The 11 best spa getaways in New England for a tranquil getaway

What is it? One of the most relaxing spa experiences in New England is actually located mere steps from the bright lights and dinging bells of slot machines. The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor is a Forbes Five-Star rated wonder, with 19,000 square feet of treatment rooms, a sumptuous lounge area with heated loungers and pools, and much more. The hotel itself is something to behold, clocking in with 104 luxurious suites (and we mean luxurious) and the largest standard hotel rooms in Boston.

Why go? Gilded and glowing floor lanterns along a pathway of smooth stones create the entrance to this stunning space of sheer tranquility. Sip a cup of Yuzu tea to set the serene mood, with treatments from specialty massages to body treatments and result-driven facials. Enjoy a hot and cold plunge surrounded by rich lapis blue tiles, or a stint in the eucalyptus steam room before or after your treatment.

Don’t miss: The signature Good Luck Ritual is a treatment meant to foster luck, prosperity and happiness that combines full body massage (bye, stress) followed by a ritual focusing on the head, hands and feet—give it a whirl before dealing in at the casino. New to the massage menu is Lymphatic Drainage and a Lomi Lomi-inspired, which comes from the belief that memories are stored in every cell of the human body.

What is it? While a trip to the Cape during the off season might seem against the rules, the Spa at Chatham Bars Inn might change your mind. As part of the popular five-star oceanfront luxury property, it's the Cape's only four-star spa and sets the bar for a little seaside me time.

Why go? Not only is the spa a relaxing destination set apart from the rest of the property, it checks all the boxes with its own Spa Pool (also open in the winter, for when a cold plunge is in future) and hot tub, Zen Garden and co-ed relaxation room. The beach is just a stroll away, so you can begin your unwind by listening to the sounds of the ocean waves. 

Don't miss: The Warm Vanilla Velvet Massage is a seasonal treat offered in the chillier months that envelopes you in cozy scents and sensations, as hot stones and long massage strokes melt away stress. Also don't sleep on staying in one of their Spa Suites - huge rooms that are attached to the spa that boasts in-room fireplaces, oversized hydrotherapy tubs, steam showers, and hot saunas. You can simply walk unbothered and robe-clad from your room to your treatment.

What is it?  Escape the city and head west for the fresh air of the Berkshires. There, you’ll find the ever peaceful and idyllic Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa. With pioneering new programs, exclusive spa treatments, nourishing cuisine and world-class wellness specialists, this is where you can reset and recenter. Their one-of-a-kind experiences offer something for everyone within a 29,000-suare-foot full-service Life in Balance Spa.

Why go? From sound bowl meditations to outdoor adventure to culinary classes on the importance of nutrition, the property goes above and beyond to instill the significance of mindfulness at any age (they even just hosted a family-centric week full of programming for all).

Don’t miss: Spend time outside with horses during an Equine Meditation, embrace your spirituality with a Mysteries of the Tarot and Astrology Exploration, or unwind in the spa with their exclusive Obsidian and Sage Detoxifying Ritual body treatment. This November and December, you can discover daily wellness, soothing spa rituals, and nourishing cuisine that support balance all season long through their new Nourish & Nurture Packages.

What is it? Set within the glorious Mandarin Oriental hotel, this Forbes Five-Star award-winning spa provides signature wellness experiences in a serene environment, featuring a crystal steam room, vitality pools and more.

Why go? At the Mandarin, spa therapists will carve out time for a consultation to tailor your experience to you. The result is something based on your needs, with unique massage, facial and healing treatments. The signature Oriental-inspired spa treatments, traditional healing practices and meditative sessions set in the sanctuary-like spa each begin with a cleansing foot soak and cup of tea.

Don’t miss: They recently launched several treatments with Natura Bissé, a globally acclaimed luxury skincare brand out of Barcelona. Their Wellness Retreats also now have available add-ons like Reiki, Urban Forest Bathing and more.

What is it? Housed inside a striking French chateau on the Village Green in Plymouth's award-winning community of The Pinehills, Mirbeau Plymouth is the South Shore’s spot to melt away your worries. Guests are invited to spend ample time before and after their treatments enjoying the facility, which includes an expansive relaxation area with a heated foot pool and an outdoor aqua terrace with a whirlpool.

Why go? The 50-guestroom spa retreat wraps you in plush robes as you recline by the fireplace. Dip your toes into the heated foot pool as you sip your tea or enjoy an al fresco lunch on the Aqua Terrace after you soak in the outdoor whirlpool.

Don’t miss: In addition to its award-winning spa services, Mirbeau offers daily complimentary instructor-led fitness classes. They also just celebrated 25 years of having their own brand, so stock up.

