Although Chicago has some great spas, there’s nothing like escaping the city in the winter and sinking into the deepest kind of relaxation. You won’t want to leave the property at these resorts, which combine extraordinary spas with extravagant accommodations, scrumptious food and impeccable service.
The extensive menu of indigenous Native American treatments is inspired by the healing traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Don’t miss the most luxurious of all: a Ho’ishp sacred prickly pear body treatment. First, your body is enveloped in a space-age steam capsule after you are loofahed and painted with prickly pear red clay. The red clay detoxifies the body while the steam allows nourishing prickly pear antioxidants to best penetrate the skin. Then, receive a full hour massage with prickly pear and aloe oil and gel to soothe and rehydrate. Finish it all with hot prickly pear tea and a sweet jelly candy to get the native cactus fruit’s benefits both inside and out. 5594 W. Wildhorse Pass Blvd., Chandler, Ariz., 602-385-5759
With a holistic approach to wellness here, you’ll invigorate your mind, body and spirit. Upon arrival, work with an exercise physiologist to create a personalized fitness regimen that might include mountain biking, yoga or tennis. The equine experience is a signature and not to be missed—not only will you learn equestrian ground skills, but you’ll also practice living life in the moment. Ayurvedic therapies at the spa and workshops like “Mirror of the Soul” and “Are You Sleeping?” will address many facets of health, not to mention the tasty and nutritious meals to nourish both body and soul. 5000 East Vía Estancia Miraval, Tucson, Ariz., 800-232-3969
Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay
Every spa treatment here starts with a Kala’au Pa’i welcome ritual—a grapefruit-coconut-sugar scrub for your feet, followed by reflexology with guava sticks. Two new treatments worth trying are the macadamia-sugar body polish and Pohaku Lomi massage. The latter combines traditional ancient Hawaiian healing lomi lomi techniques with hot stones and your choice of tropical essential oils. Unscented pure coconut oil does wonders for moisturizing dry skin. Add a coconut oil hair and scalp massage for luscious locks. 1 Manele Bay Rd, Lanai City, Hawaii, 808-565-2000
The 30,000-square-foot Spa Montage is undoubtedly a highlight at this new beach paradise, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, surf, learn hula and make leis. Relax outdoor by the pool with a refreshing and nutritious almond butter, banana and kale smoothie both before and after a Royal Renewal treatment. Two hours of full-body pampering begin with a bamboo and sea salt scrub to buff away dead skin, followed by invigorating ginger oil to leave skin glowing. Arms and legs will be as radiant as your face after a Kerstin Florian customized facial. 1 Bay Dr., Lahaina, Hawaii, 808-662-6600
Feel like a mermaid at this oceanside Destination Hotels retreat, minus the scaly skin, since yours will be buttery soft and luminous as the sea after the Ocean Prelude Treatment. Hear the crashing waves and listen to seagulls during a full body scrub, seaweed wrap, saltwater bath and massage. Afterward, waltz to dinner at Mar’sel looking your freshest and sip a glass of Champagne while watching the sunset. Then taste a degustation of California cuisine, including crispy squash blossom beignets, Spanish octopus terrine, Santa Barbara spot prawns with taro leaf and more. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., 310-265-2800
Evergreens brushed with snow will entice you on the drive up to this sleepy little town where you can truly relax, mind and body, at one of the best spas in the country. Spend the entire day immersed in the 24,000-square-foot spa, which includes an underground lair featuring a soothing relaxation pool and waterfall. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the whirlpool, cold plunge pool, saunas and steam rooms before or after a massage or facial. Therapeutic water treatments, like a bamboo contouring drizzle or Vichy shower, will firm and smooth your skin while soothing sore muscles. 419 Highland Dr., Kohler, Wisc., 920-457-8000
With only six spacious private treatment suites, this spa is a truly intimate sanctuary to melt away your worries. The newest facial here is the OxyGeneo, only available at two spas nationwide. This three-in-one super facial is gentler than microdermabrasion or chemical peels. Refreshing exfoliation with a brightening or anti-aging serum, followed by more serum infusion and oxygenation to increase skin metabolism leaves you with an immediate glow. You’ll be almost as pretty as the beautiful artwork you’ll find on nearby Canyon Road. 211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, N. Mex., 505-988-5531
The only Relais & Chateaux property in Southern California is one of the most romantic spa destinations around. Known for incredible tennis, fresh-squeezed orange juice at your casita each morning, great yoga and a stunning spa, this getaway is bound to delight. Try the signature Sixth Sense Ritual massage to increase circulation and relax your mind, muscles and joints. You’ll be indulged from head to toe with a bath soak, scalp massage, full body massage of choice and paraffin treatment for hands and feet. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., 858-756-1123
This Caribbean resort is friendly, languid and always sunny. Although the hotel has been around since 1962, the spa is a relatively new addition. With just five treatment rooms, the spa is a boutique gem on Antigua. If you’ve gotten too much sun—easy to do on the pristine beach—a soothing water lily wrap or luminous sea facial will help reverse the damage. After your treatment, relax in the open-air hot tub on the terrace while sipping a glass of Champagne and watching the sunset. Old Road, Antigua, West Indies, 888-289-9898
Just steps away from macarons, croissants and many more Parisian pastries, you would think it might be hard to detox here. However, this palace in the heart of Paris offers a peaceful, pure white spa retreat. Spa My Blend by Clarins has an exclusive line of customized facial treatments along with a private Pilates studio and a 23-meter infinity pool, Paris’ largest. Enjoy a healthy Michelin-starred breakfast buffet and spa lunch before or after a luxurious mud wrap. 37 Avenue Hoche, 8eme, Paris, France, +33 1 42 99 88 00
