Travelers are in their wellness era with spa getaways and holistic retreats seeing record numbers of visitors, and there's never been a better time to get in on the relaxation. Many resorts have invested in renovating their spas, reimagining treatment rooms, improving changing areas and creating sanctuaries for pre- and post-service relaxation.
But if the idea of a high price tag is holding you back from a luxe spa weekend, consider this: In many places, you could splurge on a single treatment and remain robe-clad almost all day enjoying all the extra amenities. If a family vacation plus a spa trip isn't in the budget, you can combine the two. We've stayed at plenty of resorts with ah-mazing spas that also have kids' clubs and other family perks, so your entire crew will have the time of their lives. Another idea: Take your high school or college grad on a spa trip rather than paying for an expensive (and potentially stressful) party. Or funnel the money you'd spend on a so-so Mother's Day brunch into your spa fund.
You'd also save some serious cash by driving to one of the destinations rather than having to cover airfare. That's why we included 30 glorious picks from all across the country so you're sure to find something in your neck of the woods. The Good Housekeeping team has personally vetted most of these selections so you can feel confident in the quality. Bliss begins here.
1
The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach, FL
North of Miami, the indoor-outdoor spa at The Breakers Palm Beach is every bit as divine as the Italian Renaissance-style property itself. The sprawling spa, with 17 treatment rooms and eight salon stations, overlooks the resort's private beachfront. Post-treatment, you can sip tea and nosh on snacks in the serene courtyard. Chill vibes all around!
Signature Service: Billed as the spa's most extensive rejuvenating treatment, the 80-minute Guerlain Black Orchid Facial (using the brand's famed black cream) works to reinforce topical skin's firmness and aims to reduce wrinkles while redefining natural facial contours.
2
The West Hollywood EDITION, West Hollywood, CA
This luxury hotel's minimalist design carries over to its award-winning spa. Focusing on wellness and mindfulness, the spa includes a spiritual meditation space with treatments such as a sound bath and LED-light therapy in addition to massages, facials and body treatments. It's truly a sanctuary on LA's Sunset Strip. Après-spa fun can be had at the rooftop pool and at Ardor, which offers veggie delights such as vegan carrot cake, mushroom terrine and sweet potato curry in addition to fish and meat dishes.
Signature Service: Sweeping dry brush exfoliation and a soothing full-body scrub await those who book a RENEW body treatment, which works to stimulate and soften targeted skin. Harnessing sea salt and organic algae, the Undaria Algae Body Butter used in this application hydrates skin and aids in feeling refreshed. Three "Stay All Day" packages offer treatment bundles — the DESERT includes the RENEW body treatment, light therapy and a stone massage.
3
JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona is a haven for spa experiences, and the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa stands out as one of the greats. The 32,000-square-foot facility contains 30 treatment rooms plus saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and a stunning adult-only outdoor pool so you can keep spa-ing all afternoon. Calling the Sonoran Desert "a natural apothecary," the spa offers treatments that use local ingredients like prickly pear cactus gel. The resort's recently renovated casitas are roomy enough to bring a bunch of friends or family.
Signature Service: Select the Southwestern-inspired Adobe Clay Detox Wrap to help melt away tension. A technician will massage an aromatic conditioner into your hair and apply clay to your skin to soothe your muscles. It all gets washed off in a Vichy shower using soap and a cactus fiber cloth and then you're adorned with warmed juniper and sage oils. The final step: relaxing in the sauna.
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4
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, CO
Want to ski and spa? The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, is your place. The newly renovated ski-in, ski-out resort is nestled within Vail's Beaver Creek, a true winter wonderland. Hit the slopes in the morning, book a treatment for after lunch and then linger in the spa's naturally sourced rock-lined grottos. Hot and cold plunge pools and sauna access are also included with your stay. Rooms with stone fireplaces and wood accents further elevate the mountain vibe.
