I'm seeking a place in the US (some place preferably warmish) to go on a affordable retreat/vacation. I'm open to many options but would love a place where I can do any of the following: horseback ride, do art, spiritual exploration, workshops esp involving personal growth and/or healing, swimming with wild dolphins, relax, read, eat healthy, gentle exercise, trail hikes etc (I have chronic fatigue syndrome so I'm looking for a place that is fairly low key and relaxing). I normally love adventure and being active, but while I recover from cfs I need a calmer atmosphere, tho I would like to do some kind of movement in moderation. I also want to be in community. I'd love to stay for two weeks or longer but I'm on a budget as I'm not currently working. I also have been saving air miles for over a decade so a place that accepts payment in air miles would be a total bonus -- not sure if that even exists. Bec I'll be travelling alone and I have health issues I would rather stay in the US (I live in Canada) rather than experience any rigorous travelling to remote retreats in central America. I also need safe drinking water where the risk of infection is low (I developed cfs while travelling in Nepal and India -- think parasites. Want to avoid those). Any ideas would be greatly welcome! Thank you.

Maybe Chateau Elan, outside Atlanta? I mean I can think of all kinds of amazing places that fit your criteria, but they are all really expensive. Chateau Elan has a few of these options, though not all, and is way less expensive than, say, California's Golden Door, which would be the other end of the spectrum, with plenty more to offer. There is probably a better choice out there but I am trying to think of something financially feasible for you.

I went here in May of 2012 by myself and loved it! It has everything you want.

http://www.redmountainresort.com/

The Oaks in Ojai, CA fits all your criteria and more and is very inexpensive. I've stayed there for up to six weeks at a time.

Best,
Lisa

For using FF miles check through your airline. I have a lot of AA miles and I'm getting offers from AA Vacations all the time. Never used them for such a stay, but that's where I'd look if I wanted to use miles.

Another vote for Red Mountain. I have been there a handful of times and love it!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I checked out the places you recommended but for the moment they are out of my budget, though Red Mountain does seem like good value for your money. Red Mountain is a bit more upscale than I require. I don't mind rustic, as long as there is running water and heat. Please keep the suggestions coming! Thanks.

Take a look at spafinders.com, you can find some ideas there.

Red Mountains runs quite a few specials, especially at different times of year. The nice thing is, all meals are included so that is a big savings. And most of the basic stuff is included to, like hikes, cooking demo's, various classes. It used to have a more budget option as they had some dorm style rooms, but they remodeled, etc. But like I said, they run specials, so you might even call or email them and ask about when the most economical time might be and see if that works for you.

tell us your budget...no sense wasting our time making recommendation that you can't afford. how much per night?

It's not in the US but I love Hotel Spa ixtapan outside of Mexico City, If you could fly into Toluca it's closer to the spa.
The website is basic, but it's a beautiful thermal spa. The people are lovely. They have activities but not very many. They start with a walk in the morning then have a couple of basic classes including water aerobics. then they have tons and tons of spa treatments that you get with your package.
People come back year after year. If I hadn't just had a baby a year and a half ago. I would be there in a heartbeat.

http://www.riocaliente.com/

I've always wanted to go here.

While it is in Mexico, it's not > by any stretch of the imagination.

Forgive me, but I cannot imagine you could find a less expensive place than the Oaks. (I don't work for them, just love going there!)

You can share a room or stay in the main building instead of a cottage which brings the cost way down. All meals, snacks, fitness classes, lectures, etc. are include as are some spa treatments depending on length of stay.

But, most of all, I really think it has the "vibe" for which you are looking.

Best,
Lisa

There is a new affordable retreat in the mountains east of Sedona, AZ. The name is Spirit Skies retreat and their website is spiritskiesretreat.com. It's a small retreat that has 3 hilltop cabins and a herd of elk that often rest nearby. It is now having a grand opening with suggested contributions around $300 for a week.

There is a new affordable retreat in the mountains east of Sedona, AZ. The name is Spirit Skies retreat and their website is spiritskiesretreat.com. It's a small retreat that has 3 hilltop cabins and a herd of elk that often rest nearby. It is now having a grand opening with suggested contributions around $300 for a week.

The same place you recommended two years ago, back?

i know you are looking for local... but i honestly think that, if you stay several weeks, you could stay at a spa we visited in Turkey... and fly there and back for less than going to many here. (especially if you can use ff miles)

natur-med spa has amazing thermal water, and some daily fitness classes and walks. the food was absolutely delicious (mostly vegetarian-- and i'm not a vegetarian.)

i looked at their prices, and they are about $85 us per night with all food etc. less if you share a room. there's also a 25% discount if you stay 3 weeks. just a thought, if you'd like a little (and very safe and comfortable) adventure!

we loved the place and hope to return some day.