Welcome to ELLE’s Best Spas 2024. This is our first-ever guide to the world’s top spas, each carefully selected, tested, and reviewed by ELLE editors. We judged each spa on criteria including the uniqueness of the spa treatments, the ambience, the use of local delicacies, the therapist’s experience, the level of personalization, hygiene, and the overall level of service at the spa.
In 2024, self-care is no longer just about daily care, but about destination care. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness industry will reach $5.7 trillion in revenue in 2022, with an expected growth rate of 57%. That means the industry’s total revenue will reach $8.5 trillion by 2027. The spa industry continues to lead the way, with clinics and brands forming relationships with hotels and local institutions, and even creating dedicated wellness centers. They are also becoming increasingly competitive on the product side, offering members specialized treatments with a local twist, as well as treatments and products that clients can take home.
With more than 181,000 spas worldwide, choosing the best place to unwind and relax can be a daunting task. ELLE editors have done the hard work, scouring the globe for the world’s best spas and finding places where treatments are the name of the game. Keep reading to discover the 32 best spas and services recommended by ELLE editors.
Heckfield Place is the equivalent of owning a luxury country house without the maintenance hassle. The Bothy is a clean, minimalist spa that takes full advantage of the English countryside and backyard views. Located an hour outside of London, The Bothy opened in 2023 as a retreat where you can reconnect with nature and rediscover yourself. The spa features an indoor pool with sauna and steam room, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and a fun cold-water bucket to soak up the senses. The Bothy’s all-day restaurant serves a farm-fresh fruit salad or a delicious seasonal vegetable platter. Reka Seress-Erdei, director of The Bothy Spa, says her approach is “a natural way for guests to reconnect.” — Danielle James, director of digital beauty
At The Bothy, the best time is Wildsmith Time. Wildsmith Time, which gives its name to the skincare range, is a 135-minute treatment inspired by nature’s circadian rhythms. “They select essential oils based on the time of day you’re having the treatment and use the blends during a rhythmic therapeutic massage. I felt so relaxed and balanced after the treatment. The treatment included craniosacral therapy, which released a lot of tension and instantly relaxed me. The next day, I felt energised and reconnected with myself. It’s definitely worth a treatment,” James said.
If you’re looking for a spa experience with a touch of American history, look no further than The Spa at Kohler in Kohler, Wisconsin. This unexpected spa, located an hour north of Milwaukee, is the only Five Diamond spa in the Midwest. The Kohler family may be known for their bathroom fixtures and appliances like sinks and toilets, but you’ll remember them for their wellness. This spa specializes in hydrotherapy, with treatments performed in unique tubs. I chose the Fire & Ice with a custom Vichy shower, a long plumbing fixture with six shower heads. During the treatment, I was doused with 112-degree water (my choice) for an hour, and occasionally splashed with cold water to awaken my senses. It was unlike any spa treatment I’ve ever had, everything went so smoothly. The American Club, now one of three hotels within the Kohler Destination complex, was once home to immigrants who came to work in Kohler’s factories. The spa was recently renovated and reopened last October. Come in the winter for the ice and snow slides, sledding, signature hot chocolate (made with Kohler chocolate), and, most importantly, a post-ski spa experience. Winter is the busiest season, but come in the summer to escape the crowds. The area is full of golfers who come to enjoy the PGA-caliber course, but they sweat on the greens, not in the sauna. —Danielle James, Director of Digital Beauty
“I love that the spa has a large shared area, perfect for friends, hen dos and couples. Their treatments reflect this too. You can opt for the River Bath for Two, a special treatment that awakens your senses. It starts with an exfoliation, followed by a 20-minute soak in the River Bath, which features a series of rapids that mimic the flow of a river and was developed based on CEO David Kohler’s travels. No, you can’t buy it, but once you try it, you’ll want to try it again next time. Perhaps an anniversary gift?” said James.
Four Seasons Ocean Club & Spa is a more secluded, luxurious, and (deliciously) quiet resort on popular Paradise Island. It features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, as well as Balinese-style spa villas where you can soak up every ray of Bahamian sunshine and fresh salt air. The range of amenities is extensive and thoughtful, and once you’ve unwinded, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the stunning Ocean Club pool and gardens. —Lauren Puckett-Pope, culture writer
“The Indulge package is a head-to-toe multi-tasking extravaganza that includes a hair and scalp treatment, paraffin pedicure, full body massage and facial to ensure you enjoy the ultimate in luxury during your island getaway,” said Paquette-Pope.
