September 30, 2023

BASS

Booking Travel

The 2023 Men’s Health Travel Awards

Some guys like to hike, bike, climb, and surf their way through vacation. Some are ready for Ashiatsu barefoot massage, Ayurvedic meditation workshops, and all-organic juice bars at the break of dawn. Others want to skip all the pretense and just chilllll. Whoever you are and whatever brand of getaway you’re into, there’s a hotel, resort, inn, or cruise out there for you.

But the world is a big place and your bucket list no doubt gets longer every year. So, how to know where to head next? Our crack team of travel-obsessed editors, writers, and staffers did the hard work of researching, comparing, and personally vetting many of the world’s best travel destinations and experiences over the past year (ya know, for science!). No matter what flavor of vacation you’re looking for, these 79 picks are guaranteed to please.

So, pack your bags and get ready to go! This is the 2023 Men’s Health Travel Awards.

header

Moab, Utah

Field Station Moab

The perfect base camp for exploring Utah’s “Mighty 5.” Your room comes outfitted with gear storage, plush beds, and a shower you’ll need after biking the Slickrock trail, hoofing it along the Grandstaff trail, or scaling the School Room Slabs.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Gravity Haus Breckenridge

Gravity Haus Breckenridge

Yes, the skiing is epic. But so are the mountain biking, fly-fishing, trail running, and so many fitness classes that you will definitely want a soak in the hot and cold tubs afterward.

Waimea, Hawaii

Mauna Lani (Auberge Resorts Collection)

Mauna Lani (Auberge Resorts Collection)

The vibe at this freshly renovated, iconic Hawaiian resort is breezy with a healthy dose of aloha. It feels miles away from the tourist crowds, yet comfortably close to everything the Big Island has to offer.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain (a Gurney's Resort and Spa)

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain (a Gurney’s Resort and Spa)

Set on 53 acres of desert, Sanctuary offers tennis, canyoneering, outdoor boot camps, and ATV off-roading trips. The massive Phoenix Mountains Preserve, less than a 15-minute drive away, has more peaks than you could summit in a week.

Oakhurst, California

Château du Sureau

This resort sits 15 miles south of Yosemite and can arrange for guides for fly-fishing, biking, and backpacking in the park. Replenish at its restaurant with duck breast or steelhead trout. And strawberry shortcake.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Salmon Falls Resort

Fishermen revere its proximity to water teeming with big catches. You don’t have to land a 20-pound coho to feel the thrill, though. There’s also eco-kayaking, trekking to waterfalls, and bear-watching (via floatplane).

Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu Surf Villas

If you surf (or have ever wanted to), this immersive experience features cliffside villas that overlook the Indian Ocean and its long, curling waves. There’s also yoga, spearfishing, and so many coconuts to drink from.

Portugal

Madeira

Madeira Island feels purpose-built for active travelers. Whale-watching, off-roading, mountain biking, canyoning waterfalls, wine-tasting, sampling delicious Portuguese wine and cuisine—you get the picture—can all be done here, sometimes in the same day.

Teton Village, Wyoming

Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa

Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa

In-room hot tubs, a luxurious spa, and a solid old-world mountain lodge vibe on the inside, with access to some of the best hiking, skiing, and National Parks just steps outside the front door. When we think “Wyoming vacation,” this is it.

Nassau, Bahamas

Baha Mar Resort

The vibe at this upscale resort within a sprawling resort compound combines sophistication (daily high tea in the library) and flare (think flamingo parades and stingrays in the aquarium) with a healthy dash of low-key-yet-luxurious Bahamian flavor.

New Paltz, New York

Mohonk Mountain House

This mountaintop resort is encircled by a whopping 40,000 acres of wilderness. It’s lavish but only steps away from more than 85 miles of secluded hiking trails that range from oh-this-is-nice to oooooooof.

Nationwide

Polaris Adventures

Imagine all the fun of your favorite outdoor recreational toys—snowmobiles, pontoon boats, Indian motorcycles, and Polaris Slingshots—with none of this hassle of actually owning them. That’s Polaris Adventures’ monthly subscription service in a nutshell.

Mtito Andei, Kenya

Campi Ya Kanzi Kenya

Just eight exclusive rooms and suites overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro and more than 280,000 acres of private wilderness, Kenya’s Campi ya Kanzi is a textbook Hemingway-inspired African experience.

