The 18 Best Destination Spas, According to Travel + Leisure Readers

As the meaning of “wellness” continues to evolve in today’s post-pandemic, hyper-connected, overworked world, more and more people are prioritizing their self-care, including Travel + Leisure readers. This means that wellness-focused vacations and retreats are one of the fastest growing travel sectors — even tons of “regular” hotels have added wellness programs, one-off retreats, or health-affiliated perks, giving guests a way to take care of themselves no matter where they are. But dedicated wellness retreats like these allow travelers to have a reset: they can indulge in pampering, embrace healing, and even challenge themselves to reach new physical heights.

How Voting Works

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Destination spas were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Accommodations/facilities
• Treatments
• Service
• Food
• Value

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved About Domestic Spas

With relaxation and self-care as buzzy as ever, T+L readers are flocking to the best spas in the country in order to achieve a moment of Zen. California and the Southwest dominate the list this year, with Arizona landing three spots, including the No. 2 position for Mii Amo in Sedona, which recently completed a refresh that several readers appreciated, with one describing the “lovely, newly renovated facility and rooms.” Another voter said they experienced a “spiritual feel and energy among red rocks.”

Another Arizona winner and perpetual listmaker is Miraval Arizona in Tucson, which stayed at No. 13 this year. Many voters mentioned going back multiple times or even annually, with one stating simply: “A life changing destination.” Another spa that readers mention returning to often is No. 12, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Famous for its mineral waters, a voter explained: “Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs has the best healing waters in the country. It has a long and ancient history of powerful physical, mental, and spiritual cleansing and rejuvenation. The waters’ restorative and healthful elements are beautifully matched with a conscientious and supportive environment in a purely natural setting.”

But the winner was from a surprise destination: Wisconsin. Even more surprising, the winning spa hasn’t even made the list at all in the last few years. Curious? Read on to find out which U.S. spa claimed the top spot.

Domestic Spas Winner 

Sundara Inn & Spa: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Tucked away amid 80 acres of pine forest in the Wisconsin Dells, Sundara Inn & Spa has been attracting those seeking rejuvenation and rest since 2003. Adults-only and electronic device-free, this retreat takes respite seriously, and as one guest says, “It’s a world away from usual life.” Known for its extensive hydrotherapy pools and treatments ranging from Ayurvedic-inspired therapies like Shirodhara to more modern innovations like Cryo T-Shock and Wellsystem Wave, the resort also boasts excellent food and cocktails — no deprivation necessary here. The resort also recently added eight new accommodations to its 42 suites: reserve suites with private, enclosed balconies with hot tubs and fireplaces. As one longtime guest put it: “It is an amazing hidden gem in Wisconsin. I truly feel refreshed and uplifted after leaving the property at the end of my stay. It has been awesome to see their growth and building over the years to accommodate the number of people that go there.” 

Domestic Spas Full List

1. Sundara Inn & Spa: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Reader Score: 94.19

2. Mii Amo: Sedona, Arizona

Reader Score: 93.73

3. CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa: Carefree, Arizona

Reader Score: 93.71

4. Lake Austin Spa Resort: Austin, Texas

Reader Score: 93.54

5. Golden Door: San Marcos, California

Reader Score: 93.52

6. The Lodge at Woodloch: Hawley, Pennsylvania

Reader Score: 92.92

7. Cal-a-Vie: Vista, California

Reader Score: 92.71

8. Canyon Ranch Lenox: Lenox, Massachusetts

Reader Score: 92.60

9. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort: Lanai, Hawaii

Reader Score: 91.81

10. The Ranch Malibu: Malibu, California

Reader Score: 91.70

11. Miraval Austin: Austin, Texas

Reader Score: 91.64

12. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa: Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

Reader Score: 91.32

13. Miraval Arizona: Tucson, Arizona

Reader Score: 91.11

14. Ten Thousand Waves: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Reader Score: 90.51

15. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort: Miami, Florida

Reader Score: 90.17

What Readers Loved About International Spas

Although T+L readers enjoy going abroad for wellness retreats, they don’t like to stray too far from the U.S., as evidenced by our three winners this year, which are all located in Central America and the Caribbean. Still, they manage to range from hot spring havens to all-inclusive health getaways to holistic wellness revivals. The three winners are also longtime, well-respected spas that have earned their stellar reputations through the years: no flashy newcomers here. This was proven even more by the high number of repeat guests at all of the winning properties this year.

“The BodyHoliday is my happy place,” says one multi-time guest of No. 3 on this year’s list, the BodyHoliday in St. Lucia. “It’s the kind of place where you can do everything or nothing at all. I’ve had glorious days chock full of activities from dawn ‘til dusk…morning walk, aqua fit, spin, sunset yoga. Then other days I’ve just lounged on the beach with a good book all day…my greatest effort simply putting up the flag to order a smoothie. Either way, it’s just perfect.” Several voters also mentioned the excellent value of the all-inclusive model, which includes one spa treatment per day.

This year’s winner, one of the oldest wellness retreats in the world, has made the list for the last several years, and is no stranger to the No. 1 position. Keep reading to find out why.

International Spas Winner

Rancho La Puerta: Tecate, Mexico

A pioneer in the wellness retreat space, Rancho La Puerta is one of the original family-owned and operated fitness and spa resorts in the world, opened in 1940. Situated on 4,000 private acres of gardens, mountains, and meadows in Baja California, several readers mentioned the “magical” quality of the resort, including a longtime guest who wrote: “I have been going to Rancho La Puerta 18 times in the past 35 years. It has always been wonderful, and just gets better all the time — it is a magical place.” The expansive ranch boasts 40 miles of rigorous hiking trails plus more than 40 daily fitness classes, including TRX, yoga, and pilates. Recovery is easy when there are spa treatments ranging from craniosacral therapy and acupuncture to Feldenkrais, reiki, and Watsu. “[I] love the mind-body-spirit comprehensive offering breadth,” pinpointed one voter, while another praised it as an “authentic, life-changing place and experience.”  The amenities and service are also top notch, with voters mentioning “outstanding service staff [that] is like a family,” the “beautiful casitas,” and the “delicious, healthy food [that is] beautifully presented.”

International Spas Full List

1. Rancho La Puerta: Tecate, Mexico

Reader Score: 95.89

2. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa: La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

Reader Score: 92.38

3. BodyHoliday: Cap Estate, St. Lucia

Reader Score: 92.30