Spring cleaning shouldn’t just apply to your closet.
Most of us like to step into the warmer months by shedding the heaviness of winter—through detoxing our diets, ramping up our workout schedules, and revisiting our spiritual or happiness goals. And what better way to get all of that done than an escape that recharges your wellness batteries and fitness goals—and delivers a mega-dose of sunshine?
We found ten amazing escapes—from Miami Beach to Marrakech—that will make you forget the sting of 20-degree wind and will recharge your health (and outlook) for spring. —Lisa Elaine Held and Melisse Gelula
*Rates listed are per person and include meals and lodging (unless otherwise noted), but not airfare.
(Photo: Lauren Imparato, I.AM.PARADISE)
I.AM.PARADISEXinalani, Banderas Bay, MexicoApril 6–13
If you like that it’s really hard to find the entrance to Lauren Imparato’s hotspot studio, I.AM.YOU yoga, on Mulberry Street, you’ll love that a private boat will take you from the airport to this retreat with her, at a secluded jungle resort where you’ll stay in “palm thatched eco suites.”
You’ll get super sweaty and salty (part sea air) during daily yoga overlooking the ocean and have the chance to surf, kayak, or just lounge on the private beach. Three healthy fresh meals are included daily (seafood is their specialty), and margaritas are optional (and probably irresistible).
Rates start at $1,550, www.xinalaniretreat.com
Costa Rica Surf & Boot Camp RetreatNosara, Costa RicaApril 13–20
This trip, a collaboration between Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp’s Ariane Hundt and yogi-acupuncturist Stefanie DiLibero is a fitness and adventure buff’s dream. It includes daily beach boot camp and yoga classes, surfing lessons, a zipline canopy tour, and the opportunity for horseback riding, biking, and boat tours. And don’t worry—there are plenty of hammocks at the hotel for relaxing in between activities. Unfortunately, we just learned it’s sold out, so pencil in a reminder to book early next year or get on the list now.
Rates start at $1,490, www.slimandstrongblog.com
The Westin Lake Las Vegas Triathlon CampLake Las Vegas, NVApril 17–21
You may not see much of the poolside chaise lounge on this retreat. Champion triathlete Kelly Williamson (pictured) will keep you in pretty constant motion while revving up your swim-bike-run regimen. You’ll get five days of steady training, coaching, and education, from bike handling skills to running drills. Many of the runs and rides take you through amazing unspoiled areas, and you’ll use Lake Las Vegas for open water swim sessions, the same venue used in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. No pressure, though.
$2,399 (dinner not included), www.shop.duratatraining.com
Bhakti in Bloom: Sierra Hot Springs Yoga RetreatSierraville, CaliforniaApril 19–21
If fresh mountain air and communing with nature is your jam, this SolYoga trip has your name on it. Bhakti Flow vinyasa classes with San Fran-based “yogi, writer, and cool chic” Rachel Meyer are the core, but you’ll also spend your days hiking through the forest and fields of wildflowers. (Ahhh…)
At night, you can soak your sore muscles in the natural hot springs while gazing up at the stars. Just be prepared for less-than-luxe accommodations—options range from camping to a single room, but no matter what, you’ll be sharing bathrooms.
Rates start at $395, www.solyogatrips.com
Yoga, Surf, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding Rincon, Puerto RicoApril 25–29
Here’s your chance to get into Hamptons-mode early, with East Hampton’s Jessica Bellofatto (owner of KamaDeva Yoga) and Gina Bradley (owner of Paddle Diva). The pair brings yoga, paddleboarding, yoga-on-a-paddleboard, and surfing to Casa Azul—an intimate, privately-owned house on a hill overlooking the ocean, beaches, and town of Rincon. Breakfast and three dinners are included, and the food includes light, healthy options.
Rates start at $1,550, www.paddlediva.com
Spring Detox RetreatMiami Beach, Florida1-5 days in April
For healthy travelers who don’t like to stick to anyone else’s schedule (or share bunks with late-night meditators), The Standard Miami Beach’s spring detox package lets you customize your individual cleansing experience—choosing yoga classes, wellness workshops, and spa treatments each day. Think daily detoxing in the hammam, outdoor showers in the hydrotherapy playground, mud wraps by the pool, body scrubs and juice cleanses, group acupuncture, and a raw food workshop.
Rates start at $187.50/night, $562.50/3 nights, $937.50/5 nights, www.standardhotels.com
Elena Brower at MiravalTucson, Arizona May 16–19
A yoga class with Elena Brower at Virayoga in New York often takes you to a new place within yourself. So it’s fitting that the world-renown yogi, author, and taxi cab meditation teacher is hosting retreat at a place known for life transformation. At Miraval, you’ll experience two daily yoga classes and coaching sessions with Brower, and then there’s access to the stunning new Clodagh-designed spa (the healers and fusion treatments are incredible here), award-winning spa cuisine, and get-out-of-your-comfort-zone-and-grow experiences like outdoor challenge courses.
Starts at $2,745, includes airport transfers and taxes, www.miravalresorts.com
Regent Palms Turks & CaicosMay 16–19
Flybarre, the athletic barre workout, is taking its free weights, resistance bands, and playground balls to this swish Caribbean resort for a little sculpting and sweating by the beach. It’s the first such fitness retreat for the sister brand to Flywheel, and the instructor is popular director of training, Kara Liotta. Over the weekend, you’ll experience the regular Flybarre workout, as well as the sport class, and a 45-minute intensive version. The rate includes a junior suite, welcome dinner and cocktail reception, breakfast daily, and one treatment at the Regent Spa—and perhaps in this open-air treatment cabana, pictured.
Starts at $1,800 (lunch and most dinners not included). Call 866-877-7256 and mention the Flybarre Wellness Weekend, www.regenthotels.com
Escape to MarrakechMarrakech, MoroccoMay 18–25
Escape to Shape is known for its beyond-fabulous getaways that meld fitness, fun, and cultural exploration, and this trip to Morocco is no exception. With Erica Gragg as your host, you’ll stay in a Moroccan desert-style villa where you’ll take mind-body fitness and yoga classes with Kiya Knight, get a massage with Moroccan oils, and learn to cook healthy meals using local ingredients and flavors. Excursions include hiking the Atlas mountains, exploring an ancient walled city, and a guided shopping tour. Don’t be surprised if your bags are much heavier on the way home.
$3,700, www.escapetoshape.com
YogaMaya Annual Mexico retreat with Bryn and DebPuerto Morelos, MexicoMay 22–27
The founders of one of New York’s most beautiful yoga studios lead this week-long retreat in a small Mexican fishing village in between beach and mangrove jungles. YogaMaya’s spiritual approach to yoga will allow you to shed hang-ups, set intentions, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose. You can focus inward at the quiet resort and beach, or find adventure exploring nearby ruins.
Rates start at $1,275, www.yogamayanewyork.com
More Reading
What’s hot and healthy in Miami Beach right now
Would you spend 10 days in total silence?
How Erica Gragg turned her dream fitness vacation into Escape to Shape
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