L
Laurie Bain Wilson
Guest
- Thread Author
- #1
Wellness-focused practices and beliefs have been around for centuries, dating back to the 6th century BCE. In the early days, wellness primarily centered water, glorified for its spiritual and healing properties.
The Greeks and Egyptians ritually bathed with wellness in mind, to support mental acuity and promote healing. Hippocrates was a believer in hydrotherapy for healing. The ancient Romans also introduced bathing houses, embracing balneotherapy (mineral water bathings) for their physical and emotional wellness, alongside various potential health benefits.
Looking at today’s bustling mainstream wellness industry, it’s clear just how far we’ve come. Combining this way of life with lodging for travelers feels like a given, though wellness and spa resorts in the United States aren’t a new trend.
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and wellness resorts emerged in the U.S. The Golden Door in Escondido, California, is widely recognized as the country’s first luxury destination spa, opening its doors in 1958. Since then, the spa and wellness industry has exploded — especially in recent years.
While most are designed for adult guests exclusively, some of these spa and wellness resorts are changing their tune: welcoming families to experience curated wellness activities and programs together.
Take a closer look at this unique travel experience as we explore some of the most notable wellness and spa resorts (including family-friendly options) around the country!
Got teens? Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains is home to The Lodge at Woodloch, an all-inclusive destination spa resort welcoming guests age 16 and older. This multi-gen phenom turns 20 this year, just one of many in the family-owned collection of Woodloch resort properties launching as early as 1958.
The temptation to screen scroll is not an issue at this property of over 500 acres, complete with more than 50 classes and workshops including abundant nature and outdoor wellness experiences.
“Multi-generational wellness getaways work because they give families a way to spend meaningful time together without forcing everyone into the same activity,” says Spa Director Nancy Deaton. “Grandparents, parents, and older kids each have their own idea of a good day, and wellness-focused properties make space for all of it. One person might head out on a hike, another into the spa, another into a cooking class, and everyone reconnects over meals.”
Many of the menu ingredients are sourced from the on-site farm.
The 40,000-square-foot spa features hydrotherapy treatments, indoor/outdoor whirlpools and saunas, and curated fitness/health/wellness programs like the Spiritual Awakening Mentoring to encourage and channel individual specific needs.
“The [wellness] trend is accelerating because families are rethinking how they use their time together and often to get a break from technology, the digital detox,” Deaton says. “People want to come home feeling more connected, more rested, and a little changed by the trip — not more depleted than when they left.”
According to Deaton, flexibility is a key reason why wellness resorts can work within a family dynamic.
“Families where members have different energy levels, interests, or stages of life tend to thrive at wellness properties, because the programming is built to be flexible.”
Deaton adds that mother/daughter and aunt/niece pairings celebrating milestones are popular at the spa resort, in addition to grandparents traveling with older teens.
“The common thread is that they’re looking for something more intentional than a typical vacation, and they appreciate being able to be together and apart throughout the day.”
Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels stands tall amid 250 acres of coastal forest along the rugged Oregon coastline. Naturally, it’s all about nature in this neck of the woods.
The new Wild Wellness programming is a blend of outdoor and mindful experiences, where days begin with Soulful Starts yoga sessions. Other program options include guided forest-to-coast hikes with chef-curated picnics to share (complemented with views of Siletz Bay), golf, and in-season lunar cacao ceremonies.
Children and teenagers especially enjoy the aerial park adventure, including 18 platforms and 22 elements; kids between 8 and 12 years old require adult supervision, but teens are OK to go solo. Golf and in-season lunar cacao ceremonies are also offered.
Bloom where you are planted: Families can book one of the suite accommodations, including the unique Jacobsen Suite, a just-renovated three bedroom, three-bath suite enhanced by a plant listening suite experience in partnership with PlantWave. The idea: Guests tuck into a self-guided plant listening experience where local, seasonal plants are paired with the PlantWave device for a calming connection to nature.
