5 Western Spas To Rejuvenate Your Weary Bones

When work stress becomes overwhelming, and you need an escape from the quotidian, nothing beats a long weekend at a spa resort. From traditional treatments such as massages and facials to specialized ones like hot springs and mud wraps, states like California and Washington are rich with relaxation centers surrounded by natural beauty. In no particular order, this list highlights a few stars in the spa scene located west of the Mississippi.

The #1 entry is Osmosis, a day spa in Freestone, California. The establishment is known for offering a cedar enzyme bath, a body therapy from Japan. This experience immerses patrons in a warm bed of softly ground evergreens; warmth is generated biologically by fermentation. The bath is designed to boost one's metabolism and circulation.

In addition to the enzyme bath, Osmosis features massages, organic facials, and a zen meditation garden. The spa has partnered with several local hotels, such as the Astro Motel and the Forest Ridge Ranch House, so guests can experience multiple treatments over two or more days.

Coming in at #2, we find Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. This wellness center features guest rooms for overnight stays, mineral pools, massages, and much more. The resort is located near Napa Valley, for visitors who enjoy wine tastings. It is also close to hiking trails and a local landmark, the Old Faithful Geyser.

The Spa's volcanic ash mud baths are based on a centuries-old ritual purported to improve joint and muscle pain while removing excess dirt and toxins. For those wishing to book the hotel for a special event, the Palisades Meeting Room features complimentary Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, wet bar, and an outdoor patio with a barbecue grill.

For #3, we have the Overleaf Lodge & Spa, located on the Central Oregon Coast in Yachats. This oceanfront resort is a family-owned business, and has been in operation since 1997. Its spa offers several services, including soaking pools, facials, massages, and more.

Guests can choose from a variety of rooms to stay in, with some including special amenities such as patios, fireplaces, and hot tubs. The Spruce Needle Suite, ideal for a group of friends or family, includes a complete kitchen, living room, washer and dryer, two separate bedrooms, and a bathroom.

Next up, at #4, we present Westward Look, Tucson's oldest resort. Built in the early 1900s, the 80-acre, certified green institution is set at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Westward Look offers visitors of all ages the experience of getting close to nature, with on-site hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.

At the Sonoran Spa, guests can book holistic wellness treatments, including massages, body scrubs, and facials, each incorporating natural desert botanicals and therapeutic herbs grown from the resort's garden. Westward Look has several eateries on-site; GOLD offers Southwestern-style dishes, while the Lookout Bar and Grille serves comfort food and cocktails.

Last but not least, at #5, we get Salish Lodge & Spa. Located in Snoqualmie, Washington, the resort overlooks the eponymous waterfalls. At the Spa, Salish offers a variety of treatments using locally-grown Pacific Northwest ingredients, including massages, skincare, and body therapies.

The Lodge has two restaurants: the Dining Room and the Attic. Each partners with local growers, purveyors, and farms for its ingredients. The hotel's apiary produces honey that visitors will find on every menu, alongside its own homegrown herbs. Salish can be booked for weddings, and has a ballroom available for receptions.