16 Must-Have Travel Ideas for a Wellness Retreat

As both a health and travel writer, there are few places I feel more at home than where these two worlds intersect. One such intersection is the wellness retreat. I’ve been fortunate to participate in wellness retreats all over the world, from fitness workshops to immersive wellness experiences. Recent favorites include Sensei Lanai’s Optimal Health Program, a wellness weekend at Alisal Ranch in Santa Barbara, and a Y7 yoga retreat at The Body Holidays in St. Lucia. Needless to say, I have perfected my packing list for these types of trips.

Wellness retreats can take you anywhere in the world, from the tropics to secluded mountain towns, but no matter the destination or itinerary, there are some key items I recommend packing. Here, I’ve narrowed down a list of comfortable clothes, versatile shoes, and handy accessories I need for any wellness-centric trip I’m planning this summer and beyond. It’s also worth noting that I’m a carry-on only traveler. These items will meet all of my needs without taking up precious luggage space.

Vuori Dreamknit Performance Joggers

I always bring these buttery soft joggers with me on any trip, and a wellness retreat is no exception. Whether I’m heading to cooler or milder climates, this lightweight, comfortable sweatshirt is sure to come in handy. I love wearing them on the day of my trip or for relaxing moments along the way. Plus, the high-performance fabric is suitable for any activity, making them perfect for a refreshing morning outdoor yoga session or a sunset sound bath.

Pro tip: Choose outfits that are in the same earth-tone color family. Not only will these hues have a calming look, but this strategy will make mixing and matching easier and simplify packing. Luckily, these Vuori joggers come in 18 beautiful options.

Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise Tights

You can never have too many leggings to bring to a wellness retreat. My current favorites for yoga, pilates, and other low-impact workouts are Athleta Elation Tights. These leggings are super soft to the touch and have a cozy, huggy compression feel. The set also comes with a matching sports bra with a beautiful cross back and the perfect level of support. They can also double as a workout top if you’re short on luggage space.

Cupshe Twist Front High Waist Bikini Set

Wherever your health journey takes you, whether it’s a beach resort, a lakeside cabin, or a hotel with a pool, you’ll need a swimsuit. I love this bikini set from Cupshe because it’s not only cute but also supportive enough for active activities like paddle boarding and aqua aerobics (great workout). Plus, it comes in 31 different colors, so there’s sure to be one that matches your style.

Hydro Flask 24oz Stainless Steel Standard Water Mouth Bottle

Hydration is essential for overall health, so if you’re visiting a warm climate or exercising regularly, you’ll want to drink plenty of water. That’s why I always recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to any wellness retreat. Personally, I’m a fan of Hydroflasks, and I especially like the standard 24-ounce size for travel. It fits perfectly in the side pocket of my backpack and isn’t too bulky to carry around on hikes or around the resort.

G4Free UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Workout Sun Shirt

We’re all for getting plenty of healthy Vitamin D during your wellness retreat, but if your itinerary includes plenty of time outdoors, it’s just as important to protect your skin from the elements. That’s where a UPF shirt like this one comes in handy: throw one on before heading out to the water or for a long hike. And speaking of sun protection, we can’t leave out eye protection. We highly recommend investing in a quality pair of polarized sunglasses before your trip. One of my favorites is the Costa Del Mar Waterwoman 2 Square Sunglasses, which are literally designed to help you see better.

Jange Pace Shorts

I’m completely obsessed with these shorts (I have four and keep wanting to add more to my collection as new colors come out). I’ve worn them on multiple retreats, including a yoga class in St. Lucia and a hike in Hawaii, and I absolutely love them. They’re perfect for warm weather, breezy, and just the right length to keep you covered. Plus, they stay in place incredibly well, even during downward dog and steep mountain climbs.

