Where women at the forefront of fitness and wellness are traveling in 2026 and why
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wellness travelers favor science-backed, immersive clinics prioritizing longevity.
- Movement and creative retreats combine fitness, content creation and nature.
- Resorts add diagnostics and biohacks, including brain labs and infrared fitness.
Wellness travel isn’t slowing down in 2026.
From science-backed clinics and luxury movement retreats to soul-resetting destinations rooted in nature, today’s wellness and fitness girls are choosing trips that nourish both body and mind. We tapped leading trainers, instructors and wellness experts to find out exactly where they’re going next.
Kelsey Rose @thekelseyrose Certified Trainer & Founder @shaep.co
Miami, FL
THE PLACE: “One wellness destination firmly on my 2026 bucket list is SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico. It’s been on my radar for a while because of how intentional and science-backed their approach to wellness is. SHA is known for blending Eastern and Western medicine with personalized programs focused on longevity, stress management, fitness, and metabolic health, which really aligns with how I think about wellness long-term.”
THE WHY: “What draws me in most is the structure. You’re not just checking into a luxury resort. You’re stepping into a fully immersive experience with guided fitness, clinical diagnostics, therapeutic treatments, and nutrition that’s actually designed to support your body rather than restrict it. The Mexico location also offers that connection to nature with a calmer, more expansive setting, which feels especially appealing as wellness travel continues to move away from “busy luxury” and toward true restoration.”
“For me, SHA represents where the wellness girlies are headed next: elevated, intentional, and deeply supportive of both physical and mental health, not just aesthetic results.” - Kelsey Rose
Riva G @Riva G Certified Yoga, Pilates & Functional Mobility Instructor
New York City
THE PLACE: “I’m heading to one of my favorite wellness destinations to host a Yoga & Content Creation Retreat in Amorgos, Greece. For six days, we’ll indulge in adventure, creativity, mindful movement and connection, all while enjoying the picturesque island. We’ll stay at the only 5-star hotel on the island, the Aegialis Hotel & Spa. The hotel is nestled high on the coastal cliffs and has state-of-the-art yoga facilities, fitness center, indoor & outdoor pool, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and front-row views of the Aegean Sea. Our days will be filled with a wonderful mix of mindful movement, exploring the island, creating content, soaking up the sun, enjoying delicious food, and doing things that bring us joy.”
THE WHY: “I originally created this unique experience to help others gain confidence in their content creation skills while staying active and enjoying a beautiful destination. Last year’s retreat, which took place in Puglia, Italy, was such a success that this year we’re doing it again, but this time in Greek luxury.”
“I’m also looking forward to returning to Sedona, Arizona. It’s one of my favorite wellness destinations with incredible hiking trails, gorgeous red rock views, powerful energy vortexes, and a vibrant art community.” - Riva G
Lindsay Dufresne Ritz @lindsaymd1125 Comprehensive Certified Pilates Instructor, @ironbutterflypilates
Charlotte, NC
THE PLACE: “I have my eye on two destinations, both of which I’ve visited before and always said I would return to because they were that special. The first is where I honeymooned four years ago: the One&Only Mandarina in Nayarit, Mexico. The service is unparalleled, they transport you throughout the resort via a buggy, and the oceanfront treehouse we stayed in was anything but the kind you had in your backyard; they’re pure luxury, complete with plunge pools perched high above the Pacific.”
THE WHY: “One of my personal favorites was the dedicated wellness space within the Spa. It feels like you’re working out in the jungle, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rainforest, and let’s not forget about how amazing the spa experiences were. They are rooted in ancient healing practices, and we loved the mud bath. I often return from trips saying I need a vacation from my vacation, because my travel tends to be nonstop activity. This year, I’m committing to at least one trip that’s truly focused on wellness and complete restoration.”
“I’m also considering is a Pilates reformer retreat in Tulum, Mexico, led by my favorite instructor, Andrea Speir with Revamp Retreats. I’ve taught group fitness for nearly 20 years, and even so, a dedicated retreat still feels like a gift. I’d heard for years how special Tulum was, and after visiting last year, I can officially say I drank the Kool-Aid and am looking for a reason to return.” - Lindsay Dufresne Ritz
Robin Diamond @robindiamond Certified Yoga Teacher
Miami, FL
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THE PLACE: “Living in South Florida has its perks, and as someone who lives and breathes wellness, I am fortunate to have the ultimate wellness property right in my backyard. When I need a weekend, or even a day retreat, I head to Carillon Miami Wellness Resort on Miami Beach, sometimes solo and sometimes with my girlfriends.”
THE WHY: “While there is a gorgeous stretch of boardwalk for “hot girl” walks, I opt for the oceanfront views from the treadmill in the sprawling gym and then head into the spa for the Thermal Suite. My girls often have to pull me out of the sauna — nothing beats a good sweat in my opinion. One of my new favorites onsite is Cosmo Contour, the first infrared fitness studio. The treadmills and other exercise equipment are enclosed in a pod with red-light therapy. This is supposed to help burn up to 600 calories per 30-minute session and aid in boosting collagen, lymphatic drainage, and so much more. This year, I am excited to check out their Brain Lab Optimization program, which explores your brain health and gives you diagnostics and a blueprint for optimizing brain performance and longevity.”
“I’m also looking forward to traveling back to Greece, this time going to Santorini and staying at Santo Mine Oia Suites. With each suite having direct panoramic views of the vast Aegean Sea, it is the perfect place to disconnect and find inner peace. Between the outdoor gym and the spa, plus the ability to practice yoga on a private balcony, summer can’t come fast enough.” - Robin Diamond
Julie Wiesman @juliewiesman Fitness & Wellness Expert, The Joule Life Founder
Palm Beach, FL
THE WHY: “This year, my travels will take me to destinations that epitomize the union of wellness, sport and elegance. Not to mention beautiful surroundings. In addition to my fitness and nutrition passions, tennis has become such a huge part of my life’s travel journey. It is one of the rare pursuits that seamlessly blends longevity, mental acuity, cardiovascular health, and social connection — all important for overall health and wellbeing.”
THE PLACE: “The desert elegance of La Quinta Resort & Club, in Palm Springs, CA, offers a setting where tennis, golf, spa culture and timeless design coexist beneath the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains. I can roll out my yoga mat in the morning, hit the tennis and pickleball courts in the afternoon, and wind down with a Luxe Body Renewal therapy and garden bath ritual in the evening.”
“Another travel option: the storied grandeur of Villa d’Este, in Cernobbio, Italy provides a lakeside stage where historic courts meet Old World luxury, framed by the tranquility of Lake Como. Walking the ancient gardens, and swimming in the lake’s first-ever floating pool feels like a step back in time and is a beautiful connection to the region’s history. This is the perfect place to play, relax and recharge in elegant fashion.” - Julie Wiesman
Amanda Berry, RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, Herbal Roots Organics
Westfield, NJ
THE PLACE: “One of my favorite wellness escapes is The Lodge at Woodloch, a destination spa located in the serene Pocono Mountains.”
THE WHY: “The resort is surrounded by nature — trees, lake, and wildlife — and offers a variety of wellness amenities and programming, ranging from incredible spa treatments to water features to classes such as the art of the power nap. Their culinary programming provides guests with nourishing options, with many dishes and cocktails featuring ingredients from their on-site farm.”
This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 9:41 AM.