Signature Service: The Miner's Mineral Mud Wrap uses activated charcoal mud from the region to refresh your skin. After a body wrap, scalp massage and bath, a full body massage with rich amethyst oil completes this 100-minute service.
5
Sea Island Resort, Sea Island, GA
Welcoming guests since the 1920s, this Southern gem sits on a private island with miles of unspoiled beaches. Grand yet unassuming, pretty much any type of traveler — the foodie, the golfer, the nature buff — would find joy at Sea Island Resort. But spa-goers will be on cloud nine. Nestled within The Cloister, the resort's flagship hotel, The Spa at Sea Island features circular whirlpools overlooking the sweeping grounds, a myriad of outdoor hot tubs, a mediation labyrinth and a garden atrium (shown).
Signature Service: You can't go wrong with any of the spa's 12 massage options, but the Scalp, Hands and Feet Massage is genius. The 60-minute treatment zeros in on these three problem spots, rejuvenating them with oils.
6
Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Stateline, NV
This luxury LEED-certified resort on Lake Tahoe just opened villa suites that take luxury to a new level. Located near the main lodge and golf course, the suites include kitchens, a heated private patio with a fire pit and soaking tubs. They come in two- to five-bedroom options, so you can invite friends to join you for the resort's array of activities in every season and, of course, treatments at Spa Edgewood. From massages to facials, many spa menu options use locally sourced stones, such as Smoky Quartz.
Signature Service: A 75-minute Sierra Stone Facial uses warmed gemstones sourced from Lake Tahoe to refresh your skin. Coupled with a relaxing, rejuvenating treatment with Eminence products, it helps spa-goers hit the slopes or the shores with a new glow.
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7
Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Union, WA
Just a 90-minute drive from Seattle, Alderbrook Resort & Spa feels like a total escape. On the shores of Hood Canal (a fjord in Puget Sound), Alderbrook delights with panoramic views of Olympic National Park and pure wilderness. You can take a dip in the enclosed saltwater pool or hike on a nature trail whenever the mood strikes. But spa appointments fill up weeks in advance, so book them when you make your room reservation.
Signature Service: Moisturize dry skin with the spa's 60-minute Organic Aloe Wrap. The aloe is combined with locally sourced algae and lavender. The treatment also includes an aromatherapy-aided massage of your scalp, neck and feet.
8
The Lake House at Canandaigua, Canandaigua, NY
A timelessly designed getaway in New York's Finger Lakes,
the Lake House at Canandaigua sweeps you off your feet from the moment you pull up. The 125-room resort might remind you of a giant vacation house — and that's what the developers had in mind. They wanted to create an experience that feels elevated yet familiar. That philosophy carries over to the Willowbrook Spa, home to a private garden and creekside saunas. The spa even creates proprietary herbal oil blends featured in its extensive spa treatment list. A Good Housekeeping staffer who visited was impressed with the spa consultation that directed her to which of the 20+ treatments would best fit her needs.
Signature Service: Start your morning early with a private Sauna Ritual for a group of up to four guests, which includes a targeted blend of aromatherapy topicals for your pleasure. Plus, the Instagram-friendly sauna barrels are just steps from the waterfront — an idyllic setting just after sunrise.
9
Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada, FL
The Florida Keys' subtropical marine wetlands set the scene for a secluded yet inviting environment at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, all while providing plenty of under-the-sun fun for kids of all ages. The historic resort, which occupies 27 mangrove-packed acres in Islamorada, has delegated exclusive amenities to its spa patrons — including butler-serviced poolside cabanas, a wellness lounge and six treatment rooms providing a wide array of services featuring fair-trade products. Enroll kids ages 5 to 12 in Camp Cheeca and while they're painting coconuts and going on scavenger hunts, you can treat yourself to a spa day.
Signature Service: If you truly can't make up your mind, go with the 80-minute Cheeca Spa Sampler, a massage-facial combo. Or lean into the Jade Stone Massage, which is complemented with a cranial wave head massage and customizable body treatments based on personal preferences.