There are no TVs at Castle Hot Springs in the Bradshaw Mountains, just outside of Phoenix. And the wifi password is RUsureUwant2? Digital detox is surely the groove here.
The resort spans across 1,100 Sonoran Desert acres with an intentional emphasis on connecting to nature. Its wellness experiences are rooted in centuries-old practices, leaning into the mystical elements of water through the property’s mineral-rich hot springs on property. One of only 10 such springs in the U.S., their water is lithium rich, celebrated for easing tension, aches, and more.
All-age activities and wellness experiences include guided hikes, farm tours, horseback riding, and evening soaks in the mineral-rich hot springs. The resort also offers numerous spa packages for the adults in the crew, like the Wellness Through Water package which includes Watsu therapy and a Zen Soaking Secrets treatment.
Meals are farm-to-plate, prepared with ingredients from the on-site farm. The multigenerational accommodations include the luxury three-bedroom Top of the Lodge suite alongside 31 standalone bungalows and cabins, ideal for families keen on spreading out.
The Stanford Inn by the Sea Historic Farm & Eco-Resort is a completely plant-based property on the Mendocino Coast, and the resort blooms wellness.
The Mother/Daughter Hiking package is a bonding experience for all ages led by nutritionist, author, and ultra-marathoner Sid Garza-Hillman. Among other activities, expect nutrition and healthy living classes, a vegan cooking class, and hiking on local trails. There’s also the Creative Journeys Vacation package, featuring creativity sessions, led by the inn’s co-owner and licensed art therapist Joan Stanford. All art classes come with an “Art Corner” for infants (and/or siblings who need a break), full of art supplies and games easily within parents’ view.
Then, there’s the Catch a Canoe and Bicycles, Too, offering, where the brood, even the dog, can glide along the gentle Big River on a custom-built craft. Families can also dig into seasonal mushroom exploration and participate in nature tours, organic gardening lessons, vegan cooking lessons, Tai Chi, and yoga. A saltwater pool, sauna, and hot tub in a solarium are among Stanford Inn’s other amenities, with adults often seeking out the Massage in the Forest Spa for much-needed respite.
The whole family can link up at Ravens Restaurant for complimentary daily breakfast, lunch-to-go, and dinner. The menus emphasize locally harvested and foraged ingredients, like mushrooms from the nearby forests and seaweed from the ocean. Their signature Sea Palm Strudel is created with locally sourced sea palm and root vegetables, prepared with wasabi and ume plum raspberry sauces.
The inn’s complimentary, made-to-order breakfast and afternoon tea offer opportunities to dine in the lobby with your canine family members. Did we mention Stanford is extremely pet-friendly?
One of the most popular adults-only wellness resorts in the Northeast, Miraval Berkshires is rooted in intentional mindfulness with complimentary meals, curated activities, and outdoor adventures among its various programs.
Lucky for families, Miraval hosts Family Connection Week welcoming families with kids age 5 and older each February. February 2027 will mark the third time the resort has opened its doors to families. So far, the program has been so popular that February family week is already locked in for future years.
Family Connection Week incorporates some of the brand’s wellbeing classics, all with family-friendly twists on Miraval Berkshires’ culinary and soul experiences. Family programming highlights include gluten-free baking, a ropes challenge course, power of positive breath class, family artisanal tacos making, sound bowl meditations, a s’mores event, and more.
The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa stands out with its unique, family-focused wellness offerings. Fin Fun Fitness is just one example: The water exercise class is led by a “mermaid,” using fins for a fun workout with gentle movements. The mermaid instructor also encourages class engagement by sharing appreciation for our oceans and the life they support. Even better: A portion of the proceeds support the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Conservancy in Huntington Beach.
The resort also delivers beachside bonfires with s’mores, “dive-in” movies, surf lessons, beach yoga, and plenty of fun for the littles at the pool. The lagoon-style pool and water playground make quite a splash, and the eight miles of nearby coastline are the ideal backdrop for family beach walks.