If you really want to be treated like royalty, head to La Mamounia Spa in Marrakech. There’s plenty of space for a leisurely breakfast, then relax by the pool and visit the spa’s hammam, a communal bathhouse for soaking and relaxation. Hidden beneath La Mamounia, a spiral staircase leads you to an oasis of self-care. This beautifully designed space features multiple pools, treatment rooms, and relaxation areas designed for rest and relaxation. After your treatment, unwind in the outdoor Jacuzzi or sit in the poolside cabana. —Danielle James, Director of Digital Beauty
“If you want the full Arabian hammam experience, book this treatment. First, you’ll enjoy a shower and scrub using the finest local natural ingredients. A eucalyptus and orange blossom exfoliation will refresh your skin, followed by a personalised deep tissue massage,” says James.
The Casa de Campo Spa is over 18,000 square feet of pure luxury. It could be turned into another hotel if desired. The spa is built around a hydrothermal circuit that offers hot and cold therapy, so it is recommended to arrive an hour before your scheduled treatment time. Guests receive treatments in one of 12 treatment rooms, combining contemporary style with timeless tradition. Services range from therapist-guided facials and body treatments to self-care techniques. — Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Business Editor
“A warm and loving embrace does wonders for the mind, body and soul. The art of self-love at Casa de Campo literally involves wrapping your body in silky milk, which is then heated with infrared light. At the same time, your skin is pampered with a gentle cleanse and massage. During the treatment, you rinse thoroughly under the shower and apply body cream to lock in the moisture left behind during the treatment,” says Penrose.
Before we walked through the doors of Conrad Spa Tulum, my fiancé had never been to a spa, and as we left, we joked that he would never go again. After all, why mess up perfection? Surrounded by tropical jungle, the spa is an entire campus with luxurious treatment rooms, a large outdoor pool with massage jets, a bar serving coffee and Mexican grilled food, and cozy locker rooms with saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools, and hot tubs where staff can help you achieve optimal results. The hotel’s architecture is designed to embrace nature at every turn, allowing you to enjoy a true spa experience without missing out on a day in the Tulum sun. — Madison Feller, Deputy Digital Editor
“Named after the ancient Mayan god Itzamna, this treatment begins with a multi-sensory meditation that draws on elements of nature, followed by a copal incense ceremony, during which the therapist burns aromatic copal resin, a sacred scent in Mexican culture. Afterwards, you can retire to your room for a cactus and agave body wrap; a warm herbal compress that targets 13 joints; and a relaxing full-body massage,” says Ferrer.
In New York City, where large spaces are considered prime real estate, Sisley Paris found a 2,675-square-foot space in the Meatpacking District to build its Maison Sisley spa. The spa features three long treatment rooms, including one for facials and massages, including LED technology and a Jet Peel; a hair salon offering the Grand Soin scalp treatment, based on the shiatsu method; and a Hair Rituel blow-dry area. The spa also features a large retail space that displays all of Sisley Paris’s products, including its color cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance lines. —Danielle James, Director of Digital Beauty
“Does your scalp need a facial? Then you should definitely book this service. Scalp spa treatments have been all the rage in the past year, mainly due to their many benefits, including stimulating hair growth, improving circulation and reducing stress. It’s a luxurious way to get your hair in order. The service begins with a pre-shampoo treatment, combined with a head and neck massage and finished with a blow-dry,” James said.
The best way to get to Lake Austin Resort and Spa is, of course, by boat. The spa will pick you up from downtown Austin, Texas, in a fully equipped motorboat and take you on a leisurely 45-minute ride to their beautiful waterfront location. There, you can enjoy one of the best berry salads I’ve ever had in my life, followed by a signature myofascial release class and full-body massage in the indoor pool. Finish your Lake Austin Resort and Spa experience with a therapeutic sound bath or an overnight stay in one of the elevated bungalows nestled among the sage and cedar trees. The staff is friendly and the amenities are excellent. This is a must-do on your next trip to the Lone Star State. — Rose Minutaglio, Senior Features and Special Projects Editor
“Lake Austin Resort & Spa offers a variety of water-based classes and treatments. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this unique experience. The signature myofascial release class is soothing and relaxing, and if you’re looking for something more relaxing, there’s also water yoga and water massage,” says Minutaglio.
