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The 2024 Men’s Health Travel Awards

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The 2024 Men’s Health Travel Awards

THERE’S A WHOLE big world out there. With only so much time to explore it—even less if we’re talking just vacation time—where do you go? Maybe you’re into meditative retreats with morning yoga sessions, plant-based dining, and nightly aura cleanses. Or maybe snowboarding, mountain-biking, or free-climbing is more your thing. Or, perhaps, you’re looking for something more vacation vacation—toes in the sand; a cold drink in hand. Whatever you’re into, we got you.

Our expert team of editors and Men’s Health advisors spent the last twelve months researching dozens of destinations, accommodations, and tours. We visited every one and narrowed our favorites into three categories—Active, Recovery, and Relax—so you can find the experiences that work for you.

Pack up. Ship out. This is the 2024 Men’s Health Travel Awards.

Columbus, Ohio

The Junto

Its name roughly means a “club for mutual improvement.” Much of that centers on the hotel’s Gear Garage, an on-the-house feature that lets you borrow sporting equipment, including bikes, scooters, skateboards (!), and even kayaks to cruise the nearby Scioto River.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

This hotel doubles as a base camp for aquatic adventures. Book lessons in heenalu, the Hawaiian technique of board sliding. Or sign up for SUP or outrigger-canoe excursions. Your cooldown is nearby Hanauma Bay for a snorkel or swim.

Bend, Oregon

Tetherow Hotel

Set in the high desert, this resort gives off Good Life vibes. Lap-swim in a heated outdoor pool onsite, or mountain bike, rock climb, and river raft nearby. Can’t drive ten minutes to downtown Bend? Tetherow also has three restaurants.

Big Sky, Montana

Montage Big Sky

At this resort just 50 miles from Yellowstone, winter brings skiing, naturally, but also fat-tire biking and a private tubing hill. Summer is whitewater rafting, a 72-par golf course 7,000 feet above sea level, and fly-tying workshops that lead to hauls of rainbow trout.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Conservatorium Hotel

First a 19th bank, then a music school, it’s since been converted into a sharp designer hotel. The luxe, glass-enclosed lobby hints at the long list of high-brow amenities you’ll find here—including gourmet room service and a stunning spa—all within steps of the city’s best sites. However, its main attraction is the 1,615 square feet gym (one of the biggest in the city) that’s loaded with Technogym equipment and Therabody recovery gear.

Hudson Valley, New York

The Ranch Hudson Valley

Surrounded by 200 private acres less than an hour from NYC, this ultra-luxe retreat focuses on rebooting your health with an ass-kicking fitness regimen and a structured, plant-based diet. Morning hikes, afternoon strength training, yoga, and professional massage are all on the daily agenda.

Atlanta, Georgia

Signia By Hilton Atlanta

Newly opened in January of 2024, this towering, 900-plus-room hotel sits directly across from Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. Active guests have access to a massive, tech-forward gym and almost a dozen “wellness” rooms loaded with MH-approved fitness gear.

Virgin, Utah

AutoCamp Zion

The latest outpost in AutoCamp’s catalog of Airstream “hotels” offers immediate access to the iconic Zion National Park with loads of best-in-the-US hiking trails nearby. Bonus: The on-site pool offers a welcome respite from Utah’s scorching summer heat.

Teton Village, Wyoming

Gravity Haus Jackson Hole

Gravity Haus Jackson Hole

Located at the foot of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, this adventure-minded hotel offers direct access to some of the country’s best skiing. With on-site gear rentals, a swanky restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, and a fitness and recovery center, it’s also the perfect base for exploring Grand Teton National Park too.

Greeneville, South Carolina

Hotel Hartness

Situated on 180 acres of preserved green space, this stunning French Revival-style mansion is one of South Carolina’s newest and most elegant boutique hotels. Steps from the front door are 15 miles of private hiking trails and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. Pro tip: Check out the swanky on-site bar with a solid mocktail menu.

Nationwide

Loge Camps

More than “just a place to crash,” every hotel in this series of adventure-minded outposts with locations across the U.S. serves as the perfect base camp for hiking, skiing, surfing, mountain biking, and more. Think: On-site rentals, gear lockers, roaring campfires, and local craft beers—all in a dog-friendly atmosphere.

Worldwide

Viking

Viking
Credit: Alastair Miller

Our go-to expedition cruise line just keeps getting better. Its two all-new polar-class ships explore the world’s most remote destinations (think Antarctica and the Arctic Circle) in a category of comfort, luxury, and elegance that no other adventure cruise can touch.

Worldwide

Tauck

Tauck’s all-new Small Group Tours are purpose-built for anyone who hates typical travel tours. These boutique trips guide adventure-minded travelers to Switzerland, Africa, Yellowstone, and everywhere in between—all with no more than 15 guests.

Worldwide

Wilderness Travel

No matter how hardcore you like your adventures, this boutique tour outfit has you covered. Explore the most epic, bucket-list-worthy destinations: Walking safaris in Zambia, tracking snow leopards through the mountains of India, trekking the best of Patagonia, and more.

