Cleveland’s skies have been gray for more than half the year, statistically speaking. While locals have grown tough under this canopy of clouds, the desire for light—sunlight, mental lightness, emotional clarity—has become more than a seasonal itch. It’s now part of a growing wellness movement among urban dwellers who are redefining what travel means in a post-pandemic world.

A new generation of Clevelanders isn’t just taking vacations—they’re curating restorative experiences. And it’s reshaping how, where, and why we travel.

Wellness Travel: Not Just for the Coasts Anymore

Wellness tourism used to be a niche market, something associated with yoga retreats in Tulum or sound baths in Sedona. But according to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness travel is now a $651 billion industry—and it’s not confined to the coasts.

Clevelanders are contributing to this shift. You’ll find it in how our residents plan group getaways with intention, prioritizing properties with space to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect—with themselves or each other. Whether it’s renting a cottage in the Hocking Hills with no cell service or booking a weekend in a sun-drenched villa with a private chef and cold plunge, the theme is consistent: escape with purpose.

Escaping Doesn’t Mean Checking Out

Contrary to popular belief, the average Clevelander isn’t fleeing the city out of frustration. In fact, with the revival of neighborhoods like Gordon Square, AsiaTown, and Midtown, there’s more civic pride than there’s been in decades. But even in a city that’s healing its industrial scars, the psychological toll of our long winters and fast-paced lifestyles adds up.

“We work hard here,” says Tasha Reynolds, a psychotherapist based in Shaker Heights. “People aren’t just looking for rest—they’re looking for recalibration. They want environments that don’t just entertain, but actually restore their nervous system.”

This means travel isn’t an indulgence anymore—it’s maintenance. And that mindset is changing the way people book everything from flights to lodging.

The Rise of the Experience-First Rental

The days of picking the cheapest hotel off I-71 are dwindling. Instead, Clevelanders—especially younger professionals and upwardly mobile families—are opting for curated rental homes that offer something beyond just beds and walls.

Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have long made alternative accommodations mainstream. But now, demand is rising for properties that feel like destinations in themselves: homes with backyard fire pits, integrated spa experiences, design-forward interiors, or amenities like pickleball courts and work-friendly setups.

This is particularly true in high-energy locations like Las Vegas, where groups from Cleveland are increasingly choosing to stay in vacation homes over casino hotels. Some are planning wellness-oriented retreats, others are celebrating milestones like 40th birthdays or corporate wins. A number of boutique rental companies have emerged to meet this need, offering professionally managed properties tailored for large groups and luxury-focused travelers.

This helpful resource offers a curated collection of upscale homes in Las Vegas, designed with privacy, space, and relaxation in mind—perfect for travelers who want more than just a place to sleep.

Why It Matters Here

Travel trends often seem like coastal behaviors, but Cleveland has a unique relationship with movement. We are a city of comebacks and migration—people leave, people return. But even those who stay know the value of stepping out in order to come back stronger.

“It’s like putting on your oxygen mask first,” says Marcus Hill, who runs a leadership coaching firm in Cleveland Heights and leads quarterly retreats for his team. “When we leave the city for a few days, whether it’s Arizona or Nevada, we’re not running away. We’re recalibrating our strategy—personally and professionally.”

This idea—that travel isn’t just a break, but a deliberate reset—is gaining ground in boardrooms, classrooms, and therapy offices throughout Northeast Ohio.

Bringing the Energy Home

Interestingly, many Clevelanders return from these restorative trips inspired to recreate similar environments in their own homes. Whether it’s upgrading the backyard patio, repainting the guest room in calming tones, or hosting small wellness gatherings with friends, the experience doesn’t end at TSA.

We’re seeing elements of this in our city planning too. Look no further than the new lakefront redevelopment plans or the growing popularity of outdoor markets, wellness festivals, and creative co-working spaces. The energy that leaves Cleveland on a direct flight to the desert or mountains often returns with a renewed sense of possibility.

Final Thoughts

There’s something powerful happening in how Clevelanders are reimagining rest. It's not about indulgence—it's about alignment. We are, slowly but surely, rejecting the grind culture that defined previous generations. In its place, we’re building something more balanced. More human.

So if you find yourself dreaming of warmer skies, quieter mornings, and intentional space to exhale—you're not alone. You’re part of a growing movement of Midwest minds making wellness a priority, one thoughtfully chosen getaway at a time.

And if you're already planning that next trip, consider what you need—not just where you're going. Sometimes, a change of space is the fastest way to return to yourself.