A city known for its over-indulgence, New Orleans can also be the perfect place to relax and reset. Maybe you’d like to get a workout in, or a healthy meal in between all the fried foods and endless cocktails. Between our spas, parks, and healthy restaurants, everyone can experience wellness in New Orleans. Check out our guide below. 

Places to relax 

New Orleans is full of spas ready to provide you with some must needed rest and relaxation. For a luxury hotel spa experience, check out the Waldorf Astoria Spa at the Roosevelt Hotel or the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. Woodhouse Day Spa, NOLA Organic Spa, and Earthsavers Spa are all great day spa options that offer a variety of services, from massages to manicures. Float NOLA offers flotation therapy, facial and skincare treatments, massage therapy, and more to rejuvenate clients based on their needs. See even more of our top picks for spas here.  

There’s nothing quite like the tranquility of the great outdoors. In City Park, it’s easy to find a spot to yourself, whether under the moss-covered oak trees that run along City Park Avenue or in the Couturie Forest off Harrison Avenue. Other off-the-beaten path outdoor relaxation spots include Longue Vue House & Gardens, the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and The Fly at Audubon Park. 

Workout and meditation spots 

At Spyre Center, you can do it all. Book a day pass or monthly membership to use the gym, go for a swim and enjoy workout classes, such as yoga and water aerobics. They also offer therapies such as acupuncture or hydrotherapy. Dry float, meditation, sauna, massage, and a wellness café are also available. MVMT by Romney is another fitness center in New Orleans that offers everything from “bounce” (trampoline) classes to Pilates and yoga. Check out our list of NOLA’s best spin and cycle studios here. 

A New Orleans workout doesn’t have to cost you anything. Move Ya Brass offers no-cost cardio classes and running meetups throughout the week at different locations in the city. Also, the New Orleans Recreation Department has more than a dozen parks and facilities, some equipped with basketball courts, swimming pools, and workout classes, that are free and open to the public. There’s even an archery range and fishing lessons available. 

If you’re looking for a workout that’s unique, look no further than Stumpy’s Hatchet House. Think about it: what could be more stress relieving than axe throwing and air conditioning? Plus, there’s a donut shop next door.  

Healthy eating

New Orleans is a city for foodies—and that includes those looking for a healthy meal. Find vegan dining options here, vegetarian options here, and more healthy dining options here. Some of our favorite meals include the vegan hot sausage po-boy from Meals from the Heart Café, the Wellness Bowl from The Daily Beet, and the chicken kale Caesar salad from Birdy’s. Check out our blog on mocktails in New Orleans here.