Adults often gravitate toward the infrared sauna and red light therapy treatments, as well as the Spa Grotto at the resort’s Pacific Waters Spa.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and on-site sister property Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark make for seamless multigenerational wellness. Both resorts are family-friendly with villas and all-suite lodges.
Expect low-impact physical activities like mini-golf, hiking, biking, hiking, and pickleball. For toddlers, it’s all about the Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark resort. There, you’ll find the Moose Mountain Falls waterpark, including a Tiny Timbers water area for safe and shallow play.
Both resorts are well-equipped for older kids and teens. Grand Geneva’s activities are enticing for visitors of any age, while the Moose Mountains Falls at Timber Ridge features water slides and a lazy river — especially enticing for younger travelers.
For the adults in the family, the WELL Spa + Salon is the go-to spot for restorative treatments. Teens can also enjoy some of the spa services, like massage and manicures (with restrictions and parental involvement). On top of the indoor and outdoor pools, hiking, biking, forest bathing, and beyond, there’s no shortage of activities at these Lake Geneva gems.
As the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday this summer, wellness hospitality will continue to evolve in the coming years. Woodloch’s Deaton says the resort is closely monitoring a number of trends:
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About the Author: Laurie Bain Wilson’s work has appeared in Real Simple, Working Mother, OpenTable, PBS/Next Avenue, Travel Channel, CNN Travel, Travel Market Report, Eat This, Chowhound, Parents, Salon, Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, and New York Times. She is also a longtime correspondent at The Boston Globe. Find more from Laurie at weekendsandcupcakes.com and her Muckrack profile.
The post Wellness Resorts for Families: A Coast-to-Coast Exploration appeared first on Road Trips For Families.
The Greeks and Egyptians ritually bathed with wellness in mind, to support mental acuity and promote healing. Hippocrates was a believer in hydrotherapy for healing. The ancient Romans also introduced bathing houses, embracing balneotherapy (mineral water bathings) for their physical and emotional wellness, alongside various potential health benefits.
Looking at today’s bustling mainstream wellness industry, it’s clear just how far we’ve come. Combining this way of life with lodging for travelers feels like a given, though wellness and spa resorts in the United States aren’t a new trend.
Wellness and Spa Resorts in the U.S.
Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and wellness resorts emerged in the U.S. The Golden Door in Escondido, California, is widely recognized as the country’s first luxury destination spa, opening its doors in 1958. Since then, the spa and wellness industry has exploded — especially in recent years.
While most are designed for adult guests exclusively, some of these spa and wellness resorts are changing their tune: welcoming families to experience curated wellness activities and programs together.
Take a closer look at this unique travel experience as we explore some of the most notable wellness and spa resorts (including family-friendly options) around the country!
Pennsylvania: The Lodge at Woodloch
Got teens? Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains is home to The Lodge at Woodloch, an all-inclusive destination spa resort welcoming guests age 16 and older. This multi-gen phenom turns 20 this year, just one of many in the family-owned collection of Woodloch resort properties launching as early as 1958.
The temptation to screen scroll is not an issue at this property of over 500 acres, complete with more than 50 classes and workshops including abundant nature and outdoor wellness experiences.
“Multi-generational wellness getaways work because they give families a way to spend meaningful time together without forcing everyone into the same activity,” says Spa Director Nancy Deaton. “Grandparents, parents, and older kids each have their own idea of a good day, and wellness-focused properties make space for all of it. One person might head out on a hike, another into the spa, another into a cooking class, and everyone reconnects over meals.”
Many of the menu ingredients are sourced from the on-site farm.
The 40,000-square-foot spa features hydrotherapy treatments, indoor/outdoor whirlpools and saunas, and curated fitness/health/wellness programs like the Spiritual Awakening Mentoring to encourage and channel individual specific needs.
