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If you’ve somehow missed the memo, August is National Wellness Month. Fortunately, it’s also the perfect excuse to discover one of North Texas’ newest wellness destinations.
Wellness tourism continues to grow across the country, and after spending a day at Spa Castle in Carrollton—in north Dallas—I can tell you: this isn’t your typical neighborhood day spa. It’s a three-story wellness retreat designed for slowing down, disconnecting, and investing in yourself.
All Day Spa
One of my favorite things about Spa Castle is that there’s no rush.
Your admission gives you access from 9 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., allowing you to spend as much time as you’d like. Personally, my ideal visit would include bringing a great novel, finding a comfortable lounge chair, and spending the day alternating between reading, soaking, relaxing, and maybe even sneaking in an afternoon nap.
Sometimes wellness simply means giving yourself permission to slow down.
Surprisingly Affordable
For everything included, I was genuinely impressed by the value. Weekday admission is $75, while weekends are $90. Massage treatments and spa services are available for an additional fee, but honestly, I feel like they’re not necessary. Between the hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and relaxation areas, what more do you need?
Hydrotherapy Done Right
Spa Castle’s heated outdoor hydrotherapy pools make it easy to spend an entire day relaxing in North Texas. Photo courtesy Spa Castle.The outdoor pool area is where I naturally gravitated first. Several heated pools provide different hydrotherapy experiences, and there’s even a reflexology pool, where textured stones gently massage the bottoms of your feet as you walk. Like I said, who needs a massage?
Try The Ice Land room, maintained at a brisk 39.7 degrees. The contrast between hot and cold is invigorating and leaves you feeling remarkably refreshed.
Every Sauna Has Its Own Personality
The second floor is where Spa Castle truly separates itself from a traditional spa. Rather than one or two steam rooms, you’ll find a collection of specialty saunas, each offering its own unique atmosphere and wellness benefits.
The charcoal sauna, heated to approximately 145 degrees, encourages guests to sit directly on the floor for maximum warmth. The softly glowing salt sauna creates one of the most peaceful spaces in the building, while the Gold Room offers another calming retreat. If you enjoy higher temperatures, don’t miss the Bulgama hot room.
One of the most unique spaces at Spa Castle is the Sleeping Ondol, a peaceful relaxation
area designed for guests to fully unwind. Video Marika Flatt.
Between sauna visits, guests can unwind in quiet lounges designed specifically for resting and recharging.
One of my favorite discoveries was the infrared relaxation loungers, available for up to 30 minutes at a time.
More Than Just a Spa
Spa Castle also includes a small fitness center for guests wanting to work out before relaxing.
When hunger strikes, you don’t have to leave. A snack bar, a sushi bar and juice bar make it easy to spend the entire day on property without interrupting your wellness routine. Every purchase throughout the property is conveniently charged to your waterproof wristband, so there’s no need to carry a wallet.
The thoughtful touches continue throughout the facility. Complimentary sunscreen is provided for guests using the outdoor pools, and slippers are available for purchase if you forget your own ($4.99).
Texas Lifestyle Tip
Walk through the outdoor showers, next to the pool, before applying sunscreen. The showers are located just before entering the outdoor pool area, so if you’ve already applied sunscreen, you’ll end up rinsing much of it right off. Save yourself the extra effort and wait until after you’ve passed through.
Worth the Drive
Spa Castle opened in Carrollton in May and joins sister properties in New York and Virginia. It’s easy to see why the concept has become so popular.
Whether you’re celebrating National Wellness Month or simply looking for a day to unplug from the constant pace of life, Spa Castle offers one of the best wellness values I’ve found in Texas.
Sometimes you don’t need a weeklong vacation. Sometimes one perfectly relaxing day is exactly what your mind and body have been asking for.
Know Before You Go
- Location: Carrollton, Texas (North Dallas)
- Hours: 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
- Admission: $75 weekdays | $90 weekends
- Highlights: Hydrotherapy pools, cold plunge, Ice Land room, reflexology pool, themed saunas, infrared relaxation pods, quiet lounges, sushi bar, juice bar, fitness center
- Good to Know: All purchases are made with your wristband.
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Cover Photo courtesy Spa Castle.
Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.
