From city sanctuaries to desert retreats, these are the best luxury hotel spas for every type of traveler
Editor's Note
The smell of lemongrass, the sound of cascading water and the feel of a fluffy bathrobe evoke instant warm fuzzies. For travelers stepping off a long-haul flight or just craving some rest and relaxation after a frenetic holiday season, a spa session is the antidote to whatever ails you.
As we begin 2024, wellness is undoubtedly front and center for many people. As such, there's no better time than now to plan a getaway that combines wanderlust and wellness.
With a spike in demand, hotel spas around the world are stepping up their treatment options, vying to give guests wholly and holistically unique experiences. Whether you’re headed to the lush jungles of Bali or the majestic mountains of Bhutan, here are our spa picks for every type of traveler.
Best jungle spa: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali
Bali has become a reprieve for those seeking a dose of spirituality or looking to perfect their downward dog (thanks, Julia Roberts). In the heart of the island, beside Ubud’s cascading rice terraces and the gentle flow of the Ayung River, is the Mandapa Spa.
Fringed by palm trees, jungle ferns and sounds of the rainforest, this Ritz-Carlton spa embraces the tranquility and ingredients of its jungle backdrop. It's a place where a Balinese healer can tend to your every ache and pain, though you can also opt for a traditional indulgence, such as a 24-karat gold age-defying facial or the Beras Kencur, a Balinese rice exfoliation.
How to book: Cash rates at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve start at $1,157 or 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Best overwater spa: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Designed to look like a spiny sea creature when viewed from a seaplane, The St. Regis Maldives‘ Iridium Spa has stand-alone treatment rooms suspended above the turquoise water. Imagine a rainbow-hued parrotfish swimming into view as a pair of hands works out that kink in your left shoulder.
Related: The best St. Regis hotels for the most luxurious hotel stays
Aside from a menu of massages, facials, wraps and acupuncture that feature Biologique Recherche products, the spa’s dedicated Ayurvedic specialist will keep your chakras aligned and you completely blissed out. Before or after your session, take a dip in the spa’s Instagram-famous hydrotherapy infinity pool, one of the largest in the Maldives.
How to book: Cash rates at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort start around $1,663 or 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Best desert spa: Miraval Arizona
There’s a strong emphasis on the spa moniker of this Hyatt desert wellness retreat. Surrounded by arid mountainscapes and leafy palms, Miraval appears like a mirage in the Arizona desert.
Located just outside Tucson, this is where tech-obsessed professionals come for a digital detox designed to reprogram and recharge, so it’s no surprise the resort's spa facilities and services are extensive. From the Prickly Pear Sugar Scrub to the Desert Sage Body Polish, you’ll leave the desert feeling anything but dusty.
How to book: Cash rates at Miraval Arizona start at $1,506 per night, based on double occupancy, and include full board, some on-site activities, a $175 nightly resort credit per person and a shared airport shuttle. World of Hyatt members can book award nights from 57,500 points a night, based on double occupancy. Note that a 25% resort fee is added to the package rate.
Best city spa: Aman Venice
Venice, Italy’s iconic Grand Canal is one of Europe’s most spectacular sights — and is home to some incredible hotels. One of them, Aman Venice, is a romantic rococo work of art that’s as bewilderingly beautiful as it is over the top.
There, a relaxed and understated spa with Asian inspiration and Italian charm is tucked away on the third floor. Using salt, clay and water from Italy’s famous spa town, Salsomaggiore Terme, therapists perform a variety of services like the Tempio della Salute Thermal Mud Wrap and the Aman Venice Foot Treatment. It’s the perfect way to end a 20,000-plus step day spent exploring the world’s most famous sinking city.
How to book: Cash rates at Aman Venice start from $1,145 per night and extend way beyond during peak seasons.
Best mountain spa: Six Senses Paro, Bhutan
The Himalayan mountain peaks are not far from this Six Senses resort, where harmony and balance are key to life.
At the resort’s spa, singing bowls and crystals are incorporated into the start of each session. A few standout treatments include the Wild Kashmir facial and the Memories of Bhutan ritual, which starts in the spa’s private meditation room and ends on a plush massage table.
How to book: Cash rates at Six Senses Paro start at $1,740 per night for double occupancy. Keep in mind that IHG One Rewards points cannot be used to book a stay here.
Best spa for fitness: Equinox Hotel, New York
Since its inception in the ’90s, Equinox and fitness have become synonymous. At the brand's first-ever hotel in New York’s Hudson Yards, you can combine a world-class workout and spa session. Cool down in the cryotherapy chamber or sculpt your body even more with a silhouette shaper by Biologique Recherche.
Related: The best hotels in New York City, from luxury stays to points properties
These high-tech treatment options include wellness IV drips concocted to reduce inflammation and maximize hydration. This fitness-forward spa is designed to make you look as good as you feel.
How to book: Cash rates at the Equinox Hotel start at $745 per night.
Best cultural body treatments: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
At this remote Four Seasons property in Tanzania, giraffes and elephants have been known to wander past mid-treatment.
The open-air Kani Spa incorporates ancient rituals and ingredients like baobab seeds and a heated rungu, a wooden baton used by Masai warriors, into its sessions. Each treatment is tied to the savannah, like the Ubuntu, meaning “I am, because you are” in Zulu. This four-handed massage includes oils from indigenous plants harvested from nearby rural communities.
How to book: Cash rates at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti start around $1,880 per night and include full board and a daily game drive.
Best for families: Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Hawaii isn’t just for honeymooners — it’s a family vacation haven.
Related: The best Waldorf Astoria hotels and resorts in the world
At this Waldorf Astoria property, the on-site Mohalu spa welcomes couples and families. The Malama Family Duo Massage allows a parent and a teen to choose a 50-minute massage, including a Hawaiian lomilomi massage or a Swedish massage.
How to book: Cash rates at the Grand Wailea Maui start around $1,133 per night but soar during peak holidays. Hilton Honors members can trade in 110,000 points a night for a stay.
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
- These are the best hotels that opened in 2023
- Best travel credit cards
- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
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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.