If you’re traveling this summer, chances are you’ll need some relief from the heat wherever you go. Consider a destination chill-out at one of the top US spa resorts.
Luckily some of the hottest (as in, most popular) destinations also offer travelers respite from the summer heat. Here I’ve highlighted a handful of award-winning Five Star spas in Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles that offer cool vibes and special summer deals.
Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Its acclaimed 2019 Star Awards are awarded to the most outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities. This accolade is much revered and sought-after, with only a minority of properties achieving “Five-Star”, “Four-Star”, or “Recommended” status each year.
Viva Las Vegas
With the mercury often rising to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Las Vegas, three of the top US spa resorts there make it abundantly possible to chill out indoors.
The largest, The Spa & Salon at ARIA, has been dubbed “Sin City’s sleek spa escape” by Forbes, and features 80,000 square-feet of divine space designed to help you unwind, decompress and enter a state of utter serenity. While the wet areas of this luxurious spa are a highlight, this Vegas spa offers nature-inspired relaxation areas; an outdoor pool; a Shio salt-brick room; and the only Japanese Ganbanyoku beds in the US, heated stone slabs that increase body circulation and metabolic speed while soothing muscles and eliminating toxins. Treatments like the seaweed wrap and facials infused with diamonds and other precious gems, make for a perfect detox in this decadent city.
ESPA at Vdara, the cornerstone of this upscale, smoke-free, non-gaming boutique hotel, offers mindful luxury and holistic healing using organic products, employing LEED gold certified, eco-friendly practices. The adults-only facility features 11 treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam room, redwood sauna, indoor and outdoor plunge pools, and full-service beauty salon. Try one of ESPA’s specialty massages using all-natural Naturopathica products, or a traditional massage (such as Swedish, hot stone and deep tissue), a facial, or a sunless bronzing session.
The Asian-inspired theme at The Spa at Encore Las Vegas (a Wynn resort) makes this spa experience particularly zenful. The Good Luck Ritual, a signature treatment designed around Chinese elements to help manifest happiness and prosperity, seems fitting for this gaming resort location. There’s also a Polynesian-influenced Nalu body ritual for deep relaxation, or a Moroccan Rhassoul clay treatment to conjure dreams of travel to more exotic places. For a fully immersive day of restoration complete with plunge pools, jacuzzis and heated stone lounges, opt for a weekday booking for best availability and pricing.
Sunny South Florida
Oceanviews, palm trees and sexy sleek bodies prevail in sunny South Florida. If you’re visiting in July and August, take advantage of Miami Spa Months when these Five-Star spa resorts offer special pricing.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is a glamorous two-story destination in itself, and offers both holistic and advanced skin care by Biologique Recherche and Miriam Quevedo. Expert staff specializes in one-of-a-kind treatments inspired by the elements of life, and the ancient traditions of Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai cultures. For sweeping views of Biscayne Bay from floor-to-ceiling windows, reserve one of the VIP Spa Suites.
Reservations at Remède Spa Bal Harbour are in high demand, so book your appointment well in advance of your arrival in Miami. Ideally located on the grounds of the St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort, you’ll be amazed by the impressive wet and thermal spaces, and be awed by gorgeous ocean views from the relaxation lounge. Remède treatments can be customized according to your needs, and technicians employ a variety of techniques from aromatherapy, hot stone massage, deep tissue work and reflexology.
If your chakras need balancing, or you’re in search of more holistic foot and nail treatments, you’ll find your bliss at Acqualina Spa by ESPA. This oceanfront oasis in Miami features a crystal steam room juxtaposed by an ice fountain in the changing room, and a relaxation room with ambient lighting and bamboo privacy screens. Try anti-aging treatments like facial peels using natural ingredients made from fruit and organic marine products free from parabens, synthetic colors, fragrances and pure petrochemicals. Or explore the spa’s new Hydrafacial MD offerings to exfoliate or reduce sun damage and wrinkles using lymphatic drainage, Britenol, Dermabuilder or CTGF enhancements, and LED light therapy.
City of Angels
Life in the fast lanes of Los Angeles can be countered with some deep relaxation at any of three Forbes top US spa resorts.
A favorite amongst Hollywood’s rich and famous since 1946, the Hotel Bel-Air debuted its spa in 2011, making this luxurious hideaway even more compelling. Surrounded by 12 lush acres of gardens, the spa at this legendary hotel features seven treatment rooms, plus a steam room, private nail salon, relaxation lounge and an adjacent 24-hour fitness studio. Enjoy the red carpet treatment with the Vitality of the Stars, a Hotel Bel-Air Spa exclusive that uses LED and microcurrent technology to renew and restore your complexion to a youthful glow. If you’re traveling with your partner, book the ultimate couples experience in the private “Enclave” suite with its own outdoor patio, soaking tub and waterfall.
The La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is a 5,000-square foot facility that boasts an iconic location (corner of Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards) and exclusive rights to offer La Prairie treatments in Los Angeles. In addition to using the premium Swiss care line’s famous eternal-youth formulas, unique treatments incorporate opulent ingredients like caviar, diamonds and gold. With proximity to Rodeo Drive luxury shopping, the spa makes an indulgent day in Beverly Hills complete.
A lot of spas deal in luxury for the sake of luxury, but The Spa at Beverly Wilshire specializes in treatments most of us really need. In addition to a range of massages, facials and body treatments, the spa offers a special rub-down for stiletto-worshippers: a massage designed to soothe four-inch-heel-addicted feet and legs. There’s also the techie neck, a stretching massage that goes to work on the place where most of us hold our tension. And for the super stressed (who says shopping all day on Rodeo isn’t stressful?), there’s the mind unwind, a pressure-points-targeted scalp massage along with a neck and shoulder rub that aims to relieve the sinuses and help you focus. It will definitely buy you a few more hours of shopping.
It’s a wrap!
Whether or not you’ve booked a summer getaway, a visit to a top US spa resort will provide a cool retreat from the summer heat and help relieve your summer doldrums. You don’t have to visit these destinations to enjoy a full body wrap, hydrotherapy or massage, there are fabulous spas in almost every city (even your own)! If you’re still searching for the right spa resort for your healing vacation, contact me today!