On a recent trip to Savannah, Georgia, I noticed something unexpected: my pace. Not just figuratively—though the city’s charm is certainly a soothing contrast to the relentless rhythm of New York—but literally. My hurried stride softened into something slower, almost a saunter. In Savannah, calm doesn’t creep up on you—it washes over you, steady and sure, as you wander its tree-lined streets.
While the city is celebrated for its antebellum architecture and celebrated Lowcountry cuisine, Savannah has a quieter talent: wellness. Tucked between its moss-draped oaks and riverside promenades lies a culture of restoration that feels as natural as the breeze off the water. Here are some of the city’s most inviting ways to pause, breathe, and restore.
Go All In
The reimagined Plant Riverside District, unveiled in mid-2020, has quickly become Savannah’s crown jewel. Inside its century-old power-plant building is Poseidon Spa, where indulgence is the default. After a day of exploring, sink into a full-body massage or HydroPeptide facial. For an extra touch, add hot stones, aromatherapy, or a foot exfoliation before strolling to one of the district’s many riverside restaurants.
While you’re there: Browse Nourish, a boutique known for its organic small-batch bath products—perfect for extending the spa glow at home.
A few blocks away, Hotel Bardo’s Saltgrass Spa sets itself apart with a philosophy of balancing physical and energetic vitality. Beyond massages and facials, the spa offers fitness classes—Bardo Sculpt, yoga, bootcamp—complimentary to guests. The highlight? The Saltgrass Signature Massage, a fully customized treatment with aromatic oils and botanicals.
While you’re there: Grab a smoothie or inventive sandwich from Brighter Day Deli before lingering with a book beneath the oaks of Forsyth Park.
For a deeper reset, Tybee Wellness Retreats—located just 30 minutes from downtown on Tybee Island—hosts immersive three-night stays in an oceanfront home. Think chef-prepared meals, yoga, guided workshops, and the gentle soundtrack of the Atlantic. Current retreats focus on serenity, but other programs spotlight themes like stress reduction and healthy weight loss.
While you’re there: Fuel up at Raw Ingredients, a local favorite serving sushi, poke bowls, and crisp salads.
Let the Wellness Come to You
No time to escape the city? Tybee Wellness Retreats also brings the experience directly to your hotel or rental. From Reiki to meditation to sound baths, treatments can be booked à la carte—starting at just $50 per person.
Similarly, Balance Mobile Spa offers a full-service menu on wheels: massages, facials, nails, personal training, even yoga, available across Savannah and the Coastal Empire. Their team comes to you, turning your suite into a sanctuary.
While you’re there: Pop into the Savannah Bee Company for their cult-favorite hive-powered body butter—formulated with royal jelly, honey, and propolis for silky, restorative skin.
Vinyasa with Views
Savannah’s natural beauty makes wellness outdoors irresistible. Otium Studios hosts Saturday rooftop yoga flows at the Perry Lane Hotel, where sun salutations meet sweeping city views. On Sundays, their community class at the Park at Eastern Wharf is free—a gift to locals and visitors alike.
While you’re there: End the day at Fleeting, the Perry Lane’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Grilled whole fish, roasted carrots, and watermelon panzanella are seasonal standouts.
And back at Plant Riverside, Yoga on the River offers tranquil sessions Friday through Sunday mornings for just $16. Mats are provided, making it effortless for travelers to join. It’s a gentle reset that can shape your outlook for the day ahead.
The Takeaway
Savannah may dazzle with its historic squares and world-class dining, but its most enduring gift is restoration. Here, wellness isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life woven into the city’s very pace. Come for the scenery, stay for the serenity, and don’t be surprised if your hurried steps turn into a slow, intentional saunter.
