There’s never exactly a bad time for a luxury spa break, but right now I’d say that more of us than ever are in serious need of some pampering. However, with travel bans in place, you can’t exactly jet off to one of these super spa destinations. All is not lost, however, as there are plenty of fantastic luxury spa resorts right here in the USA. 

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Destination Spa vs. Spa Resort

I’ve already written a guide to the best wellness retreats in the USA so you might be sitting there thinking “but Bella, how’s this different?” 

There is, in fact, a big difference between destination spas and spa resorts. A destination spa is a dedicated spa retreat program with its own unique philosophy and expertise. You usually head to this kind of retreat for a week or so and follow a carefully structured program to boost your overall well being. It’s a spiritual and physical overhaul. 

At luxury spa resorts, there’s a bit more freedom. The spa doesn’t necessarily have to be the main focus of your experience. You won’t have to follow an exercise program or a strict diet. This kind of trip is more about relaxation and pampering than following a health regime. 

Both kinds of trips undoubtedly have their benefits, but this article will focus on spa resorts for those who just want to sit back and relax. So without further ado, let’s dive into the best luxury spa resorts the USA has to offer.

1. Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead

Southern hospitality meets five star luxury at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. The spa isn’t just popular with guests; it also has a strong local fanbase. From detoxifying baths to age-defying facials, there’s an array of treatments available in this spacious and elegant facility. Be sure to treat yourself to the signature treatment, the Peach Indulgence massage. The treatment incorporates locally made peach oil which smells amazing and leaves your skin baby soft. Trust me, it’s heavenly. 

As part of the Hilton group, the Hilton CleanStay program is in place at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. Click here to find out more.

2. The Ballantyne, Charlotte, North Carolina

Surrounded by beautiful gardens and lush green hills, the Ballantyne is a true escape from reality. It’s a relaxed, romantic resort where you can de-stress in style. There’s just something so serene and tranquil about this place; it’s perfect for a dreamy getaway. 

Cutting-edge HydraFacial treatments are available at the recently renovated spa. HydraFacial is a microdermabrasion device which vacuums the pores and replenishes the skin with intensive serums. This powerful treatment helps with acne, sun damage and wrinkles and, if you want to, you get to see all the gunk removed from your pores at the end. It’s immensely satisfying in a gross kind of way. All in all, this treatment has similar benefits to microneedling or chemical peels, but it’s very gentle and relaxing. 

And of course, whilst you’re at the Ballantyne it would be wrong not to treat yourself to a Carolina Lavender body wrap or scrub…

Finally, in terms of covid safety, The Ballantyne is a Marriott property and so the group’s Commitment to Clean program is in place, as well as physical distancing measures to ensure guests’ safety. 

3. The Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania 

This gorgeous rural escape in the Poconos is perfect for those who’ve always fancied retiring to the countryside. This spacious resort is cosy and welcoming, yet classy and refined and it’s hard not to feel relaxed inside the sumptuous rooms and suites. 

As well as massages and facials, you’ll find a wonderful range of specialty treatments at the spa, from reiki and reflexology to NASA-developed Healing Light Therapy. This treatment uses LED lights to penetrate the body and accelerate the healing process by stimulating tissue regeneration. Meanwhile, fans of hydrotherapy will love the float therapy chambers and the hydromassage water walls in the aqua garden.

If you’d like to create a personal spa plan, you’ll be able to book a consultation with one of the spa’s in-house experts. After your treatments, you can hang out in the silent room or the whisper lounge to enjoy some extra quiet time. 

Pennsylvania law currently requires anyone entering the state to provide evidence of a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours. The Lodge state that they’re committed to the Pocono Promise and American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Safe Stay program. In addition to this, guests have their temperature taken on arrival at the resort. 

4. Acqualina Resort & Spa, Florida 

If you’re seeking sunshine, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Florida. This palatial beachfront property offers guests sea, sun, sand and an uber-relaxing experience at the in-house ESPA spa. I’m obsessed with the sophisticated white-and-pale-grey color palette at the Acqualina Resort because it adds such an airy, elegant vibe. 

Cutting edge treatments such as anti-aging, cellulite-blasting Cryotherapy sessions, HydraFacial treatments and enzyme facials are on offer at the ESPA spa. However, if you prefer to keep it simple then I highly recommend you try the Orange Blossom treatment package. This treatment includes a salt scrub, two types of body massage and a scalp massage, all of which involve locally sourced Floridian ingredients. It’s blissfully relaxing and will make you feel brand new. 

For special occasions or just the ultimate pampering experience, you can book out the Royal Spa Suite. With a mother-of-pearl steamroom, gold-dusted mosaic tiles and designer furniture, this private treatment suite provides you with the ultimate luxury spa experience.

Acqualina Resort & Residences uses electrostatic disinfectant tools to keep guests clean and safe, and there are contactless temperature checks at all of the resort’s facilities. 

5. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Florida 

Miami is often associated with beach parties and VIP nightlife, but the gorgeous Carillon Miami Wellness Resort proves that there’s another side to the city. All suites are bright and modern with a fully stocked kitchen, so the Carillon truly is a home-from-home in Miami. I’d also say that the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort has the most extensive range of treatments of any property on this list. It really is one of the top luxury spa resorts in the USA. 

There are forty fitness classes per day so if you want to get in shape then this is definitely the right place to do it. The spa boasts a really impressive range of treatments, combining Eastern, Western, alternative and aesthetic medicines. 

Carillon is actually one of the first spas in the USA to offer Jeuveau which is a newer (and, many would say, better) version of Botox. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy a crystal quartz massage, a Kombucha facial or a Tibetan bowl ritual. Honestly, if I kept on listing all of the treatments on offer, we’d be here all day. If you’re not sure what to choose (and I don’t blame you) don’t worry, because upon check-in you’ll have a consultation with a wellness concierge who’ll help you figure out what’s right for you. 

There’s a flexible cancellation policy in place at Carillon in case you need to cancel your trip due to covid. At the property there are regular temperature checks and social distancing measures in place.

6. Hotel Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego, California 

This sprawling European-style estate makes every guest feel like royalty. It’s wonderfully extravagant with beautiful golf grounds and better yet, a Forbes Five Star Spa. Only 60 spas in the world boast this title, so you can be sure that this is one of the best luxury spa resorts in the USA. Unfortunately the indoor spa is closed right now due to covid-19 but there’s still a list of wonderful outdoor spa experiences to enjoy, including immune boosting and lymphatic drainage massages. 

7. The Phoenician, Scottsdale, Arizona 

As its namesake suggests, this property is all about rising from the ashes and starting anew. Set at the base of Camelback mountain in Arizona, it boasts beautiful scenery and unparalleled sunsets. 

In 2020, the spa was named a Forbes Five Star Spa. It’s a modern and tranquil facility with personalized facials, detoxifying mineral salt body scrubs and an innovative fire and ice massage on offer. The shea butter body wrap, meanwhile, is a great treatment for dry skin. If you’d like to get your nails done then I highly recommend the Desert Bliss manicure, which involves exfoliating desert salts and nourishing cactus flower body butter. 

For more on wellness, why not check out this list of the best detoxifying treatments or this guide to the best wellness retreats in California? As for domestic travel, check out the top US cities for a staycation.