5 Travel Journalists Share Their Favorite Luxury Wellness Resorts

From Costa Rica to Austria, five travel journalists share the luxury wellness resorts that left them feeling better than when they arrived—and explain why they're worth the journey.

Every traveler defines wellness differently. For some, it's an unforgettable spa treatment or a week spent hiking in the mountains. For others, it's exceptional hospitality, meaningful rituals, or simply the opportunity to slow down.

One of the greatest privileges of working in travel journalism has been the friendships I've made with so many talented writers along the way. I was delighted when five of them agreed to recommend the one luxury wellness resort that left them feeling better than when they arrived. Their recommendations take readers from Costa Rica and Austria to St. Barths, the rolling hills of southern Indiana, and the mountains of North Carolina—each offering its own memorable path to wellness.

Editor's Note: Contributors' responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Hacienda AltaGracia blends immersive wellness experiences with Costa Rica's spectacular natural beauty.

Photo Credit: Auberge Collection

Skip the Airport Transfer at Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Collection | Costa Rica

As a resident of Los Angeles, I can't think of anything better for my well-being than eliminating traffic from my life. Hacienda AltaGracia in Costa Rica does exactly that in the most spectacular way possible. The resort has its own landing strip, so you fly directly onto the property—no airport transfer required. From there, you're whisked away by Jeep into a world of luxury and wellness.

Spa treatments include meditative river baths, restorative massages, energy work, and sculpting facials (mine truly helped define my jawline) at the resort's 20,000-square-foot Casa de Agua spa. Dining is equally focused on wellness, especially during the Edible Garden Dinner, which celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients paired with plant-forward cocktails.

Even my private casita was filled with thoughtful touches, including an affirmation card deck, a foot roller, and a yoga mat rolled out each evening during turndown service as a gentle reminder to stretch.

—Amelia Mularz, Travel and Lifestyle Journalist

Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel pairs alpine adventures with exceptional dining and restorative wellness.

Photo Credit: Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel / Robert Rieger

An Alpine Escape at Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel | Lech, Austria

I spent a week at Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel in Lech, and it's officially my favorite European summer coolcation. This family-owned boutique hotel has such a warm, welcoming atmosphere thanks to its incredible staff, while the mountain scenery is instantly calming.

Each morning began with homemade yogurt, pine nut granola, Alpine cheeses, and juicy stone fruit before I rode the gondola into the mountains to hike among grazing cows and colorful wildflowers. I'd return in time for a leisurely lunch, coffee, and cake—all included in the hotel's rates.

After hiking, I'd unwind in the wellness area, which features five different saunas, before settling in for an exceptional dinner. Everything is locally sourced and incredibly fresh, and the two-Michelin-star chef's table is an absolute must.

I also loved the fermentation masterclasses at Friends & Fools, where I learned about gut-friendly foods—and yes, the sourdough is worth pre-ordering to take home.

After a blissful week here, I felt more relaxed than I had all year. Lech may be best known as one of Austria's most exclusive ski destinations, but it's equally magical in summer.

—Amber Gibson, Food and Travel Journalist

Le Spa by La Mer offers restorative treatments just steps from the turquoise waters of St. Barths.

Photo Credit: Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa

A Spa Ritual Worth Returning for in St. Barths

Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa is my go-to every time I'm in St. Barths, and the spa is a big reason why. The property is beautiful, but Le Spa by La Mer is what keeps me coming back—especially after a busy week on the island.

I usually book the Radiant Facial, which brightens, soothes, and deeply hydrates my skin, then inevitably spend most of the afternoon there. The spa's hydrotherapy circuit includes hot and cold plunge pools and soaking tubs, making it easy to lose track of time.

Because the beach is just steps away, I always head straight from the spa to the sand afterward. It's become my favorite St. Barths ritual: a restorative treatment, hydrotherapy, and an afternoon by the sea.

—Lauren Harano, Travel Journalist

The historic French Lick Resort has welcomed wellness travelers to its famous mineral springs for more than a century.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of French Lick West Baden

Wellness Rooted in History at French Lick Resort

Indiana may not be at the top of most travelers' wellness bucket lists, but after spending several days at French Lick Resort the leaves began turning in Hoosier National Forest, I still consider it one of the most memorable hotel experiences I've had.

The hotel's grand domed architecture certainly makes an impression, but what stayed with me most was the warmth of the staff—a reflection of a destination where Midwestern kindness meets Southern hospitality.

Whenever I travel, I'm just as interested in what a place has been as what it is today.

For more than a century, visitors journeyed to West Baden to bathe in its mineral springs. Today, that wellness tradition continues at the resort's 28,000-square-foot spa, where I booked the mineral-infused Sprudel Bath, inspired by the historic spa experiences that once attracted politicians, celebrities, and socialites.

While the spa was the centerpiece of my stay, the true luxury was being surrounded by remarkable architecture, peaceful forests, and more than a century of hospitality.

—Kate Lawless, Travel and Lifestyle Journalist

Bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag is known for its peaceful mountain setting and personalized hospitality.

Photo Credit: The Swag

Where Hospitality Becomes the Wellness Experience

When is a hotel more than a hotel?

When it becomes a true respite—a place that offers a genuine break from the noise of everyday life.

A place where you feel seen but never watched. Where you're cared for without feeling fussed over.

The Swag in western North Carolina is that place for me.

It's the quiet moments that stay with me. Returning from breakfast to find my room already refreshed, as though a fairy had quietly visited, with my hiking boots neatly tucked beneath the bed. Turn-down service remains one of my favorite hotel rituals: coming back after dinner to the warm glow of bedside lamps, a thoughtful note waiting on the bedside table, and a late-night treat beside the coffee station.

Bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag is also known for its personalized walking sticks, crafted from reclaimed branches found on the property and presented to every guest upon arrival. Mine now lives in my umbrella stand at home, and every time I see it, I'm reminded of the peaceful days I spent there.

—Christiana Roussel, Food, Travel and Lifestyle Journalist

Why These Resorts Stay With Us

No two travelers define wellness exactly the same way. For some, it's found in a transformative spa treatment. For others, it's discovered on a mountain trail, around a dinner table, or through the simple luxury of slowing down.

What these five luxury wellness resorts have in common is that they offer far more than beautiful accommodations. Each creates experiences that linger long after checkout, helping guests return home feeling healthier, more rested, and more connected.

Looking for more inspiring luxury wellness escapes? Continue exploring some of our favorite destinations and wellness experiences below.

Explore More

Five Innovative Luxury Wellness Experiences Worth Traveling For

The Best Luxury Hotels for Better Sleep: 6 Restorative Escapes

Where Golf Meets Wellness: Six Luxury Golf Resorts Redefining the Fairway Escape