12 Luxury Spa Resorts Worth the Splurge
Check in for an unforgettable wellness-themed vacation at these spas that go the extra mile
1. Canyon Ranch, Tuscon, AZ
Although the massive 80,000-square-foot spa complex boasts an impressive range of treatments—a marine algae, sea brine, and aloe wrap in their herb-infused steam room, for one—beauty is more than skin deep at Canyon Ranch. The pioneering resort also addresses fitness, nutrition, and spiritual practice as part of a holistic approach to wellness. Get your Zen on at the Spiritual Wellness Center—the Sanctuary and Meditation Garden provide serene spaces for self-reflection—and discover how to eat well at home with a Lunch & Learn demonstration. Or sit back and let the masters do the work: Canyon Ranch recently hired three new executive chefs to supplement the resort’s already stellar repertoire of healthy eats.
2. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside, CA
Opulence is the name of the game at this historic retreat. Cloistral architecture and amenities fit for the A-list—the guestbook is a veritable who’s who of former presidents and celebrities like Barbra Streisand, Tom Hanks, and Clark Gable—separate the grand suites from the crowd. At Kelly’s Spa, Tuscan-inspired trimmings like hand-painted frescos, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and marble mosaics set the mood. Pamper yourself with full body wraps and luxurious rose petal baths between strolls through the palatial grounds.
3. The Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg, OR
Nestled in Oregon wine country, the LEED Gold-certified resort has long been a home base for indulgence and fine dining. The spa options nod to both with goodies like Divine Wine, a nourishing honey-and-wine mask, as well as the Mimosa, a massage that uses champagne oil to luxurious effect. Meanwhile, Art at the Allison, the hotel’s private art collection, features over 500 original works from 100 Oregon artists. And in September 2017, the spa debuted a cafe full of healthy eats to keep you going from treatment to treatment—or winery to winery.
4. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Glenwood Springs, CO
It’s no mystery why Glenwood Springs’ Spa of the Rockies specializes in balneotherapy. Holding 1,071,000 gallons, the big pool at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort claims to be the world’s largest hot spring soak. Inside, the hefty spa menu offers treatments like a Geothermal Wellness Package, which includes a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage and Stonecrop Hydration Facial. Just be sure not to skip the mineral bath portion—it primes the body to receive the rest of the treatment.
5. Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ
At Agave, The Arizona Spa, treatments are inspired by traditional Native American practices. The spa highlights the benefits of local flora with indulgences that incorporate Herradura reposado tequila derived from—of course—the agave plant. The resort’s hallmark Adventure Water Park features a 110-foot-long waterslide, as well as a 900-foot lazy river and a standing wave, but those seeking a little more R&R can kick back in a garden cabana at the quiet and beautiful Aguamiel Pool.
6. Solage, Calistoga, CA
Napa Valley’s Spa Solage is known for its take on the Calistoga mud bath. The three-part mudslide includes a mineral-enriched mud treatment, followed by stints in geothermal mineral waters and a sound chair that emits harmonic vibrations. But Solage isn’t afraid to shake things up. In the winter of 2017, when Calistoga’s wine country was flooded with some unexpected storms that didn’t exactly encourage tasting-room tours, the indoor-outdoor spa added a special Hot Toddy for the Body treatment for guests who wanted to stay cozy. Now, you can avail yourself of a spicy twist on their signature mud bath, served with a spiked chai latte.
7. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Honolulu, HI
The spa at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach is O‘ahu’s first Ritz-Carlton Spa—and the property went all out. The menu is steeped in Hawaiian traditions and ingredients, like hot volcanic stones, leaves from Oahu’s rainforest, and native lehua blossoms. Each signature treatment begins with a warm Hawaiian welcome called the Henoheno Ritual. Next, you can revitalize with a full-body sugar scrub made with healing ‘olena and a deep lomilomi massage. When you’re done, check out the eighth-floor infinity pool—the highest in Waikiki—and tuck yourself into one of the resort’s ocean-view studios. Aloha, indeed.
8. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene, ID
Perched on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, there’s no shortage of activities here—but first you’d have to be dragged out of the three-level spa. Get a full-body massage underneath a gentle waterfall, or opt for something more fragrant. Signature treatments like Lavender Mountain Spirit, a lavender-infused body exfoliation and custom massage, and Soothing Earth and Stone, which includes a Sage Scrub and Stone Massage, are inspired by natural elements of the Northwest. When you’ve had enough, hit The Cedars Floating Restaurant. As for your digs, splurge on a lake-view room with a gas fireplace—or the 2,500-square-foot Hagadone Suite with its own in-room waterfall tub and a private glass-bottom pool.
9. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Jonesing for an extreme makeover? Sign up for Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa’s recently launched Wellness Collective Retreat—a choose-your-own adventure experience with more than 95 fitness classes, spa treatments, and one-on-one consultations. But leave time to lounge with a cocktail at the glamorous adults-only pool and outdoor bar. Even better, reserve a private poolside cabana and get VIP wait service and complimentary champagne. You’ve got to have balance, after all.
10. Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Union, WA
With the Olympic Mountains in the distance and the shore of Hood Canal lapping just outside the window, Alderbrook Resort & Spa is luxury for the nature lover. Fly in via seaplane and try to spot eagles, ospreys, salmon, and seals as you pull up to the resort’s designated dock. The real action is inside, however. Spring for a Diamond Radiance facial with caviar, then refuel with locally harvested seafood from Puget Sound, like Dungeness crab cakes with red jalapeno sabayon.
11. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma, CA
Thermal waters are the draw at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, where the resort is strategically positioned to take advantage of the natural springs. They are funneled into the massive 40,000-square-foot spa, which lures in the stressed for a bathing ritual, including a rain tunnel and salt dry sauna. Don’t forget you’re in the heart of California wine country, though— be sure to hit up the complimentary wine tasting for guests each evening.
12. Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, MX
Located on the southernmost tip of the Baja peninsula, Esperanza is the sole private beach resort in the Los Cabos region. At times, however, it’s so quiet, all tucked away in its own cove, that you feel as if you’re marooned on a desert island—a luxe one at that. Go for a dip in one of the tiered infinity pools, or indulge in the spa’s Head to Toe treatment (with scalp massage). As dusk settles on the resort’s Cocina del Mar restaurant, dinner on the wave-washed promontory will lull you into one thought: Relax … and stay awhile.
