The 23 best spas in Chicago

Breathing new life into the ancient tradition of Greek and Roman bath houses, Aire Ancient Baths is a singular spa experience in Chicago. The awe-inspiring space, which is built inside an old factory in River West, is like a hidden bunker designed for peaceful retreats. You can just explore the indoor and outdoor baths—ranging from frigid to hot and incorporating steam, salt and jets—or add on a relaxing massage. The spa also offers packaged experiences for one or two people such as the Signature Wine Experience, where you’ll take advantage of the antioxidant properties of grapes with a 30-minute soak and cranial massage and an hour-long massage with grapeseed oil.

Much like the rest of Soho House, downstairs spa Cowshed is tastefully decorated in Midwestern barnwood, crystal chandeliers, pristine vintage sofas and leather wing-backed pedicure chairs. While all of the spa's treatments are equally stellar, it's the Ultimate Pedicure you can't miss out on. The service uses all-natural Cowshed brand products and includes a relaxing leg and foot massage, hydration mask, shoulder massage and polish.

A good spa is all about relaxation, and this River North spot sets the tone as soon as you show up for your appointment. Instead of sitting in a typical waiting area, kick up your feet in a calming, dimly lit, semi-private tented chamber. The treatments are similarly next level—think chakra-balancing massages, volcanic clay body wraps and a full suite of facial care, from the straightforward Classic Facial (60 minutes, $130) to the luxe Silver Ion Reparative Facial (75 minutes, $175). Be sure to reserve a complimentary shower room when you book your appointment; the walls are covered in beautiful Moroccan plaster, and guests are treated to plush towels and eco-friendly products.

This posh spa within the Langham Hotel bases its practices around the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and the five elemental forces of Wu Xing: metal, wood, fire, water and earth. You can get a relaxing taste of all five elements through the 5 Wu Xing Elements In-One, a two-hour experience that includes an acupressure massage with invigorating Po Sun On oil and a full-body mud mask (from $460). For an even deeper dive into traditional Chinese medicine, consult with the spa’s master of acupuncture for a customized acupuncture and massage session.

This Lakeview spa specializes in skin and body treatments such as wraps designed to increase circulation and an extensive list of facial offerings that target the effects of acne, pollution and aging. And you don’t have to leave all the skin pampering to your face: the spa’s back, shoulder and elbow facial uses cleansing steam and massage to soothe your aches and leave you glowing. Hoping to make spa treatments a regular part of your self-care regimen? De La Vie’s membership packages let you develop a facial routine and add on other treatments at a discount.

The 20,000-square-foot Lincoln Park spa (not to be confused with locations in Burr Ridge and Kohler, Wisconsin) specializes in hydrotherapy. You'll find water treatments like Lavender Rain, which features a lavender and eucalyptus scrub, warm rinse and full-body moisturizing, and Still Waters, which uses CBD exfoliation and moisturizing to relieve stress and restore energy. The services change with the seasons and also include an extensive selection of facials, pedicures and massages aimed at everything from lymphatic drainage to deep tissue tension relief. Continue relaxing after your appointment in the spa’s sauna, cool plunge pool or steam room.

This cozy massage studio is known for soothing scrub treatments and deep tissue massages. What it lacks in space it makes up for in skill and affordability. You can nab a relaxing 30-minute Swedish massage for $65, or a two-hour signature massage for $229. The services are all top-notch, so if you're not into the fancy steam room, lap pool and all the extra frills, save a bundle and come here instead.

Our favorite part of spa-ing at The Peninsula Spa is the time we spend chilling in the lounge area. Single-person beds with fluffy comforters are nestled in draped enclaves. You can spend hours reading or napping, completely undisturbed—except for someone refilling your tea. Nearby, a fire flickers in the fireplace. The spa menu is pricey (the Hydrating Manicure is $80 Monday–Thursday or $95 Friday–Sunday), but the top-notch products make a body treatment worth the splurge.

Get ritzy at this wellness-focused spa housed inside The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago hotel, which offers revitalizing treatments ranging from full-body exfoliation to antioxidant boosting facials—for a pretty penny, of course. Want to take your relaxation to the next level? Tack on additional upgrades to your services, like a manicure and pedicure, for an extra-luxurious effect.

Located in the heart of Wicker Park, Ruby Room is a soul-soothing oasis that offers cupping and healing massages you can modify with a hand and foot crystal exfoliation or essential oil-scented cold stones designed to soothe headaches. Ruby Room also offers a variety of intuitive readings using numerology, tarot or Akashic records. Quiet your mind and connect with your body at Sunday meditation classes, where groups learn focused breathing and visualization techniques that promote deep relaxation.

Lager-loving denizens in the Czech Republic have been bathing in tubs full of beer for hundreds of years—the potent combination of barley, hops and yeast is said to work wonders for softening one’s skin and improving circulation. You can see for yourself at Piva Beer Spa, a Noble Square spot that specializes in warm beer soaks alongside a host of more traditional spa offerings. Spring for three hour and 15 minute-long Platinum Package to try the titular soak with a bit of everything else, including a 45 minute halotherapy treatment in the spa’s salt room. And since we knew you were wondering: Yes, you will be offered beer for drinking during your visit.

