In a way, every relaxing vacation has similar benefits to wellness retreats in that they offer a chance to reboot the mind and body and escape the workaday routine. But for those looking for a more focused way to push the reset button, wellness resort programs that instill balance, healthy habits, and other keys to a better life are the way to go. Here are three additional reasons why a yoga retreat, spa vacation, or meditation resort could be worth your vacation time and money.

Yoga Retreats Help You Reconnect with Nature

• What to expect: Though your days will be structured, the setting is tranquil and spiritual, and you'll likely be given time to explore the natural surroundings (many resorts are located near the beach or in tropical jungles). Yoga classes are a given; they're usually paired with instruction in balance-instilling techniques like meditation.
• Other benefits of a yoga retreat: Rejuvenation, relaxation, and a chance to hone your practice
• Who should go: Anyone serious about yoga, even if you're a beginner still collecting the right gear
• We recommend: Though not explicitly a yoga retreat, the Sycamore Mineral Spinrgs Resort & Spa in San Luis Obispo, CA, offers daily yoga classes that guests can enjoy in between dips in its healing mineral springs.

Thinking about trying yoga for the first time? Read our yoga guide for beginners.

Spa Vacations Help You Reconnect With Yourself

• What to expect: While you won't be without opportunities for socializing, the main draw of a spa retreat is the opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet while getting pampered. Many of these wellness retreats are at least semi-secluded, surrounding visitors in nature and allowing them to totally tune out from the outside world.
• Other benefits of a spa vacation: From facials, to massages, to new one-of-a-kind beauty treatments, a spa vacation might leave you feeling and looking better than you ever have before.
• Who should go: Anyone who needs a break from their email or those in need of some major muscle un-knotting
• We recommend: Elevation Hotel and Spa in Crested Butte, CO, where the 11,000-square-foot spa boasts nine therapy rooms, all nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Meditation Retreats Help Clear Your Head

• What to expect: The daily routine at a meditation retreat is probably the least physically rigorous of any of the wellness resorts we've examined. Instead, the focus here is on mindfulness and spiritual renewal, offering you a chance to clear your head, reconnect with yourself or a loved one, experience nature, and unplug from technology.
• Other benefits of a meditation retreat: Mental renewal, stress relief, and spiritual nourishment
• Who should go: Anybody who feels stressed out by the rat race—which should cover just about all of us
• We recommend: Travaasa Hana in Maui, Hawaii

Our editor talks trying guided meditation for the first time and the importance of self-reflection.

This article was originally published in 2015. It has since been updated.