Whistler, Canada

Pangea Pod Hotel

Part Japanese capsule hotel, part designer hostel. It’s somehow both and neither, with mostly shared rooms set amid an ultra-modern design with amenities aimed at the most adventurous travelers to British Columbia’s outdoor-centric Whistler Village.

Ólafsfjörður, Iceland

Deplar Farm Iceland

Set on one of Iceland’s most beautiful and remote peninsulas, Deplar Farm is a “farm” in name only. This is an ultra-exclusive boutique luxury hotel where fly-fishing, heli-skiing, and five-star spa treatments are often on the same day’s itinerary.

Tola, Nicaragua

Rancho Santana

This posh beachfront resort sits on more than 2,700 acres of Nicaragua’s pristine Emerald Coast. The mix-and-match surf, swim, and yoga vacation packages are perfect for splitting your time between waterborne adventuring and soul-searching amid the shimmering waters of the Pacific.

Herbertsdale, South Africa

Gondwana Game Reserve

Two daily safari drives on Gondwana’s private, 26,000-acre game reserve all but guarantee you’ll “bag” Africa’s “big 5.” After dark, settle into one of only 14 standalone huts, all luxuriously appointed and impeccably adorned with a modern, safari-chic vibe.

New York, NY

Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards

Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards

The focus at this high-end, celebrity-worthy NYC hotel is all about the perfect balance between work and play. But the real stars of the show are the world-class spa and fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Vessel and the Hudson River.

Big Sky, Montana

Montage Big Sky

Tucked into Big Sky’s chic Spanish Peaks enclave, this poshest of posh hotels is the area’s first five-star resort. Expect world-class luxury, including no-request-is-too-much concierge service, excellent fine dining options, a solid cocktail lounge, and one of Montana’s best spas. Oh, and complimentary Cadillac ride service.

Newport Coast, California

Resort at Pelican Hill

Luxurious, Tuscan-inspired villas and suites amid Roman aqueduct-style architecture, all with sweeping Pacific Ocean views. It’s a place to see and be seen, whether you’re honeymooning, vacationing with the family, or splashing around the insane pool with the rest of the bachelor party squad.

Indianapolis, Indiana

JW Marriott Indianapolis

Indiana’s tallest hotel stands out among the Indy skyline with its impossible-to-miss, shimmering blue façade. The 1,000-plus-room property offers some of the city’s best amenities, including one of our favorite hotel gyms ever.

Alaska

Lindblad Expeditions

Picture your boldest, dreamiest, must-visit vacation destinations. Lindblad’s world-class fleet has been there, and can take you there. Every itinerary looks more bucket-list-worthy than the last, but its once-in-a-lifetime Alaska expeditions are the ones we still daydream about.

header

Lenox, Massachusetts

Canyon Ranch Lenox

The OG of wellness resorts has more than 35 wellness workshops, from qigong movement meditation to Ashiatsu barefoot massage. The food is plant-forward, and the afterglow is awesome by a firepit while stargazing amid the Berkshires.

Telluride, Colorado

Madeline Hotel (Auberge Resorts)

Madeline Hotel (Auberge Resorts)

The clean air and near silence are restorative enough, we guess. But then there are CBD-aided muscle-relief massages, mineral baths, and an altitude-adjustment oxygen bar just in case you need a little extra.

Rancho Mirage, California

Sensei Porcupine Creek

It’s a boot camp for your psyche, with yin yoga, mindfulness training, fascia sessions, and even one-on-one well-being sessions. Luckily, you’ll stay well-fueled thanks to a menu co-created by Nobu Matsuhisa.

Hawley, Pennsylvania

The Lodge at Woodloch

Cocooned within state game lands, this escape helps you go ever inward with guided meditative forest bathing walks, couples’ float therapy, and spa treatments that include Swedish, Thai, and Russian techniques.

Bodufushi Island, Maldives

Joali Being

As if having your own beachside villa with a personal butler wasn’t enough, this slice of tropical Maldivian paradise offers a hydrotherapy facility, a walking sound-therapy trail, and outdoor ocean-to-table dining.

Carlsbad, California

Park Hyatt Aviara

This resort mixes the revitalizing power of nature with a variety of meditations, Thai massages in hanging yoga silks, and a solarium lounge. Okay, yes, and amazing golf.

Bacalar, Mexico

Hotel Casa Hormiga

The rituals at this low-key-luxury hotel include fire-gazing for self-confidence, lagoon bathing for self-moderation, and breathwork for self-development. Encircled by endless Mexican jungle, it’s more than a vacation; it’s a quest.

