This feature via Sunset, our partner for all things travel + outdoor living in the Western US.
Making time for relaxation and de-stressing are crucial to your overall well-being and mental health. We at GWS are all for the work hard, play hard (or rather relax + rejuvenate) idea—and for us, travel is KEY! For those looking for a weekend breather, or a refreshing get-out-of-town kind of trip, we’re sharing these wellness vacation destinations, via our friends at Sunset Magazine!
above photo by Carlie Statsky from this Girls’ Getaway Guide: Glamping at AutoCamp in Northern California
Oahu, HI
Volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and turquoise waters make wellness the default setting on this island paradise. Paddleboard Kailua Beach Park, hike Maunawili Falls Trail, grab a pitaya bowl from Da Cove Health Bar & Café, surf the North Shore with Hans Hedemann Surf School and aloha your worries away.
photo from this Travel Diary: Oahu, Hawaii
Sedona, AZ
This red-rock wonderland has it all. Vortex seekers can soak in the sacred energy (and crystal stores), fitness buffs can hike and bike world-class trails (Devil’s Bridge Trail is a must) and vegetarians can indulge in the organic, plant-based menu at ChocolaTree. Stay at Mii Amo, the ultimate spa retreat.
Venice, CA
Whether you’re strolling Abbot Kinney Boulevard or rollerblading the boardwalk, you can’t go two feet without hitting a healthy hotspot. Grab a smoothie at Moon Juice, shop for organic beauty potions at Living Libations, downward dog at Love Yoga, pick up a vegan treat at Café Gratitude, and people-watch at Muscle Beach.
photo by Bryan from For the Love of It from this Solstice Bride Wedding Salon in Venice Beach, California
Telluride, CO
A true all-seasons wellness escape, come in summer for the Telluride Yoga Festival, fall for mountain biking, winter for epic powder skiing, and spring to whitewater-raft the mighty San Miguel. And with three waterfall hikes within walking distance of downtown, you don’t have far to go to burn calories.
photo by Paige Jones from this Dunton Hot Springs Colorado Mountain Wedding (also featured in our Top 26 Coolest Places to Get Married)
photo byAutumn Nicole Photography from this Intimate + Laid-Back Cliffside Wedding in Big Sur, California
photo from this Travel Diary: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Banff, AB, Canada
Whether you strap on skis, trail runners, hiking shoes, ice skates, or snow shoes, this Canadian Rocky Mountain destination is a paradise for any outdoor adventurer. Canoe Lake Louise, bike Banff National Park, ski Sunshine Village, and soak in the waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs, all while surrounded by pinch-me panoramas.
photo by With Love & Embers from this Romantic + Intimate Elopement in Banff National Park
Malibu/Topanga, CA
Linked by the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu’s sun-soaked beaches and Topanga’s hillside hikes make for a dynamic duo. Between the healthy eateries (SunLife Organics and Topanga Living Cafe), and bootcamp-like retreats (notably The Ranch Malibu and The Ashram), you’ll eat, sleep, and breathe wellness.
photo by Sanaz Photography from this “Over The Moon” Inspired Wedding
Images courtesy of Thomas J. Story of Sunset Magazine, unless otherwise stated.
I’m glad you mentioned a couple wedding venues in Southern California. And you can have any kind of destination wedding ceremony, making it even more stress free.