Top Destination Spas in the U.S. 2023

Whether it’s for a week or a weekend, visiting a destination spa can provide a much-needed reset. Away from the demands of daily life, these stunning retreats provide travelers with the mental, physical, and emotional space to set themselves on the path to feeling their best. GoTravelDaily readers know they don’t have to venture far to experience some of the world’s most restorative destination spas—especially if they live in California or Arizona.

How Voting Works

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Destination spas were rated on the following criteria:

• 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

Readers are loyal when they find a brand they love—perhaps that’s why two properties from Canyon Ranch (including the Lenox, Massachusetts location, which has a newly renovated spa) and three from Miraval made the list of their favorite destination spas in the U.S. for 2023. One fan of Canyon Ranch’s original Tucson location, which ranked No. 5, remarked: “You leave there feeling totally refreshed and grounded in yourself. It is my favorite place to reset and learn something new!” Integrative wellness is key to the property’s philosophy, with services grouped into five categories: spa and beauty, fitness and movement, nutrition and food, health and performance, and mind and spirit. Focused programs are available to address specific concerns, and wellness guides can help guests navigate the myriad options available.

Independent spas also attracted readers’ attention. Located in Texas Hill Country, the 40-room Lake Austin Spa Resort (No. 11) impressed with its serene grounds, easy-going atmosphere, and variety of activities. “Hikes, boat rides, exercise classes, cooking classes… it’s impossible to do all of them,” shared one reader. In Arizona, the freshly reopened Mii Amo (No. 7) is set in Boynton Canyon, a legendary energy vortex. The setting “surrounds you in nature and calms the soul,” praised a guest, who also appreciated the extensive property renovations and breathtaking views from the casitas.

Readers don’t need a January resolution to visit these retreats; many make their trips an annual tradition. “My first spend on myself every year,” said a voter of Miraval Berkshires (No. 15). “It’s a deal I have with myself! That’s how great this destination is for me.”

The Winner

The Ranch Malibu: Malibu, California

Known for its structured fitness regimens and organic vegan meals, this iconic destination spa boasts a results-driven approach that has made it legendary in wellness (and, yes, celebrity) circles. Readers raved about their stays, with one noting the “beautiful facilities and top-notch service,” while another described their onsite experience as “amazing and dreamy.” The multi-day programs have a reputation for being intensive—blending low-impact exercise classes with rigorous hikes. The consensus is that the experience is transformative, helping to break unwanted habits and kickstart improved well-being. Bring only the essentials and leave with a fresh mindset.

Beautiful facilities and top-notch service.

— Reader

The Full List

1. The Ranch Malibu: Malibu, California

Reader Score: 97.18

2. Canyon Ranch Lenox: Lenox, Massachusetts

Reader Score: 93.70

3. Hilton Head Health: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Reader Score: 93.68

4. Golden Door: San Marcos, California

Reader Score: 92.50

5. Canyon Ranch Tucson: Tucson, Arizona

Reader Score: 92.36

6. Cal-a-Vie Health Spa: Vista, California

Reader Score: 92.00

7. Mii Amo: Sedona, Arizona

Reader Score: 91.41

8. The Lodge at Woodloch: Hawley, Pennsylvania

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.70

9. Miraval Austin: Austin, Texas

Reader Score: 90.24

10. Shou Sugi Ban House: Water Mill, New York

Reader Score: 90.14

11. Lake Austin Spa Resort: Austin, Texas

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.05

12. Ten Thousand Waves: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Reader Score: 89.93

13. Miraval Arizona: Tucson, Arizona

Reader Score: 89.72

14. Civana Wellness Resort & Spa: Carefree, Arizona

Reader Score: 87.86

15. Miraval Berkshires: Lenox, Massachusetts

Reader Score: 87.39