Spokane, Washington

The Historic Davenport (Autograph Collection)

The Historic Davenport (Autograph Collection)

The recently renovated 100-year-old Davenport is arguably Spokane’s most iconic and historic hotel. Built in the mold of Europe’s grandest hotels, it feels perfectly plucked from the pages of The Great Gatsby. Don’t forget to pack your monocle. Plus, its revamped spa has some of the best amenities we’ve experienced.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Rosewood Mayakoba Luxury Resort

Rosewood Mayakoba Luxury Resort

This tropical Playa Del Carmen resort prioritizes wellness without sacrificing authenticity, giving you a deep menu of uber-relaxation options you’ve probably never even heard of before.

Paris, France

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris

Old money meets modern luxury at this turn-of-the-19th-century hotel. The building’s impeccable architecture and design recall Paris’ golden years while still offering all of the modern amenities we’ve come to expect in a Four Seasons. Plus, its massive indoor poor and jacuzzi is a rarity in the city of light.

New York, New York

Aire Ancient Baths

From NYC to London to Sevilla, every location in this upscale spa chain offers an authentic Greco-Roman bathhouse experience. Guests move freely in the open-concept spaces between hot, cold, and saltwater multijet pools, plus hot-stone and steam lounge rooms.

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Hilton Hotel Tahiti

True to everything Hilton, you’ll find a luxurious balance of traditional Polynesian culture and upscale modern amenities. Oh, and the island’s largest pool with a swim-up bar, flanked by six poolside cabanas.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Solaz Resort

Perched on 34 beautiful acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, this wellness-centric haven is the recipe for travelers seeking serious recovery. The onsite spa offers everything from couples massage to steam rooms to detox treatments. There’s even a legit Cryotherapy chamber.

Boracay, Philippines

Shangri-La Boracay

This true five-star property tucked into lush, secluded grounds in north Boracay is the antidote for travelers looking to escape the island’s tourist crowds. Multiple pools, beaches, butler service, and a world-class spa—there’s almost nothing this luxe hotel doesn’t have.

Palm Beach, Florida

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Bright, breezy, and beach-inspired, the Eau embodies South Florida’s toes-in-the-sand brand of luxury. It’s evolved since its former life as a Ritz Carlton to become a bolder, more playful counterpart to Palm Beach’s storied The Breakers hotel.

Panguipulli, Chile

Huilo Huilo Nothofagus Hotel & Spa

Huilo Huilo Nothofagus Hotel & Spa

Amid Chile’s massive 240,000-acre Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve lies a series of eco-centric structures. The Nothofagus Hotel & Spa is the most luxurious standout—a unique pine-cone-shaped hotel that deftly balances nature and luxury, allowing guests to experience both in one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.

Nova Scotia, Canada

Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa

Nalu Retreat & Nordic Spa

This surprising eco-resort might be Nova Scotia’s best-kept-secret boutique hotel. Guests relax with traditional Nordic spa rituals by day, and crash in one of three unique and luxurious geodesic glamping domes by night.

Kerala, India

Somatheeram Ayurveda Village

Somatheeram Ayurveda Village

The seaside location and elevated (but not pretentious) ambiance alone make this a worthwhile destination. But it’s the authentic Ayurvedic treatments and unique mind and body health packages that truly set this Kerala, India resort apart.

Málaga, Spain

La Zambra Resort (The Unbound Collection by Hyatt)

La Zambra Resort (The Unbound Collection by Hyatt)

A deft expression of modern Moorish architecture inspired with a dash of barefoot Flamenco dancing. This relaxed, golf-centric hotel goes beyond “just” the links with Sunrise Yoga workshops, personal Kundalini classes, and personal wellness training.

Saint-Tropez, France

Hotel Byblos

This iconic St. Tropez hotel has been a staple of celebrities, trendsetters, and luxury travelers for more than 50 years without missing a beat. It’s home to one of the area’s best nightclubs, restaurants, and beach clubs—all more accessible than you’d expect.

Miami, Florida

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

A former Canyon Ranch & Spa outpost, the Carillon Miami maintains its mission toward the “luxury of wellness.” The all-suite, beachfront property offers a dizzying menu of integrative health options that combine nutrition, exercise, meditation, energy healers, acupuncturists, spa treatments—you get the gist.

