Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 1: North America
Part 1: 30 Hot Spas in North America
By Kate Phillips | September 21, 2012Welcome to Part 1 of 8 in our very special Around the World in 80 Spas series. From the world’s first destination spas to hip city havens to high-end resorts, read on for our list of 30 Hot Spas in North America.
We know these are only a few of the thousands of spas heating up the scene — so share your faves in the comments!
Presented by Mii amo, pictured. Read more about the destination spa here.
Mii amo, a destination spa – Sedona, Arizona
Ya Ha See is Hopi for “you are welcome here!” and that’s exactly the vibe imbued at the red-rock haven that is Mii amo, inspired by ancient history and traditions of Native American people. Three-, four- or seven-night all-inclusive spa journeys include lodging, three daily meals and two daily spa treatments against the red-rock Sedona backdrop; its kiva-like crystal grotto is also worth a visit.
Learn more about Mii amo on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Arizona spas.
Image courtesy of Mii amo
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa – Vista, California
In 1985, Cal-a-Vie came into the spa world. Twenty-seven years later, it’s one of North America’s #1 destination spas, renowned for its award-winning fitness/wellness program (select from the three- or four-night La Petite week or weeklong escapes) and French/Mediterranean feel.
Learn more about Cal-a-Vie Health Spa on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of California spas.
Image courtesy of Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Canyon Ranch, Arizona Resort – Tucson, Arizona
It’s nearly impossible to choose among the multiple U.S. Canyon Ranch locations, but the first born of the bunch, the brainchild of Mel and Enid Zuckerman, has been inspiring guests to lead a healthier lifestyle—making it easier with practical tools and its team of physicians, health practitioners, nutritionists, exercise physiologists and more—since 1979.
Learn more about Canyon Ranch on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Arizona spas.
Image courtesy of Canyon Ranch
Encore at Wynn Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but the Forbes Five Star-awarded Spa at Encore is too spectacular not to share. Just its design — including natural decor, water features and limestone accents — sets it apart, but its treatment menu (with staples like the Good Luck Ritual, based upon the five Chinese elements) creates an exclusive feel.
See our complete list of Las Vegas spas.
Photos by Russell MacMasters
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
We think you’ll agree: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with hints of the coastline immersed in the design and treatments that use native elements (rainforest muds!), the spa at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica simply dazzles.
Learn more about Four Seasons Costa Rica on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Costa Rica spas.
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Golden Door Spa – San Marcos, California
Its impeccable service and inspired wellness program has long made the legendary Golden Door, tucked away in the valley of northern San Diego, shine as one of the top spas in North America and the quintessential destination for self-discovery and personalized renewal.
Learn more about Golden Door Spa on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of California spas.
Image courtesy of Golden Door Spa
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit – Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
If marrying a spa was an option, we’d say “I do” to the Five-Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which vows serene spa-ing and activity-filled adventure along 40 miles of gold-sand beach in Banderas Bay.
Learn more about Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Mexico spas.
Image courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Kapalua Spa – Lahaina, Hawaii
Kapalua means “arms embracing the sea,” and the spa certainly makes a splash with 10 outdoor tropical hales (in addition to its 20 traditional treatment rooms), an infinity-edge sea pool and whirlpool, café and treatments inspired by the aina (land) and kai (ocean).
Learn more about Kapalua Spa on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Hawaii spas.
Image courtesy of Kapalua Spa
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort – Cabos San Lucas, Mexico
Las Ventanas al Paraíso means “window to paradise,” and its redesigned indoor/outdoor spa, which includes a lobby shaded under a large palapa, a tranquil solarium and treatment cabanas with private terraces, outdoor showers and gardens, is certainly that…need we say more?
Learn more about Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Mexico spas.
Image courtesy of Las Ventanas al Paraiso
Lodge at Woodloch – Hawley, Pennsylvania
Organic gourmet cuisine, 150 wooded acres and a 15-acre lake (containing its own natural cranberry bog!), outdoor sports to immerse in nature and an expansive spa with an Aqua Garden and customized programming…we would move here if we could.
Learn more about Lodge at Woodloch at SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Pennsylvania spas.
Image courtesy of Lodge at Woodloch
Mandarin Oriental, Boston – Boston, Massachusetts
Start packing—with its signature holistic menu inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, crystal steam rooms, vitality pools and other luxe amenities, the Five Star Forbes-awarded Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston, is not to be missed.
Learn more about Mandarin Oriental, Boston, on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Boston spas.
Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Miraval Resort & Spa – Tucson, Arizona
We’ve always been big fans of this award-winning destination retreat for its integrative wellness programming—but its new Life in Balance Spa (with treatments like Spirit Flight, Naga Thai and Utopia) and Miraval Journeys initiative amplifies our adoration.
Learn more about Miraval Resort & Spa on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Arizona spas.
Image courtesy of Miraval Resort & Spa
One&Only Palmilla – Los Cabos, Mexico
Kudos to One&Only Palmilla for its Secret Garden-esque design, oceanside palapas for yoga and meditation, treatment villas that include air-conditioned massage pavilions and open-air gardens, ESPA-trained spa therapists, Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez and dedicated family and kids wellness programming.
See our complete list of Mexico spas.
Image courtesy of One&Only Palmilla
Allegria Spa at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek – Avon, Colorado
An Aqua Sanitas water sanctuary (where you can indulge in a seven-step, self-guided water ritual), a co-ed Thermae mineral pool with stone waterfall and a tepidarium relaxation room are just some of the amenities to be discovered at the two-story Allegria Spa.
Learn more about Park Hyatt Beaver Creek on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Colorado spas.
Image courtesy of Allegria Spa at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa – Miami, Florida
Take it from us: This health-institute-meets-high-end resort, cocooned by 650 acres of tropical gardens, championship golf courses, swimming pools and meditative labyrinths, is a top hotspot for health, weight loss and relaxation—and Pritikin backs it up with 110-plus studies in leading medical journals documenting its program’s results.
Learn more about Pritikin at SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Florida spas.
Image courtesy of Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa
Rancho La Puerta – Tecate, Mexico
Rancho La Puerta holds the title of being the world’s first destination spa; founded by Deborah Szekely, this spa, just 45 miles southeast of San Diego, continues to entice with mind/body/spirit-balanced activities, hiking, organic farm and perfect climate, just as it has since its 1940 inauguration. Its new Saturdays at the Ranch program offers San Diego-area residents a one-day spa experience.
Learn more about Rancho La Puerta on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Mexico spas.
Image courtesy of Rancho La Puerta
Rosewood Crescent Hotel – Dallas, Texas
If searching for a hotel spa in Dallas, try the Rosewood Crescent Hotel. With a location in the city’s uptown arts district, on-site high-end shops and galleries, a Nobu restaurant and an award-winning spa with 75-plus unique treatments to select from, we swear, you won’t regret it.
Learn more about Rosewood Crescent Hotel on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Texas spas.
Image courtesy of Rosewood Crescent Hotel
Sanoviv Medical Institute – Playas de Rosarito, Mexico
Center yourself at Sanoviv, where all-encompassing medical programming meets a beachfront setting. Sanoviv, or “healthy living” in Spanish, completes its wellness concept with a team of medical doctors; each guest sees his or her MD daily.
Learn more about Sanoviv Medical Institute on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Mexico spas.
Image courtesy of Sanoviv Medical Institute
Solage Calistoga – Calistoga, California
What’s hot? Spa Solage and its bathhouse certainly is! Comprised of geothermal pools, soaking tubs and a mud bar, get dirty with the signature Mudslide treatment, a three-part circuit that begins with a customized mineral-enriched mud application. Then rest in the mud lounge, follow with a soak in one of the geothermal springs waters and conclude with a rest in one of the sound chairs. Indulge by yourself, with your significant other or as a group.
See our complete list of California spas.
Image courtesy of Solage Calistoga
Spa Eastman – Quebec, Canada
The award-winning Spa Eastman, said to be Canada’s first destination spa, has always been noted for having a certain je ne sais quoi, with its picturesque Mount Orford landscape, excellent environmental practices and invitation to “take the waters” the European way.
Learn more about Spa Eastman on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Canada spas.
Image courtesy of Spa Eastman
Stein Eriksen Lodge – Park City, Utah
We find Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond Stein Eriksen Lodge, located mid-mountain, 8,200 feet in elevation, to be at the top of its game. Imbued in rustic luxury and Norwegian sophistication, the Lodge’s three-story European spa is a cozy amalgam of alpine-inspired treatments, romantic fireplaces in relaxation rooms and sage, cedar and pine accents.
Read about our Stein Eriksen Lodge visit.
Learn more about Stein Eriksen Lodge on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Utah spas.
Image courtesy of Stein Eriksen
Sundara Inn & Spa – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Sundara stems from the Sanskrit word for “beautiful,” and the boutique-style inn is just that. Organic-style architecture, crafted with terraced slopes and winding roads, connects with the region’s natural beauty (including tall pines and majestic sandstone bluffs overlooking the Wisconsin River), as will you at the on-site spa, where a new Tranquility Garden has been designed as a meditative and reflective space.
