Top Wellness Retreats in Northern California

Seeking the best wellness retreat in Northern California? Yosemite Hotels’ Rush Creek Lodge and Evergreen Lodge are here to help you focus on your health. Located just outside Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat Park entrance, these Northern California wellness resorts allow you to escape the everyday and prioritize your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. 

A visit to this expansive protected area within California’s Sierra Nevada mountains can be a life-changing experience for anyone. Witnessing El Capitan and Half Dome for the first (or fifth) time evokes awe-inspiring emotions that resonate within your soul, and dipping your toes into Cathedral Lake’s alpine waters connects you to nature in a profound way. 

While the beauty of Yosemite National Park is expected, few people anticipate the variety of health and wellness opportunities in and around the park. The area features some of the best spas in Northern California and is quickly becoming a destination for those seeking wellness retreats. 

Hikers View of Yosemite Valley-El Capitan (Narisa A.)

The Many Benefits of Wellness Retreats

Spas offer many restorative, relaxing treatments, and these aren’t reserved for adults only. If you’re on a wellness getaway with your family, some spas offer all-ages treatments, like the kids foot soaks and family time reservations at Rush Creek. 

Anyone seeking to improve their health and well-being will find wellness spas worth visiting, thanks to a range of physical and emotional benefits, including:

  • Relaxation
  • Rejuvenation
  • Reduced stress
  • Relief of aches and pains
  • Better circulation
  • Improved sleep
  • Heightened skin health
  • Enhanced mental, physical, and emotional well-being
2 - Rush Creek Spa Outdoor Lounge Granite Waterfall Hot Tub (Kim Carroll 9-20_1896) 1200

Northern California Wellness Resorts Offer Premier Experiences

Wellness retreats consist of a variety of treatments, activities, and services designed to boost the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their guests. Common offerings include:

  • Opportunities to immerse yourself in nature
  • Spa treatments
  • Massages
  • Mindfulness-promoting activities, such as yoga or BOGAfit

Our hotels’ spa and wellness retreats near Yosemite check all the boxes by offering a diverse portfolio of experiences. We’ve listed our favorites to help you plan your trip.

Woman getting a massage at Rush Creek Spa in Yosemite.

A Yosemite Wellness Center: Rush Creek Lodge and Spa at Yosemite

A highlight of our Yosemite resort is the Spa at Rush Creek, offering world-class spa services minutes from the park entrance and steps from your room. The recently renovated Northern California wellness spa offers an indoor/outdoor experience and head-to-toe pampering.

Purchase a Rush Creek Spa day-use pass for unlimited use of all spa amenities at our Yosemite wellness center (even if you’re not an overnight guest!), plus enjoy a full suite of treatments available for an additional fee. 

Rush Creek Spa’s innovative treatments are inspired by nature and the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite. From massage treatments to skin care, the therapeutic services at our top Yosemite spa follow advanced and holistic practices to ensure your Northern California wellness retreat is perfect. 

Explore the spa’s services and amenities to add relaxation to your itinerary.

Massage Treatments

Whether you’ve spent the day hiking in the park or relaxing at the lodge, your body and mind will thank you for time spent in the capable hands of our wellness team. Enjoy a massage in one of our serene and welcoming private suites. Review our spa’s massage menu for pricing and descriptions.

The massages available at our Yosemite wellness center include:

  • Rush Creek Signature 
  • Hiker’s Delight
  • Swedish
  • Deep Tissue
  • Synergy Hot Stone 
  • Pregnancy Massage
  • Hand, Foot & Scalp Massage 
  • Magnesium Foot Soak 
  • Magnesium & Shea Butter Foot Scrub & Massage

You can also personalize your treatment with massage enhancements, including:

  • Customized Essential Oil Aromatherapy
  • Hand or Foot Cocoon
  • Chakra energy-balancing stone treatment and take-home kit
  • Oil-infused lotion treatment and take-home gift

Skin Care Treatments

Our skin care treatments and facials feature Eminence Organic Skin Care, a line certified by the non-profit B Lab® to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency—just like the Lodge.

The skin care treatments available at our Yosemite wellness center include:

  • Deep Cleansing Facial 
  • Hydrating Facial
  • Anti-Aging Facial

Rush Creek Spa Amenities

During your visit to the Spa at Rush Creek, you’ll have access to the full suite of services, as well as spa amenities to enjoy at your leisure.

