While we probably didn’t need scientific research to tell us that taking a vacation is a great way to relieve stress and clear the mind, there have been many studies that have shown that taking a break from work and other day-to-day responsibilities offers numerous mental and physical health benefits.
But how about a vacation that takes that a step further? Staying at a wellness resort brings the chance to enjoy a wealth of activities, stress-melting spa treatments, perhaps a yoga retreat, and much more. Combined with the stunning beauty of the Caribbean with pristine white sand, crystal-clear blue waters, and swaying palm trees, it’s sure to do the trick.
These top Caribbean wellness resorts are practically guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
Note: Most resorts will provide drinking water that is safe to drink, but check with your accommodation to see if tap water or water fountains are available. Since chlorination is a popular method of water treatment in parts of the Caribbean, traveling with a LARQ Bottle Filtered would be great for improving the taste of the water by removing chlorine and other potentially harmful contaminants like lead. That way, you can stay hydrated through all your relaxing on the beach, or snorkeling the pristine coral reef.
BodyHoliday – Cap Estate, Saint Lucia
Nestled in a secluded cove, the all-inclusive BodyHoliday Saint Lucia provides the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Saint Lucia with its lush rainforest, iconic twin peaks of Gros Piton and Petit Piton, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. A destination spa resort, there are few others like it. You’ll enjoy access to a long list of activity options from sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and scuba classes to tennis lessons on the tennis court (floodlit after dark), golf, archery, spinning, Pilates, and daily yoga classes.
After a long day of play, head to the award-winning spa/wellness center to enjoy a wide range of massage treatments, like Thai and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, along with an exclusive Skin Clinic. There are special programs if you’re looking to focus on a particular aspect of health, such as weight management, detox, digestive health, healthy aging, and overall fitness. The multiple eateries include a deli with a menu of smoothies made with organic fruits and veggies from the resort’s garden and restaurants that serve healthy but delicious international fare.
Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort – Saint Lucia
Sugar Beach is another fabulous option in Saint Lucia with a prime location, tucked between the emerald Pitons and an unspoiled beach with powdered sugar-like sands. An ultra-luxurious retreat, it’s all about pampering here, with personal butlers included. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, boat tours, some friendly competition on a tennis court (a tennis pro is available for personalized lessons), beach volleyball, and fitness classes. Plus, expert guides are available for all sorts of adventures or for exploring the local culture.
The property offers one of the best spas on the island, the Rainforest Spa which includes a treehouse treatment room built on stilts with a balcony that overlooks the forest and the mountains. It’s a blissful place for holistic offerings and signature treatments like hot rock therapies, bamboo massages, salt scrubs, and polishes. The multiple dining options range from barefoot casual to fine dining on French Caribbean fare with breathtaking sea and sunset views.
Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort – Dominican Republic
The only wellness-focused resort in the Dominican Republic and one of the best wellness resorts in the Caribbean, Melia Punta Cana Beach offers a tranquil adults-only atmosphere. The ultimate all-inclusive sanctuary designed for rejuvenation, it boasts a white sandy beach framed by sparkling turquoise waters and the “Wellbeing 360 Experience” which transformed the resort into a fully immersive wellness property.
All non-motorized water sports are included, while the spa offers a pampering oasis for body and mind, combining traditional and modern health and wellness therapies. Booking a Level Wellness Suite will get you access to a wellness concierge, a vitamin-C shower infuser, a dawn simulator, aromatherapy, and a personal bike. All guests can take advantage of the state-of-the-art gym next to the main pool, one of four beautiful pools on the grounds. Six restaurants are on-site serve everything from Peruvian-Japanese to Italian and international fare, plus you’ll have access to a half-dozen more at Melia Caribe Beach nearby.
Como Parrot Cay – Turks and Caicos
Set on its own island covering 1,000 acres, complete with a beach that stretches for a mile with powdery soft sands, Como Parrot Cay offers an ultra-luxe retreat in the Caribbean for wellness. As it can only be accessed by boat, it’s a place for privacy and seclusion that’s attracted quite a few celebrities like Paul McCartney, Demi Moore, and Keith Richards. Its Como Shambala Retreat is considered one of the top spas in the Caribbean, with a wealth of facilities, including Japanese baths, an outdoor Jacuzzi garden, classes like Pilates and yoga, and a menu of holistic therapies enjoyed with sea views.
Non-motorized water sports, including diving, are part of the all-inclusive package, and there’s a fitness center with on-call personal trainers. Dining is enjoyed at multiple enticing restaurants with the resort’s culinary program focused on fresh, local, organic fare, emphasizing Caribbean seafood and produce grown on-site.
Secret Bay Dominica – Portsmouth, Dominica
Made up of a cluster of bungalows and chic villas with hot tubs or plunge pools, Secret Bay is located on the nature lovers’ island of Dominica. Perched at cliffside among the rainforest, guests enjoy unrivaled views of the Caribbean.
Once you’ve settled in, an initial consultation with your Wellness Consultant will take inventory of your mind/body health, energy, and chakras to help you achieve your health-focused goals.
You’ll be scheduled for four different treatments during your stay which can include holistic skin care, such as a mud bath using sulfur mud with a high concentration of minerals from the island’s volcanic hot springs. Yoga and meditation (with the yoga pavilion at riverside), reflexology, essential oil massages in the spa, and a nutrition consultation are just some of the other options.
You can also help yourself with snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards for exploring the vibrant reefs before savoring fresh dishes made with locally grown ingredients, with personalized cooking services included.
One&Only Mandarina – Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Set along the Riviera Nayarit in a secluded location an hour from Puerto Vallarta, the One&Only Mandarina is a luxury hotel set in a lush tropical rainforest overlooking the Pacific, complete with a soft sandy beach. A stay here provides total privacy and breathtaking views, enjoyed with fresh air, the songs of the birds, and the sounds of the waves.
Guests can take advantage of miles and miles of scenic biking and hiking trails, along with pools for floating while suspended at cliffside or swimming over volcanic rocks. The resort spa has a half-dozen treatment rooms built within a natural volcanic rock garden, offering treatments inspired by pre-Hispanic and indigenous cultures. Going beyond the typical massage offerings, there are sessions available in the on-site temazcal aimed at detoxification, combining steam, heat, and medicinal herbs. Yoga classes and mindful/meditation sessions are offered too.
The resort’s sustainable ethos can be seen throughout, particularly in its three restaurants with all menus showcasing the remarkable bounty of Nayarit. That includes whatever daily catch comes in from neighboring Monteon, where the chef works closely with the local fishermen.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya – Playa del Carmen, Mexico
A world-renowned resort along the Riviera Maya, Grand Velas is part of Velas Resorts, a brand that aims to inspire relaxation and well-being of mind, body, and spirit. You’ll be able to unwind around the pools while marveling at a spectacular sea view, soak up the sun on an exclusive, idyllic white sandy beach, and enjoy a wide range of activities like snorkeling, diving, kayak tours, golf, and yoga.
At the holistic Grand Velas Spa, there are 40 treatment rooms and an extensive menu of options aimed at doing everything from reducing signs of aging and eliminating toxins to promoting balance and soothing sore muscles. The dining options are numerous and include fantastic vegan tacos, although all establishments cater to various dietary concerns and food restrictions. Enjoy French, Asian, Mexican, and a restaurant offering a fusion of natural, healthy international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.