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10
Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resort Collection, Park City, UT
If you're on the hunt for physical rejuvenation beyond just spa treatments, Goldener Hirsch is just the ticket. Hop on the nearby chairlift to be whisked to Deer Valley, one of the best ski resorts in the country, then return from your runs to soak in an infinity hot tub with stunning mountain views or meditate in the Zen garden. All the resort's rooftop wellness facilities — including a pool — received a glow-up recently.
Signature Service: Sign up for High Vibrations Energy Healing. This 45- to 90-minute Reiki treatment will leave you feeling revitalized. Keep in mind that you need to book five days in advance.
11
Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Depending on the season, you can enjoy a beachy or hygge stay at this coastal Maine resort near Portland. In warmer weather, spa therapists conduct certain full-body treatments and revitalizing facials al fresco, just above Cape Elizabeth's shoreline. When cold weather returns, you can cozy up in one of the beach-view suites with gas fireplaces until your spa appointment. The spa menu is vast and features many treatments with a beach theme.
Signature Service: The Changing Tides treatment combines a hydrating scrub with a warming wrap for two hours of pure bliss. Check the "spa specials" every month to learn about seasonal treatments and deals.
12
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, LA
NOLA is for jazz, beignets and spas! In its prime French Quarter location, the newly renovated spa at The Ritz-Carlton features eucalyptus-infused steam rooms and lofty relaxation lounges featuring complimentary champagne and lite bites. Spanning 25,000 square feet, the city's largest spa has a wide array of treatments.
Signature Service: Newcomers often opt for the spa's Voodoo Ritual 80-minute massage, which uses local incense and a proprietary mix of absinthe and bourbon in body oils to banish tension.
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13
Destination Kohler, Kohler, WI
You may know Kohler for its high-quality faucets, but the brand also boasts golf and resort destinations worldwide. The spa at its flagship property, The American Club — about 150 miles north of Chicago — recently received a glow-up, making it the only five-star experience in Wisconsin. The thoughtful redesign introduced floor-to-ceiling windows to give spa-goers stunning views during manis and pedis. Plush furnishings and a cozy fireplace in the massage finishing lounge encourage guests to linger and relax in the sanctuary-like surroundings before heading to their room. There are three kinds of accommodations — you can stay at the high-end historic hotel, a lakefront inn or one of five private cabins.
Signature Service: The Kohler Waters Spa focuses on — what else? — the power of mineral-rich water. Try the new Fire and Ice, a hydrotherapy treatment under a custom Vichy shower. It includes a carrot seed oil facial, peppermint-infused ice spheres and body butter.
14
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Manalapan, FL
An exquisite property that feels like its own little oasis, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa appeals to guests of all ages. A Good Housekeeping staffer who recently visited with her spouse and daughter appreciated the kids' activities, well-equipped fitness center and standout restaurants. The spa, in particular, was a favorite. "The spa was outrageously amazing," she said. "I had the best massage." She added, "They have these beautiful gardens in the spa and amazing amenities. I wish I had planned to spend more time at the spa. I would suggest going early to enjoy most of your day there." The icing on the cake: You can even have your treatment in a private garden villa.
Signature Service: Try The Royal Recovery, which starts with a foot scrub and shea butter wrap followed by a massage of the head, neck, shoulders and feet. Divine!
15
The Greystone Inn, Lake Toxaway, NC
This historic Swiss-chalet-style retreat on a private lake in the Appalachian Mountains leans into holistic wellness. With just 30 rooms, the property is one of the most intimate on our list, so it's not surprising that its spa offers an array of body and skin care treatments that can be personalized. Round out your spa trip by kayaking across the lake, taking a free sunset cruise or simply basking in the view of the adjacent National Forests.
Signature Service: Full-body massages aside, facials are popular for visitors. The 60-minute Greystone Signature Facial includes a cleansing application, steaming and deep exfoliation along with a facial massage that targets lymphatic drainage and face sculpting.
