The 10 best destinations in the U.S. to destress between the holidays

Just two hours from Boston and three from New York City, the Berkshires make for an easy escape that feels worlds away. Every time I visit, I can actually exhale. Early December is the perfect time to go: The region looks straight out of Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, fitting since the artist lived and painted here. Snow dusts the steepled churches and shopfronts of Stockbridge, Lenox and Great Barrington, each town picture-perfect in its own way. I recently escaped to Canyon Ranch Lenox, where yoga classes, manifestation workshops and spa treatments—from Hungarian mud wraps to hot-stone massages—paired with gourmet, locally sourced cuisine delivered exactly the kind of reset the season calls for.

Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles delivers wine country charm sans the crowds of Napa or Sonoma. Spend the day sipping bold reds and local olive oils—best enjoyed with a good book by the fire—then catch the glow of Sensorio, a 15-acre outdoor art installation with more than 100,000 lights shimmering across the fields. When the chill sets in, grab dinner downtown: The city’s restaurant scene punches way above its size, with Michelin-starred picks that range from haute French cuisine at Les Petites Canailles to rotisserie chicken and sides at the Hatch.

At the quiet northern edge of Napa Valley, Calistoga feels a world away from the region’s polished tasting rooms. The town was built on its geothermal hot springs, and you can still soak in them today. Try the Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort, where thermal pools and old-school mud baths make it easy to lose an afternoon. When you’ve had your fill, head to tasting rooms like Girard Winery, Joseph Cellars or Sterling Vineyards. Or, take it slow and wander through the quaint downtown, lined with cozy cafés, eclectic galleries and vintage shops.

Sedona’s red rock canyons and crisp desert air make it an easy reset button. The changing of the seasons means cooler temps and fewer crowds—perfect for hiking Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock or Devil’s Bridge. The area’s famed energy vortexes draw visitors seeking balance and a little spiritual recharge, but even skeptics tend to feel the calm. After a day on the trails, unwind with yoga, a massage or a sound bath at one of the destination’s many day spas or wellness resorts. And for something completely different, hop aboard a Pink Jeep Tour for a bumpy, scenic ride through the red rocks.

Just a few hours north of New York City, the Hudson Valley makes for an easy, scenic escape that’s easily accessible via car or train. Stretching from Westchester County up to Albany, the region has a town for every kind of traveler: Beacon for art lovers, New Paltz for outdoorsy types and Cold Spring for classic small-town charm. Of course, there are dozens more, each with its own personality—and, come winter, many look straight out of a Hallmark movie, complete with twinkle lights and cozy inns with crackling fireplaces (looking at you, Hasbrouck House and Maker Hotel).

Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island is the ultimate place to unplug and recalibrate, especially at Sensei Lānaʻi, A Four Seasons Resort. Days unfold around movement and mindfulness—guided hikes through the uplands, forest bathing and yoga in sunlit pavilions. Between activities, unwind in a private spa hale (Hawaiian for “house”), complete with onsen-style soaking tubs and garden views. Sensei by Nobu serves flavorful yet healthful cuisine featuring local bounty and Nobu’s signature dishes, like the beloved black cod. And because this is still Hawaii, carve out time for the beach: Hulopoʻe Bay’s calm, crystal-clear water is just a short shuttle ride away.

I spent a few days at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, for a wellness retreat in April, and I still dream about my time there spent practicing yoga in the five-acre pineapple garden, swimming solo in the Caribbean Sea and drifting off to sleep during a sound bath in a treehouse high above the forest (which, yes, is just as dreamy as it sounds—pun-intended). The resort sits within a 1,400-acre protected nature reserve, where the Ambassadors of the Environment program leads guided hikes and eco-tours for those looking to reconnect with nature. At night, the call of coquí frogs replaces city noise—a reminder you’re far from San Juan’s bustle.

Moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets and leafy public squares give Savannah an easy flow that feels far from the hustle of major cities like New York or Los Angeles. During the holidays, the historic district and its ornate 19th-century homes glow with string lights and wreaths, making them even more photogenic than usual. Spend the morning wandering through squares and parks, the afternoon browsing shops and galleries and the evening with a drink under the gaslights at famous establishments like the Olde Pink House or along the riverfront—so picturesque it could be a painting.

For a calming coastal escape, head straight to Amelia Island, just off Florida’s northeast coast near the Georgia border. Known for its pristine beaches and historic Fernandina Beach district, the island moves at a relaxed pace. It’s also where you’ll find Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa, a beachfront property with all-ocean-view rooms, two pools, 11 restaurants and a full-service spa—an ideal base for an end-of-year recharge. And with December highs near 70°F, you can spend your days biking, hanging on the beach or simply watching the waves from bed.

At 7,000 feet above sea level, Santa Fe trades summer heat for crisp air and clear mountain light. During the holiday season, farolitos (small paper lanterns made from brown bags, sand, and candles) glow along adobe rooftops and walkways, giving the city a warm, festive feel. Late November marks the start of ski season at Ski Santa Fe, where early snow and lighter crowds make for peaceful runs. Back in town, browse galleries along Canyon Road (like Edition ONE or Adobe Gallery) before retreating to Ten Thousand Waves or Ojo Santa Fe, where mineral soaks and massages take the edge off the winter chill.