Worldwide

Windstar Cruises

Ditch the “floating city” vibe of most mega-cruise ships for a more intimate and boutique sailing. From Canada to Latin America to the South Pacific, Windstar’s powered yachts and sailing ships travel pretty much anywhere you can dream of.

Dornoch, Scotland

Dornoch Station

Amid the country’s sandy coastline and rolling, castle-dotted hills, this is a picture-perfect Scottish Highlands golf getaway. From the stately, elegant interior fit for gentlemen, guests are just steps from world-class rounds at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The Virginian Lodge

This sister property to Outbound Hotels’ Mammoth Lakes outpost is a renovated retro-mod motel with a campy, Wes Anderson film vibe that just works. Amid Jackson’s sky-high accommodations, this is a surprisingly affordable, vintage alternative minutes from everything the area is known for.

Iceland

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Located in Iceland’s rugged and remote central Highlands, this sister property to the iconic Blue Lagoon Retreat looks, feels, and is worlds away from the country’s well-worn tourist trail. For hearty travelers who appreciate solitude, adventure, and austere beauty, it offers all three in spades.

Banff, Canada

Moxy Banff

True to the brand’s trademark vibe, Moxy Banff is bold, artsy, and playful with a midcentury modern aesthetic that pulls heavy inspiration from the area’s well-known ski culture. Don’t miss: All-day eats from a restored 1966 VW Kombi food truck.

recovery

Walland, Tennessee

Blackberry Mountain

This 5,200-acre retreat’s on-site Recovery Lab offers weightless compression, assisted stretching, and Therabody sessions. Its spa features CBD massage and clay wraps. Or you can just find a chair, watch the mist roll by, and breathe deep.

Sedona, Arizona

Mii Amo

The colossal spa here has treatments that run from deep tissue to a Thai massage combining compression with yoga-like moves. It also offers sound baths, breath work, and sleep sessions with an in-house mindfulness team (yes, that’s a real thing).

Kyoto, Japan

Six Senses Kyoto

Six Senses combines Zen gardens and Shodo calligraphy workshops with next-gen spa treatments that use smart tech to ease pain and release tension. There’s also aerial yoga, meditation, and guided runs around the city.

Houston, Texas

Thompson Houston, by Hyatt

Thompson Houston, by Hyatt

With a sleek, shimmering façade, this new 36-story highrise offers panoramic views of the Houston skyline. Step outside for a stroll through the adjacent 160-acre park, or hit up the rooftop infinity pool or whole-floor spa for some daytime Zen without leaving the property.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

La Coralina Island House

Tucked between a private, adults-only beach and Panama’s wildlife-rich jungle, La Coralina is a welcome respite for relaxation-seeking travelers. The location alone is reason to come, but the all-new series of yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats is reason to stay a while.

Washington, DC

Westin Washington, DC

Centrally located near DC’s best tourist sites, the newly renovated Westin feels worlds away. With a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, available in-room massage, and Root & Vine restaurant, there are plenty of ways to unwind after a full day of exploring the capital city.

Mallorca, Spain

Zel Mallorca

This all-new hotel was designed in partnership with tennis legend Rafael Nadal to bring a modern beach aesthetic and breezy Mediterranean vibe to Mallorca. Earth tones, palm-lined common areas, and soft linen furnishings abound, and every room is designed for maximum ocean viewing.

Chicago, Illinois

Waldorf Astoria Chicago

True to the iconic WA brand, this Chicago outpost stands out even amid the city’s equally iconic architecture. From the marble-heavy lobby to the sprawling French-style courtyard to the over-the-top suites, it’s a posh, luxe respite from the hustle of the Windy City.

Bali, Indonesia

Hoshinoya Bali

The brand’s first retreat outside of Japan is an absolute stunner with just 30 private villas, interconnected by a patchwork of Zen-like gardens and swimming pool “hallways.” Every inch of this exclusive luxe resort exudes pure ahhhhh …

Barcelona, Spain

Hotel Arts Barcelona

With massive flower displays, beautiful guests, and luxurious furnishings dotting every common area, this Barcelona hotel oozes relaxed, cosmopolitan luxury. Everything from the designer toiletries to the two-Michelin-Star restaurant to the stunning views makes the sky-high nightly rates here worth the price of admission.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai

The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai

The first Edition hotel in Latin America is a study in sexy, modern luxury—all set on a 620-acre nature preserve. Inside, the vibe is like “posh Euro disco” meets “relaxed Mexican retreat,” and it somehow all just works. Plus, its tranquil spa—replete with a sauna, three pools, and detached massage rooms—is one of the best in Quintana Roo.

