Best 5 Wellness Escapes in New England

Best 5 Wellness Escapes in New England

Copper Beech Institute

Overwhelmed. Bereavement. Curiosity. Each one-word response to “What brought you here?” is deeply revealing, as 20 transformation seekers embark on a two-hour introduction to meditation at Copper Beech Institute. Wherever you are in your mindfulness practice, this intimate community makes it easy to share the journey with others. Weekend escapes explore topics such as emotional resilience and mindful mothering; five-night silent retreats foster introspection. With 48 wooded acres of walking trails, a labyrinth built of stones that once cobbled Manhattan streets, and simple yet spacious overnight accommodations, the institute benefits from being located within the country’s largest Catholic retreat center while remaining devoutly secular. West Hartford, CT. 860-760-9750; copperbeechinstitute.org

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

If you’re accustomed to a morning cacophony of kids, texts, and TV news, the silent breakfast at Kripalu is something you may initially find intimidating. But starting the day stress-free begins to feel like a gift—one of many you’ll unwrap at this lakeside wellness campus. Long before yoga pants were a wardrobe staple, Kripalu was founded to train and inspire those who had embraced this Eastern practice, and yoga education remains its core mission. Increasingly, though, its simple rooms and dorm-style bunks are filled with guests lured by a wide-ranging lineup of more than 700 programs and retreats a year. Whatever needs your attention—health, relationships, creativity, spirituality—imagine an “X” on a map of the Berkshires labeled “Start here.” Stockbridge, MA. 413-448-3152; kripalu.org

New Life Hiking Spa

Movement is often the best medicine, and even though this nontraditional spa doesn’t open for the season until May, now is the time to get moving. You’ll do your wallet good by booking a rejuvenating Green Mountains getaway at January special rates. Affordability has long been a hallmark of these all-inclusive retreats, where three levels of guided hikes are offered daily, and being with others on scenic trails and over healthy meals can ignite lifelong friendships. Each day is yours to design from a menu that includes yoga and strength classes, talks, and outdoor activities. And once you meet founder Jimmy LeSage, whose new book explains his anti-dieting approach to wellness, you’ll never think of food or fitness in quite the same way again. Killington, VT. 802-353-2954; newlifehikingspa.com

Nurture Through Nature

Whether in winter, when you snowshoe to your cabin or yurt, or in warmer months, when you can embark on a barefoot meditation walk, even a brief stay at this 33-acre mountainside eco-retreat can work wonders. Banish responsibilities from your brain with some private time in a spacious Finnish sauna, where heat and eucalyptus-infused steam will soothe you, or with a massage by the wood stove in your off-the-grid hideaway. Ready for a major breakthrough or mind-set change? Nurture Through Nature offers both themed group retreats and customized individual opportunities for renewal. Through guided meditation, qigong, yoga, and holistic coaching, founder Jen Deraspe helps guests rebalance their lives. Denmark, ME. 855-207-7387; ntnretreats.com

Yoga at the Ashram

While an Eat, Pray, Love–inspired escape to India may be out of the question, serenity awaits just 45 minutes from Boston, at Guru Ram Das Ashram. Lodging here is communal: You’ll have a bed and access to Wi-Fi, shared living space, and a vegetarian kitchen. But the rate—$55 per night including early-morning yoga and meditation sessions ($65 if you need towels and sheets)—redefines “stealing away.” Kundalini yoga is the focus here: It’s an energetic, chant-driven practice that sets your lungs afire. Even if you can only spare time to drop in for a class, or to absorb the vibrations from 15 gongs during a full moon or new moon gong meditation, you’ll feel embraced by this spiritual community. Millis, MA. 508-376-4525; yogaattheashram.org 

Kim Knox Beckius

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