Chicago, Illinois

The Langham Chicago

Arguably Chicago’s swankiest address for visitors, this city center hotel is a study in fine art and architecture. The five-star digs boast a five-star spa to match, with every detail carefully considered, right down to the heated recliners in the relaxation room.

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Hotel Belmar

With an effortless brand of low-key Costa Rican tico luxury, the family-owned Hotel Belmar is the perfect home for travelers looking to relax amid the country’s one-of-a-kind Monteverde Cloud Forest.

header

Florida Keys

Islamorada Resort Collection

Islamorada Resort Collection

It’s actually four resorts along Route 1, featuring a collective five pools, nine restaurants, and allll the beaches. Lounge the day away and then hit the Tiki Bar to people-watch at the dance floor.

San Antonio, Texas

The Villas at La Cantera Resort & Spa

The Villas at La Cantera Resort & Spa

This enclave of bliss sits 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio and has its own golf course, complimentary resort carts for cruising the 550-acre grounds, and hookups for day trips to Hill Country wineries.

Carefree, Arizona

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Pools, a sauna, leisurely kayak paddles, sunrise yoga, and even some stress-busting archery—this desert oasis keeps the focus on slooooow.

Bangkok, Thailand

Peninsula Hotel Bangkok

You’ll enjoy the best view of the city from the pool. It’s luxury, where everything is taken care of. And if, for some reason, you want to leave, grab a boat to take you downtown in minutes.

Bend, Oregon

Juniper Preserve

Beside the Cascade mountains in a juniper forest, this retreat is home to easy adventures: A horseback route through high desert, e-bike rentals to take you to a farm-to-table lunch, and poolside breath-work classes.

Franklin, Tennessee

Southall Farm & Inn

This 325-acre working Tennessee farm has greenhouses, an orchard, gardens, and apiaries to behold. But you’ll also find canoeing, farm classes, and seasonal outdoor dinners with live music from Nashville musicians. Call it agri-tainment.

Worldwide

Viking

They go everywhere. (Buenos Aires. Rome. Antarctica!) And Viking is your cruise line, especially if you think you don’t like cruising. No casinos. No kids. And almost everything on board is included. Also, no jet lag.

Anaheim, California

The Westin Anaheim Resort

The Westin Anaheim Resort

Sleek, modern, and distinctly upscale, this new-ish Westin outpost is a great place to unwind after a long day at nearby Disneyland. Or head there entirely for the laid-back luxury vibes at the rooftop lounge or the sizable pool—your call.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Four Seasons Resorts Scottsdale at Troon North

Four Seasons Resorts Scottsdale at Troon North

At the foot of Arizona’s Pinnacle Peak, this luxury wellness retreat is well-situated to explore the surrounding Sonoran Desert by morning and follow it up with high-end spa and salon services after lunch.

St. Louis, Missouri

Live! by Loews, St. Louis

Live! by Loews, St. Louis

This 216-room downtown hotel is a stone’s throw (across the street!) from Busch Stadium, making this a mecca for baseball fans visiting St. Lou. Expect hearty food and drinks at the hotel’s onsite restaurants and bars with a heaping helping of Midwest hospitality throughout.

Key Largo, Florida

Bungalows Key Largo

Laid back, even by Jimmy Buffet’s standards. The food at this all-inclusive, adults-only getaway is delicious, the spa is ultra-relaxing, and nearly every corner of the resort features stunning ocean or garden views that encourage you to truly unplug and unwind.

Newport Beach, California

Balboa Bay Resort

The vibe at this relaxed Southern California resort is all about unwinding. Stroll the 15 waterfront acres here, amid uber-luxe yachts docked at the marina as you take in some of the country’s best sunsets.

Westerly, Rhode Island

Weekapaug Inn

For more than a century, this postcard-worthy inn has been a staple of Ocean State travelers. It’s understated New England luxury at its finest with charming yet sophisticated suites and an Adirondack-chair-strewn lawn overlooking the breezy Westerly waterfront.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Hilton Los Cabos

Well-situated on one of Los Cabos’ most beautiful stretches of beach (which is saying something), this luxe resort literally offers something for everyone. Golfers, families, honeymooners, and solo travelers will all find a way to carve out their perfect toes-in-the-sand vacay.

Hampton Bays, New York

Canoe Place Inn & Cottages

Canoe Place Inn & Cottages

With a history dating back more than 300 years, this luxurious storied inn received a recent glow-up to add a dash of modernity. It still retains all of its old-world Hamptons charm, though, with a distinctly relaxed “garden by the sea” vibe.