Escape the bustle of American life and unwind with a spa treatment at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. Located just off the Strip, this spa is one of the most luxurious in Las Vegas, offering everything from seasonal facials to full-body treatments. Try the Sugar Glow Hydrating Wrap, which combines a full-body sugar exfoliation with a nourishing hydrating wrap and facial massage. Or the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, which improves circulation, sleep, inflammation, and muscle aches. — Rose Minutaglio, Senior Features and Special Projects Editor
“The signature facials at Waldorf Astoria are customized to meet any specific skin care needs. When I arrived at the spa, the esthetician asked about my problem areas and concerns. The esthetician then began customizing the treatment to me using a variety of products and techniques. I left feeling rejuvenated, and, after all, this is Las Vegas, I was ready to party,” Minutaglio said.
The Dior woman exudes luxury, elegance and timeless beauty from the inside out. This philosophy is also reflected in the luxury brand’s wellness center, the Dior Spa at the Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris, from the soothing cream walls and decor to the luxurious spa services that offer a welcome respite from the bustling streets. Whether you book a session in one of the five treatment rooms, detoxify in the sauna or rejuvenate in the Turkish bath, relaxation awaits you around every corner. And the best part is that at one end of the space is the first-of-its-kind Light Suite, where LED lights mimic the sun’s rays and illuminate the skin at three different intensities, stimulating renewal and resynchronization. —Nina Garcia, Editor-in-Chief
“When you use the Dior anti-aging skincare line and combine it with Hydrafacial technology, you get the ultimate clean, luxurious facial. The Dior Powered by Hydrafacial cleansing treatment infuses skin with Dior Floral Peeling Lotion using the Hydrafacial applicator to deeply cleanse and exfoliate, promoting youthful skin,” Garcia said.
At Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, a new ultra-luxe all-inclusive resort on this unassuming Mexican island, everything is romantic, including the spa. I felt extra relaxed after a 50-minute Swedish massage, during which my therapist not only deeply kneaded my neck but also gave me detox teas, chocolate-covered nuts, Natura Bissé essential oils, and citrus mint tea. The 9,150-square-foot space also features a hydrotherapy suite, sauna, steam room, and full-service salon, perfect for when you want to continue pampering yourself. The building’s exterior is so picturesque that guests enjoy posing in front of it. — Claire Stern, chief digital officer
“If you need a quick stress reliever—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?—this travel-friendly, fresh lavender-scented body oil will instantly calm you down,” says Stern.
Just when we thought the Little Nell in Aspen couldn’t get any better, the five-star resort nestled at the base of Ajax Mountain is opening the city’s only ski-in/ski-out spa. The Little Nell Spa features an intimate setting and a personalized menu of treatments focused on three healing pathways: Restore + Restore, Replenish + Restore, and Reset + Rebalance, in collaboration with Dr. Barbara Sturm, Colorado-based organic skincare line ISUN, and all-natural skincare brand Seed to Skin Tuscany. Bonus: Two of the three treatment rooms feature hybrid infrared saunas with salt therapy. — Claire Stern, Chief Digital Officer
“If you can’t make it to Aspen this season, the good news is that you can use Dr. Sturm’s anti-aging serum at home — and the results will be immediate and long-lasting. This powerful formula smoothes and hydrates skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you need proof that it works, look no further than Sturm himself,” says Stern.
Take a deep breath, then exhale. That feeling of relaxation that immediately washes over you is what Ambiente is all about. When you’re in Sedona, surrounded by nature, it’s hard not to feel grounded and connected. Ambiente’s Velvet Spa offers wellness programs for everyone and encourages couples to book a day at the spa together, taking advantage of the wide range of services. If you’re on your own, you can enjoy a healing treatment inspired by the local indigenous traditions, including the Sedona Sacred Clay Wrap, which uses locally sourced clay, according to Velvet Spa director Deborah Waldvogel. “Clay has fantastic detoxifying properties and is rich in nutrients,” she says. When you wrap in clay, it literally draws toxins out of your skin while you enjoy a rejuvenating massage of your scalp, hands, and feet. —Danielle James, director of digital beauty
“This isn’t a treatment; it’s a quirky 90-minute journey for you and your partner, featuring a salt/sugar scrub, a luxurious wrap, a scalp massage (with your choice of warm or dry oil) and a deeply soothing full-body massage. However, what really makes this treatment special is its focus on scent. Scent is known to help bring back lost memories and further cement beautiful moments in your mind. For this treatment, couples can choose a scent that will blend harmoniously throughout the treatment. You can each choose your own scent, but I think it’s more fun to choose together,” says James.