“The [wellness] trend is accelerating because families are rethinking how they use their time together and often to get a break from technology, the digital detox,” Deaton says. “People want to come home feeling more connected, more rested, and a little changed by the trip — not more depleted than when they left.”
According to Deaton, flexibility is a key reason why wellness resorts can work within a family dynamic.
“Families where members have different energy levels, interests, or stages of life tend to thrive at wellness properties, because the programming is built to be flexible.”
Deaton adds that mother/daughter and aunt/niece pairings celebrating milestones are popular at the spa resort, in addition to grandparents traveling with older teens.
“The common thread is that they’re looking for something more intentional than a typical vacation, and they appreciate being able to be together and apart throughout the day.”
Gleneden Beach, Oregon: Salishan Coastal Lodge
Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels stands tall amid 250 acres of coastal forest along the rugged Oregon coastline. Naturally, it’s all about nature in this neck of the woods.
The new Wild Wellness programming is a blend of outdoor and mindful experiences, where days begin with Soulful Starts yoga sessions. Other program options include guided forest-to-coast hikes with chef-curated picnics to share (complemented with views of Siletz Bay), golf, and in-season lunar cacao ceremonies.
Children and teenagers especially enjoy the aerial park adventure, including 18 platforms and 22 elements; kids between 8 and 12 years old require adult supervision, but teens are OK to go solo. Golf and in-season lunar cacao ceremonies are also offered.
Bloom where you are planted: Families can book one of the suite accommodations, including the unique Jacobsen Suite, a just-renovated three bedroom, three-bath suite enhanced by a plant listening suite experience in partnership with PlantWave. The idea: Guests tuck into a self-guided plant listening experience where local, seasonal plants are paired with the PlantWave device for a calming connection to nature.
Morristown, Arizona: Castle Hot Springs
There are no TVs at Castle Hot Springs in the Bradshaw Mountains, just outside of Phoenix. And the wifi password is RUsureUwant2? Digital detox is surely the groove here.
The resort spans across 1,100 Sonoran Desert acres with an intentional emphasis on connecting to nature. Its wellness experiences are rooted in centuries-old practices, leaning into the mystical elements of water through the property’s mineral-rich hot springs on property. One of only 10 such springs in the U.S., their water is lithium rich, celebrated for easing tension, aches, and more.
All-age activities and wellness experiences include guided hikes, farm tours, horseback riding, and evening soaks in the mineral-rich hot springs. The resort also offers numerous spa packages for the adults in the crew, like the Wellness Through Water package which includes Watsu therapy and a Zen Soaking Secrets treatment.
Meals are farm-to-plate, prepared with ingredients from the on-site farm. The multigenerational accommodations include the luxury three-bedroom Top of the Lodge suite alongside 31 standalone bungalows and cabins, ideal for families keen on spreading out.
Mendocino, California: The Stanford Inn
The Stanford Inn by the Sea Historic Farm & Eco-Resort is a completely plant-based property on the Mendocino Coast, and the resort blooms wellness.
The Mother/Daughter Hiking package is a bonding experience for all ages led by nutritionist, author, and ultra-marathoner Sid Garza-Hillman. Among other activities, expect nutrition and healthy living classes, a vegan cooking class, and hiking on local trails. There’s also the Creative Journeys Vacation package, featuring creativity sessions, led by the inn’s co-owner and licensed art therapist Joan Stanford. All art classes come with an “Art Corner” for infants (and/or siblings who need a break), full of art supplies and games easily within parents’ view.
Then, there’s the Catch a Canoe and Bicycles, Too, offering, where the brood, even the dog, can glide along the gentle Big River on a custom-built craft. Families can also dig into seasonal mushroom exploration and participate in nature tours, organic gardening lessons, vegan cooking lessons, Tai Chi, and yoga. A saltwater pool, sauna, and hot tub in a solarium are among Stanford Inn’s other amenities, with adults often seeking out the Massage in the Forest Spa for much-needed respite.