As you may expect, the spa services at the Four Seasons are no less than divine. The seasonally-changing menu includes services like a Himalayan salt stones massage, where Himalayan salt detoxifies and re-mineralizes your body. Even moms-to-be can treat themselves to a relaxing massage that will leave them calm and centered.

Located seven stories high in the Park Hyatt Chicago, NoMI Spa is as every bit as lavish as its environs. Choose the massage—which includes a facial component—that fits your needs, from the deep pressure Revive option to a Grounded treatment that incorporates heated basalt stones. You’ll get to enjoy some juices and snacks afterwards, plus a steam room and pool.

The opulence of the historic Palmer House is the perfect backdrop for some rest and relaxation. Book specialty treatments like the Chicago Fire and Ice Massage, using a mix of heated and cooling stones, and Honore's Hydrotub Immersion, which uses water to relieve stress and relax muscles. Can't decide on just one thing? Ask for the Empire, a 50-minute massage, 50-minute facial and 50-minute body wrap for a cool $375.

Make the trip out to Niles for this traditional 24-hour Korean spa, which sports nine sauna rooms, a pool area (birthday suits only!), relaxation lounges and even a movie theater with recliners. If you get hungry, refuel at the food court with Korean bites like bibimbap and fried chicken. And the best part? Admission is just $50, with the option to add treatments such as massages, facials and scrubs.

Fairmont Chicago’s Leaf Spa offers a holistic experience that tends to not only guests’ physical wellbeing, but mental wellness, too. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a Wish Tree so you can channel positive energy and set your intentions. In addition to all types of treatments, the spa features an Alchemist Bar—letting you create oils, scrubs and tinctures—along with a House of Knowledge, a gallery of plants and herbs from around the world.

Sure, you’ve heard of scalp massages, but what about an all-out scalp spa experience? That’s the main attraction at H20 House, a Lincoln Park head spa focused on cleansing, hydrating and revitalizing the oft-neglected skin on your scalp. Staff members use a special camera to assess your overall scalp health—giving you an up-close-and-personal look at the grime and build-up lurking beneath your hair—before guiding you to a private head spa room for a 60-minute extravaganza of scalp massage, hair follicle purification, acupressure and more circulation-boosting rituals. Guests have five treatment options to choose from, including options centered on treating dry scalps and the cult hair product Olaplex.

Located in Bronzeville, Next Man Up is a one-stop shop for all things related to men’s self-care. The spa offers a long list of massages, manicures, hair care, waxing and  specialized facials like Masculine and Mature, which uses vitamin C serum, retinol and hyaluronic acid-based products to target signs of aging. Craving more in-depth self-care? Next Man Up also offers monthly subscription options for several treatments and accepts insurance for its clinical services.

This Austin export is one of Chicago’s newest day spas, offering a suite of massages, facials, waxing, manicures and body treatments—plus med spa treatments, like injectables and chemical peels—from an airy, light-filled space in the Gold Coast. A signature 60-minute, Swedish-style massage will whisk away aches and pains, but you can pump up the luxury with the spa’s Ultimate Massage: After invigorating your skin with full-body dry brushing, your provider will provide a choice of 90-minute massage (signature, deep tissue or sports) before moving onto a warm oil scalp and a neck massage, working away the kinks of a stressful day. 

Massages are the specialty here, and the spa offers every type—from classic Swedish to ashiatsu, during which a therapist uses their feet to massage you. There's even a specialty CBD treatment to relieve pain and reduce anxiety and stress. Fans of traditional Chinese medicine can also opt to add on extra features, like a cupping session, to their massage package. Urban Oasis also offers a special prenatal massage geared towards reducing back, neck and joint pain and helping with digestive issues.

Open under various names and ownership since 1906, Chicago’s oldest bathhouse is a true throwback complete with saunas, steam rooms and a full-service Russian restaurant. Basic admission is $40 and grants you a full day of access to the saunas (plus robes, towels and slippers), but your best bet is to add on spa services like the Traditional Platza ($45), a classic Russian treatment where you’ll be lightly smacked by bushels of birch, oak or eucalyptus, producing fragrant and skin-invigorating effects.

There's a spa service for everyone at the Waldorf Astoria, where therapists will personalize services based on your age, skin type, body type and stress levels. For your best shot at all-out relaxation, choose the The Waldorf Délassant Body Ritual, a 90-minute session where you’ll be treated to a shea butter sugar scrub, body wrap, warm oil scalp treatment and hour-long massage. Don’t forget to stop by the spa’s boutique to snag extra-ritzy beauty products that will keep the zen feelings going at home.

Traditional Thai massage is the name of the game at Lang Ocean Spa Thai Bodywork, a River North spa where you’ll find massage techniques imbued with the Ayurvedic methods and yoga-like movements that typify Thai bodywork. Choose the Aroma Thai Bodywork massage to experience a blend of Eastern and Western styles, coupling yoga stretching with Swedish massage for deeply relaxing results. Best of all, services here won’t break the bank, with all 60-minute massage sessions running for just $85; bump it up to 90 minutes or 120 minutes ($125 and $160, respectively) and you’ll even get a free hot stone treatment as part of your service.