Tranquility envelops you before you even step foot inside the Ocean Club Costa Norte Spa. Located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Ocean Club is a healthy playground on the beach, where the rough sea is shielded by jagged rocks, reminiscent of a scene from a movie. Hanging foliage lines the path leading to the spa’s main entrance; behind the leaves is a fragrant blend of eucalyptus and lavender that fills the space. The spa features private and couples suites, private steam rooms, and relaxation areas that will make you forget about the world beyond the wooden doors. After your spa treatment, relax in a cabana by one of the hotel’s three pools (the infinity pool overlooks a private beach on one side, a heated Jacuzzi on the other), reserve the hotel’s La Roca Bar to watch the sunset in the evening, or indulge in Byredo products in a spacious condo-style hotel room. — Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Business Editor
“If you could lay your body on the massage table at Ocean Club Spa and lift it up after a 50-minute massage, your skin would be smoother than a dolphin’s, your legs soft from the journey, relaxed and refreshed, ready to enjoy even more tranquility that Ocean Club Costa Norte has to offer. In essence, that’s what happens when you opt for a deep tissue massage. Drawing on healing techniques from India and combining local ingredients from Souza, the treatment begins with a soothing foot soak, using a pulsating touch to release stress and anxiety from your acupressure points. Focusing on muscles tense from exercise (or, in my case, my shoulder), the therapist uses slow, controlled movements to work through tight muscles and tension that are keeping you from completely calming down. Over time, your shoulders, back, legs, feet and arms will feel more and more relaxed. “You’ll definitely make another appointment before you leave,” says Penrose.
Canyon Ranch isn’t just a destination, it’s a lifestyle, and once you spend a few days on the farm in Lennox, Massachusetts, you’ll never want to take it home with you. Unexpectedly, the retreat helped me lose 10 pounds. Canyon Ranch focuses on the mind, body, and soul—all three can help anyone improve every aspect of their life, and I try to do all three every day. It’s like summer camp for adults, allowing you to dive deeper into your interests. You can either make your own schedule or leave it as free as you like. The farm is beautiful and there’s plenty to do, from off-site biking to cooking and even tarot readings (yes, I’ve done both). They have the best doctors in the country, and one guest said they come back every year for their annual checkup and to rest and relax. I had an Ayurvedic treatment for my birthday and a spiritual ceremony to ring in the New Year. I love that this hotel takes full advantage of its various medical services to provide guests with a well-rounded experience. —Danielle James, Director of Digital Beauty
“The double sugar scrub enveloped my nose in floral scents, especially jasmine, exfoliating my skin and leaving it super smooth and silky. This was followed by an aromatherapy massage with volcanic hot stones, the heat helped me relax even more and released any tension in my muscles. I left feeling very relaxed and would happily go back again, especially for this treatment,” said James.
The Mandara Spa at Atlantis almost convinced me to extend my stay in the Bahamas. After a long list of adventures, this wellness haven is a must-visit. As soon as you step into the spa, you’ll feel the cozy, subdued atmosphere and know you’re in a place where wellness is a priority. Balinese-inspired treatments and Bahamian ingredients are a highlight of the guest experience. You can also book a hair appointment, work out in the fitness center, or even take a dip in the spa’s hot and cold pools. — Karin Lavash, Senior Content Strategist
“Looking for a quartz bed to relax in? After your therapist assesses your needs, they will take you to a heated mineral bed to prepare your body for a soothing, personalized massage. Relax your body as the healing amber balm soaks into your skin,” Lavash said.
A short stroll down a lush palm-lined path leads you to a secluded oasis: The Spa at PGA National Resort. Upon entering the newly renovated 40,000-square-foot spa, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and a tranquil interior. The dimly lit lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a day of relaxation. After your treatment, you can spend the day lounging outside by two mineral pools, taking a deep breath in the salt room, or sweating it out in the sauna. —Laura Hacker, Senior Video Producer
“For those looking to ‘reset’ their skin, this facial ticks all the boxes. The signature treatment begins with a glycolic acid exfoliation to buff away dull skin. Then, red and blue LED light therapy is used to kill bacteria and brighten the complexion. Then, the best part, head esthetician Belle Franco creates a mineral mask with fresh seaweed. I apply the mask to my face while massaging my scalp, neck, and shoulders. Once the mask comes off, my skin feels plumper and more hydrated than I’ve ever felt before,” says Hacker.
