12 Destination Spas to Visit in the US to Recharge and Relax

Part storybook setting, part English country home, The Mayflower Grace is a true New England hideaway. Though just a two-hour drive from Manhattan, the resort's 58 acres of woodland (and 3,0000-acre surrounding nature preserve) make it the ideal destination for those really looking to get away from it all (read: stress, traffic, responsibilities). While on property, there's no better place to find ultimate R&R than the Spa House, where guests can choose from the carefully curated spa menu, participate in a range of complimentary fitness activities, opt for a private training session, or embark on a guided outdoor adventure. In addition to a range of massages and facials, the spa's signature treatments include shared experiences — ideal for couples — and full-sensory hammam, Japanese, nature, and Nefer rituals.

When it comes to destination health spas, it's hard to compete with Cal-a-Vie's 200-acre northern San Diego County grounds, 5:1 staff-to-guest ratio, and 360-degree fitness, meal, golf, and treatment programs. Designed for those looking to kick-start their journey to improved health as well as to relaxation, Cal-a-Vie offers a variety of three-, four-, and seven-night packages catered toward specific interests and including combinations of spa experiences, nutritional cooking demonstrations, workout classes, and golf rounds; all stays include three meals a day from the property's renowned culinary team, accommodations in a Mediterranean-style villa or suite, and transfers to and from San Diego International Airport. The full-service spa offers an extensive menu of treatments that complement the health programs, including medical facials, acupuncture, toning wraps, reiki, massages, detox mud baths, and customized hydrotherapies.

At Mii Amo, the surrounding Sedona area is more than just a backdrop — it's an inspiration for the destination resort's treatments, activities, and experiences. Following this overall mission, the spa's three-, four-, or seven-night all-inclusive program includes access to outdoor activities, fitness classes, and spa services that reflect that ancient Native American roots of the area; guests are encouraged to participate in hikes across the local trails and use their allotted two spa services per day (yes, two per day) toward signature treatments such as the Spirit of the Canyon massage or facial. Stays also include three meals per day at the onsite Mii Amo Café, as well as access to the larger Enchantment Resort.

Though it's the only Relais & Chateaux property in Southern California, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa has managed to remain a hidden gem, keeping it quiet and ideal for those looking for a luxury experience without pretense. Guests visiting this resort are treated to oversize casita accommodations, farm-to-table cuisine at the property's two restaurants, and activities in the onsite fitness and Pilates studios and yoga pavilion. But no trip to Rancho Valencia would be complete without a visit to the spa, which focuses its treatments toward incorporating organic, local ingredients into treatments like the Citrus Appeal facial, Coconut Cucumber Soother body mask, and elemental wellness Vitality Ritual.

The Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a variety of fitness, cooking, and relaxation programs — all set against the stunning natural landscape of Texas Hill Country. Guests can hand-pick activities and classes — such as yoga on the deck overlooking the lake, candlelight meditation, paddleboarding, or indoor workouts — or opt for one of the weeks themed for a girlfriends' getaway, meditative and relaxing experience, or culinary adventure. Though overnight stays come with a treatment allowance, the fun isn't restricted to resort guests — the 25,000 square-foot spa, which features a menu of more than 100 treatments, also offers treatment packages (or à la carte experiences) for day guests.

One of few destination spa resorts with multiple locations, Canyon Ranch offers two US properties: a desert resort in Tucson and a mountain resort in Lenox. Though each has its own crowd and thematic activities, both properties (as well as their SpaClubs in Las Vegas and aboard cruise ships) offer the same unique approach to mind-body wellness that has earned Canyon Ranch an almost cult-like following. The perfect jump-start for anyone looking to (finally) keep that New Year's resolution to eat healthier and get in shape this year, Canyon Ranch is known for its setting guests up for health improvements that last far beyond their time on property; the weekly programs (many of which are themed) include fitness classes, lectures, healthy (and delicious) meals, and credits toward spa treatments such as the signature Canyon Stone Massage, restorative touch therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, and detoxifying rituals.

We won't mince words: for those in the Midwest, there's no better destination spa resort than Wisconsin Dells's Sundara Inn and Spa. Built on a foundation of eco-friendly practices and resort-wide serenity, guests should be prepared for locally sourced foods, electronics-free common areas, and oversize spa suites with views (for those who choose to stay the night). As the focal point of the resort, the spa offers a series of stress-relieving treatments; signature experiences include the bath treatments, energy massages, and bathhouse-style rituals.

Just 95 minutes from both NYC and Philadelphia, The Lodge at Woodloch is an accessible, all-inclusive, adults-only destination spa in the Poconos Mountains. The ideal spot for relaxing and reconnecting with nature, the property includes 400 acres of natural landscape, a private 15-acre lake, and onsite programming including fitness and wellness classes, outdoor activities, sustainable cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, personal development events, and, of course, a series of organic spa treatments. Guests can either opt for overnight stays — which include three meals a day and a variety of onsite experiences — or visit the spa for an à la carte signature facial, massage, or body treatment or half or full-day spa package.

As Colorado luxury dude ranch C Lazy U Ranch's onsite retreat, Lazy You Spa ideally balances the fulcrum between rustic charm and premium modern amenities. Most of the year, treatments are completed in six upscale tents overlooking Willow Creek — but when the temperature drops during Winter, the spa is relocated to the property's Ranch Cabin. Signature treatments include the Cowboy Copper Tub Soaks, Rancher Foot Rub & Soak, and Integrated Yoga Massage, which infuses a Swedish massage with Thai yoga compression and stretches; to get the ultimate Lazy You Spa experience, request a treatment in one of the two overwater tents with glass floors.

Built on a foundation of Japanese principles, Golden Door is more than just a spa — it's an experience in mind, body, and spirit aimed at offering a complete external and internal transformation. Golden Door offers five- and seven-day programs including guided hikes, yoga classes, personal training sessions, meditations, daily in-room massages and other personalized treatments, and cooking lessons, as well as access to the 600-acre property featuring Japanese gardens, 12 trails, seven gyms, two pools, and an onsite bathhouse. Guests can choose to attend a session during women's, men's, or coed weeks — guests can check the online calendar to find a Sunday check-in that works best for their needs.

Picture it: morning walks on the resort's private 2,000-foot beach. A zen stand-up paddleboard yoga class in the indoor pool; exercise classes led by top studios and trainers; dinner in the Hamptons' only four-season restaurant . . . Iconic beachfront resort Gurney's Montauk has it all — including the Seawater Spa, with globally inspired facilities including a Roman bath, Finnish rock sauna, Russian steam room, and Swiss shower. Signature treatments — such as the Active Green Argilite Mud Therapy and Head-to-Toe Ocean Radiance — combine body wraps, scrubs, and massages.

One of the best-known wellness resorts in the world, Miraval Resort & Spa bases its programming around one mission: helping guests achieve their signature motto, "Life in Balance." From more than 120 complimentary activities per week to three resort pools, 400 desert acres, and luxury accommodations set against the Santa Catalina Mountains, the resort offers the ideal setting for reinvigorating and rejuvenating; stays also include three meals for day, unlimited fresh juices and smoothies, and resort credits that can be put toward spa services, personalized consultations, equine activities, or ziplining. The transformation also extends into the spa — where, in addition to massages and facials, the Life in Balance Spa menu includes crystal energy healing, Thai massage, acupuncture, hammam rituals, a series of Ayurvedic treatments, and Sonoran mud wraps.