Leave the stress of the upcoming holidays behind and immerse yourself in a haven of relaxation with a well-deserved spa getaway. Just be sure to book your treatments in advance, as you might not be the only weary holiday prepper. (The last thing you want is to arrive at a spa destination on your private jet to find that the only spots available are at the crack of dawn.) After your brief escape, you’ll return to your family and friends in great spirits and ready to tackle anything in your way of holiday cheer.
Quick Spa Escapes before the Holiday Arrives
Chuan Spa | Pasadena, California
Located within the historic century-old Langham Huntington hotel, Chuan Spa whisks you into an Asian-inspired sanctuary that balances your body and soul. Your experience begins in the Contemplation Lounge before you make your way through the Moon Gate to indulge in signature holistic treatments. Try the Harmony full body oil massage, followed by a firming caviar-and-pearl facial.
L.Raphael Beauty Spa | New York, New York
A ten-room retreat within the Four Seasons, the L.Raphael Beauty Spa is the Swiss skincare brand’s first treatment center in the United States. The holistic proprietary treatments use the latest dermatological technologies. Melt away tension with the Oxy Scalp treatment, which uses pure oxygen to smooth follicles and promote hair growth. Then make your skin glow with a Dead Sea Detoxifying Body Polish, which gently releases toxins and promotes cell renewal.
Spa Village Bath| Bath, England
Located within the Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel, the award-winning Spa Village Bath gives you exclusive access to the city’s natural thermal waters in an opulent setting. The spa pairs its treatments with aromatherapy and a full range of amenities, including a robe, slippers, and bath and vanity products. While the facility has a full range of body therapies, massages, and facials, its aquatic body therapies set it apart. Try the Freedom therapy, in which a therapist gracefully stretches and moves your body as you float in 94°F thermal waters.
The Spa at the Omni Homestead Resort | Hot Springs, Virginia
Set among historic hot springs, The Spa at the Omni Homestead Resort is a wellness destination in which guests spend more time exploring the Aqua Thermal Suite than they do lying on a massage table. The suite features five different European-style healing environments with hot and cool therapies. Popular suites include the Herbal Cocoon, a cozy niche in which steam and herbal scents envelop your body, and the Chill, a cold cabin experience that surrounds you with cool vapor and ice flakes that you can rub onto your skin for an invigorating experience. If you’re traveling with family, the Spa also offers special treatments for teens ages 14 and older.
Life in Balance Spa | Tucson, Arizona
Part of the Miraval Resort in Arizona’s Sonoran desert, the Life in Balance Spa was a pioneer in the wellness world when it opened in 1996. Your experience begins with the sounds of trickling pools and therapeutic scents of lavender and sage as you walk to the 16,000-square –foot facility with private suites, relaxation areas, treatment rooms and other nooks that invite tranquility. For a unique experience, book the NÄGA treatment, a Thai massage in which a therapist suspends from silk strands and uses his or her feet to stretch and rub your muscles.