Want to try Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal spa treatments? Then head to Kwa Maningi Spa in Botswana’s Chobe Game Reserve. Prince Harry visited this eco-friendly five-star hotel during his work for wildlife conservation, and even brought back the center diamond for Meghan’s engagement ring from Botswana. It’s the only hotel in Chobe National Park where you can spend a full day on safari, watching majestic elephants frolic in the river, then enjoy your own luxurious bathing ritual, including a Desert Glow back scrub, an African baobab facial, and a traditional Rungu massage. Enjoy an hour with Jobe Angel masseuse Wendy, and your skin will be as smooth and elegant as an impala. Who knows? You might even fall in love with your own Prince of the Jungle. In Africa, anything is possible. –Yusra Attia, Photo Editor
“Wendy was very attentive and knew the best pressure points. The Chobe River was like the perfect musical backdrop for a 90-minute tranquil experience,” says Attia.
Barbados is a top Eastern Caribbean tourist destination, offering excellent service, especially to tourists from America and Europe. Located on the top floor of the five-star O2 Beach Club, the Acqua Spa is nearly 6,000 square feet and offers guests panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from the floor. It also features the only Turkish bath in Barbados. The treatments here are based on marine ingredients and are guaranteed to transport you to the island and into a state of relaxation. —Danielle James, Director of Digital Beauty
“Can you use seaweed for your skin? If you want hydrated, healthy skin, then yes. The benefits are endless, and Acqua Spa uses locally sourced ingredients to create a unique experience tailored to your skin’s needs. The Sea of ​​Life facial begins with a skin analysis to determine your skin’s needs. Like many spa treatments, this treatment uses Osea products, which are renowned for using marine ingredients to provide the best benefits for your skin,” James said.
SHA Mexico is a wellness retreat you’ll never want to leave, and technically you don’t have to. Unlike most spas that offer one-time services, this one invites you to spend a few days in an oasis of calm. This secluded spa offers wellness programs ranging from 4 to 21 days that can be tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking to rebalance and rejuvenate in a few days or start a preventative care regimen ahead of time. —Nina Garcia, Editor-in-Chief
“As we age, we also face problems that we don’t want to think about or deal with. At SHA Mexico, you will have the help of professionals who will help you deal with these problems through a series of programs, such as Healthy Aging and Prevention. This wellness path, designed to identify which inhibitors are threatening your biological clock, uses natural remedies, technology and physical activity to restore your metabolism and slow down aging,” says García.
Shiseido Spa is located on Fifth Avenue in Tokyo, in a high-rise building that looks as shiny as varnish. Designed by Klein Dytham Architects, the spa is located on the third floor of the building and has a futuristic yet elegant design with a minimalist design that gives it a sense of calm. The treatment rooms are completely soundproofed, so you won’t feel anyone coming and going, and the estheticians work quietly, so nothing will distract you from a truly superb facial. —Kathleen Howe, Beauty Director
“In the ’80s and ’90s, Japanese companies were pushing the idea of ​​Six Sigma, a philosophy of continuous process improvement. Even though decades had passed, as I lay on the spa couch at Shiseido’s specialty store in Ginza, I couldn’t help but think about perfecting my facial regimen, over and over, until it was perfect. My facial lasted a leisurely hour and a half (but felt like two), and every stroke and pressure point felt like it was tailored to unclog my pores and massage my face for maximum radiance and slimness. At the end, a hardened clay mask (not for the claustrophobic) sucked out all the gunk from my pores and soothed my skin,” says Hou.
Amangiri is known for its harmonious blend of man-made and natural landscapes, and this spa is no exception. Set on 25,000 square feet in the Utah desert, the spa seamlessly combines water and stone, with a stone walkway over a tranquil pond to reach the treatment rooms. The path leading to the dimly lit spa is lined with hundreds of lit candles, and the sound of running water instantly transports you to the “spa” ambiance. —Kathleen Howe, Beauty Director
“If you’re going to Amangiri, a resort that’s a favorite of Hailey Bieber’s and has a pool literally carved into the side of a mountain, then you obviously need to see every inch of it, including the spa. There you can also get a massage, a sauna, a cold plunge pool, and their little-known pool (which one influencer told me is the best secret spot for photos),” Howe said.
The hotel is a busy place, its famous circular driveway often occupied by ambassadors and those wanting to show off their luxury cars, but the spa is surprisingly quiet and unassuming. The treatment rooms feel more like hotel rooms, and their central location makes it easy to enjoy a nice post-treatment meal. —Kathleen Howe, beauty director
“Whenever we go back to Taipei to visit family, my mom and I have a little ‘pamper yourself’ ritual. We take a night off from visiting family and book a massage at this luxury hotel in downtown Taipei. I love that the massage ends with a soak in the bathtub (because who wants to wear clothes on oily skin) and the treatment room has a beautiful view of Taipei,” says Hou.