Top Ten (10) Luxury Spas in the United States
The great escapes of the Rich and Famous, from none other than their perspective! While searching the United States from Coast to Coast for luxury spas, we realized quickly to ‘condense’ when at all possible; if we were to write every amazing detail, as well as the abundance of luxury spas for those with unlimited leisure budgets, this article would truly never end; in fact, we were actually able to find more luxury spas in the United States, than the basic, grassroots barbershop!
There was a time when luxury ‘anything’ was a sovereigns-only find; gone are the days. Nevertheless, society as a whole and profit turning times are evolving; "Just as there are restaurants and hotels available at varying prices, there are also spa experiences for every price range," says Lynne Walker McNees, president of the International Spa Association (ISPA), who points out that 57 million adults in the U.S. have visited a spa in their lifetime.
We consulted with industry insiders to come up with a list of the 10 most decadent, luxurious spas on the continent. Let’s see who made the list…
At the top of our list is the world famous resort spa, The Greenhouse, in Arlington, Texas is a decadent practice in rejuvenation and total relaxation that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. The sumptuous décor, amazing guest rooms and world class cuisine is worth the visit alone. Add to that a vast array of pampering spa services, from extraordinary facials, massages, hair and nail treatments to softening body scrubs and detoxifying mineral wraps and you have truly arrived in heavenly bliss.
The Golden Door Spa in Escondido, California is not only world class in the realm of spas, but is unbelievable in its services and amenities. The Golden Door first opened in 1958, and among its many distinguishing features is a literal door to another realm, indeed its legion of devoted fans refer to the spa simply as "the Door." The spa to beat all spas is primarily for women only (although they do have a few weekends each year for men and couples). A true testament to its extraordinary position in the spa world, the Golden Door is one of the most expensive spas in the world and yet constantly has a waiting list.
Hidden within Palm Beach, Florida sits the historic and wildly popular Breakers Palm Beach luxury spa resort. Historic charm and modern amenities make The Breakers a favorite among luxury-seeking vacationers. This is a huge, full blown luxury resort that offers ambiance, elegance and unmatched spa services. Complete with renaissance Italian architecture, twin Belvedere towers, and a Florentine Fountain patterned after the fountain at the Boboli Gardens in Italy.
While some find luxury only in the price tag, others will tell you it is all relative; what is luxurious to one, might be quite average to another. The superior Cornelia Day Resort in New York City owns the Manhattan spa scene with its European-style treatments and its elegant, unsolicited, yet affordable extras. Swank touches include Italian linens, pure lambs wool blankets imported from Scotland, butler and concierge service and imported china/glassware’s in a light-filled top-floor café.
Spa Eleven Casa Casuarina is elegant in its own right and dually impressive. Located in the earlier Versace Mansion in the heart of South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida, the stunning spa oasis is a chic sanctuary of mosaic tiles, luxe linens, copious products and an unmatched list of luxury spa services.
The Broadmoor Spa Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado is a must on any spa aficionado’s to-go list. Built in 1918, this spectacular destination spa features a rare combination of European grace and Western warmth. Featuring 25 massage rooms, 10 esthetician rooms, stunning fireplace lounge areas and world class hydrotherapy services, guests are encouraged to customize their spa experience at The Broadmoor. Located on 3,000 acres on the edge of the Cheyenne Mountains, this spa location boasts its own pristine lake.
Tucked quietly away in the grassy hills of Napa, urbane spa-goers enjoy the unrivaled valley views and a bill of fare full of delicious local ingredients at Spa du Soleil. Superb treatments using the finest grape seed oil, herbs and flowers, local organic olive oil and regional healing mud’s, as well as minerals allow guests of the aristocratic Auberge du Soleil resort in Palm Springs to bask in the pleasures of the acclaimed region, for which the wine has made it best known.
For the moment, consider the bathing rituals at The Spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn in Sonoma, California, which are a divine, second to none, hydrating experience. "A luxury spa will have an ambiance that is richly appointed and full of hydrotherapy offerings as a prelude to services," says David Erlich, regional director of spa operations.
The new Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace offers a Vegas-inspired rendition of Ancient Rome with a full-body circuit of Roman baths. The stylish Spa Grande at the stylish Grand Wailea Resort and Spa in Maui, Hawaii, allows clients a rare form of rest and rejuvenation with its hour-long water therapy experience.
Luxury is in a world of riches for which most of us can only dream of; however, wealthy or not, the average spa lover is willing to pay the price. According to ISPA research, the typical spa-seeker has a household income of $135,000 or higher with spa cravings that are becoming more ravenous, which means the mêlée for the top of the line, luxury boasting spas will in all probability continue to grow.
From the east coast to the west coast, and everything in the middle, extravagant spas are making every effort to take relaxation to the highest possible level. Now that we have reviewed just a few of what America has to offer in luxury spas, are you tempted?
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