It's time for some self-care! I highlight 6 U.S. Destination Spa resorts which can provide amazing, transformational treatments.
California: Vera Via in Carlsbad
A few years ago I spent a day at the Vera Via Resort, located in the Hyatt Aviara. Vera Via’s program includes assessments of every kind, followed by a customized personal trainer, nutritionist, and various health coaches. You can customize your length of stay.
Arizona: Civana in Carefree, 15 miles northeast of Phoenix
The Civana Wellness Resort’s spa has 22 treatment rooms and an Aqua Vitality circuit. Their treatments include a range of therapeutic and rejuvenating massages which focus on healing through water, increasing circulation and promoting relaxation. They pride themselves on having the only KLAFS SANARIUM (a sauna which can be tropical, warm air, soft steam or herbal air), in the continental U.S.
Note: I really love Mii Amo in Sedona, Arizona as well! I’ll highlight this spa in the future, because they’re closed for a year of transformation and renovation in 2021.
Missouri: Big Cedar Lodge, about 10 miles south of Branson
Big Cedar's world-class spa is 18,000 square feet of hand-hewn timber ceilings, natural stone floors, and stained glass and antique chandeliers. They have 11 treatment rooms, each equipped with its own fireplace. An indoor grotto pool and ice room, saunas, hot spas, and steam rooms complete this incredible location.
Texas: Miraval Austin
The Miraval is a destination wellness retreat, with delicious and healthy meals, complimentary wellbeing activities, lectures, horseback riding, and fitness classes. But if you just want a one-day escape, they do offer one-day options. The single day includes access to the entire property: restaurant, two infinity pools, the spa, mindfulness fitness center, zip line, walking trails, and the Cypress Creek Farm. The Life in Balance Spa offers Ayurveda (an Indian medicine system), protecting and healing skin treatments, and a wide variety of massages.
Pennsylvania: The Lodge at Woodloch (between Philadelphia and New York City)
Their Aqua Garden includes heated hydromassage WaterWalls, soaking pools and an infinity whirlpool. They offer a la carte spa treatments and nail services, if you’re interested in more of a day spa type of experience. Their menu is extensive: a wide variety of massages, plus facials, reflexology, light or sound therapy, prenatal treatments, and body wraps.
Maine: The Cliff House in Cape Neddick, about 31 miles from Portland and 65 miles from Boston
Just what you would imagine Maine to be! This resort sits on a cliff overlooking the crashing ocean and beautiful coast. The Seaside Sanctuary Spa is aptly named; floor-to-ceiling windows offer full views of the coast from the relaxing waiting room. Their spa area is 9,000 square feet; they provide not only massages, but also skin care and body treatments as well as salt stone therapy.