Allbirds Women’s Tree Dasher Sneakers

As someone who travels with carry-on luggage only when possible, I love having shoes that can be used for multiple parts of my itinerary, which is why Allbirds Tree Dashers are always on my packing list. They’re the perfect lifestyle shoe for casual walks and double as running shoes. And don’t forget performance socks to go with your multi-purpose shoes. I’m a big fan of the Swiftwick Aspire socks, and you can get a three-pack on Amazon right now.

Chaco Women’s Z/1 Classic Sandals

Are you heading somewhere warm or just hanging out in the pool during your stay? You’ll need a sturdy pair of sandals. These classic Chacos have a durable, waterproof sole and plenty of grip, making them tough enough for light hiking. Not to mention, they’re super comfortable, I’ve put many miles in them with zero sores or blisters. Honestly, if I could only bring two pairs of shoes to a wellness retreat, these sandals would be at the top of my list.

FP Movement Hot Shot Jumpsuit

Comfortable clothing is key at a wellness retreat, so when you’re not in full activewear, it’s handy to have something to throw on in your suitcase, like this breezy jumpsuit. I’ve been wearing this FP Movement onesie in the summer, and it’s just as comfortable as it looks. Plus, it’s the perfect swimsuit cover-up. Think it’s too expensive? You can also find similar styles on Amazon for a fraction of the cost.

Anrabeth linen palazzo beach pants

Although I spend most of my time at a wellness retreat in workout clothes, it’s nice to bring some easy, chic pieces for dinners and outings. These linen pants are the perfect summer staple; you can wear them over a swimsuit or dress them up with some fun jewelry and a cute bag. Whatever your wellness retreat itinerary, these pants are sure to get you through the day!

Dish Capri White Linen Sheer Maxi Dress

A beach-inspired maxi dress doubles as a versatile wellness retreat outfit. I’ve been obsessed with Australian fashion brand Dissh since I stumbled across it on Instagram in 2020. I’ve ordered a variety of items from the brand, but in my opinion, the linen pieces are the true highlight. For me, this maxi linen dress has a classy resort-wear vibe, yet is casual enough to wear any time of the day. But for a much lower price, you can achieve the same look by picking up this maxi dress from popular brand Wolddress on Amazon.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

There’s a reason this belt bag is always sold out. that It’s great. I’ve had it for years now and it’s still in perfect condition (thanks to the ripstop fabric). This popular bag has endured countless hikes, errands, and of course, wellness retreats. I’m always amazed at how much stuff I can fit into this deceptively small pack, including snacks, headphones, and my phone (it really is like a mini Mary Poppins bag).

Vacation Mineral Lotion Sunscreen

Again, we attend wellness retreats because we want to prioritize our health, and that includes the health of our skin. We love this mineral sunscreen from Vacation because it’s lightweight and doesn’t leave behind a pesky white cast.

Vuori Canyon Insulated Shirt

Even if you’re going somewhere warm, it’s a good idea to bring at least a jacket, especially if you’re going to be near water (in case temperatures drop overnight). I love this insulated shirt from Vuori for its lightweight yet warm construction and versatile earthy colors. Prefer something a little warmer? You can’t go wrong with this Kari Traa Rothe Fleece.

Manduka Eco Super Light Travel Yoga Mat

Most wellness retreat spaces will provide you with a workout mat, but if you’d prefer to bring your own gear, we recommend this Manduka travel mat The Eko Superlite mat is designed for on-the-go use with an incredibly thin design (1.5 millimeters thick, to be exact), so it takes up very little space in your luggage.

MZ Wallace Metro Tote

Now that you have your packing list, you’ll need somewhere to put all those essentials. I’m a big fan of MZ Wallace bags, they’re stylish and functional. For example, the classic Metro Tote is perfect for a weekend getaway, as it can hold an incredible amount of clothes and gear. Or, if you’re going on a longer wellness trip, this bag is a great carry-on tote, with enough space for sunglasses, toiletries, and a paperback. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, I recommend this washable quilted Smart Bag for $36.

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