Blue Zones Give Way To Desert Retreats
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The Trend: Goodbye Costa Rica, hello Palm Springs. Wellness retreats follow trends just like everything else, and after years of fascination with so-called blue zones, the desert is emerging as a favorite for 2026. Travelers are drawn to the wide-open landscapes that feel far removed from the overstimulation of daily life. For many people, the desert feels like a reset button you don’t have to try very hard to press.
What People Are Saying: Deserts also offer something many people feel starved for: true darkness. With fewer artificial lights, desert destinations offer relief from light pollution, which research suggests can disrupt sleep and affect overall health. Retreats like Sensei Porcupine Creek near Palm Springs emphasize restorative stillness and natural surroundings, while RESET in Joshua Tree highlights digital disconnection and star-filled nights.
What to Know: Desert retreats, with their remoteness and breathtaking natural landscapes, encourage calm. Plus, the reduced light exposure and expansive night skies create space for the nervous system to settle naturally.
