Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind when picturing world-class spas, but perhaps it’s time to revise that image. Here in the Lone Star State we boast an unexpected variety of wellness retreats, ranging from opulent city havens to tranquil rural sanctuaries, all offering top-notch treatments and unparalleled service. As a former massage therapist and lifelong spa lover, I undertook the arduous journey of exploring the state to track down its finest spas. Here are my top five picks for the best spas in Texas, presented in no particular order.

Fairmont Spa in Austin

After checking into the Fairmont Spa in downtown Austin, the spa attendant Savannah walked me to the changing area.  Before arriving she invited me to stop under a giant pink chandelier made from 200 clear quartz crystals, close my eyes for a few breaths and set my intention for my spa day. My intention was to be open for amazement and I was. 

The spa menu includes all the Himalayan hot stone, aromatherapy oils and gemstone face masks one could want. Like many others on this list, the Fairmont Spa in Austin has a hydrotherapy suite with eucalyptus steam grotto, dry sauna and saline soaking pool. Unlike the other spas on the list, these are all housed in its solarium with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Austin’s ever changing skyline. Guests are invited to wrap a heated herbal neck pillow around their shoulders, find a lounge chair and watch the city in front of them from the comfort of a zen-like state. 

Lantana Spa at the JW Marriott San Antonio 

They say bigger is better in Texas and that certainly applies to spa. Lantana Spa at the JW Marriott San Antonio is one of the biggest spas in Texas. The 26,000-square-foot has a whopping 30 treatment rooms along with an aromatherapy room, sauna, indoor hot tub and private outdoor pool complete with cabanas. Drawing inspiration from the customs of Latin American curanderos, or healers, the exclusivity of the adults-only Lantana Spa offerings span from a relaxation massage using warm candle oil to specialized deep-tissue massages tailored for athletes to the incorporation of CBD therapies. Surrounded by rolling hills, mighty live oaks and babbling brooks, the resort feels like it is deep in the Texas hill country instead of a hop, skip and jump from the San Antonio Airport. 

Mokara Spa 

San Antonio’s other spa to make the list is one story above the city’s picturesque Riverwalk, but it feels miles away. As the only Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star Spa in the city, Mokara Spa is a must-visit sanctuary for those seeking rejuvenation. 

Indulge in popular services such as hot-stone massages, thermal mud wraps, and anti-aging facials. The signature Mokara Massage blends massage techniques and specialty oils to ease the tensions of the day. Couples can enjoy a romantic getaway with the Together Massage where dual therapists provide synchronized treatments in a private room. But for a truly unique experience book the Summer Rain Polish and Massage. The soothing Swedish massage is performed  under a warm cascade of water enhanced by fragrant aromatherapy oil.

The Spa at the Crescent 

There are no shortage of luxury spas in Dallas, but the Spa at the Crescent set inside Uptown’s Hotel Crescent Court takes the prize as the best. The recently renovated 22,000 square-foot spa and fitness center has everything one needs to relax before and after a treatment – hot tub, sauna, steam room and even a cold plunge. As the sole spa on this list to feature a cold plunge, I felt like I had to try it. All the popular social media health gurus rave about the benefits of being submerged in icy cold water for three minutes a day. Set at 44 degrees, the spa’s cold plunge sits next to the hot tube reminding you of the reward waiting for you if you can make it through the 180 torturous seconds. 

Back to relaxation, the spa offers a diverse array of treatments such as fundamental relaxation massages to vigorous lymphatic drainage therapies to charcoal-based detox facials. With private yoga and Pilates sessions, a healthy café and hydrotherapy suite, you can spend an entire day enjoying the spa. 

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

A trip to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa 30 minutes east of Austin is escaping to a wilderness retreat with all the reinvigoration of mother nature, but none of the drawbacks. The 400 acres of picturesque resort is set along natural beauty of the lower Colorado River banks. 

Spa treatments include one-of-a-kind hot stone treatments using rocks from the nearby river, invigorating body scrubs using natural herbs and rejuvenating CBD massage. After your treatment you can soak up the peaceful sounds of nature in the private outdoor heated pool or hot tub. I recommend not leaving the spa without grabbing a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Yes, they offer fresh fruit and nuts as well, but if you are there for indulgence why stop at the services? 

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 Cover photo courtesy Lantana Spa at JW Marriott San Antonio

Jennifer Simonson is a proud 7th generation Texan. She is a travel writer by trade and a lover of the world’s
food, cultures, drinks and outdoor spaces by nature.