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16
The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Stowe, VT
If you're torn between a spa weekend and a family getaway, The Lodge Spruce Peak provides the best of both at a picturesque mountain destination. Alongside its many offerings for adults, the Spa offers a selection of services for kids ages 3 to 14. Everyone is welcome at the resort's Healing Lodge with his and hers saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms. And, of course, kids will love the heated outdoor pool. Multi-bedroom suites provide plenty of space for the whole family.
Signature Services A trip to Vermont isn't complete without sampling local brew, and spa therapists have embraced the perk into a truly singular spa treatment known as the Stowe Cider Uber Scrub. You'll enjoy a full-body application of naturally spiced cider sugar scrub to buff out overworked skin and enjoy a full sample of local Stowe Cider to sip in the spa sanctuary post-treatment. For the kiddos, a Princess Pedicure will leave their toes smelling bakery fresh.
17
Mission Point Resort, Mackinac Island, MI
You'll leave stress and worries behind at the dock when you board a ferry to Mackinac Island, a seasonal haven tucked near the Michigan shorelines of Lake Huron. Home to its signature car-free, nature-packed surroundings, the island is full of quaint charm in its lodgings like Mission Point Resort, which packs a full-service spa into its beachside property. Coupled with an Aveda salon, the resort's Lakeside Spa offers a wide array of treatments. It will be open from April 26 to October 27, 2024.
Signature Service: Harnessing the island's fresh supply, the Lakeside Spa offers a unique Lilac Facial & Body Treatment, which includes proprietary skincare products and massage oils that you won't find elsewhere. Capped off with a hydrating foot mask and hot towel service in the spa's charming treatment center.
18
Spring Creek Ranch, Jackson Hole, WY
Taking a vacation to marvel at the natural beauty of the American West doesn't always mean you have to be "roughing" it. Spread out on a high butte of its own in Jackson Hole, Spring Creek Ranch is just a stone's throw from Grand Teton National Park and a short drive from Yellowstone. The resort's Wilderness Adventure Spa is framed with sweeping views of the Teton Mountains and is flanked by the hotel's grounds, which are also designated as a wildlife sanctuary. You'll take it all in from the spa's 20-person outdoor saltwater hot tub, which feels like a magical escape in almost any season.
Signature Service: Start with a Teton Forest Massage, which combats the dry, high-altitude air with a mineral scrub and mud-bubbling along your spine. You'll end the service with a full body wrap massage using locally inspired oils.
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19
The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, PA
Within driving distance from New York City and the DC area, this adult-only Pocono Mountain escape (the sister property of Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award winner Woodloch Lodge) offers access to activities ranging from art classes to workout sessions. Rooms are outfitted with grand verandas dressed in lush greenery, a theme that translates well into its 40,000-square-foot spa with 27 treatment rooms. There are a lot of treatments to choose from, like hydrotherapy and carefully constructed prenatal services, making it a great weekend escape from city life in any season.
Signature Service: Bodywork is a focal point at the spa. With therapists leaning into everything from Reiki to reflexology, you'll receive a blend of approaches with a Restful Retreat, which combines gentle body, scalp and foot massages and aromatherapy to help you feel at ease. The warmed swaddle is just a bonus!
20
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
Nestled between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the Tamaya Spa is the jewel of this Hyatt resort on the Santa Ana Pueblo. Guests often come to experience the rich local native culture and sample time-honored Tamayame cuisine, or spend as much time exploring the surrounding valleys and the Rio Grande riverbanks. A low-level sprawling 12,000-square-foot retreat from the hot sun and desert climate, the spa offers amenities that sprawl out into surrounding dry lands (including outdoor soaking pools!) and seamlessly blend into your itinerary on a trip to the rich lands of New Mexico.
Signature Service: The HydraFacial helps to rejuvenate skin using hydra-dermabrasion techniques, resulting in skin feeling smoother and refreshed. You can add LED-light therapy at no extra cost to the 50-minute treatment.