What is it? Located on the picturesque shores of coastal Maine in Cape Neddick, Cliff House boasts captivating ocean views, luxury accommodations, and a spa showcasing the very best in wellness and beauty practices. The spa is meant to channel a transformative interplay of water, stone, earth and sky. It serves as an oasis for guests to rejuvenate and recharge through a circuit of saunas, steam rooms and treatment spaces.

Why go? Nestled across 70 acres atop Bald Head Cliff, this is serenity at its finest. The 9,000 square-foot oceanfront luxury spa boasts a sanctuary relaxation lounge that’s inspired by the traditions and natural treasures of the sea. Serving as a transition zone within the treatment area corridor, guests relax among 10 oversized lounge and club chairs overlooking sweeping views of the cliff and cove.

Don’t miss: Explore their signature Five Element journeys, which are guided by the elemental forces of Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth to blend breathwork, touch, and elemental techniques, or their new "Soul of the Ocean” treatments designed to focus on inner renewal through reiki, tarot card, chakra cleanings, and more. You can also visit the Spa lobby to make your very own body scrub or oil blend for a little take-home treat.

What is it? This all-inclusive wellness resort in Lenox in the Berkshires puts the priority back on you and your health. Recognized as New England’s #1 spa resort by the Michelin Guide, healing and renewal are the buzzwords at this central Mass destination.

Why go? One of three locations in the U.S. (there’s a fourth coming to Austin), Canyon Ranch brings you through a lush forest and into the former Bellefontaine Mansion, a historic Gilded Age estate built in 1897. Enrich your stay with wellness experiences with inspired classes and activities – from sunrise yoga to hiking adventures. You’ll have access to unlimited meals, snacks, and beverages; an indulgent spa with fitness amenities, including whirlpools, classes, cold plunges and more; and more than 200 services designed to restore and revitalize.

Don’t miss: Now's the chance to dig deeper into your health with services that cut through the noise, such as learning your integrative diet score, elevating your performance through expert-led Sweat Test and VO2max Testing, gaining insight through high-tech tools and treatments of CR Vitality and more.

What is it?  Relax and unwind in Vermont’s serene Green Mountains on the luxury property that features local bath products and incorporates elements of Vermont’s natural beauty to create a healing, revitalizing atmosphere.  

Why go? This mountain oasis is a great stop to relax and recover after a day of hiking, biking, skiing, riding or shopping. In addition to a stellar spa, it also boasts a 24-hour fitness and yoga studio, a 25-yard indoor lap pool, and a beautiful outdoor whirlpool.

Don’t miss: Opt for the Diamond Luminous facial, Natura Bissé’s exclusive treatment featuring a powerful five-acid exfoliation complex to give your skin a youthful glow. Amp up the care by adding enhancements such as cupping, hot stones, CBD, LED, and many more add-ons to certain treatments.

What is it?  What’s in a name? Quite a lot. “Hygge” is a Danish concept that encompasses cozy contentment and comfort through simple pleasures, nature and meaningful connections. A luxurious Nordic spa, Villa Hygge was designed to embrace its natural surroundings with warm, natural tones that evoke a peaceful atmosphere and the serenity of the Scandinavian lifestyle.

Why go? Consider this spa Scandinavia but in the heart of the White Mountains. Here, wellbeing is the main priority, and guests can enjoy the benefits of a Himalayan salt lounge, experience the magic of a traditional outdoor Finnish sauna, schedule a personalized aromatherapy massage, dive into a purifying halotherapy session in a Himalayan salt lounge and sample European cuisine to appreciate the art of mindful eating.

Don’t miss: Start you day with a hygge-inspired yoga class then move to the spa for stress-relieving Multireflexology-inspired body renewal or a Nordic Glow facial.

What is it?  A family-owned Ayurvedic retreat center just two hours from Boston in southern Vermont, the Setu’s mission is to teach the traditions of Indian medicine, yoga and meditation in support of greater wellbeing.

Why go? So much more than just a traditional spa setting, Setu offers guests meditation retreats, spa treatments, Ayurvedic health consultations, sound meditations with pranayama, and artfully prepared Indian meals, all within a luxe sanctuary setting that allows guests to unplug, let go, and focus on their inner and outer wellness.

Don’t miss: You and your inner wellness are the focus here, so check out their rejuvenating retreats and transformative workshops.

What is it? The Ocean & Harvest Spa at the Ocean House is the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Westerly, R.I. Within the 12,000-square-foot destination, guests can immerse themselves in personalized spa experiences that offer up a nod to the best of each season in New England.

Why go? There are complimentary yoga and Pilates classes available, as well as a saltwater lap pool (complete with ocean views) to enjoy. Once a month, the spa team hosts a Wellness Wednesday seminar to help guests fine-tune their wellness journeys. And there’s an intimate salon for hair and nail services.

Don’t miss: Check out their seasonal offerings, which have included couples massage by candlelight and juniper body treatments.