The whole family can link up at Ravens Restaurant for complimentary daily breakfast, lunch-to-go, and dinner. The menus emphasize locally harvested and foraged ingredients, like mushrooms from the nearby forests and seaweed from the ocean. Their signature Sea Palm Strudel is created with locally sourced sea palm and root vegetables, prepared with wasabi and ume plum raspberry sauces.
The inn’s complimentary, made-to-order breakfast and afternoon tea offer opportunities to dine in the lobby with your canine family members. Did we mention Stanford is extremely pet-friendly?
Lenox, Massachusetts: Miraval Berkshires
One of the most popular adults-only wellness resorts in the Northeast, Miraval Berkshires is rooted in intentional mindfulness with complimentary meals, curated activities, and outdoor adventures among its various programs.
Lucky for families, Miraval hosts Family Connection Week welcoming families with kids age 5 and older each February. February 2027 will mark the third time the resort has opened its doors to families. So far, the program has been so popular that February family week is already locked in for future years.
Family Connection Week incorporates some of the brand’s wellbeing classics, all with family-friendly twists on Miraval Berkshires’ culinary and soul experiences. Family programming highlights include gluten-free baking, a ropes challenge course, power of positive breath class, family artisanal tacos making, sound bowl meditations, a s’mores event, and more.
Huntington Beach, California: Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa stands out with its unique, family-focused wellness offerings. Fin Fun Fitness is just one example: The water exercise class is led by a “mermaid,” using fins for a fun workout with gentle movements. The mermaid instructor also encourages class engagement by sharing appreciation for our oceans and the life they support. Even better: A portion of the proceeds support the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Conservancy in Huntington Beach.
The resort also delivers beachside bonfires with s’mores, “dive-in” movies, surf lessons, beach yoga, and plenty of fun for the littles at the pool. The lagoon-style pool and water playground make quite a splash, and the eight miles of nearby coastline are the ideal backdrop for family beach walks.
Adults often gravitate toward the infrared sauna and red light therapy treatments, as well as the Spa Grotto at the resort’s Pacific Waters Spa.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Grand Geneva/Timber Ridge
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and on-site sister property Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark make for seamless multigenerational wellness. Both resorts are family-friendly with villas and all-suite lodges.
Expect low-impact physical activities like mini-golf, hiking, biking, hiking, and pickleball. For toddlers, it’s all about the Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark resort. There, you’ll find the Moose Mountain Falls waterpark, including a Tiny Timbers water area for safe and shallow play.
Both resorts are well-equipped for older kids and teens. Grand Geneva’s activities are enticing for visitors of any age, while the Moose Mountains Falls at Timber Ridge features water slides and a lazy river — especially enticing for younger travelers.
For the adults in the family, the WELL Spa + Salon is the go-to spot for restorative treatments. Teens can also enjoy some of the spa services, like massage and manicures (with restrictions and parental involvement). On top of the indoor and outdoor pools, hiking, biking, forest bathing, and beyond, there’s no shortage of activities at these Lake Geneva gems.
Wellness Resorts: The Road Ahead
As the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday this summer, wellness hospitality will continue to evolve in the coming years. Woodloch’s Deaton says the resort is closely monitoring a number of trends:
- Flexibility is becoming the new luxury. Guests don’t want a rigid retreat schedule; they want to design their own day across movement, mindfulness, nature, and nourishment.
- Nature is treated as core wellness infrastructure, not a backdrop. Guests are gravitating toward properties where forest, water, and open space are woven into the programming rather than treated as scenery.
- Mental and emotional wellness are moving front and center. Sleep, stress regulation, and nervous system support are becoming as important as the spa menu.
- Multi-generational programming is growing. More experiences are designed for genuine all-age participation. Rather than simply sharing a dinner table together, these activities offer more opportunities for families to bond and create memories together.
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The post Wellness Resorts for Families: A Coast-to-Coast Exploration appeared first on Road Trips For Families.
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