Written by Belen Paoletti (Specialist in Emotional Branding, Expert in Research & Consumer Insights, and Data Marketing Strategist)
Art by Valentina Taraborelli

Wellness retreats have become more than just a luxury escape—they’re now essential spaces for recovery, balance, and reconnection. By blending nature, mindfulness, nutrition, and movement, these experiences help people unplug from routine and rediscover a healthier life rhythm.

To find out which retreats truly deliver on their promise, we analyzed hundreds of verified reviews across Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Google. We read them all—so you don’t have to—summarizing real guests’ experiences into clear insights: scores, highlights, common criticism, and authentic testimonials.

Below are the top six wellness retreat centers in the U.S., ranked and reviewed through the lens of those who lived the experience.

1. Sedona Mago Center – Sedona, Arizona

Nestled in the serene beauty of Sedona, Arizona, Sedona Mago Center for Well-being and Retreat offers holistic retreats, healing services, and group event hosting in a space to reconnect.

Highlights

Guests consistently praise the serene, remote desert setting, meditation gardens, and a staff described as warm and welcoming. Food gets positive notes for being healthy and satisfying; many visitors frame the overall stay as transformational rather than “just a hotel night.” 

Criticism

The remote access—including a stretch of dirt road—can be inconvenient if you arrive at night; rooms are intentionally simple (great for retreat mode, less so if you expect resort-level amenities). A minority mention communication/booking hiccups. 

Testimonials 

• “The staff is very friendly and helpful… we loved the food… room was nice, simple and clean.” (Tripadvisor)
• “What a beautiful place… the peace and quiet is perfect. My room was lovely, everything I needed.” (Tripadvisor)
• “This place is paradise. Not only because of the beauty of nature, but also because of the beauty of the people who work there. The teachers are very loving and wise beings. You can even feel the love with which they prepare the food. Thank you, Mago!!!” (Google)

2. Mii amo – Sedona, Arizona

Located in one of Sedona’s major energy vortexes, isolated and surrounded by natural beauty, Mii amo works side-by-side with all guests to curate highly personalized and unique experiences.

Highlights

Post-renovation, feedback highlights pristine treatment rooms, mountain/red-rock views, a calm, intimate atmosphere, and high-touch service. Dining is frequently described as excellent.

Criticism

A premium price point is the recurring theme. Some guests describe peak-time bottlenecks around lockers/pool or service nooks (minor but noted).

Testimonials

• “Spa facilities were superior… treatment rooms pristine… atmosphere perfect, with mountain views.” (Yelp)
• “Every aspect is professional, relaxing and well thought out. The classes are fun; fitness center is first-class.” (Tripadvisor)
• “It’s insanely beautiful, accommodating and has top notch practitioners. I highly recommend the cranial sacral massage, past life regression, aura photography and reading of the moment. Their “regular” spa services, like their CBD massage, are also fantastic. I love how every room has a fireplace. Soooo cozy. I ate almost all my meals in my room. Such a special place that I’ve stayed there twice in the past 6 months. Highly recommend.” (Google)

3. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa – Catalina/Tucson, Arizona

Luxurious wellness destinations designed to help create a life in balance through mindfulness. Miraval Resorts feature pioneering programs, exclusive spa treatments, nourishing cuisine, and world-class wellness specialists.

Highlights

Miraval is repeatedly praised for its programming breadth: yoga and meditation, guided hikes, mindfulness lectures, equine experiences, and a widely lauded spa—plus a friendly, attentive staff. Many guests emphasize the day is shaped by classes, which adds structure to the wellness experience. 

Criticism

Food feedback is mixed over time: some find it exceptional; others report inconsistent quality relative to price. Popular activities can book out quickly, so planning matters. 

