10 Wellness Travel Destinations Perfect for Beach Lovers

If the phrase “find your Zen” had a physical location, it would probably be Bali. Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali combines spirituality, nature and wellness in a way few places can. My time in Ubud—Bali’s cultural and wellness epicenter—was filled with yoga sessions overlooking lush rice paddies, hiking to hidden waterfalls and sipping Jamu, a traditional turmeric and ginger tonic.

Bali is super affordable and transformative and offers some of the best wellness experiences out there, including Balinese massage and Boreh, a traditional herbal body scrub made from spices like cloves, ginger and turmeric. I highly recommend visiting a balian (a la Eat, Pray, Love)—traditional healers who combine ancient practices, herbal medicine and spiritual rituals to address your well-being. When it comes to beaches, you can take in the dramatic cliffside views of Uluwatu, relax on the black sand shores of Amed, or catch some waves under the sun.  For a truly unique experience, don’t miss a visit to Tirta Empul Temple for a sacred water purification ceremony or a refreshing dip at Tegenungan Waterfall.

Tulum was once a quiet fishing village but has now transformed into a beachy hotspot for wellness travelers desperately craving spirituality (with a side of Instagram-worthy style). The roots of wellness in Tulum trace back to the Mayan civilization, which regarded the area as sacred. Ancient practices like temazcal—a traditional sweat lodge ceremony—are still central to Tulum’s wellness culture. Other ceremonies and rituals inspired by Mayan heritage include cacao ceremonies, sound healing and moonlit meditations.

I found myself surrounded by boutique hotels dripping with bohemian design. beachfront yoga classes and plant-based cafes serving up some of the healthiest and tastiest meals. While you’re here, a visit to the cenotes is non-negotiable—these natural sinkholes offer an energizing and soul-soothing swim which the Mayans considered portals to the underworld and sources of spiritual and physical renewal. With warm white sands and the Caribbean’s turquoise waters, Tulum really is an ideal spot to reset by the sea.

Thailand’s coastal wellness scene is world-renowned, and places like Koh Samui and Phuket have led the way for those seeking holistic healing by the sea. Known for its traditional Thai massage, the country offers an abundance of wellness resorts with gorgeous ocean backdrops.

In Koh Samui, wellness seekers can find detox retreats that combine yoga, meditation and traditional herbal treatments with beachfront relaxation. Phuket’s luxury spas have everything from Ayurvedic therapies to hydrotherapy pools overlooking the Andaman Sea. And let’s not forget Railay Beach—a hidden paradise where you can practice yoga on the sand at sunrise before taking a dip in the warm, emerald-green waters.

Costa Rica, with its “pura vida” lifestyle, holds a special place in my heart as the location of my first wellness retreat. At Vida Asana in Jaco, I spent my days practicing yoga, eating organic farm-to-table meals and sweating out toxins in an intense sweat lodge ceremony—all within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean.

This Central American gem has long been celebrated for its commitment to eco-conscious living and holistic well-being. From the pristine beaches of the Caribbean coast to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, the country offers plenty of wellness retreats. Expect yoga, meditation and spa therapies in the tropical countryside. The country’s Blue Zone in the Nicoya Peninsula—a region known for its long living residents—offers inspiration for a long, healthy life through its emphasis on simple living and a plant-based diet. For the more adventurous, try forest bathing in the rainforest, surfing, or hiking through Arenal Volcano National Park.

The Italians truly embody the essence of “la dolce vita,” or the good life, and “il dolce far niente,” the sweetness of doing nothing. If you need to slow down and recover from burn-out, Italy might just be your best bet (the island of Sardinia is also another Blue Zone)!

Wellness here means eating a Mediterranean diet, breathtaking coastal views and moments of pure relaxation. During my time in Procida, I cycled along its winding streets, swam in the bluest waters and enjoyed fresh mussels plucked straight from the sea. Monastero Santa Rosa, a former monastery turned luxury spa hotel, offers hydrotherapy pools and yoga sessions in lush gardens or you could treat yourself to a boat tour of Capri or a quiet afternoon on Ischia for a balanced blend of rest and exploration.

