Five Design-oriented Retreats to Visit This Summer

Summer is right around the corner, and it may be time for a reset.

With the wellness tourism industry booming, there are a slew of offerings to choose from, including hard core medical programs, relaxing spa-centric retreats and sleep training. From brand new resorts like The Ranch Hudson Valley, housed in a mansion from 1902, to medical retreats like Lanserhof Sylt, which has a sci-fi-esque vibe, here’s a look at five design-oriented locations to visit.

The Ranch Hudson Valley, starting at $2,575 depending on season and occupancy 

The Ranch Hudson Valley

The Ranch’s latest location, which opened to the public this month, is settled less than an hour away from New York City on the border of Tuxedo Park and Sloatsburg in the Hudson Valley. The 40,000-plus-square-foot home, known as Table Rock Estate, was built by J.P. Morgan in 1902 as a gift to his daughter, who married Alexander Hamilton’s great-grandson.

With its historical reopening, interior designer Steven Gambrel managed the preservation and update of the estate, which includes an indoor heated pool, infrared sauna, cold plunge, gym and more wellness elements. Architectural highlights include many original fixtures, like large wooden fireplaces and intricate carvings and plastering throughout the home. The area is also known for its access to nature with hiking trails right outside the manor. Guests can opt for four- or five-day experiences, which include meals, hikes, fitness sessions, nutrition talks, spa access and more. 

Lanserhof Sylt, starting at $7,000

Lanserhof Sylt

The Lanserhof experience is for the hard-core wellness junkie, as it requires a guest stay a minimum of seven to eight nights. The minimalistic yet futuristic retreat, located in Germany on the Wadden Sea, offers specific packages, all centered around overall longevity, to address each guest’s needs, including Hormone Balance, Long COVID-19, Stress Resilience and The Sleep Program. While treatments differ, each experience begins with fasting to detox and reset the body and includes several in-depth medical examinations throughout. Treatments span beauty services like Botox, Emsculpt and facials to more medical offerings like Cell Gym, an interval hypoxic-hyperoxic (oxygen) therapy that revives cells, cryotherapy and IV infusions. 

Euphoria Retreat, starting at around $260 a night

Euphoria Retreat

Step into a Greek myth at this Mystras, Greece-based oasis, just 50 minutes from the Kalamata airport, housed in an 1830s mansion. Guests can either opt for year-round themed programs — weight loss, fitness, yoga and mindfulness — or visit during designated times for specific retreats around subjects like holistic leadership or the spirit of adventure.

The area, often cited in Greek myths, is surrounded by cypress forests, quaint villages and Byzantine churches. While the resort itself combines new modalities with traditional Byzantium architecture, the most notable feature is the four-story spa, which houses an array of self-guided treatments including Byzantine hammams, cold plunge pools, Finnish saunas and a deprivation pool. Furthermore, while many retreats take a detox-driven approach, Euphoria Retreat proudly serves coffee and alcohol for guests looking to indulge.

Sensei Lanai, Four Seasons Resort, starting at $1,560 a night

Sensei Lanai, Four Seasons Resort, Koele | Hawaii Luxury Hotel and Resort Photographer | Architecture + Lifestyle | Tanveer Badal Photography | TANVEERBADAL.COM | @TANVEERBADAL

Settled in pine-covered mountains, Sensei Lanai offers a more secluded side of Hawaii. While guests can opt for signature options like the Rest and Recovery Program centered around stress reduction, there is also an entire calendar of activities, including yoga, meditation and forest bathing, many centered around the island’s nature. For those looking to channel their inner biohacker, many of the retreat’s programs employ the Whoop wearable so that guests may track how activities and treatments impact their health over time. There’s also an array of island exploration activities including scuba diving, horseback riding and deep-sea fishing.

Nobu Hotel Marrakech, starting at $449 a night

Nobu Hotel Marrakech

This year the Nobu Hotel Marrakech is doubling down on wellness with a slew of new offerings, including spa treatments and an updated dining menu. At the spa, called The Pearl, guests can try several new services including the Japanese Silk ritual that combines exfoliation, massage and hot stones to boost circulation. Furthermore, the hotel, which opened last January and features traditional Moroccan design elements, has unveiled a new all-vegan menu with signature dishes like beetroot carpaccio and avocado crispy rice.

Source: WWD