Mountain & Lake Wellness and Hiking Retreat in Sunapee, New Hampshire

The retreat is a three-day, two-night stay at the Aqua Inn & Spa, a small boutique property in Newbury, New Hampshire, set right on a babbling brook between Lake Sunapee State Park and Mount Sunapee State Park. The location is the whole point: you can walk to the beach in about seven minutes and to the mountain in ten, and the hosts take full advantage.

Day one, you arrive between 3 and 6 PM, settle into your room, and meet over drinks and hors d'oeuvres before a group dinner. Day two starts with yoga — the hosts pick the spot based on weather, which could be down by the lake, up on the mountain, or in the inn's rose garden. Afterward you ride the chairlift to the top of Mount Sunapee for the panorama, then take a guided hike to a small lake within the mountain. Lunch is back at the inn, and the afternoon might involve a cruise on Lake Sunapee, kayaking, or paddleboarding from the state park. Day three takes you to a prehistoric bog with pitcher plants, wild orchids, and seasonal berries before brunch and farewells.

What makes this different from a standard yoga retreat is the combination of an active, nature-based itinerary with genuine spa pampering. You aren't sitting in a studio all day — you're moving between the mountain and the lake, then coming home to a sauna, salt room, or massage. The hosts themselves are unusual: Jenny is a Doctor of Holistic Health, a physical therapist, and a French-trained cook, while Rudi is a two-time world record holder and former European and African tour operator who leads the hikes and kayaking.

Guests consistently rate the experience above 4.8 stars, often noting the quality of the accommodations, the professionalism of the massages, and the warmth of the hosting. It's an adults-focused retreat, well suited for couples marking an anniversary or solo travelers wanting a reset without any hassle. The inn is adults-only in feel, and the property itself has fire pits by the brook, a swing chair, and various quiet corners for reading or meditation.

What's included

- 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes (at least one session, location varies) - 30-minute massage and stretching session - Guided nature hikes with a trusted guide - Group excursions and activities - Chairlift ride to the top of Mount Sunapee - Boat cruise on Lake Sunapee (when weather permits) - Kayaking and paddleboarding (seasonal) - Use of the infrared sauna and salt room - Accommodation for 2 nights - Transportation during the retreat (to and from activities) - Free parking - Free wifi - Add-on day option available for a fee

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional spa treatments beyond the included 30-minute massage - Airport transfers (available for an additional fee) - Extra nights before/after the retreat (available for a fee)