Wilderness Wellness: Resorts Redefining Wellness via Animal & Spa Experiences

Wellness and wildlife go hand in hand; a recent study by Arizona State University in December 2023 revealed that 83% of participants experienced positive mental health impacts from wildlife interactions, leading to reduced stress, increased happiness, and a sense of nostalgia.

Additionally, with both global wellness and wildlife tourism projected to have significant growth in the next few years, trends at the intersection of these markets are bound to arise, and destinations offering a combination of wellness and wildlife experiences will undoubtedly have an upper hand against competition vying for travel bookings. As this trend gains momentum, three resorts are at the forefront, offering unique experiences for guests to engage with nature and wellness:

Sanderling Resort, Duck, NC : A Coastal Oasis of Wellness

• Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the serene Currituck Sound, Sanderling Resort stands out as a haven for wellness seekers. The Spa at Sanderling invites guests to indulge in coastal and seasonally inspired treatments, including the signature Ocean Serenity Ritual and the Warm Seashell Pedicure. Beyond the spa, Sanderling Resort offers an array of wildlife experiences. Embark on a Wild Horses Tour through the Wild Horse Conservation Easement, join Dolphin Tours with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, or explore the 2,600-acre Audubon Sanctuary. Sanderling Resort seamlessly combines wildlife adventures with luxurious spa experiences, creating a holistic retreat for the mind and body.

Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico : Where Luxury Meets Nature

• Nestled on the Northern coast of Puerto Rico, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty. The resort’s award-winning Spa Botánico provides a holistic sense of well-being through Puerto Rican ingredients and indigenous traditions. In addition to its exquisite culinary offerings and beachside omakase at POSI+IVO, Dorado Beach offers a unique Wildlife Rainforest Experience. Guests can explore El Yunque Tropical Rainforest, home to over 240 species of plants and animals, and reward themselves with a refreshing dip at La Mina Falls. Dorado Beach seamlessly integrates wildlife excursions with a luxurious atmosphere, making it a haven for those seeking wellness beyond traditional spa treatments.

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp, Chiang Rai, Thailand : A Night in Nature

• Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp in Thailand introduces a groundbreaking way to connect with wildlife. The newly introduced Jungle Bubbles allow guests to spend a night observing Thailand’s majestic elephants from fully furnished, transparent accommodations. For those seeking spa and wellness experiences, the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp boasts a serene Lanna Resort Spa. Nestled in a lush forest, the open-air pavilion offers spa treatments inspired by centuries of northern wellness traditions. Guests can unwind with a milk bath for two, side-by-side massages, and wellness-enhancing therapies using indigenous ingredients. The resort’s wellness facilities, including treatment suites for two and al fresco massage balconies, complement the unforgettable wildlife experiences, creating a harmonious balance for the mind, body, and soul.