Statistics suggest the United States spa industry is worth an estimated $20.1 billion, and findings suggest our love of pampering is unlikely to decline, with 29 percent of global travelers stating interest in traveling for wellness reasons in the future.
Nothing says romance like a relaxing trip with a loved one to reconnect, relax, and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Be it an outdoor pool, sizzling sauna, or premium massage, the U.S. is packed with idyllic spas to visit.
Travel insurance comparison site InsureMyTrip is providing destination inspiration by ranking 56 U.S. destinations for the ultimate spa getaway from best to worst.
To accomplish this, we standardized the latest available data for each city in categories like number of luxury spas, spa ratings, hotel ratings, air quality, and airport distance.
The data was then standardized using min-max normalization. The min-max normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). In this case, a score of 10 is the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst.
Florida and Hawaii are the states which dominate the list, with four Florida cities and two Hawaiian cities featuring in the top 10.
Miami is in first position with an overall score of 8.8 out of 10. In a city renowned for its legendary spring breaks, extravagant clubs, and celebrity-packed party scene, it might come as a surprise that Miami has a growing wellness scene.
Nevertheless, the multitude of advantages associated with a city featuring numerous exceptional hotels and resorts includes access to top-notch spas.
In fact, Miami has the highest number of luxury spas featured in the study, all of which have excellent average ratings of 4.72/5. The average hotel prices in the city are middle-of the range at around $294.62 per night, making a wellness trip full of spa visits more affordable. Miami is also only nine miles from the nearest international airport.
The second-best city in the study, is Scottsdale, Arizona, following close behind with a score of 7.94.
Arizona boasts breath-taking, natural scenery, hosting three national parks and a dry climate that ensures favorable year-round weather. The abundance of hiking, camping, and mountain biking opportunities is complemented by the chance to unwind and pamper oneself at the state's most opulent spas and resorts.
Scottsdale’s average spa ratings are the same as Miami’s, however, it has slightly fewer luxury options to choose from, meaning it narrowly misses out on the top spot.
Scottsdale’s average hotel ratings are slightly higher than Miami’s (8.40/10), but so are the average room prices, which average $478.15 a night. This makes Scottsdale a less cost-effective solution for those looking for a more affordable escape, which also drives down its average overall score.
In third position is Hawaii’s Honolulu (7.92), which has the third highest number of luxury spas of the cities studied.
Hawaii is frequently cited as a romantic destination, perfect for honeymoons or couples in need of a luxurious break. Many travelers are drawn to this destination for its stunning natural landscapes and seaside attractions, but what shouldn't be overlooked is the exceptional world-class spa scene.
Honolulu is the closest of the top three destinations to an international airport, with one based only six miles away. The average rating of hotels is slightly lower than both Miami and Scottsdale (8.14) and the cost per room is $318.73 per night, which also brings its overall position down to third place.
Vail in Colorado (7.52) and Bonita Springs, Florida (7.46) complete the top five cities to visit for a romantic spa getaway.
The city with the best average spa ratings overall is Rancho, Santa Fe in California with ratings reaching an impressive 4.88/5 overall. The highest rated hotels for those wishing to stay overnight for a spa break are in Victor, Idaho (8.71/10). However, the city with the most reasonably priced average room cost is Maryville, Tennessee at around $119.44 per night.
Looking to splash out for the ultimate luxury spa experience? The city with the most expensive nightly stay is Ka’anapali in Hawaii, with a nightly stay costing a staggering average of $3,868!
Sarah Webber, Director of Marketing at InsureMyTrip commented on the findings:
“Many couples take vacations to relax, and what better way to unwind than at a spa? However, finding a spa that fits your needs, wants, and budget can be overwhelming. This list is meant to narrow down the options for couples, so they’re not stressing out while looking to take a trip to relax.”
To view the full study, click here
