Initially, this kind of service was almost exclusively geared towards adult couples over 45 years of age that wanted to combine their travel experiences with relaxation and beauty treatments necessary to decompress the stress accumulated throughout the year. Eventually, the public interested in this type of tourism has grown to include a much broader range, covering people in their twenties—singles or couples— as well as elderly individuals who usually travel in groups to this kind of establishments. After all, everybody likes to relax and be pampered with soothing massages and body wraps. Look here for more beauty and health advice.

Today there is a wide selection of spas and resorts that will tempt and please even the most discerning travelers. We present a sample of seven of the best spas in North America, which stand out for the quality of their services, as well as their exclusivity. All have excellent infrastructures, superb amenities, and enviable geographic locations.

Red Mountain Resort
St. George, Utah, United States

Nestled among the stunning red mountains and canyons of southern Utah, this resort offers the perfect indulgence for a holiday dedicated to personal care, outdoor activities and relaxation. The exquisite design of the resort blends with the vibrant colors and topography of the mountains that lend themselves to exciting activities like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and cycling, among many others. Red Mountain’s Sagestone Spa & Salon is ideal for pampering body and spirit, allowing guests to be in contact with the generous nature of southern Utah.

Costa Baja Resort & Spa
La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Located just minutes south of the city of La Paz, the State capital, on Baja California, Mexico, this resort is set in the midst of a truly paradisiacal landscape. Idyllic beaches of white sand and turquoise waters border the resort and residential complex, which includes, a fabulous luxury hotel, condominiums, golf courses, a marina for mooring private yachts and its fabulous Espiritu Spa. Without a doubt, a flawless destination with exclusive services that will allow you to enjoy and relax by the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Prince of Wales Hotel
Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada

This charming hotel and spa offer the perfect design and amenities for those who enjoy the classic luxury of hotels such as the Waldorf-Astoria in New York or the Ritz in Paris. The Prince of Wales is one of Canada’s best-preserved vintage hotels. Its imperial style decor is complemented by a magnificent Secret Garden and world-class spa, which deliver an experience of endless pleasure.

Catisloga Ranch, Resort & Spa
Calistoga, California, United States

To the north of Napa Valley, Calistoga Ranch expands through more than 155 acres of stunning mountain landscapes rich with green meadows, creeks, streams, lakes, and the vivid colors of the pristine environment. Its private cabanas and exquisite spa reflect the beauty of nature. The Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch is one of the few places in the United States where guests can indulge in the ancient healing traditions of the indigenous Amerindian peoples. This wellness center redefines the rejuvenation treatments and highlights healing therapies of the water from the Napa Valley. The comprehensive list of services includes massages, facials, saunas, mineral treatments and beauty therapies specially designed for women.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso
Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico

Las Ventanas al Paraíso (Windows to Paradise) is the name of a stunning resort that not only stands out for its wide offer of accommodations consisting of rooms and private villas, but also for its exquisite and innovative range of wellness services and body treatments offered at its spa. Its service list is called “Four Elements” and is inspired by the techniques used by the ancient local healers who used the power of earth, air, fire and water for body rejuvenation. The spa’s design connects with the style of the resort, highlighting the textures of the desert sand, wrought iron gates and decoration, noble woods, and the continuous interaction with the stunning landscape of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and lush vegetation.

Mii Amo
Sedona, Arizona, United States

Mii Amo Spa is located in the heart of the red mountains of the northeast of the State of Arizona and is renowned for its personal care and wellness services that combine the traditional therapies of the native peoples of the area with modern Eastern and Western techniques. A series of 16 residences makes guests feel at home since their design features a classic ambiance of comfort and discreet luxury.

Mandarin Oriental
Manhattan, New York, United States

For those who want to enjoy the ultimate spa treatments in New York City, one of the best options is the exclusive Mandarin Oriental hotel, across Central Park at Columbus Circle. This oasis of relaxation and personal care respects the traditions of the luxurious hotel, which beautifully combines oriental decorative accents with Manhattan’s cosmopolitan elegance. The spa is framed by breathtaking views of the Park and the rest of the island. The spa at the Mandarin Oriental has six rooms for specialized treatments, private showers, saunas and heated swimming-pools— separate for him and her— an oriental tea room, healthy cuisine of the finest quality and a boutique where guests can purchase the products used for various treatments. But its most exclusive “corners” are the Yoga suite, with its huge immersion tub, and the VIP spa suite, with a private sauna and a cozy ambiance. ■