Washington, D.C.

Kimpton Banneker Hotel

IHG Hotels Kimpton Banneker Hotel

A 15-minute walk from The White House, this upscale city-center hotel is all about location, location, location. The chic, modern rooms, plus a posh French restaurant and swanky rooftop lounge, all make this the perfect base for any D.C. getaway.

New York, New York

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

It’s all about sophisticated, yet understated cool at this latest NYC institution. The rooms are sleek, modern, and impeccable, but it’s the 6,800-square-foot spa and (nearly) panoramic city views from the sexy, red-velvet-bedecked bar that won us over.

West Hollywood, California

Mondrian Los Angeles

Amid Hollywood’s swanky Sunset Strip, the red-hot social scene doesn’t get any hotter than at the Mondrian West Hollywood. This is arguably the city’s best hotel to see and be seen and, on any given day (or night), the people-watching is guaranteed to be next-level.

Santa Monica, California

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

For more than a hundred years, it’s been a home for traveling politicians, celebrities, and who’s-who-ers from around the world. We love the “garden by the sea” vibe that feels quieter, more private, and more relaxed than any waterfront L.A. resort with this much history should.

Lisbon, Portugal

Hyatt Regency Lisbon

The views at this brand new Lisbon hotel are stellar, the suites feature apartment-style layouts and amenities, and the spa is a lot swankier than you might expect. Bonus: Nightly rates are surprisingly reasonable.

Shaharut, Israel

Six Senses Shaharut

With hard, rocky desert extending in every direction and Jordan’s granite mountains in the distance, the views here are otherworldly. But, true to the Six Senses brand, the wellness-forward offerings are world-class. Check in. Lose yourself, then find yourself again.

Te Arai, New Zealand

Te Arai Links

This architecturally stunning property almost disappears into the landscape, and is home to one of the world’s best golf courses. The best part? No dress code. Because it’s 2023, y’all, and they want you to just wear what you feel good in.

Nationwide

June Homes

Traveling to NYC, Boston, L.A., etc. is crazy expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. June Homes offers modern, furnished, and surprisingly affordable apartments in some of the country’s best cities.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hotel BOAT & CO

Rooms at this Western Docklands area apartment-hotel are stylish, yet cozy with a distinct Dutch charm. Men’s Health Netherlands editor Mart de Jong digs the gym, spa, and waterfront views, plus eats from one of the city’s best chefs.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hotel Madero Buenos Aires

Hotel Madero Buenos Aires

Cool, calm and collected is the name of the game here at one of the city’s most walkable and pedestrian-friendly spots away from the tourist hustle. Head to the roof where the heated indoor pool affords fantastic city views.

Nationwide

Getaway House

Doing “tiny houses” before they were cool, Getaway’s standalone cabins are usually just a few hours’ drive from many major cities and the antidote to urban overload. Connect with nature via private outdoor firepits, leisurely nature walks, and a signature picture window in every cabin.

Tangier, Morocco

Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier

Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier

The royal history of this storied hotel is as fascinating as its over-the-top design and architecture. With sweeping city views and a prime location near the beaches of the Moroccan Riviera, it’s the perfect home base for a laid-back city vacation.

Sydney, Australia

Ace Hotel Sydney

Even amid Sydney’s funky Surry Hills suburb, this bold designer hotel stands out, blending traditional First Nations creativity with industrial modern flair. Bonus: It’s within walking distance of many of the city’s best coffee shops and art galleries.

Worldwide

Qantas

A new class of long-haul comfort, Qantas’ 787 Dreamliner treats passengers to next-gen creature comforts. Think adjustable, time-zone-synched lighting to help beat jet lag with a simulated sunrise. Plus, it cleverly counters turbulence for a buttery smooth ride and takes a holistic approach to cabin noise quality for a more serene atmosphere.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

At its peak, the Condado neighborhood was the place for Puerto Rico vacationers to see and be seen. That vibe hasn’t changed much at this beachfront institution where weddings and galas are a daily affair.

Headshot of Christian Gollayan

Deputy Editor, Commerce

As Men’s Health’s Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia. 

Lettermark

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person. 

Headshot of Paul Kita

Paul is the Food & Nutrition Editor of Men’s Health. He’s also the author of two cookbooks: Guy Gourmet and A Man, A Pan, A Plan.

link