My husband initially balked when I suggested a long-weekend trip to a spa. He worried there would be nothing for him to do and that the only thing to eat or drink would be kale salads and healthy shakes. He also worried that he’d feel awkward being the only guy.
But I insisted, and we both wound up having a great time. Although my husband thought there would be a few activities he would like, he participated in a plethora of hikes, biking trips and stretch classes. The food was also a pleasant surprise for him. It was tasty, plentiful and satisfying. And unlike his preconceived idea about the experience, there were many people of all genders represented. “Spas became trendy in a time when the entire wellness industry was about deprivation and beauty,” explains Cindy Present, director of wellness at Lake Austin Spa Resort, in Texas. “They’ve evolved into having cutting-edge programs and services that benefit mental and physical self-care. Thus, men of all ages are now gravitating to enjoying their benefits.”
In addition to being a great way for individuals to nurture their spiritual, physical and mental well-being, spa trips are ideal for couples. “Spa retreats create meaningful opportunities for couples to reconnect and reset through both individual and shared treatments, ” says Jacqueline Berry, Miraval Group director of spa and wellbeing. Adds Lodge at Woodloch spa director Nancy Deaton: “Getting away to a spa allows couples to really focus on each other. Taking classes, receiving spa treatments and sitting down for meals all help couples reconnect with one another, laugh together, relax together and have a quiet moment together.”
If you’re ready to get away for a few days with your significant other, here are six spas to consider.
1. Miraval Berkshires
Miraval Berkshires, located in Lenox, Massachusetts, is where my husband and I went on our mini vacation. Our favorite activity was hiking on the numerous, serene Berkshire trails. There are also Miraval spas in Austin, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona. While all the properties provide similar experiences, there are some distinctive activities at each location. At Miraval Austin, Berry says, “we offer a Transformative Tortilla Journey, a unique opportunity for couples to connect through food with a hands-on tortilla-making experience. And in the Berkshires, we have The Way of the Wheel, a pottery class that encourages guests to center themselves in the journey from clay to vessel, and to embrace the process with an open heart and mind, to connect to body and breath.”
2. The Lodge at Woodloch
Whether couples seek relaxation, rejuvenation or reconnection, the Woodloch spa is a wonderful destination. Located in Hawley, Pennsylvania, it has a romance package geared to couples and includes a credit toward spa services. The spa offers several services for two, including a Couple’s Soul Connection Reiki, where couples receive Reiki, a chakra alignment and a shamanic clearing. And “our evening kayaking class is very special for couples,” Deaton says. “Typically, toward the end of the activity, guests have the opportunity to see a beautiful sunset over our lake.”
3. Lake Austin Spa Resort
Texas’ Lake Austin Spa Resort is a perfect destination for couples. The Couple’s Romance Retreat package features a dimly candle-lit room, strewn with fresh rose petals, in which you and your partner enjoy Swedish massages lying side by side. Or you can spend the afternoon together on the lake.
“With our Picnic, Prosecco & Paddle Outing package, couples choose their paddle gear and take a scenic guided private excursion to learn the history and lore of the area,” Present notes. “After paddle time, they get to enjoy their choice of brunch or lunch picnic, prosecco and some reserved quiet time under the gorgeous shoreline trees of Lake Austin Resort.” Other options for couples include vow-renewal packages.
4. Canyon Ranch (various locations)
As the company’s website states, “Couples that stay well together stay together.” Canyon Ranch offers couples wellness retreats at four locations — in Arizona, Massachusetts, Nevada and California. In Las Vegas, indulge in the couple’s 100-minute ritual room; included is a scalp massage, a full-body exfoliation, a cleansing shower, a scented bath for two and a full-body massage.
5. Winvian Farm
Named one of the top 20 romantic weekend getaways in New England by Town & Country magazine, Winvian Farm in Morris, Connecticut, is an ideal spot in which to relax with your significant other. There are 18 individually themed luxury cottages (including an adult tree house), as well as a suite in the original 1775 homestead. You can also savor gourmet farm-to-table dining options. Spa offerings such as massages for couples and private yoga classes guarantee you’ll return to real life feeling refreshed.
6. The Springs Resort
The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is on the banks of the San Juan River, a three-hour drive from the Santa Fe Regional Airport. The property has 25 individual hot spring pools, providing couples with unique health and wellness experiences. Sharon Holtz, director of wellness at the Springs Resort, suggests couples indulge in Aqua Yoga together. She explains: “The benefits of soaking in water from the deepest geothermal hot spring are amplified by a gentle, approachable yoga practice in the waters.”
Another popular option for couples is the resort’s Warm Embrace Package, which includes Magnesium Muscle Melt treatments that can take place in the couple’s suite, so partners can share the experience together.
Any of you been to a spa that you'd recommend? Let us know in the comments below.