Wellness as we know it all started in India. Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas and known as the Yoga Capital of the World, is a famous pilgrimage site for wellness seekers. It’s where the Beatles famously practiced transcendental meditation, and its ashrams continue to offer retreats in yoga and mindfulness to this day. Practicing sun salutations on the banks of the Ganges River at sunrise or meditating at Parmarth Niketan ashram is nothing short of life-changing.

In Kerala, India’s southern paradise, wellness takes on the form of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. Rooted in balancing the body’s energies, Ayurvedic treatments include herbal massages, detox therapies and personalized wellness programs tailored to your unique make-up, or dosha.

Goa is a must-visit. While it’s on the map for its wild beach parties, it also offers plenty of wellness opportunities. The beaches of South Goa, in particular, are home to world-class yoga retreats, Ayurvedic healing centers and meditation hubs where you can practice mindfulness with the sound of the ocean in the background. Plus, the fresh seafood and plant-based cuisine in Goa make nourishing your body easy and delicious.

Iceland is a land of contrasts—volcanoes and glaciers, hot springs and icy winds—and it’s this natural duality that makes it an incredible wellness destination. During a road trip around the island, I soaked in mineral-rich waters, hiked past glaciers and relaxed with mud masks at private lagoons.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most Insta-worthy spa, is the most luxurious way to experience the benefits of these healing waters. Rich in silica and minerals, the warm, milky-blue pools are believed to promote skin health and relaxation. Time your visit to coincide with the Northern Lights, and you’ll witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays while you soak.

When you’re ready for the beach, head to Iceland’s black pebble beaches, where the dramatic volcanic shores create a striking contrast against the white-capped waves of the North Atlantic. Reynisfjara Beach, with its towering basalt columns and jet-black sand is a particularly stunning sight. Walking barefoot on the smooth volcanic pebbles or simply listening to the rhythmic crash of the waves adds an extra element of nature-based therapy to any wellness journey.

From its Zen gardens to its traditional tea ceremonies, every aspect of this country exudes mindfulness. Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto felt like stepping into another world and the parks and temples, like Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, provide countless opportunities for quiet contemplation and connection to the city’s spiritual roots.

Staying in a ryokan, a Japanese inn, allowed me to fully immerse myself in Japans unique charm, from sleeping on tatami mats to enjoying multi-course kaiseki meals. Many ryokans also include access to onsen hot springs, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters while taking in views of tranquil landscapes. For an even deeper connection to nature, don’t miss the chance to experience forest bathing—a mindfulness practice that originated in Japan.

Head to Okinawa for a beachside wellness escape, Japan’s tropical island paradise. Another Blue Zone on our list, Okinawa is home to some of the longest-living people on the planet—thanks to a balanced lifestyle, nutrient-rich cuisine and a deep connection to nature. Here, you’ll find pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving and wellness retreats with traditional Ryukyuan healing practices. Plus, the island’s famed ikigai philosophy—the concept of finding joy and purpose in everyday life—just adds another layer of wellness.

Saudi Arabia is quickly establishing itself as a new wellness destination. As part of the government’s Vision 2030 initiative, wellness tourism has become a priority, with a surge of new spa resorts, wellness retreats and nature-based escapes in striking locations like AlUla and the Red Sea.

AlUla has breathtaking desert landscapes and super cool ancient Nabatean tombs. Practice yoga or meditation among the rock formations here or stargaze under the crystal-clear skies and connect to the universe. For something uniquely immersive, guided hikes through the region’s dramatic canyons and sand dunes allow you to fully experience the desert. And along the Red Sea coastline, you can go snorkeling or diving among vibrant coral reefs.

Jamaica is making a name for itself as a top wellness destination as well, thanks to the government’s focus on wellness travel initiatives. Wellness is woven into the island’s way of life, from its love of natural remedies to the plant-based goodness of Rastafarian-inspired vegan cuisine.

Yoga on Jamaica’s beaches is an experience in itself, with the sound of the waves setting the perfect tone for relaxation. Wellness retreats and programs here often focus on reconnecting with nature, offering a chance to unplug in peaceful, beautiful surroundings.

A must-try is the Milk River Mineral Spa, famous for its healing waters said to ease arthritis, skin conditions and more. For something more active but equally rejuvenating, a hike in the Blue Mountains offers fresh air, beautiful views and the chance to connect with Jamaica’s unspoiled nature.