical forest and beach.
Cost: The Mind-Body Package starts at $818 per person for a three-night stay.
Photos courtesy of Maya Tulum
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Best for Finding Balance
Get your body and mind on the same blissed-out page. Rancho La Puerto's programming spans exercise classes, scenic hikes and relaxing spa treatments, but also includes spiritual healing experiences. Among its mindfulness-boosting offerings is Rancho's signature 5 Elements treatment, which is based on ancient healing practices.
"Each one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) has a specific purpose, protocol and massage oil blend. All treatments start with a dry brushing to prepare skin for the aromatherapy blends that help connect and balance the body and mind," says Roma Maxwell, Director of Sales and Marketing. "This treatment is very unique as each one of the oil blends used in the five elements are designed to balance the emotional and mental disorder of the element; the treatment or body work is intended to restore the physical disturbance."
Cost: Rates start at $3,900 for a weeklong stay.
Photos courtesy of Rancho La Puerta
When on vacation, you may feel tempted to treat yourself at every turn, indulging in the food, drinks and lazy behavior that you deprive yourself of in everyday life. But a week spent slurping down margaritas from a lounge chair can quickly turn into massive regret when you return feeling gross and sluggish.
The next time you book a getaway, do yourself a favor and venture someplace that's not only scenic and relaxing, but gives you a chance to better yourself in some way. From complexion-enhancing beauty procedures and slimming spa treatments to whip-your-booty-into-shape workout programs, these amazing experiences allow you to hit the reset button without slacking on your beauty and fitness routines and come home looking your most stunning.
The next time you book a getaway, do yourself a favor and venture someplace that's not only scenic and relaxing, but gives you a chance to better yourself in some way. From complexion-enhancing beauty procedures and slimming spa treatments to whip-your-booty-into-shape workout programs, these amazing experiences allow you to hit the reset button without slacking on your beauty and fitness routines and come home looking your most stunning.
