The Team’s Favorite Spas Around the World

At The Hello Agency, our passion for discovering the world’s finest travel experiences extends to indulgent and transformative spa escapes. From detoxifying volcanic waters to lush tropical retreats, here are our top spa picks, handpicked by each team member.

Pro tip: A recommendation to our clients - after a long-haul flight, the best way to avoid jet lag is to head straight to the spa for a relaxing treatment. It’s the perfect way to reset your internal clock and begin your vacation refreshed.

Photo courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland

Megan’s Picks …

One of Megan’s favorite retreats is the Ritz-Carlton Spa at Lake Oconee. This luxurious lakeside spa offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. With treatments inspired by the elements of water, earth, and wood, the spa is known for its Southern-inspired therapies like the Oconee Rain, which combines warm rainwater and a tension-releasing massage. The private relaxation areas and indoor pool make it a sanctuary for anyone looking to unwind.

Photos courtesy of Ritz Carlton at Lake Oconee

Megan and Kayla Agree …

One Spa at The Finest Playa Mujeres is a standout, especially for families. One of the best perks…you can drop your kids off at the resort’s incredible kids’ club while you enjoy a relaxing massage or hydrotherapy session at the spa. With serene spaces, customized treatments, and ocean views, this spa offers a perfect balance of relaxation and family-friendly convenience.

Photos courtesy of The Finest Playa Mujeres

Karyn’s Pick …

Karyn’s go-to spa is the Laurea Spa at Savoy Palace, Madeira, Portugal which draws inspiration from the lush Laurisilva Forest. With 11 treatment rooms and an extensive menu, Laurea Spa is one of the most luxurious and expansive spas in Europe. The signature ‘Laurisilva Forest Journey’ takes you on a sensory escape, combining aromatherapy, hot stones, and deep tissue massage. The spa’s interior design reflects Madeira’s natural beauty, making it a sanctuary for body and soul.

Photos courtesy of Savoy Palace Madeira

Jen’s Picks …

Jen loves the Cape of Senses Spa in Lake Garda. The spa focuses on reconnecting with nature, offering sensory-driven treatments that celebrate the region’s natural elements. With its panoramic views over Lake Garda, the wellness center includes indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and signature treatments like their Wine Therapy, which utilizes locally produced grapes. This Mediterranean paradise is the perfect place for deep relaxation and revitalization.

Photos courtesy of Jen Smith and Cape of Senses

Additionally, Jen is a huge fan of SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, where she especially loved the hydrotherapy circuit. This multi-step water journey includes a sauna, steam room, ice room, and therapeutic showers, all designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. It's the perfect prelude to a personalized treatment in the lush Mexican jungle.

Photos courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Barbara’s Pick …

Barbara’s top pick is Spa Palmera at The Boca Raton. This luxurious retreat draws inspiration from Spain’s Alhambra Palace, creating a space that feels like a Mediterranean escape in Florida. Signature treatments include the Ritual Bath and HydraFacial, each designed to melt away tension and rejuvenate the skin. The 50,000-square-foot spa also offers relaxation lounges, a stunning courtyard, and a hot tub surrounded by lush greenery.

Bonus - At The Biostation, a cutting-edge anti-aging and wellness center that offers services to care for your body from the inside out. Replenish Life with IV therapy and a full menu of b12 formulations, Restore Beauty with the latest in medical aesthetics and Defy Age with in-depth diagnostic testing, hormone restoration, peptide therapy, weight loss treatments and more.

Photos courtesy of pa Palmera & Salon at Spa Palmera

Kristin’s Picks …

The Retreat Spa at The Blue Lagoon, Iceland - Kristin is captivated by the Retreat Spa at Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon. Known for its geothermal waters and rich mineral content, the spa offers unparalleled experiences like the Silica Mud Mask, which rejuvenates the skin. The private lagoon, subterranean spaces, and signature rituals combine for a truly transformative retreat. Soak in the milky-blue waters while gazing at the volcanic landscape for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

For a perfect girls’ spa getaway, Kristin recommends Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. This wellness haven offers an extensive range of services, from fitness and mindfulness classes to integrative health treatments. The desert backdrop provides a peaceful escape, and its all-inclusive approach makes it easy to customize a rejuvenating experience with friends. Whether you're indulging in restorative spa therapies, outdoor adventures, or nutritious cuisine, Canyon Ranch is ideal for reconnecting and relaxing with your closest girlfriends.


Beth‘s Pick …

Beth’s favorite spa is SANA at Etéreo, an Auberge Resort, where wellness is inspired by the sacred Mayan traditions of the region. A highlight for Beth is the incorporation of cenote-inspired water rituals, which mimic the restorative power of the natural freshwater cenotes that dot the Yucatán Peninsula. The Kuxtal Sensory Garden Journey, blending indigenous herbs and sound therapy, along with the bespoke healing rituals, provide a deeply immersive experience that connects guests to nature and themselves. The serene oceanfront setting only enhances the holistic healing of this wellness sanctuary.


Alyssa’s Pick …

Alyssa’s favorite is The Willcox Spa, located in the charming town of Aiken. Known for its Southern hospitality, The Willcox offers a personalized spa experience with treatments ranging from deep-tissue massages to seaweed body wraps. The spa’s historic charm and relaxed vibe make it a hidden gem for those seeking a rejuvenating escape - whether it is a girls getaway trip or a romantic vacation for two. It’s the perfect addition to a stay at this elegant Southern hotel.


Kayla’s Pick …

Kayla is all about the Secrets Spa at Impression Secrets Moxché, which offers a blend of indigenous ingredients and advanced wellness techniques. Set against the backdrop of Playa del Carmen’s crystal-clear waters, this spa provides a luxurious escape with its hydrotherapy circuit, steam rooms, and signature Mayan-inspired treatments. Whether you’re looking for a couple’s massage or an all-day spa ritual, this spot delivers pure indulgence.


The Entire Team Agrees…..

Woodlands Spa at Nemacolin - where wellness meets nature. This serene oasis offers tailored treatments with an emphasis on holistic healing and features an outdoor zen garden. Signature treatments like the Woodlands Rain Ritual will help restore balance, while the Himalayan salt cave rejuvenates from the inside out. Whether for a weekend getaway or a wellness retreat, the Woodlands Spa is the perfect place to reset.

Additional photos courtesy of Nemacolin

Whether you’re traveling for adventure, relaxation, or pure indulgence, these spas have something to offer every type of traveler. Which one will you add to your next itinerary?

Kayla Jones

Graphic designer and artist living in Charleston, SC

https://www.grayhousedesignco.com
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