New York, New York

Virgin Hotels New York City

Virgin Hotels New York City

Virgin brings its unique brand of bold, rock-n-roll hotel design to NYC’s trendy NoMad neighborhood. The whole-floor gym and new Exhale Spa might make you never want to leave. If you do, the 40-story high-rise is centrally located to Penn Station, the Empire State Building, and much, much more.

relax

Sarasota, Florida

Lido Beach Resort

Head inland for laid-back shopping or flamingo spotting at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Or don’t and hop between the hotel’s two gulf-front pools, the seafood-heavy Drift Kitchen & Bar, and cocktails at the tiki lounge.

Newport Beach, California

The Resort at Pelican Hill

The Resort at Pelican Hill

If golf/pool/dinner sounds right, this spot has all of that. Thirty-six holes skirting the Pacific. One massive, 380,000-gallon coliseum-shaped pool. Two sit-down dining options. This is the life well lived.

Worldwide

Holland America Cruises

Basketball courts, 24-hour room service, pickleball, a fitness studio—and that’s just the onboard fun. With more than ten itineraries dropping in 2024, HAC now spans the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Japan.

British Virgin Islands

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

With world-class hiking, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, and spa’ing, Scrub Island might be the best Caribbean Island you’ve never heard of. Its namesake resort offers it all in ultra-relaxed, private surroundings worthy of a luxurious honeymoon getaway.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

The Vintages Trailer Resort

The Vintages Trailer Resort

Tucked into Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley is this funky “neighborhood” of 36 renovated Airstream trailers. It’s equal parts “vintage adult campground” and “oh-to-be-a-kid-again” getaway, complete with an on-site pool, lawn games, and easy access to the area’s best vineyards.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Wynn Las Vegas

Even amid the absurd opulence of Sin City, the 2,700-plus-room Wynn stands out. With more than 15 restaurants, high-end boutique shops, a sprawling esplanade, and the world-class XS Nightclub, there’s a whole lot more to do here than just slots and sportsbook betting.

Louisville, Kentucky

Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection

Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection

Tucked into Downtown Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row, this handsome, five-star hotel pays homage to the city’s roots with a healthy dash of modernity. It’s a quick walk to the Ohio River, or stay in and relax at the glass-topped rooftop bar, Repeal Oak-Fired Steakhouse, or your own riverview suite.

Miami, Florida

Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel

Following a massive renovation, this oceanfront hotel offers a unique blend of luxury and character—a rarity in South Beach, especially at this price point. The combination makes it the perfect basecamp for hard-partying “guy trips” to Southern Florida’s most famous destination.

Harwich, Massachusetts

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club

Bright, breezy, and just the right amount of classic New England charm, this five-star resort offers everything you’d ever want in a picture-perfect Cape Cod escape. You’ll find on-site tennis courts, world-class beaches, and cozy cottages, many with gas fireplaces, marble bathrooms, and stunning ocean views.

Ridgedale, Missouri

Big Cedar Lodge

This all-American resort offers rustic luxury in the heart of the Ozarks. You’ll find everything you need for a textbook “guy’s getaway,” including bowling alleys, arcades, tons of dining options, and a brand-new outdoor concert venue.

Krakow, Poland

Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town

Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town

On a bustling strip just steps from Krakow’s town center, this upscale hotel blends old and new. It offers sleek rooms, a glass-enclosed cafe, an on-site spa, and an indoor pool.

Baltimore, Maryland

Four Seasons Baltimore

Baltimore’s Four Seasons is an easy standout among the city’s myriad accommodations. The 256-room tower houses posh guestrooms, a luxurious restaurant, and an infinity pool with a sundeck and outdoor grill. Pro tip: The harbor-view balcony rooms are worth the upgrade.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

One of HHI’s largest resorts, this upscale, 416-room retreat boasts a tennis club, tons of oceanview rooms, world-famous golfing, and is steps from some of the country’s best beaches. Golf, swim, rinse, repeat …

New York, New York

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

Somehow this R-C outpost manages to stand out, even amid NYC’s red-hot NoMad district. It’s within walking distance of the city’s most famous attractions and locals-only neighborhoods, all while maintaining the brand’s signature, cool-as-a-cucumber flavor of relaxed luxury inside.

Paris, France

Hotel Norman Paris

With easy access to the Champs-Élysées and guest suites with Eiffel Tower views, this swanky boutique hotel is about as sexy as it gets for travelers to the City of Light. Inside, the vibe is all “cozy Parisian escape” with velvet curtains, vintage sofas, and a library lounge that supplants the typical hotel reception desk.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

With a deft blend of Japanese minimalism and elegant, Pacific-inspired accents, there’s beauty in the simplicity of Nobu’s Los Cabos outpost. Palm trees, private plunge pools, and floating daybeds abound here, with a clear focus on rest, relaxation, and restoration.

Mexico City, Mexico

JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco

JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco

After undergoing a massive renovation, JW Marriott’s MC property delivers an expected class of branded luxury in the city’s swanky Polanco District. The interior is replete with luxury accommodations, including a rooftop pool, pillowtop mattresses, 24-hour room service, and a warm, tasteful design that’s heavy on dark wood, plush carpeting, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

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