There’s nothing better during wintertime than a well-deserved trip to the spa. In our opinion, that’s always a great idea. Luckily, you don’t have to travel way too far from home to indulge in some old-fashioned pampering effectively.
Moreover, America has some of the most impressive wellness resorts, many of them being within a ways driving distance from all the big cities. I don’t know about you, but that for me sounds like the ideal weekend escape.
Whether you are traveling by yourself, with a partner, or with some friends, these spa weekend getaways come with a little bit of something for everyone, going way beyond the basics of hot stone massages and facials.
As far as we can tell from these places and their offers, you should expect a wide array of unique offerings like Ayverdic-inspired rituals, state-of-the-art hydrotherapy, energy healing, as well as body treatments using locally sourced ingredients. From adults-only all-inclusive resorts all the way to award-winning boutique hotels, check out our top picks for the year ahead!
Canyon Ranch Lenox
According to Tiffany Kulkarni, travel advisor at Fora, Canyon Ranch Lenox is meant to be this tranquil oasis for those who are seeking R&R. This title has been assigned due to its “comprehensive approach to wellness, which included everything from fitness classes to nutrition consultations.”
Well, this all-inclusive wellness resort won the World’s Best in 2023 and can be found in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts, where all the natural beauty abounds. Expect sun-drenched rooms numerous suites and glass-enclosed walking paths that help bring the outdoors in.
Some of the property’s highlights also include an on-site health and performance center, as well as a 100,000-square-foot spa and fitness complex, and 3 restaurants with a demo kitchen.
Miraval Arizona
“My stay at Miraval Arizona was definitely the most relaxed I have ever felt” as Fora travel advisor Nadia Bass explained. She went on by saying that the staff at Miraval Arizona act exemplary, as all of the guest services staff are always friendly and helpful, and the practitioners are experts in their field.
This particular all-inclusive resort is unfortunately adults-only, but its offer comes with a plethora of amazing activities and a desert-inspired spa with facilities, such as a serenity pool, hot tub, saunas, steam room, and relaxation lounge.
They are free to all guests. With that being said, it’s definitely worth splurging on one of the regionally inspired treatments like the prickly pear sugar scrub. On top of everything, all the meals, snacks, coffee, smoothies, and non-alcoholic beverages are included.
Amangiri
Amangiri translates to “peaceful mountain” in Sanskrit, and it’s best described by Elizabeth Kaczka as a “modern desert marvel, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape.” Well, this 2023 World’s Best Award-winning resort definitely managed to attract a wide range of seclusion-seeking A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Brad Pitt.
Accommodations oftentimes take the form of spectacular suites and pavilions, complete with white stone floors and concrete walls, as well as Instagram-worthy desert views, fireplace-equipped outdoor lounges, and in many cases, private pools and roof terraces.
Red Mountain Resort
Spa lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and relaxation seekers alike shouldn’t look any further than Red Mountain Resort. This is a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat very close to Zion National Park that packs a wide range of adventures like hiking, biking, rappelling, and canyoneering, along with a series of less strenuous activities such as yoga and meditation.
At the same time, the travel advisor said that those who are craving something a bit more low-key can simply sit by the pool or just go to the spa while also enjoying the mountain scenery. Make sure you don’t miss the signature treatments, such as the Red Mountain Revitalizer, which is a widely-sought full-body treatment with prickly pear sugar scrub, full-body massage, and warm Vichy shower.
Mii Amo
As far as we can tell, Mii Amo is the perfect destination to escape, rejuvenate, and become one with a tranquil natural environment. The acclaimed spa hotel is a recipient on the 2023 IT lists and is found in Sedona, which is best known for its energy vortexes that oftentimes attracted soul-searching travelers for decades.
The newly renovated resort works with many guests to create these unique experiences (also known as “journeys”). They are all-inclusive itineraries featuring complimentary consultations, lectures, fitness classes, and specialty programming, as well as a daily spa and Trail House credit, which can host outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
The Lodge of Woodloch
This adults-only all-inclusive wellness resort in the Pocono Mountains welcomed a 2023 World’s Best Award in the “Domestic Destination Spas” category, and we can clearly see why. The sprawling 40,000-square-foot spa is free for all resort guests, even if they didn’t book a treatment beforehand. Some of their best highlights also include two relaxation rooms (one of them is silent), plenty of pools (with an infinity-edge one overlooking the mountains), as well as a snow room and a Himalayan salt sauna.
The property itself is placed on 500+ wooded acres. After a full day of activities, you are welcome to sit down for a gourmet meal before retreating to one of the 59 rooms and suites, which serve as tranquil sanctuaries with contemporary decor and private balconies.
Castle Hot Springs
According to Fora travel advisor Karen Hart, this luxury all-inclusive resort is ideal for “those who are seeking spa treatments, activity, nature, and a mountainous setting with farm-to-table dining.”
Moreover, this 2023 World’s Best Award recipient is mainly known for its eponymous mineral-rich hot springs, which guests can easily soak in. The travel pro noted that each and every bungalow-style accommodation is outfitted with outdoor decks, fireplaces, and bespoke stone tubs, which effectively complete this beautiful sense of seclusion.
Inns of Aurora
The Inns of Aurora received the titles of the best New York State resort in 2022 and 2023. The Finger Lakes property is quite unique in the sense that it is comprised of five individual boutique properties that together make a charming village-style feel.
The resort also has one of the best spas perched on a hill, which packs stunning views of the closest Cayuga Lake. If you’re eager to try the place, it’s worth noting that you should expect a range of Ayurvedic- as well as holistic-inspired services, such as reiki, dry bushing, and hammam rituals, along with many other signature massages and body treatments.
Sundara Inn & Spa
Sundara Inn & Spa in the Wisconsin Dells was only recently named the World’s Best Award winner, which also ranked it among the readers’ favorite Midwest resorts. So go ahead and take a pic of dozens of spa services, along with all your seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice latte-themed manicures and body polishes, as well as the Winter Warm Up (which includes a tempting array of bath and body treatments filled with notes of Madagascar vanilla and freshly distilled small-batch bourbon).
Post-spa, go ahead and book one of those wellness activities with journaling, breathwork, yoga, and sound healing. Otherwise, you can always enjoy one of those fun sessions of soaking in one of their pools or simply unwinding in one of the relaxation lounges and taking advantage of their five-step hydrotherapy circuit.
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