The 10 Best Spas in the US That Are Actually Worth It

Not every spa is worth the splurge. But these ten? They’re different. Based on expert reviews, guest feedback, and unique offerings, these are the ten best spa getaways in the US, ranked from great to extraordinary. Whether you want desert stillness or lakeside serenity, there’s one here that’s worth your PTO.

Signs You’re Overdue for a Wellness Retreat

If you’ve been feeling off lately, your body and mind might already be telling you it’s time to pause. Here are five clear signs it’s time to step away and reset:

• You wake up tired every day
  Even with enough sleep, you still feel drained. Stress affects sleep quality. A retreat helps reset your routine and calm your nervous system.
  

• You feel disconnected from yourself and others
  Burnout can leave you feeling emotionally flat. Wellness retreats create space to reconnect with yourself and like minded people.
  

• You’re always on edge
  If little things irritate you, your cortisol levels are probably too high. Meditation, yoga, and breathwork at a retreat help lower stress and restore balance.
  

• Your body is stiff and sore
  Chronic tension is a physical sign of stress. Many retreats offer massage therapy, hydrotherapy, and restorative movement to ease pain and restore mobility.
  

• You can’t focus
  Constant distractions and mental fog are red flags. Retreats emphasize mindfulness practices that improve clarity and help you stay present long after you leave.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s not just stress, it’s a signal. A wellness retreat isn’t a luxury. It’s what your mind and body might need to get back to center.

Download your free guide to mastering taxes in retirement today!

10. Lake Austin Spa Resort – Texas Hill Country

A lakeside escape designed for total relaxation. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort delivers more than 100 spa treatments, three pools, lakeside yoga, and culinary classes. Rooms feature vitamin C-infused showers and soaking tubs. It’s calm, restorative, and easy to get lost in for a long weekend.

Insider’s tip: Ask for a room with a view of Lake Austin. They come with soaking tubs and vitamin C-infused showerheads for an extra touch of comfort.

Best for: Nature lovers who want pampering with a side of kayaking.

9. Red Mountain Resort – Utah

Sitting near Zion National Park, this resort blends wellness with adventure. From morning hikes to canyon rappelling to Vichy shower massages, it’s equal parts grit and grounding. The spa uses local botanicals like prickly pear, while daily activities range from yoga to sound healing.

Insider’s tip: Book a treatment that uses native botanicals. They’re local, sustainable, and deeply connected to the terrain, a key part of the experience here.

Best for: Those who want physical challenge with restorative calm.

8. The Ranch Malibu – California

A full body reboot. This is a structured wellness retreat with vegan cuisine, guided hikes, strength training, and daily massages. It’s not a spa vacation, it’s a lifestyle detox in disguise. You’ll leave lighter, stronger, and maybe a little obsessed with infrared saunas.

Insider’s tip: Don’t skip the infrared sauna and cold plunge after your massage. It’s part of the rhythm here and helps with muscle recovery.

Best for: High achievers who need a reset but can’t sit still.

7. Canyon Ranch Lenox – Massachusetts

Classic and comprehensive. Set in the Berkshires, this all-inclusive spa hotel offers 35+ daily wellness activities, spa treatments, fitness classes, cooking demos, and private health consultations. It feels like a medical retreat for people who hate clinics.

Insider’s tip: Explore the glass enclosed walkways connecting the buildings. They let you take in the forested views without breaking your stride, even in winter.

Best for: Wellness with structure and expert guidance.

Download your free guide to mastering taxes in retirement today!

6. Mii amo – Sedona, Arizona

Reopened after a major renovation, this legendary spa taps into Sedona’s spiritual energy. Guests design their own “journey” with a daily spa credit to use on services like ancestral stone massages or intuitive readings. Red rock views and vortexes included.

Insider’s tip: Use your daily credits on the ancestral stone massage, it combines the area’s energy with deep therapeutic work.

Best for: Mind-body-spirit travelers looking to reconnect on every level.

5. Cal-a-Vie – Southern California

A French inspired hideaway near San Diego. The vibe is luxury summer camp, think pickleball, orange groves, saltwater pools, and afternoon spa rewards after a morning workout. They even imported buildings from France. This place does indulgence without apology.

Insider’s tip: The buildings were actually imported from France and rebuilt on site. Walk the grounds in the early morning, it feels like Provence with better weather.

Best for: Luxury seekers who love structure and high-end surroundings.

4. Sensei Lanai – Hawaii

Owned by Oracle’s Larry Ellison, this Four Seasons resort is more like a private wellness campus. You get your own spa hale (mini bathhouse), curated experiences, and programming that combines tech, nature, and luxury. Dining is by Nobu. Every detail is intentional.

Insider’s tip: Don’t rush. The island has no traffic lights and no stress. Book your spa hale in the morning when the air is still and the sun filters through the palms.

Best for: High performers who want deep rest without boredom.

3. Shou Sugi Ban House – Hamptons, New York

Minimalist and meticulous, this Hamptons retreat merges Japanese healing arts with seasonal cuisine. It’s small, intimate, and deeply calming. Expect tea ceremonies, forest bathing, stretch classes, and a culinary program by a Noma founder.

Insider’s tip: Visit the Tea Barn after your treatment. It’s quiet, warm, and curated for reflection, perfect for extending that post massage calm.

Best for: East Coast minimalists craving quiet and quality.

2. Amangiri – Utah

A remote desert escape where even A-listers go to hide. Rooms are built into the landscape, and the spa includes a water pavilion and flotation chamber. Activities range from private hikes to fire pit dinners. There’s also Camp Sarika for next-level seclusion in luxury tents.

Insider’s tip: Splurge on the Camp Sarika upgrade. You’ll get even more privacy and a view of the desert stars from your private soaking tub.

Best for: Off-the-grid luxury that feels cinematic.

1. Miraval Arizona – Tucson, Arizona

The gold standard in wellness retreats. Miraval blends desert calm with five-star everything. Expect all-inclusive packages, award-winning food, a massive spa with locally sourced treatments like honey facials, and daily sessions in yoga, fitness, and mindfulness.

Insider’s tip: Don’t miss the journaling and breathwork sessions. They’re often overlooked but provide a powerful mental reset that stays with you.

Best for: Anyone serious about transformation, physical, mental, or emotional.

Download your free guide to mastering taxes in retirement today!

Bottom Line

You can’t always check out from your life, but these spas make it easy to pause and reset. Whether you're seeking solitude in the desert, structure in the hills, or energy alignment in the canyon, the top 10 spas in the US prove one thing: peace can be planned.

References

Ellman, L. D. (2025, May 4). 16 Best Spa Weekend Getaways in the U.S.—All-inclusive Resorts and T+L Reader Favorites Included. Travel + Leisure. Retrieved from https://www.travelandleisure.com

Vogue Editors. (2025). Vogue’s Global Spa Guide. Vogue. Retrieved from https://www.vogue.com

Wellbeing Magazine. (2025, February 28). 5 signs you’re overdue for a soul healing wellness retreat. Retrieved from https://wellbeingmagazine.com/5-signs-youre-overdue-for-a-soul-healing-wellness-retreat/