  • Aromatherapy Steam Room: Inhale the aromas of eucalyptus and lemongrass as you release stress, strengthen your immune system, and increase circulation.
  • Himalayan Salt Black Sauna: Reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and melt away the stresses of daily life. 
  • Cool Mist Shower: Awaken your senses with a cool mist shower that helps to increase circulation, calm itchy skin, and reduce muscle soreness. 
  • Sensory Room: Indulge in the quiet sounds, fading colors, and relaxing aromas of our multi-sensory experience.
  • Warm River Rock Beds: Utilize the warmth of heated river rocks to relieve muscle tension and pain. 
  • Warm Waterfall Coves: Lower your blood pressure and improve your physical and mental health as you enjoy the therapeutic effects of falling water.
  • Mineral Waterfall Hot Tub: Natural salts and minerals massage your joints, relieve pain, and naturally hydrate your skin. 

Rush Creek Lodge Fitness

Fitness is an important part of any health and wellness journey, and it’s convenient when you stay at Rush Creek Lodge. The indoor fitness center at our Northern California wellness resort is equipped with two Peloton bikes, two treadmills, and an elliptical. Rush Creek Lodge also offers one-of-a-kind fitness classes, including: 

  • Yoga in Yosemite: Rush Creek Lodge’s on-site, certified instructors focus on alignment and breathing in a Hatha-style practice that welcomes all levels of experience. 
  • BOGAfit at Rush Creek: This fun, seasonal pool activity will test your core on a cross between a paddleboard and yoga mat. BOGAfit combines yoga, pilates, and boot camp for an epic, family-friendly workout.
Massage in Private Massage Cabana (Kim Carroll)

An Alternative Northern California Wellness Resort: Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

Located just eight miles from the Yosemite National Park entrance, Evergreen Lodge offers its own unique Northern California wellness retreat experience. The newly expanded historic resort features one-of-a-kind massage experiences, quiet spaces, and more. 

Private Massage Cabanas

After an active day exploring Yosemite National Park, relax and unwind with a visit to one of several private massage cabanas located throughout the property.  These exclusive huts provide privacy with a view of the wilderness. 

The massage options available at Evergreen Lodge include: 

  • Evergreen Signature
  • Hiker’s Delight
  • Swedish 
  • Deep Tissue 
  • Synergy Hot Stone 
  • Hand, Foot & Scalp Massage

A Yosemite Nature Walk

Evergreen’s nature trail is a highlight among its on-site outdoor activities. The path winds through the majestic forests surrounding the property’s cabins. You’ll discover new and exciting views (and history) around every turn as you locate markers detailing the more-than-100-year history of the property and local flora and fauna. 

When you’re ready to take a break, lounge between the trees on one of several hammocks throughout the property. 

Outdoor pool at Evergreen Lodge Yosemite.

Evergreen Lodge Pool and Hot Tub

Practice self-care with a long soak in our Yosemite hotel’s saltwater hot tub or pool overlooking Sunset Point. The expansive, 2,000-square-foot pool provides ample space to swim, while the spacious hot tub accommodates up to 14 guests. The walk-up pool bar serves up light fare and waterside drinks daily. Bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers are also available for guest use.

Northern California Wellness Packages

Save on your Northern California wellness retreat with packaged deals from Rush Creek and Evergreen Lodge. Here are a couple of options for enjoying the wellness options at either Yosemite resort.

Spa Celebrations

Take the stress out of planning with Rush Creek’s Spa Packages, which offer a variety of curated experiences for couples, families, or groups. Select from exclusive access to indoor/outdoor gathering places, massage sessions with snacks and drinks, foot soaks and chair massages with an all-ages group, or a variety of other options.

Bed and Breakfast Package

If Evergreen Lodge’s wellness options are more your style, book the Bed and Breakfast Package to make mornings before a yoga class or nature hike seamless. The seasonal menus will satisfy any appetite. Evergreen Lodge guests who book a massage treatment also receive a discounted rate at the Rush Creek Spa.

Whatever your wellness goals might be, Yosemite Hotels has something for everyone. From active adventure to massage with a view, your Northern California wellness retreat will be unforgettable. Book your stay at one of our Yosemite resort properties today.