Mind-Body Retreats

Whether you are plotting a girl's escape as a way to thank your maids for their involvement in your wedding, planning a day of pampering for yourself the week before as an attempt to decompress, or looking for a place to indulge with your new husband afterward, a trip to the spa could very well fit the bill for bridal bliss. New England is home to some of the best spas, complete with luxurious overnight accommodations, topnotch amenities, dietary-conscious chefs, and of course, the beautiful surrounding environment.

Massachusetts, with its various niches is home to four of the premier spas in the area. Starting with the Islands, Nantucket Island Resorts owns both the White Elephant Spa and Spa by the Sea at The Wauwinet, located just steps from the harbor. Coining the term sea beauty, the White Elephant combines healing properties of the sea with the rejuvenation properties of other natural elements. Try the signature Gift from the Sea Facial. The Wauwinet enrobes an herb garden perfect for enjoying aromatherapy while you wait for your Custom Therapeutic Massage promoting relaxation, improved circulation and relieved tension. After you're done, try yoga on the beach.

In downtown Boston, visit Splash Spa at Sports Club L.A. in The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common. Known for their scientifically-advanced healing treatments, you get the advantage of enjoying a mind-body retreat with all of the luxury that comes with The Ritz. Try one of their holistic facials, enjoy a leisurely lunch and then maybe push yourself with a private training session. Off to the Berkshires, lies the renowned Canyon Ranch in Lenox. With a 100,000-square foot complex, Canyon Ranch, has five gyms, a yoga studio, indoor pool, exercise and weight training rooms, healthy living room, various sports courts, steam rooms, sauna, whirlpool, track, spa, beauty salon and boutique. Visit anytime of the year or pay a special visit for one of their events like Hiking Week.

Off to Connecticut, are three more leading spas. The Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington is a true destination for your mind and spirit. Participate in signature classes like Rise and Shine—a morning sequence designed to prepare you for the day ahead—and vamp up your day by trying one of the various yoga sessions. When you’re done, try a therapeutic bath like the Detoxifying Soak. Northeast is The Spa at Winvian in Morris. Recognized for their no-nonsense approach to beauty and clean products, the Winvian offers various treatments including the Ayoura Tub perfect for hydro-thermo massages and chromatherapy. Try it alone or with your spouse. Further east in Old Lyme, is The Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa known for their restorative facials. More than 250 years old, the setting is the perfect place to simply relax or take a bike ride or day sail.

Heading North to New Hampshire and Maine are The Spa at Wentworth by the Sea and The Cliff House Resort and Spa. Located on the island of New Castle, N.H., the Wentworth has an indoor pool with whirlpool, state-of-the-art exercise studio and spa. Try one of the Body Renewals, like the Seaweed Body Wrap, founded on the Ayurvedic tradition of India in which balance and health are sought for your entire being. In Ogunquit, Maine, lies the Cliff House Resort and Spa, officially named an Environmental Leader in 2008 for taking Green initiatives. The spa's signature, indigenous Blueberry Body Wrap is a must. Afterward take a dip in either of the resort's pools.

Finishing out the top spas, we find ourselves in the mountains of Vermont. Located in Stowe are Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa and Topnotch Resort and Spa. Priding themselves for personal attention, the Spa at Stoweflake possesses a unique aqua solarium featuring a 12-foot-high massaging waterfall and mineral soaking pool perfect after a day on the slopes. Since Vermont is known for its maple, try the sweet Vermont Maple Sugar Body Polish. The Spa at Topnotch just underwent a major expansion to 35,000-square feet. Enjoy the spa, and then if you’re up to it, talk to one of the professionals at Aesthetica Medi-Spa for a Restylane consult or teeth whitening for a head-to-toe makeover. Further south in Manchester Village is the Equinox Resort and Spa. Start by relaxing in front of the stone fireplace and after a soak in the pool, experience the ancient Japanese technique of Reiki, promoting balance, energy and clarity.

> Written by Jessica Latimer