Learn more about Sundara Inn & Spa on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Wisconsin spas.
Image courtesy of Sundara Inn & Spa
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort – Alajuela, Costa Rica
Love, love, love…the Grand Spa, part of the Leading Spas of the World collection, has open-air treatment bungalows (with Jacuzzis) surrounded by tropical gardens, and a setting within the resort’s thermal area, amidst cascading waterfalls and mineral-rich pools warmed in the veins of the Arenal Volcano to 102° F. Don’t be surprised if you hear the occasional rumble of a small eruption or the chattering of howler monkeys in the distance.
Learn more about Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Costa Rica spas.
Image courtesy of Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
The Kahala Hotel & Resort – Honolulu, Hawaii
Named one of the Top 20 Resort Spas—Hawaii 2012 by Condé Nast Traveler readers, Kahala Spa has 10 treatment rooms, each appointed with its own relaxation area, glass-enclosed shower and deep soaking tub. Treatments begin with the Ho’omaka cleansing foot massage; the Lovely Hula Hands four-handed massage sounds simply divine. Aloha!
See our complete list of Hawaii spas.
Image courtesy of The Kahala Hotel
The Meritage Resort and Spa – Napa, California
Built entirely underground in the resort’s 22,000-square-foot Estate Wine Cave, Spa Terra toasts its Napa location with locally inspired treatments and a Trinitas Tasting Room, where you can sip wine following a spa service. If that’s not appealing enough, spa interiors boasts steam grottos, soaking pools and water walls.
Learn more about The Meritage Resort and Spa on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of California spas.
Image courtesy of The Meritage Resort and Spa
The Peninsula New York – New York, New York
Start spreading the news: We love Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond-awarded Peninsula New York for its glamorous sophistication (its Gotham Lounge continues to host a legendary tea service), history (set within a 1905 landmark building), location (Fifth Avenue, midtown) and, of course, the spa. Earthy, modern interiors mingle with bespoke holistic European and Ayurvedic treatments, Naturally Peninsula cuisine, private fitness memberships and a glass-enclosed pool with Central Park views.
Learn more about The Peninsula New York on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of New York spas.
Image courtesy of The Peninsula New York
The Standard Spa Miami Beach – Miami Beach, Florida
A minimalist design meets communal vibe at this indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy playground on Belle Isle in Biscayne Bay, blocks from South Beach’s glitziness. A one-acre spa garden blossoms with do-it-yourself hydrotherapy-based scrubs, plunges, mud baths, a 103° F Roman waterfall hot tub, a 50° F arctic plunge and a 12-foot waterfall —along with one of the largest hammams in North America.
Learn more about The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Miami spas.
Image courtesy of The Standard Spa Miami Beach
Topnotch Resort and Spa – Stowe, Vermont
Cozy spa lounges with fireplaces, 30 treatment rooms, and more than 120 spa services, including teen-tailored treatments, make the expansive Topnotch Spa well, top notch.
Learn more about Topnotch Resort and Spa on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Vermont spas.
Image courtesy of Topnotch Resort and Spa
-
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
The sleekly designed Spa at Trump® features Kate Somerville facials (currently the only spa in the Midwest to offer these), signature Gemstone treatments (utilizing gem-infused oils rich in diamonds, emeralds, rubies or sapphires) and 53 spa guest rooms that link to the spa by way of dramatic staircase; reserve one of them and enjoy use of a personal nutritionist and in-room healthy dining menu…it’s safe to say we’d like to book our visit now!
Learn more about Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Chicago spas.
Image courtesy of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Ancient Cedars Spa at the Wickaninnish Inn – British Columbia, Canada
To say the wild Vancouver Island surroundings of Wickaninnish Inn are spectacular is an understatement: Minutes from the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Clayoquot Sound, the Inn on Canada’s west coast sits nestled amidst a majestic forest on one side and the Pacific waters on the remaining; Ancient Cedars Spa’s couple’s treatment room is even housed on a deck directly over the water.
Learn more about Wickaninnish Inn on SpaFinder.com.
See our complete list of Canada spas.
Image courtesy of Wickaninnish Inn
-
You Might Also Like:
● Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 2: Europe
● Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 3: South Africa
● Top 10 All-American Road Trip Destinations
● Time to Get Naked: Nude Resorts & Spas
● Branching Out: 5 Tree House Hotels, Resorts & Spas
● World’s Most Interesting Pools
A special thanks to Mii amo. Read more about the spa here.
