The 12 Best Airport Spas Around the World
Let’s face it: between ever-shrinking seats and disappearing inflight amenities, air travel can be a drag for many people. And crowds, delays and overpriced (and unhealthy) food options at airports only add to the stress.
Yet at the same time, people are increasingly taking trips specifically designed with wellness and relaxation in mind. In fact, the 2018 Global Wellness Economy Monitor recently confirmed that the wellness travel market is now worth $639 billion, and is continuing to grow at a rate of 6.5%. That's more than double the growth rate for tourism overall, which hovers around 3.2% — and may explain why Hyatt strategically acquired Exhale Spas and is now letting World of Hyatt members redeem points for fitness classes and spa treatments.
Airports seem to be paying attention to the numbers, too. Major hubs around the world now offer health-minded services that go well beyond a basic chair massage. Today, anxious and exhausted travelers can find yoga classes, healthy food, nap pods, swimming pools and full-service spas in the same concourses that once offered little more than dingy sitting areas and fast food counters.
“Wellness elements in airports are becoming the norm, not the exception,” Beth McGroarty, the director of Global Wellness Institute research, told TPG in an email. “Airports are offering in-transit gyms, spas and walking circuits around their terminals, and airlines are promoting inflight meditation and stretching apps.”
So, where do you find these airport oases? We've rounded up a handful of the best airport spas around the world — including the top treatments at airport hotels and spa chains.
Eforea Spa at Amsterdam Schiphol
Before hopping on a flight out of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS), stop by the attached Hilton. There, on the first floor, is the Eforea Spa, where travelers can book the "intensely cleansing" salt scrub with lime and ginger. First, you’ll get a skin brushing followed by a moisturizing application of camellia oil. You’ll leave feeling like you’re already coming back from vacation. Day passes are also available from €35 ($40) and include whirlpool, sauna, steam room and fitness center access.
OraOxygen at Calgary International
OraOxygen's twin spas — one in Departures, a second at the in-terminal Marriott — at Calgary International (YYC) were created specifically to treat the side effects of breathing pressurized, recycled cabin air and sitting in a cramped economy seat. Passengers’ favorite treatment? An hour-long, full-body massage with a 15-minute oxygen session. Afterward, you won’t even remember the flight!
Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Center at Hamad International
An Instagram-worthy spa treatment? Yes, you heard that right. Above the Oryx Airport hotel at the South Node terminal at Hamad International (DOH) in Qatar, travelers can pay 175 Qatari rial (less than $50) for access at any time of day or night to the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Center. Home to a glass-encased indoor pool and a hydrotherapy tub that uses hot and cold water to relax tired muscles — and maybe even give your immune system a boost — travelers can also splurge on an anti-jet lag massage.
Absolute Spa at Vancouver International
Flying can wreak havoc on your skin. But the Absolute Spa, which has two locations at Vancouver Airport (YVR), can ensure you board your flight with a glow worthy of a first class upgrade. The Soother Facial is 60-minutes long and features ingredients such as aloe vera leaf extract and rose to hydrate dry skin — a common consequence of air travel — and reduce redness. Add on a massage to round out the healing experience.
OM Spa at Hong Kong International
Connected to Hong Kong International (HKG) by a pedestrian bridge, travelers can visit the third floor OM Spa at the Regal Airport Hotel for a small day fee. The mosaic-tiled steam room and outdoor Jacuzzi are highlights, though travelers can also book services for access to the luxurious spa suites or designated foot massage room. Signature treatments include a tamarind body scrub, Sabai hot stone massage and jasmine milk baths. Until the end of October, the spa is offering a 35% discount on a seasonal autumn spa treatment, the Thai hot compress massage, designed to relieve stiffness and fight fatigue.
TranSpa at Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi (SIN) is well known for its serene gardens and butterfly sanctuary. But for travelers looking for more hands-on healing, head to a TranSpa, with locations in both Terminal 2 and 3. They offer everything from haircuts to massages, although the best menu item might be the foot reflexology that comes with a 60-minute shower for $91.80 Singapore dollars ($66 USD). Who doesn’t want that after a long flight?
SkySPA at Dallas/Fort Worth International
Jet over to the Grand Hyatt DFW for a high end spa experience during lengthy layovers — or a particularly rough flight. Opt for a $35 day pass, which includes access to the fitness center, steam room and rooftop saltwater pool, or indulge with a Death by Chocolate Body Facial. Think: chocolate sea salts, a warm chocolate mask and a moisturizing butter cream treatment. Just don't be surprised if your seatmate seems extra cozy on the flight home.
Fit & Fly Spa at Munich Airport
Located in the Hilton at Munich Airport (MUC), this full-service spa was designed with layover passengers in mind. You can take a quick swim in the pool, relax in the sauna or chose from a wide range of treatments. A favorite? The traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, which uses long, flowing strokes rather than the intense pressure points common with other massage styles. Get access by booking a spa service, a two hour pass or a full day pass.
The Dragontree at Portland International
Located in Concourse C at Portland International (PDX), the only airport location of the popular Oregon and Colorado-based Dragontree spa specializes in aromatherapy and holistic wellness. If you've been running around ceaselessly, book the Pad Abhyanga, a 30-minute Ayurvedic foot massage that will give you a much-needed boost and help you kickstart your travels.
Airport Spa Chains
Though many airports are investing in stunning spas, or providing access through adjacent airport hotels, travelers can also look for familiar spa chains. Among them: XpresSpa, Be Relax and Massage Bar.
XpresSpa
Whether you need a relaxing massage or something more, er, functional (a haircut or waxing), you can likely get it done at an airport XpresSpa near you. With 20 locations nationwide, including international outposts at DXB and AMS, the spa chain has plenty of experience executing short services for travelers on the go in 30 minutes of less. Certain XpresSpa locations even offer XpresRecover treatments like localized cryotherapy and salt booth therapy. The latter claims to detoxify, reduce inflammation and promote sounder sleep by stimulating the respiratory system.
Be Relax
With more than 40 locations at airports all over the globe, Be Relax is dominating the airport spa market. And their services don’t disappoint. Get a chair massage that focuses on your exact pain points or opt for all-over relaxation with a table massage. There are also oxygen and aromatherapy treatments, and you can complete any service with a visit to the steam room or a refreshing shower. Of course, they even have a juice bar to ensure you’re glowing inside and out.
Massage Bar
While they only offer one service (you guessed it: massages) Massage Bar does these incredibly well. The company is also considered one of the pioneers of airport spa services. All of the certified therapists follow a service designed to swiftly relieve the aches and pains unique to traveling. Try the 15-minute Single Shot Massage, which tackles those problem areas at jet speed. But if you have extra time (an additional 10 minutes), add heat therapy to help those muscle really loosen up. Find a Massage Bar at Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), Nashville International (BNA), Pittsburgh International (PIT) and John Glenn Airport (CMH) in Columbus, Ohio.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.