‘Metaphysical wellness’ is a growing travel trend. Here’s where to try it.

Metaphysical practices, mysticism, and what was called the “New Age Movement” for its revival of ancient practices isn’t anything new—religious practices like Hinduism and Buddhism have always included mystical elements, and spiritual mediums have been pushing the boundaries since the mid-1800s. 

Metaphysics is the intangible, so much so that Stanford University’s Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry begins with “It is not easy to say what metaphysics is.”

Though not based in science, metaphysical sessions are becoming an increasingly popular wellness travel amenity. The Global Wellness Institute predicts that the global wellness economy, including spiritual wellness, will continue to grow 7.3 percent annually through 2028.

“Currently, approximately 20 percent of guests at Canyon Ranch take advantage of our personalized one-on-one metaphysical and energy healing services," says Katie Mulligan, vice president of spa and wellness at Canyon Ranch. "This number continues to grow—over the last three years we’ve seen a greater demand and interest in these services and lectures."

Hospitality brands, like Sonesta, understand the demand for more spiritual experiences and have added touches throughout their properties, including touches like self-reflection cards and key cards inspired by each guest’s zodiac sign. To further amplify the brand’s celestial offerings, Sonesta partnered with astrologer and bestselling author Aliza Kelly to share personalized travel tips and destination recommendations for every zodiac sign.

Whether you’re looking to dig deeper into your personal astrology or simply gain a deeper insight to yourself, these destinations offer experiences that lean into the growing metaphysical wellness trend.

The Vanderbilt, Newport, Rhode Island

Once owned by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, the American businessmen and equine enthusiast who died while saving passengers aboard the torpedoed RMS Lusitania, The Vanderbilt is now one of Newport's most luxurious hotels. Understanding that there is a growing interest from travelers in the metaphysical realm, the hotel now hosts a weekly Saturday "Enchanted Hour." Held in the mansion’s velvet-lined parlor, this intimate experience pairs a candlelit tarot reading from local intuitive Elle Hawks, whose soulful guidance draws on tarot, astrology, and her Sedona-trained practice. After your reading, float your way to the next room for an off-menu cocktail created in response to each reading.

Cliff House Maine, Cape Neddick

Cliff House Maine sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, providing luxurious and cozy accommodations set against the sounds of crashing waves. While the hotel allows visitors to feel connected to the surrounding eco-system, it goes a step further with tarot and chakra clearings. Julie Pankey, director of The Spa at Cliff House, says that while their massages remains a popular choice for spa-goers, an interest in metaphysical services has grown quickly.

The Cliff House’s spa menu includes a collection of energy and element-focused therapies like the "celestial gemstone energy facial" that works with crystals, and the "five elements journeys" that uses a blend of specialized techniques, including chakra stone placement. “We’re also planning seasonal rituals and small group workshops that help guests explore energy healing,” says Pankey.

Miraval Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Set in the tranquil embrace of the Sonoran Desert, Miraval Arizona has been offering metaphysical services since 2005. “The most popular metaphysical experiences at Miraval Arizona include 'past life regression' and 'elements of healing,' both led by healing arts and intuitive medium Rae Jessie, and Alexandra Nicol’s private psychic readings,” says Scott Slentz, director of programming optimization at Miraval Resorts & Spas. During the "past life regression" experience, guests have the opportunity to engage in a guided group session with obsidian meditation (a grounding crystal), delve into their inner processes, uncover personality aspects, and gain new understanding of their purpose.

Alexandra Nicol, a psychic medium and Miraval Arizona specialist, adds that metaphysical offerings are an important and valid complement to typical spa treatments. “Metaphysical experiences can help guests find clarity or feel grounded, [while] a spa treatment encourages the body to physically unwind—this combination creates a space where our guests can connect more deeply with themselves and truly find balance in the body and soul," says Nicol.

Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona

At first glance, Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona might appear to be simply desert landscape and stucco style buildings. But soon you will find not only energy vortex’s (you have to ask for a map), but also metaphysical offerings that are the perfect complement to your massage. A trail blazer in the metaphysical spa experience, Canyon Ranch has some of the foremost experts in the United States on metaphysical and energy healing, and many of their practitioners have worked at Canyon Ranch for several decades. Maureen Hancock, a spirit medium, who has been working with resorts like Canyon Ranch for almost 20 years, believes that medium sessions aren’t only about connecting to loved ones, but it opens people up to their own intuitive abilities.

The resort's most recent addition is Hapi Hara, a crystal energy expert, astrologer, Reiki practitioner, handwriting analyst, and Earth energy grid researcher who meets with clients one-on-one to inspire self-discovery, as well as offer guided vortex walks on the Canyon Ranch grounds. Another popular offering is Vedic palmistry, which explores the meaning of the lines, markings, and topography of guests' hands. Guests can also enjoy aerial yoga with a sound bath, and the popular floating sound meditation.