The architecture at this exclusive destination spa evokes Mediterranean villas—rose-colored buildings, terracotta-tile roofs—and it suits the rolling landscape. Mind, body, and spirit are all soothed on a stay here with California sunshine, wellness and fitness classes, meditation, flavorful and nutritious spa cuisine, and classic spa therapies. The menu is particularly strong on facials and body treatments, so you can feel beautiful as well as balanced.
Visit the Web site »Fodor's Choice Gold Awards 2010
Best Resort or Destination Spas
The best spas located on U.S. hotel properties.
In alphabetical order Photo: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
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Cal-a-Vie San Diego, CA
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Canyon Ranch Tucson, AZ
Canyon Ranch has been a trailblazer in the spa business since 1979—plenty of time to learn what guests want. And it all started here, at the former Double U Ranch outside Tucson. This is a great place to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle, as educational programs geared toward exercise, diet, and wellness are very much part of the experience. So are healthful meals, classic massages and facials, Asian and Ayurvedic therapies, fitness classes, and outdoor activities.
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El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa Fajardo, Puerto Rico
The original Golden Door in California was the luxury offspring of North America's first destination spa—Rancho La Puerta, in the desert just south of the U.S.-Mexico border. The company has been promoting healthful living since 1940—well before it was mainstream. The tradition continues at this island outpost, where treatments evoke Puerto Rico: Pineapple Body Bliss, Roasted Coffee Scrub, Rainforest Hot Stone Therapy. Quintessential spa activities—yoga, Pilates, tai chi, meditation—seem truly Caribbean amid all the sun, sand, and sea.
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Enchantment Resort/Mii Amo Spa Sedona, AZ
Mii Amo is a chic, modern destination spa cocooned within a chic, modern resort amid red rocks. It also has fantastic spa packages: three daily meals, all activities, and unheard-of two-daily 60- or 90-minute treatments. Therapies are classic and straightforward: Swedish and deep-tissue massage, clay and herbal wraps, oxygenating facials. Couples love the treatments for two, solo travelers love the reasonable single's supplement, and all guests love being able to book à la carte treatments.
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The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa Sonoma, CA
The primary reason to come to this wine-country hotel is the spa. Thanks to an on-site source for thermal spring water, the theme here is healing through water. The signature treatment is a bathing ritual involving a series of hot and cold showers and baths; Watsu (Shiatsu massage in a warm pool) and flotation treatments round out the water therapies. Massages, scrubs, wraps, and facials use, among other things, lavender, grape seeds, and salt—some sourced locally.
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Four Season Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills Beverly Hills, CA
High hedges and patio gardens make this a true urban sanctuary. Well-known faces poolside and in the bar make it a true Hollywood escape. Come awards season, expect to spot an Oscar nominee or two. It's about opulence and pampering everywhere, but especially in the spa. The Swe-Thai massage (employing both Swedish and Thai techniques) is a nod to the eclectic treatment menu. The Cleopatra milk-and-honey bath and hydrating cashmere wrap are nods to all the luxury.
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Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa Stowe, VT
The first step toward relaxing at this elegantly appointed, colonial-style resort is taking a deep cleansing breath of Green Mountain air. You can do this on a hike, Nordic walk, ski run, or balloon ride. The second step toward relaxing is a spa visit. Let a waterfall massage you in the Aqua Solarium's mineral pool; stretch out in one of the Sanctuary Lounge's fireside chaises; indulge in an aromatherapy massage, Vichy shower, or Shirodhara oil treatment.
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Ten Thousand Waves Santa Fe, NM
With peaceful, streamlined Asian-style gardens and architecture, you feel more as if you're on a mountain retreat in Japan than one in New Mexico. Indeed, Japanese onsen (thermal baths) were the inspiration for this spa, which has plenty of places for you to soak—communally or privately, indoors or out. Treatments also reflect Asia. Consider the Nose to Toes therapy with its Japanese head, neck, shoulder, and foot rubs; Thai stretching; and Polynesian lomi lomi massage.
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Waldorf Astoria Orlando Orlando, FL
There used to be only one Waldorf. This, the second one, opened in Orlando on the 78th anniversary of the New York titan. A world-class name means world-class service and amenities (how about having a butler?) and a world-class spa. In this case it's the Spa by Guerlain, with decor that recalls an Art Deco boudoir. Here a gracious valet pours tea for you, your slippers are sized to fit you, and your spa treatment is customized to meet your needs.
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Westin Maui Resort & Spa Maui, HI
A lobby waterfall gives way to an aquatic playground with five swimming pools, lagoons with pink flamingos, and a premier beach. All this water, and you haven't even reached the Heavenly Spa yet. Relax with an ocean view before and after your therapy in one of 16 treatment rooms or an outdoor cabana. Go local with a lomi lomi massage, a Hawaiian salt glow, or a tropical pohaku pedicure. Afterward, you'll be more than ready for your Heavenly Bed.
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