Autumn is the perfect time to escape the everyday grind and take a break for some much-needed self-care. As the leaves begin to change and summer fades into memory, it’s your chance to trade the chaos of summer crowds for peaceful wellness retreats where the only thing on your to-do list is relaxation. Whether you’re seeking mental clarity, physical rejuvenation, or just an excuse to pamper yourself, we’ve got you covered with our list of the top 10 autumn wellness holiday destinations.
Prepare to embrace the season of change in a way you’ve never imagined, and trust us—it’s time to make wellness your top priority!
Top 10 Autumn Wellness Holiday Destinations Overview
Destination | Best Month to Visit in Autumn | Reason to Visit |
---|---|---|
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia | October | Spiritual wellness, yoga retreats, holistic healing practices set against lush tropical landscapes. |
Sedona, Arizona, USA | November | Stunning red rock formations, energy vortexes, and spiritual healing for mental clarity and connection to nature. |
Lake Garda, Italy | September | Thermal spas, lakeside luxury, and serene mountain views with detox and hydrotherapy treatments. |
Tulum, Mexico | October | Beachfront yoga, luxury eco-friendly resorts, and shamanic healing ceremonies. |
The Maldives | November | Isolated luxury, overwater spas, and wellness coaching in a tropical paradise. |
Rishikesh, India | October | Yoga capital offering authentic spiritual immersion, ashrams, and healing in the Himalayan foothills. |
Costa Rica | September | “Pura Vida” philosophy, yoga retreats, and active wellness combining adventure and relaxation in lush rainforests. |
Ibiza, Spain | October | Luxury wellness retreats, beachfront yoga, and outdoor activities on a peaceful Mediterranean island. |
Queenstown, New Zealand | November | A blend of adventure and wellness with hiking, hot springs, and yoga amidst breathtaking mountain landscapes. |
Kyoto, Japan | November | Zen meditation, traditional Japanese wellness practices, hot springs, and beautiful autumn foliage in tranquil temples. |
Why Autumn is the Best Time for a Wellness Holiday
Let’s face it—autumn isn’t just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It’s a season of renewal and transformation, a time to hit pause and focus on yourself. If you’ve been ignoring your mental and physical health all summer long, now is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself.
And here’s the kicker—traveling for wellness in autumn means fewer tourists, more peaceful surroundings, and off-peak prices. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a luxurious retreat without paying sky-high summer rates? Whether you’re diving into yoga by the sea, detoxing in a remote mountain village, or indulging in a lavish spa experience, there’s a wellness destination for you this fall.
Top 10 autumn wellness holiday destinations
1. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Why visit: Bali is already the go-to destination for wellness, but come autumn, Ubud becomes a sanctuary for those looking to recharge mentally and physically. Known as the spiritual heart of Bali, Ubud offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in yoga, meditation, and holistic healing practices—all set against lush rice paddies and jungle landscapes.
Wellness highlights: Start your day with sunrise yoga at one of Ubud’s top retreats like The Yoga Barn or Fivelements Retreat, followed by a rejuvenating Balinese massage or a cleansing session in the sacred water temples like Tirta Empul. Autumn is also the perfect time to explore Ubud’s vegan and organic food scene, packed with wellness cafes offering everything from raw food to nutrient-packed smoothie bowls.
Read here to discover more about exceptional Bali Itineraries
2. Sedona, Arizona, USA
Why visit: Sedona is one of the top autumn wellness holiday destinations. Known for its stunning red rock formations and energy vortexes, this desert town is perfect for anyone seeking mental clarity and spiritual connection in autumn. The weather is cooler, and the landscape is more serene, making it the ideal time to explore Sedona’s hiking trails or indulge in its wellness offerings.
Wellness highlights: Start with an energy healing session or a guided meditation at one of Sedona’s many spiritual centers. For those looking to detox, try out a sound bath or reiki healing session. Hiking is a must in Sedona, with trails like Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge offering breathtaking views that enhance your sense of connection to nature.
3. Lake Garda, Italy
Why visit: If you’re looking for luxury with a wellness twist, Lake Garda in northern Italy should be on your list. In autumn, the summer tourists have gone, leaving behind tranquil lakeside views, crisp mountain air, and world-class wellness resorts ready to cater to your every need.
Wellness highlights: Lake Garda is renowned for its thermal spas and healing waters. Stay at resorts like Lefay Resort & Spa or Villa Eden, where you can detox in their thermal pools, indulge in hydrotherapy, or partake in mind-body treatments. For a holistic wellness experience, don’t miss yoga classes set against the backdrop of the Italian Alps.
Want more? Read our Top VIP Vacations Spots.
4. Tulum, Mexico
Why visit: Tulum has become synonymous with boho-chic wellness, and for good reason. This beachside town combines ancient Mayan traditions with modern-day luxury, offering a wellness experience that is equal parts spiritual and indulgent. With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Tulum is perfect for anyone looking to blend relaxation with cultural exploration this autumn.
Wellness highlights: Tulum offers everything from beachfront yoga classes and shamanic ceremonies to luxury spa treatments in eco-friendly resorts. Visit Azulik for a mind-blowing wellness experience that integrates nature and healing, or check out Amansala Eco-Chic Resort for a rejuvenating detox retreat that includes yoga, spa treatments, and healthy cuisine.
While in Mexico, enjoy its beauty as well. Read our Mexico Guide.
