For Girlfriends: Spa Ojai
The Vibe: When they’re off-duty, Hollywood heavyweights recharge at this mission-style oasis north of L.A. If blissed-out pampering sounds like your goal, bring your entourage to relax around the four outdoor pools between complimentary classes from aerobics to qi gong. Or really live large in one of the 1,500-square-foot spa penthouses equipped with meditation loft, fireplaces and outdoor whirlpools.
Treatments to Try: Inspired by the Chumash tribe who originally inhabited Ojai’s bluffs, the one-of-a-kind Kuyam treatment (meaning “a place to rest together”) is a group experience ($85 per person), in which up to eight people luxuriate in therapeutic clay and essential oils. Another popular, only-in-Ojai experience is the Warm Himalayan Salt Stone massage ($185), which uses Himalyan salt stones on the back to balance the body.
905 Country Club Road, Ojai, CA, ojairesort.com
Rooms from $349
For Zen-Seekers: Ten Thousand Waves
The Vibe: Imagine a traditional Japanese hot springs ryokan dropped in the foothills just outside Santa Fe, with guests in kimonos wandering down stone paths between the outdoor hot tubs, spa suites and the izanami restaurant serving organic, locally sourced, grilled meats and microbrew sake. For those who want to explore the entire property from A to Zen, there are 13 eastern-inspired rooms (complete with Japanese-style toilets) and hiking trails among the piñon and juniper trees.
Treatments to Try: The Shiatsu massage ($129 for 50 minutes, $189 for 80) is unmissable. Show your face some love, too, with the Deluxe Japanese Organic Massage Facial (from $135), which exfoliates,
firms, moisturizes and ends with
jade stone rollers.
21 Ten Thousands Waves Way, Santa Fe, NM, tenthousandwaves.com
Rooms from $209
For Couples: The Spa at Norwich Inn
The Vibe: The stately brick building on gorgeous grounds calls to mind Downton Abbey—only with modern upgrades including an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Between treatments, swimming, soaking, afternoon tea, early evening wine tastings (they have a vast wine list) and fresh seafood at the on-site Kensington restaurant, you might not even make it across the street to try your luck at the Mohegan Sun casino.
Treatments to Try: The Norwich Signature Massage ($125 for 50 minutes, $200 for 80) is a hit with men and women, making it a popular couples’ choice. Repeat guests come several times a year for the seasonal treatments, such as winter’s exfoliating Chocolate Mandarin Spice Body Wrap ($125).
607 West Thames St., Norwich, CT, thespaatnorwichinn.com
Rooms from $175
For Beauty:
The Spa at the Delamar
The Vibe: With a soothing lounge area full of periwinkle velvet easy chairs, and candlelit treatment rooms with walls hand painted by local artist Karen Oakley, The Spa at the Delamar is a very refined place to relax. Its treatments are equally elegant; each begins with a consultation with an esthetician who determines which of the tried-and-true skin care products from Biologique Recherche and Valmont are best suited to your skin.
Treatments to Try: The massages are soothing and mani-pedis are flawless, but this spa really shines with treatments that produce noticeable results. Case in point: For the Detox Body Wrap ($225), skin is exfoliated, then wrapped in essential-oil-packed algae that nourishes as it draws out toxins and excess fluids; for the Micro Puncture Lab facial ($350), needle therapy treats discoloration and boost collagen and finishes with a soothing mask.
500 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, CT, delamargreenwich.com
Rooms from $270
For Nature-Lovers: Bamford Haybarn Spa
The Vibe: The newcomer in Miami, FL’s topnotch resort scene, this eco-conscious escape is also the first U.S. outpost of the award-winning British Bamford Haybarn spas, which opened just in time for Art Basel in December. It’s a nature-inspired hideaway built around the Woodland Room where visitors lounge pre- or post-treatment around a central fountain. Doors repurposed from Pennsylvania barns, walls made of reclaimed Ash timber, and sandblasted deadfall Aspen trees from Colorado add to the indoor-outdoor vibe.
Treatments to Try: After making the most of Miami’s nightlife, detox and revive with the Haybarn Wellness package ($330), for which a private yoga or personal training session is followed by a jade hot and cold body treatment. You’ll stay hydrated thanks to fresh detox juice, which is an in-house specialty.
2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL, 1hotels.com/south-beach
Rooms from $499
