Destination spas have become quite trendy in the United States since they offer comprehensive wellness programs in idyllic locations. Guests can enjoy luxurious amenities as they purify their minds and bodies in a relaxing spa resort setting.
PGA National Resort & Spa (Florida)
The PGA National Resort & Spa is a recently revamped, 100-million dollar facility that offers treatments like the "Sportsman Sampler," a specialized sports massage and recovery facial designed to reduce sun damage, along with unlimited fitness room access.
PGA National Resort & Spa has the distinguish of being an AAA Four Diamond Hotel, an honor only 5.3 percent of the 29,000 AAA-approved hotels receive. Aside from the five award-winning golf courses, this resort is home to Ironwood Steak & Seafood, a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence restaurant.
Spa Services
Specialty luxury treatments at this spa are based on global healing practices, with nine Waters of the World mineral pools that form the centerpiece for the resort's spa. They import salts from the Dead Sea in Israel, a place regarded for its healing effects, and the salts soothe discomforts from daily stressors. They also bring in salts from France's Salies de Béarn salt water pools in the Pyrenees, which help moderate fluid retention, body temperature changes, and mood swings.
Guests can try other luxurious treatments adapted from the most exotic destinations in the world, like:
- The Moor Mud Body, featuring mud from Lake Heviz in Hungary
- Lymphatic Drainage Detox from Coté d'Azur in France
- The Noni Body Treatment, inspired by the Polynesian Islands
Pricing
Prices at PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens vary based on the treatment or package selected. They range from $55 for Lavender Bliss manicures to full-day Ultimate Indulgence packages for $530.
Rooms at PGA National Resort & Spa vary based on the level of room chosen. Regular guest rooms typically start around $150 a night in the off season, while two-bedroom cottages run around $324.
Solage Calistoga (California)
Located in one of the most prestigious areas of Napa Valley's wine country, Solage Calistoga has been rated as one of the top luxury spa resorts in the United States. This resort has received numerous accolades, including the AAA Four Diamond Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Solage's restaurant, Solbar, has even received a Michelin Star.
Calistoga is blessed with award-winning wines, and the town is also home to natural hot springs. Many travelers come to Calistoga for the hot springs and mud-based spa treatments. Solage Calistoga elevates the traditional mud treatment to a signature luxury experience. Guests at the resort also enjoy access to wine tasting tours, hot air balloon rides, golf at nearby golf courses, and the ability to go kayaking down the Napa River.
Spa Services
The mud treatment Solage Calistoga is most known for is the "Mudslide." This three-part process begins with a mineral-enriched clay and volcanic mud body mask, with a choice of essential oils. Next, relax and re-hydrate in an over-sized soaking tub with geo-thermal mineral water. Lastly, recline in one of Solage's state-of-the-art sound and vibration chairs designed to transport people to a stress-free relaxing zone. Be sure to ask about other mud treatments and additions, like the Mudtini, which features infused tangerine, rosewood, and lavender.
Pricing
Solage Calistoga rates begin around $425 per night during the off season. For couples, Solage offers a "Mudslide for Two" package which costs just under $250.
Waldorf Astoria Spa at Boca Raton Resort & Club (Florida)
The Waldorf Astoria Spa at Boca Raton Resort & Club has the distinction of being named the #1 Spa in the World for 2014 in Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards. Five boutique hotels make up this resort, and they offer everything from water and marina views to peaceful golf course suites. The resort also offers several dining venues exclusive to guests and Premier Members.
Spa Services
When choosing spa services, don't miss the signature Waldorf Astoria Spa Ritual Bath. There are nine mineral baths, waterfall showers, whirlpool baths, and steam, sauna, and inhalation rooms.
Pricing
Rooms start around $200 a night. Spa rates and packages vary, but a standard Swedish massage starts at $150 for 50 minutes, and access to the Ritual Bath with no accompanying services is about $75.
The Cloister (Georgia)
Located in Georgia, The Cloister is part of an ocean-side resort that has been catering to the area's wealthy families for over 80 years. It is part of "Sea Island," which also includes The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, and the Cottages. The Cloister has received numerous awards, including five stars from Forbes Travel Guide for six years in a row. It's also listed as one of the Top 5 Resorts in the Continental United States by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
Aside from its three championship golf courses, five miles of private beaches, and water sports, Sea Island includes a shooting school and sporting club. It's also famous for its dining options, including a beach-side food truck!
Spa Services
The 65,000 square-foot spa offers a variety of luxury services, including some signature treatments like the Sea Creations Face and Body treatment. This treatment uses obsidian and coral stones and active anti-aging serums to facilitate penetration and help the skin achieve inner and outer radiance. The Cloister is also one of the few luxury spa resorts that has a nutritionist on site.
Pricing
The Cloister rooms begin around $365 per night, but they're reduced to $225 if you prepay your entire stay. Spa treatments vary, but a custom signature massage starts around $110 for 30 minutes, while an all-out pampering package like the Red Carpet Experience will run you about $875 per person.
