5 Luxury Spas to Help You Unplug

There is a time for everything, including a time to rest. And while we often fill our schedules with tasks and events, it can be far more productive to schedule rest. It’s no secret that rest fuels our overall mind, body and spiritual wellness. It’s often what sparks creativity and fills us up to pour into our everyday activities, including work, family and social gatherings. For an optimal mind and body tune-up, consider a spacation. Whether it’s a solo escape or a small group retreat, I’m sharing five luxury spas to help you reconnect with yourself. Each of these properties offers customizable experiences for guests, while promoting a lifestyle of wellness and pathways to peace and serenity. It’s time to unplug and recharge.

Photo courtesy of Buckstaff Hot Springs Bathhouse

Buckstaff Hot Springs Bathhouse, Hot Springs, AR

For over a century, the Buckstaff Hot Springs Bathhouse has provided guests with healing thermal mineral baths. Located on Bathhouse Row, it was one of eight bath houses built over natural hot springs in the 1900s and has remained in operation since. The world-renowned thermal mineral water flows directly from a collection of 47 protected springs from Hot Springs Mountain. Each day, the springs produce about 700,000 gallons of water, which is then cooled for use. While bathing in the Buckstaff original bathtubs, guests can find relief from a wide range of ailments, including stress and arthritis. The bathhouse also offers nail, facial, and massage services, in addition to hydrotherapy treatments, which are additive and chemical free. 

Photo courtesy of YO1 Health Resort Wellness

YO1 Health Resort Wellness Catskills, New York

Located on over 1,300 acres of lush countryside, YO1 Health Resort offers guests a retreat to nature. From hiking nature trails to practicing yoga by the lake, guests can both unwind and recharge in the tranquil mountains of the Catskills in Monticello, New York. YO1 or “Yovan” means youthful in Sanskrit. True to its name, this wellness resort is keen on helping guests achieve eternal youth through mind, body, and spiritual renewal. World-class wellness counselors are available to mentor guests as they journey to address health concerns. From captivating guest rooms and suites, to a 68,000 sq. ft. wellness spa and gourmet vegetarian cuisine, this immersive experience is a haven for guests to regain their health and happiness.  

For continued wellness beyond your stay, YO1 offers guests insight on incorporating Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Acupuncture into their lifestyles. 

Photo courtesy of We Care Detox Spa

We Care Detox Spa, Hot Springs, CA

For those discovering holistic health for the first time or ready pressing the reset button alike, the intimate desert oasis at We Care Detox Spa is ideal. Included in each 3, 6 or 8-day retreat are daily classes on breathwork and yoga, infrared saunas, colon hydrotherapy, all-liquid nutrition, and more. We Care’s mission is not just to heal and transform lives, but also to educate and empower guests. From The Floating Bed®—which mimics the motion we felt floating in our mother’s womb, to their Raindrop Oil Therapy—during which nine essential oils are dropped along the spinal column and massaged in specific directions, each offering builds on the others to leave guests feeling wholly recharged. No matter the length of your stay, this space of spiritual renewal will open for you a world of peace and resurgence. And for each departing guest, the We Care team provides a nutritious green salad to break their fast. 

Photo courtesy of Canyon Ranch

Canyon Ranch, Tucson, AZ

For over four decades, Canyon Ranch has made transformation its tradition. A pioneer in its integrative approach to wellness, this resort draws its methods and treatments from both eastern and western practices. Prior to their arrival, guests are encouraged to find their why and think beyond a simple getaway to lifelong well-being. From five wellness pillars—including health and performance, mind and spirit, fitness and movement, nutrition and food, and spa and beauty—Canyon Ranch maintains a catalog of more than 1,500 expert-led services. Guests can receive luxury services like ayurvedic treatments, an oxygen facial, hands-on cooking, and hypnotherapy from true leaders in their fields. For frequent stays and exclusive access, guests can become members of the resort. For extended stay and to be immersed in community and intention, Canyon Ranch also offers sabbaticals at their Tucson resort.

Photo courtesy of AIRE Ancient Baths

AIRE Ancient Baths, Chicago, IL

This restored factory turned bathhouse will take you on a journey through time to find ultimate relaxation. Its unique architecture inspired by the ancient tradition of Greek and Roman bathhouses, AIRE Ancient Baths’ signature spa experience is designed to make guests feel like ancient royalty. With a focus on personalized bath experiences, AIRE offers six thermal baths—including hot baths, ice baths and cold plunges, warm baths, salt baths, and jet baths—as well as steam rooms at different steam intensities with aromatherapy. From their holistic rituals to their luxurious wine baths for one or two, a journey of unforgettable sensations awaits your body and mind. Go for a swim in the indoor/outdoor bath that adjusts its temperature depending on the season, or rest on heated marble and enjoy tea and water in the relaxation area. This oasis of tranquility is best when experienced unplugged.

Written by Delesia Watson, a freelance luxury travel copywriter based in New York City. A version of this article initially appeared in Seasonal Living Magazine. In need of a travel copywriter? Speak to Delesia about your project here.