The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco
Photo Courtesy of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
While we fully support a traditional fall trip for admiring nature’s seasonal colors, there’s also something special about a little getaway time at a world-class spa — especially when September’s day-to-day routines and a packed social schedule get back in full swing. With that said, we found five fabulous hotel spas that have fall packages and specials worth booking now:
Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco
Happy hour has a whole new meaning at this posh hotel in the city’s Financial District. The Five-Star retreat’s exciting Spa Happy Hour menu (available Monday through Friday) allows on-the-go guests to get a good dose of the spot’s tranquil atmosphere in under an hour. Options from the special lineup include a back, head and neck massage, an intense foot treatment, and an express facial, manicure and pedicure. Bonus? When you book one of the happy-hour services, you also get a 15 percent discount at the hotel’s restaurant, Brasserie S&P.
Hotel Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie, Photo Courtesy of the Dorchester Collection
Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
Hollywood types and L.A. residents often head to Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie for luxurious services in a serene setting. The indoor/outdoor vibe of the hotel translates well to the spa, which has a private garden courtyard and rooms that open up to lush foliage. The hideaway recently launched two new packages focused on healthy eating and indulgent treatments: In Good Health includes a massage, a spa tea (think cucumber and shiso sandwiches, vegan dark chocolate mousse) and champagne, while the Healthy Habits package is packed with the aforementioned perks plus a facial using the sanctuary’s signature and oh-so-exclusive La Prairie products.
Hotel 1000, Seattle
This Emerald City gem certainly knows how to put the ahhh in spa. The urban boutique hotel’s lower-level sanctuary, aptly named Spaahh, features a variety of relaxation-inducing choices. Facials use exclusive French skincare lines Carita and Decléor, while innovative body treatments (lavender hot stone massage, therapeutic heated herbs) ease the body and help relax the mind, too. The 1000 Moments of Aahh package lets you truly indulge with overnight accommodations, $150 credit to the spa, breakfast for two, specialty cocktails and valet parking at the Four-Star hotel’s Boka Restaurant + Bar.
Acqualina Resort & Spa, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
We can’t decide if we’d rather spend the day lounging by this Miami-area resort’s sublime oceanfront spa pool or booking multiple treatments at the holistic-focused Acqualina Spa by ESPA. (Perhaps one day of each?) And now there’s another reason to consider the latter option: The Mediterranean-style resort recently introduced a new spa-and-stay package for women at the Five-Star spa escape. While the Best Friend’s Getaway requires a two-night minimum stay, girlfriends, bridesmaids, sisters and others who book it are assured an exhilarating time that features two 50-minute treatments (body or facial), one lunch for two, Internet access and a welcome gift.
Hôtel Quintessence, Quebec
This boutique hotel holds court at the foot of Mont-Tremblant, a majestic mountain resort area two hours north of Montreal. Inside you’ll find Spa Sans Sabots, an oasis with close-up views of Lake Tremblant and all the high-end trappings you’d expect — steam room, sauna, infinity pool. Fall is spectacular here, when the season’s colors are aglow. Book the Body and Soul pampering promotion for a night stay, breakfast for two, a three-course dinner and massages for two either in the spa or fireside in your suite. The Quintessensual package ups the wow factor even more with a half-bottle of Moët & Chandon and a treat (seafood or cheese) upon arrival, an eight-course chef’s table dinner and two massages.
