Phoenix – Tucson – Austin – Denver – Fort Myers
Sometimes the best reset isn’t a complicated, far-flung vacation – it’s a long weekend focused on relaxation and simple pleasures. Book a flight to one of these five wellness destinations today. (And when your weekend begins at the low-stress RST, the recharge starts before you even take off!)
Phoenix: Desert Calm and World-Class Spas
Travel time: Get to Phoenix in as little as 5-1/2 hours with a brief layover in Minneapolis or Chicago.
Wellness things to do (within 90 minutes of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport):
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- Explore Desert Botanical Garden and pair it with an easy hike nearby (like at Papago Park) for a gentle, scenic day outside.
- Indulge in a spa or wellness experience – there’s one around every corner in Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale.
- Embark on a hot-springs day trip (seasonal/drive-time dependent) – Arizona has several hot spring options. Some are more rugged, some are more spa-style.
Where to stay:
- Splurge: Scottsdale resort spa properties. Look for packages that include spa credit or wellness classes.
- Mid-range: A Scottsdale or Downtown Phoenix hotel with a pool and walkable dining.
- Budget: Reliable airport-area hotels so you can spend your dollars on experiences like massages, garden tickets, and a great dinner.
Tucson: Sonoran Desert Recharge and Starry Skies
Travel time: Get to Tucson in about 5-1/2 hours with a brief layover in Minneapolis or Chicago.
Wellness things to do (within 90 minutes of Tucson International Airport):
- Explore Saguaro National Park scenic loop drives and short interpretive trails – perfect if you want nature without a big hike.
- Build a simple “wellness weekend” itinerary (desert walks, spa time, healthy meals, quiet mornings) with Visit Tucson’s guide.
- Add-on for a mental reset: Stargazing is a big part of Tucson’s appeal. Plan an evening drive away from city lights.
Where to stay:
- Splurge: A destination wellness resort experience featuring a full schedule of classes, spa services and guided outdoor activities.
- Mid-range: Resort-style properties with pools and on-site dining (ideal for a “don’t make me plan anything” weekend).
- Budget: Comfortable central Tucson hotels – spend your time at the park in the morning, then treat yourself to a single standout spa service.
Austin, TX: Cold-Spring Swims and Hill Country Exhale
Travel time: Get to Austin in just under six hours with a brief layover in Minneapolis or Chicago.
Wellness things to do (within 90 minutes of Austin-Bergstrom Airport):
- Swim at Barton Springs Pool. It’s spring-fed, features invigorating 68–70°F temps year-round, and is quintessentially Austin.
- Enjoy easy movement and sunshine at Lady Bird Lake trails and Zilker Metropolitan Park.
- Book a service at one of the area’s resorts and spa properties.
Where to stay (all price points):
- Splurge: A full wellness retreat stay that’s all-inclusive and experience-driven.
- Mid-range: A Hill Country resort with a strong spa and pool scene – great for couples or ladies’ weekends.
- Budget: Stay near downtown or the airport and “buy up” your wellness: Barton Springs and a massage and one memorable dinner.
Denver: Mountain Air and Hot-Springs Soaking
Travel time: Get to Denver in 3-1/2 hours with a brief layover in Minneapolis or Chicago.
Wellness things to do (within 90 minutes of Denver International Airport):
- Soak at the historic Indian Hot Springs, one of the closest hot-springs-style soaking options to Denver.
- Walk the trails at the legendary Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
- Plan some low-lift wellness activities in the city: spa day, sauna/cold plunge concepts, yoga – whatever “reset” means for you.
Where to stay:
- Splurge: Downtown Denver luxury hotels with full-service spas.
- Mid-range: Golden, Boulder, or walkable Denver neighborhoods for great food and easy movement.
- Budget: Airport-area hotels and a day trip to Indian Hot Springs for soaking (simple and surprisingly restorative).
Fort Myers: Beach Therapy and Salt-Air Slow-Down
Travel time: Get to Fort Myers in just over 5 hours with a brief layover in Minneapolis or Chicago.
Wellness things to do (within 90 minutes of Southwest Florida International):
- Explore beaches and relax on Sanibel Island or Fort Myers Beach. Think sunrise walks, shelling, and “do less” energy.
- Explore beautiful green spaces and botanical gardens featuring tropical flowers and native plants. Lakes Regional Park and Wigerts Bonsai Garden are year-round gems.
- Book a spa experience with waterfront views.
Where to stay:
- Splurge: Waterfront resort and spa (ideal if you want to park the car and stay put).
- Mid-range: Beach-adjacent hotels/condos where you can cook a few healthy meals and spend the rest on excursions.
- Budget: Fort Myers lodging, day trips to the beach and a single “treat yourself” spa service.
Your wellness weekend is closer than you think. Explore your one-stop options from RST today, fill a seat, and give yourself the gift of fresh air, movement, and meaningful rest.
