17 Retro Wellness Retreats That Are No Longer Open
Here's a nostalgic roundup of once-popular wellness retreats that have since closed their doors for good.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Wellness retreats were all the rage in the past, offering escapes from daily stress with yoga, detoxes, and spiritual awakenings. But time hasn’t been kind to all of them — shifting trends, legal trouble, and changing health standards saw many shut down. Here are 17 retro wellness retreats that once promised rejuvenation but are now just a memory.
1. The Golden Door East (New York)
Jared Rice on Unsplash
This sister location of the iconic California retreat tried to bring West Coast vibes to the East. Despite its luxurious amenities and zen gardens, it never gained the same loyal following.
2. DreamTime Village (Wisconsin)
Douglas LeMoine on Flickr
An off-grid haven for artists and healers, DreamTime offered spiritual workshops and communal living. But poor infrastructure and internal disputes led to disarray.
3. The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa (Iowa)
Elina Fairytale on Pexels
Backed by celebrity endorsements, The Raj promised Ayurvedic treatments rooted in ancient Indian medicine. For years, it drew in those seeking balance and detox.
4. Kalani Oceanside Retreat (Hawaii)
Eneko Uruñuela on Unsplash
Nestled on the Big Island, Kalani was a spiritual and cultural escape that emphasized yoga, dance, and native traditions. It thrived for decades, but management issues and natural disasters took their toll.
5. New Life Foundation Retreat (Thailand)
Kaylee Garrett on Unsplash
Focused on addiction recovery and mindfulness, this retreat blended Eastern healing with Western therapy. It gained a strong expat following but struggled financially.
6. Canyon Ranch Miami Beach (Florida)
Daniel Christensen on Wikimedia Commons
This upscale retreat tried blending beachfront luxury with wellness programs. Despite initial buzz, the urban location clashed with the peaceful retreat vibe.
7. Polarity Wellness Retreat (Arizona)
Marea Wellness on Unsplash
Built around energy healing and bodywork, Polarity Wellness Retreat had a niche following. Its unorthodox practices never quite gained mainstream acceptance.
8. Essene Garden of Peace (California)
Franklin Santillan A. on Pexels
A vegan commune turned wellness retreat, this location offered raw food diets and spiritual teachings. It was a hotbed for counterculture seekers in the ’70s and ’80s, but internal rifts and legal disputes forced it to close.
9. Healing Waters Lodge (Montana)
Olivier Guillard on Unsplash
Known for its natural hot springs and meditative surroundings, this place promised total relaxation. Overdevelopment and water contamination concerns led to local protests.
10. The Bodhi Tree House (Costa Rica)
Marea Wellness on Unsplash
Tucked in the jungle, this yoga-centric retreat attracted spiritual travelers from all over. However, difficult access and a lack of modern infrastructure made it tough to maintain.
11. The Wellness Ranch (Texas)
Marea Wellness on Unsplash
With horseback therapy and holistic treatments, it was a Western twist on wellness. However, the niche appeal wasn’t enough to keep it alive. Rising costs and poor management ran it into the ground.
12. YogaVille USA (Virginia)
Idawriter on Wikimedia Commons
A full-blown yoga town with its own temple and store, YogaVille tried to be more than just a retreat. Over the years, dwindling interest and leadership challenges led to its downfall. By the late 2000s, its operations scaled back drastically. It’s now a shell of its former self.
13. Nirvana Wellness Lodge (Colorado)
Wolfgang Lutz on Unsplash
This mountain lodge promised detox diets, fasting programs, and spiritual growth. While popular with the hippie crowd, critics called it overly restrictive.
14. TreeSpirit Eco Retreat (Oregon)
Cole Allen on Unsplash
A treehouse retreat focused on grounding, minimalism, and disconnecting from tech. The concept was ahead of its time, but logistics and maintenance costs were high.
15. Malibu Life Center (California)
Chelsea Gates on Unsplash
Tucked in celebrity country, this luxe retreat offered juice cleanses, reiki, and surf therapy. However, tabloid scandals and lawsuits tainted its reputation.
16. Casa de Luz Retreat (Mexico)
Ale Romo on Unsplash
A beachfront wellness resort focused on silent retreats and plant-based living. Border instability and rising travel fears scared away international guests.
17. Silent Path Sanctuary (Vermont)
Yan Krukau on Pexels
A meditation haven deep in the woods, Silent Path asked for complete silence from guests. While serene, the rigid rules and minimal comforts weren’t for everyone.