St. Regis Aspen Resort (Colorado)
The St. Regis Aspen Resort is one of the top ski resorts in the country, and perhaps the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler readers. Travel + Leisure has also recognized Remède Spa as the #1 Spa in the World. The resort is a short walking distance to many of the area's attractions and ski slopes.
Spa Services
Spa guests have complimentary access to the oxygen lounge, steam caves, cold plunges, and hot tubs, as well as a newly-renovated fitness center and Confluence waterfall. Luxurious touches include champagne and chocolate.
Remède Spa also offers a fun take on spa treatments with its Farm-to-Massage-Table, a twist on the popular Farm-to-Table dining concept. Massage therapists use locally-sourced, natural ingredients that incorporate all the senses to create a multi-dimensional, five-course spa treatment.
Pricing
Rooms at the St. Regis Aspen Resort start around $340 per night. Remède Spa has an extensive menu of services, but a signature customized massage starts around $240 for 1.5 hours, while packages that include chocolates and Champagne can run about $480 for couples.
Four Seasons Hualālai (Hawaii)
Located on the North Kona Coast of Hawaii, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai at Historic Ka'ūpūlehu features a mix of black lava landscape, turquoise seas, and white-sand beaches. The open-air gym showcases stunning views of Mauna Kea, a 13,789-foot-high volcano. Enjoy luxury all around since it's a key element at Four Seasons Resorts.
Four Seasons Hualālai hosts several special events including Chef Fest and PGA Tour Champions. The resort even houses the Ka'ūpūlehu Cultural Center, which features interactive programs and displays that educate visitors on Hawaii's culture, history, traditions, and more.
Spa Services
Guests can try Hawaiian-style treatments at the spa, some of which are done in the spa's thatched roof houses. Local ingredients like crushed macadamia nuts, black lava salt, and hibiscus are used in various spa treatments.
Pricing
Rooms at Four Seasons Hualālai start around $650 per night. The spa offers a variety of spa menu treatments, starting with a standard aromatherapy massage at just under $200 for 50 minutes. Guests can also splurge and book the Hualālai Experience for $520.
Aspira Spa at The Osthoff Resort (Wisconsin)
Aspira Spa is located within The Osthoff Resort on Wisconsin's Elkhart Lake. Native Americans felt the waters in the area were sacred, and those beliefs are incorporated into many of the spa treatments. Even its name pays homage to Native American views since Aspira means 'infused with spirit.'
Look for a variety of annual events at The Osthoff Resort, including Jazz on the Vine Festival and holiday brunches and buffets such as the St. Nicholas Brunch. If your travel plans allow, don't miss the Old World Christmas Market, which features over 80 regional and international artisans and is reminiscent of the famed Christkindlesmarkt of Nüremberg.
Spa Services
The spa's design incorporates feng shui beliefs and includes elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Look for organic products used in a variety of globally-inspired spa treatments, including a body masque made using lavender and chamomile grown on the hotel property. Aspira has won numerous awards, including #16 in the Top 100 Spas of 2013 by Spas of America and #3 in the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Magazine Reader's Poll.
Pricing
Rates at the Osthoff Resort start at just over $200 for a room, and a one-bedroom suite starts around $230. The trademarked Aspira Journey spa treatment, which includes an element bath, reflexology, and a relaxation massage, costs about $265 per person
Horseshoe Bay Resort (Horseshoe Bay, Texas)
Located in the beautiful Hill Country, the Horseshoe Bay Resort is Texas' answer to the wine country spa escapes in California. This AAA Four Diamond Resort and has been featured in the media. Choose from three types of luxury accommodation offerings, including:
- The Hotel Tower, some of which features spectacular lake and hill views
- Paseo Vacation Apartments, most of which have private balconies or patios
- The Waters, the most luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Texas Hill Country
Allot some time for a round of golf or a game of tennis, or partake in lake activities like paddle boarding. There is an on-site marina where you can rent ski boats, wave runners, and even party boats that hold up to 80 people. You can also explore the Texas Hill Country Wine Region, named one of the Ten Best Wine Travel Destinations for 2014.
Spa Services
Try Texas treatments like the Four Handed Massage, a massage performed by two therapists, or the Bourbon on the Rocks, a bourbon-spiked, brown sugar molten scrub followed up by a soothing stone massage.
Pricing
Rates start around $250 a night for a standard room. Horseshoe Bay Resort Spa has a variety of treatments available, with a standard Bayside Signature Massage that runs about $125 for 50 minutes, as well as the Bourbon on the Rocks treatment for just under $200.
The Best in Luxury Spa Treatments
Escaping to a luxury spa resort is more than just a visit; it's a vacation from the stresses of everyday life. With a mixture of customized spa treatments, luxurious accommodations, and award-winning dining options, a trip to the spa has become a vacation destination, and it's one of the best ways to pamper yourself today.