Testimonials

• “I loved all of the yoga classes and the lectures… a wide variety of excellent services.” (Tripadvisor)
• “The food was exceptional… lunch buffets and desserts were outstanding.” (contrasted by other guests who felt the opposite – Tripadvisor)
• “I don’t usually give 5⭐️ reviews because everything has to be nearly perfect BUT for Miraval I think it is my favorite place on earth. To enjoy the beauty and serenity of Miraval you must be intentional and open to healing, relaxing, and/or connecting to yourself. The spa is top notch! The service providers / staff are so amazing. The food is healthy BUT delicious. The grounds are therapeutic. Whether it’s fitness, healing, relaxing or an adventure you’re seeking, it’s all there! I treat myself on a solo trip every year to Miraval Arizona. It is an amazing experience.” (Google)

4. Lake Austin Spa Resort – Austin, Texas

Nestled in a secluded river valley with historic healing properties, the all-inclusive, adult-only resort offers the perfect escape—close enough to the city for convenience, yet far enough to fully disconnect. Where rustic charm meets world-class wellness, the lakeside resort offers a retreat blending luxury, serenity, and rejuvenation.

Highlights

The lakeside setting is a star—quiet, lush, and restorative. Guests call out friendly staff, top-notch spa, and a full roster of classes (yoga, aquafitness, hiking). Dining gets strong marks for fresh, flavorful, wellness-oriented food. Recent press also ranks it among the top destination spas in the U.S. 

Criticism

The experience is premium-priced. Weather and lake conditions can limit water activities—expectation-setting helps. Yelp ratings sit lower than Tripadvisor, reflecting occasional value debates.

Testimonials

• “Lake Austin Spa is absolutely fantastic. The spa is top-notch and the atmosphere is not stuffy at all.” (Tripadvisor)
• “The spa pool is beautiful… dining outdoors really pretty—ate outside every meal.” (Tripadvisor)
• “Wonderful experience. Peaceful vibe from the moment you walk in. Great staff. Excellent food, pool, and lake austin views. You must go if you need relaxation.” (Yelp)

5. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health – Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Rooted in the wisdom traditions of yoga, Ayurveda, and mindful living, Kripalu is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to fostering individual well-being and cultivating a more compassionate, connected society. 

Highlights

Kripalu is framed as a learning-centered retreat: exceptional yoga/meditation instruction, rich workshops and R&R days, healthy (often Ayurvedic-leaning) food, and rituals like the silent breakfast. Nature access (lake, trails) is another plus. 

Criticism

Accommodation is intentionally simple/spartan, which can disappoint guests expecting hotel polish. Some reviews note aging facilities in spots; overall experience quality depends heavily on the program you choose. 

Testimonials

• “The yoga and meditation classes are exceptional… my favorite part is the silent breakfast.” (Tripadvisor)
• “Always a soul nourishing experience. Went for r&r and left refreshed after a weekend of kayaking, hiking, swimming, and eating healthy foods. Always love my time at Kripalu. Living 8 hours away I don’t get there as nearly as much as I wish I could.” (Google)
• “Food was excellent… workshops excellent. We hiked and kayaked; a lovely break.” (Tripadvisor)

6. Esalen Institute – Big Sur, California

A holistic retreat and nonprofit educational institute established in 1962, considered the epicenter of the human potential movement, Esalen features workshops and massages in their campus in Big Sur, California.

Highlights

A one-of-a-kind oceanfront setting with iconic hot springs on the cliffs, gardens/farm-to-table food, and transformational workshops (Esalen is famously tied to the Human Potential Movement). Day-pass massages earn raves for both setting and quality.

Criticism

Reviews are highly polarized: some guests report curt or disorganized reception and question value vs. rustic lodging. This split is a consistent pattern on Tripadvisor.

Testimonials

• “Absolutely loved our experience at Esalen. We’ll definitely be new regulars, it’s truly a rare peace. The facilities are all wonderful, on a stunning piece of land. Everyone there, the staff and attendees, are all remarkably friendly and welcoming. The food was definitely not the highlight, but that’s not not why you come. We definitely left feeling much more at peace than when we walked in. Hugely recommended!” (Yelp)
• “Reception less than gracious… guests treated like a lower life form.” (illustrative of negative end of the spectrum – Tripadvisor)
• “Beautiful location. Went for a 4 night (Mon-Fri) retreat in 2/2025. Weather was beautiful, food was good. Stayed in the “Premium Plus King” room which was pricier but I appreciated having my own space and the building was conveniently located right next to the retreat sessions.” (Google)