5. The Maldives
Why visit: If isolation, luxury, and rejuvenation sound like your kind of vacation, then the Maldives is the ultimate autumn wellness escape. Picture this: you, on a pristine white beach, doing yoga at sunrise, followed by a massage in an overwater spa as the Indian Ocean ripples beneath you. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not.
Wellness highlights: Most luxury resorts in the Maldives have state-of-the-art wellness programs. Check out Anantara Veli Maldives Resort for personalized spa treatments, yoga, and wellness coaching. The Six Senses Laamu is another standout, with wellness retreats focused on detoxing, mental wellness, and physical health—all while surrounded by tropical bliss.
The Maldives may be known for honeymooners and luxury, but wellness travelers know that this destination offers more than just romance. Want to completely disconnect from reality? There’s nothing quite like the isolation and sheer beauty of the Maldives to help you find your inner peace.
Explore our guides: the Top 14 Maldives Wellness Retreats and Best Wellness Experiences in Tropical Destinations.
6. Rishikesh, India
Why visit: Often called the “Yoga Capital of the World,” Rishikesh in northern India is the spiritual destination for anyone seeking a transformative autumn wellness experience. Perched along the Ganges River, this town is renowned for its yoga retreats, meditation centers, and ashrams that offer an authentic immersion into spiritual wellness.
Wellness highlights: The Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of the largest in Rishikesh, offering yoga and meditation classes for all levels. You can also attend yoga teacher training or wellness workshops that delve deep into Ayurveda and spiritual healing. Combine this with hikes in the Himalayas and dips in the sacred Ganges, and you’ve got a transformative wellness retreat.
7. Costa Rica
Why visit: Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” philosophy isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life. Autumn is the perfect time to experience it as the country transitions out of the rainy season, leaving lush landscapes and fewer tourists in its wake. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Costa Rica offers a diverse wellness experience.
Wellness highlights: Head to Nosara, known for its yoga retreats, and spend your days flowing through Vinyasa classes or meditating on the beach. The Nayara Gardens offers holistic wellness programs and healing therapies. And for those seeking adventure, Costa Rica’s rainforests offer zip-lining, surfing, and nature walks to keep your body and soul active.
Top 12 Caribbean Wellness Retreats is the read for you to get additional info.
8. Ibiza, Spain
Why visit: Yes, you read that right—we’re talking about Ibiza as a wellness destination. While this Mediterranean island is famed for its party scene, it’s also home to some of the best wellness retreats in Europe. Autumn offers a more peaceful side of Ibiza, perfect for those seeking balance after a wild summer.
Wellness highlights: Resorts like Atzaro and Hacienda Na Xamena offer luxury wellness retreats that include yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and organic meals. Ibiza is also known for its outdoor activities, like paddleboarding, beach hikes, and horseback riding, all of which enhance your overall wellness experience.
9. Queenstown, New Zealand
Why visit: If adventure and wellness are your idea of the perfect combo, Queenstown in autumn is your dream destination. Known for its stunning landscapes, this New Zealand town offers both relaxation and adrenaline-pumping activities, making it a top spot for wellness travelers seeking balance.
Wellness highlights: Spend your mornings hiking the Ben Lomond Track or enjoying the panoramic views from Bob’s Peak. For relaxation, indulge in the geothermal Onsen Hot Pools or unwind at a wellness retreat like Aro Ha, which combines yoga, meditation, and hiking for a well-rounded wellness experience.
Queenstown’s wellness scene is not about lying around—it’s for those who find peace in movement. If you’re the type who recharges by pushing your body to its limits and then soaking in a hot spring, this is the wellness destination for you.
10. Kyoto, Japan
Why visit: Kyoto in autumn is magical. The ancient temples, colorful autumn leaves, and tranquil atmosphere create the perfect setting for a wellness retreat steeped in tradition and mindfulness. It’s a place where ancient healing practices meet modern wellness.
Wellness highlights: Experience Zen meditation in one of Kyoto’s many temples or indulge in a kaiseki meal (a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) for a nourishing and mindful dining experience. Kyoto’s hot springs (onsen) are perfect for relaxation, and traditional ryokan inns offer an immersive wellness experience where everything from the tea ceremony to the garden strolls enhances your mental clarity.
Kyoto offers wellness in its most traditional form: it’s about finding inner peace through centuries-old practices that focus on mindfulness, simplicity, and a deep connection to nature.
Japan wellness is intertwined with its culture and traditions. Explore our Japan Guide.
What are your best autumn wellness holiday destinations?
Tips for Planning Your Autumn Wellness Retreat
Planning a wellness holiday should be as relaxing as the trip itself, so here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Time your trip wisely: Take advantage of off-peak travel to secure great rates on accommodation and wellness packages.
- Pack appropriately: Whether it’s for yoga, hiking, or relaxation, pack comfortable clothing that aligns with your wellness activities.
- Be Prepared: subscribe to a simple, effective and cost efficient travel insurance.
- Stay open-minded: Wellness retreats can challenge you mentally and physically. Embrace new practices, be it meditation, sound healing, or a digital detox.
- Wellness is linked with Sustainability, do not forget it! Read our Sustainable Island Resorts and plan accordingly.
Whether you’re diving deep into spiritual practices in India, indulging in luxury spa treatments in the Maldives, or finding inner peace in the mountains of Queenstown, there’s an autumn wellness destination waiting to help you recharge and rediscover your best self.
Let Travels Jinn help you with its services:
- Travel Advice: to find you the best accommodations, car rentals, flights, and activities.
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So, what’s your excuse? It’s time to prioritize your well-being this fall.
Take the plunge, book that retreat, and let autumn work its magic on your body, mind, and soul!