This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

Each property we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Who couldn’t use some relaxation right now? Spa vacations offer a chance to disconnect from the everyday and to embrace a slower pace and get a little pampering — although, some spas certainly specialize in athletic pursuits, if you want to challenge your body. The good news is that you don’t have to travel far: there are dozens of world-class spas right here in the U.S., and many have been named best spas by Travel + Leisure readers.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In the destination spas category, readers rated properties on their accommodations and facilities, treatments, service, food, and overall value.

Many of our readers’ favorite domestic spas are located in the West and Southwest, with three in Arizona, and two in California, New Mexico, and Texas each. Hilton Head Health in South Carolina (No. 7), Westglow Resort & Spa (No. 14) in North Carolina, and Carillon Miami Wellness Resort (No. 12) earned high marks for all-around stellar service and amenities. One reader remarked that the Carillon team still “knocked it out of the park,” even with COVID-19 safety protocols in place: “Best spa experience with new experiences that are contactless, too, which is great for these challenging times.”

In the Northeast, the Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania, captured readers’ hearts for its excellent bedding and impressive list of activities, including hikes, aerobics, meditation, and yoga. This year’s No. 8 also earned praise for its instructors’ patience and careful attention: “They are absolutely experts in their various disciplines, and they all will listen to you and modify to help you along.” One guest reported staying there 15 times.

courtesy of Fredrika Stjarne for Shou Sugi Ban House

Just an hour from Santa Fe, No. 7 Ojo Caliente — one of the oldest mineral-spring resorts in the U.S. — was described as “a diamond tucked away in the New Mexico landscape.” What keeps guests returning year after year? It’s a combination of the numerous soaking pools, the serene beauty of the desert setting, the casual-chic wine bar and restaurant, and the feeling of being away from it all. “Some things you cannot describe and simply have to experience to understand,” proclaimed one visitor. “Ojo Caliente is the one place I can say this about.”

But of all the wellness properties in the United States, Shou Sugi Ban House took the top spot this year. Read on for more about what makes it special — and for the full list of the best spas in the United States.

  1. Shou Sugi Ban House, Water Mill, New York

Courtesy of Fredrika Stjarne for Shou Sugi Ban House

Known for its delicious culinary program, this 13-room Japanese-inspired retreat opened in the Hamptons in May 2019 and has been on readers’ radars ever since. Shou Sugi earned top marks for being both intimate and, as one voter summarized, a “completely immersive experience.” The spa has infrared and dry saunas, a steam room, an ice fountain, and plunge pools. Along with dozens of bodywork treatments, activities include yoga classes; sound therapy and energy healing with crystals and tuning forks; hypnotherapy; and intuitive painting.

Score: 95.13More information: shousugibanhouse.com

  1. Cal-a-Vie, Vista, California

Courtesy of Cal-a-Vie

Score: 94.29More information: cal-a-vie.com

  1. The Ranch Malibu, California

Courtesy of The Malibu Ranch

Score: 93.33More information: theranchmalibu.com

  1. Civana Wellness Resort & Spa, Carefree, Arizona

Courtesy of CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Score: 93.21More information: civanacarefree.com

  1. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas

Courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.51Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

  1. Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Courtesy of Hilton Head Health

Score: 92.00More information: hhhealth.com

  1. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

Courtesy of Ojo Spa Resorts

Score: 91.46More information: ojosparesorts.com/ojo-caliente

  1. Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of The Lodge at Woodloch

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 91.23Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

  1. Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii

Courtesy of Four Seasons

Score: 91.11More information: fourseasons.com/sensei

  1. Miraval Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Courtesy of Miraval Arizona

Score: 91.06More information: miravalresorts.com

  1. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Courtesy of Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Score: 90.98Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

  1. Miraval Austin, Texas

Courtesy of Miraval Austin

Score: 89.64More information: miravalaustin.com

  1. Ojo Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Courtesy of Ojo Spa Resorts

Score: 88.80More information: ojosparesorts.com/ojo-santa-fe

  1. Westglow Resort & Spa, Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Courtesy of Westglow Resort & Spa

Score: 88.00Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

  1. Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona

Courtesy of Canyon Ranch

Score: 87.39Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards for 2021.

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

Each property we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Who couldn’t use some relaxation right now? Spa vacations offer a chance to disconnect from the everyday and to embrace a slower pace and get a little pampering — although, some spas certainly specialize in athletic pursuits, if you want to challenge your body. The good news is that you don’t have to travel far: there are dozens of world-class spas right here in the U.S., and many have been named best spas by Travel + Leisure readers.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In the destination spas category, readers rated properties on their accommodations and facilities, treatments, service, food, and overall value.

Many of our readers’ favorite domestic spas are located in the West and Southwest, with three in Arizona, and two in California, New Mexico, and Texas each. Hilton Head Health in South Carolina (No. 7), Westglow Resort & Spa (No. 14) in North Carolina, and Carillon Miami Wellness Resort (No. 12) earned high marks for all-around stellar service and amenities. One reader remarked that the Carillon team still “knocked it out of the park,” even with COVID-19 safety protocols in place: “Best spa experience with new experiences that are contactless, too, which is great for these challenging times.”

In the Northeast, the Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania, captured readers’ hearts for its excellent bedding and impressive list of activities, including hikes, aerobics, meditation, and yoga. This year’s No. 8 also earned praise for its instructors’ patience and careful attention: “They are absolutely experts in their various disciplines, and they all will listen to you and modify to help you along.” One guest reported staying there 15 times.

Just an hour from Santa Fe, No. 7 Ojo Caliente — one of the oldest mineral-spring resorts in the U.S. — was described as “a diamond tucked away in the New Mexico landscape.” What keeps guests returning year after year? It’s a combination of the numerous soaking pools, the serene beauty of the desert setting, the casual-chic wine bar and restaurant, and the feeling of being away from it all. “Some things you cannot describe and simply have to experience to understand,” proclaimed one visitor. “Ojo Caliente is the one place I can say this about.”

But of all the wellness properties in the United States, Shou Sugi Ban House took the top spot this year. Read on for more about what makes it special — and for the full list of the best spas in the United States.

1. Shou Sugi Ban House, Water Mill, New York

Known for its delicious culinary program, this 13-room Japanese-inspired retreat opened in the Hamptons in May 2019 and has been on readers’ radars ever since. Shou Sugi earned top marks for being both intimate and, as one voter summarized, a “completely immersive experience.” The spa has infrared and dry saunas, a steam room, an ice fountain, and plunge pools. Along with dozens of bodywork treatments, activities include yoga classes; sound therapy and energy healing with crystals and tuning forks; hypnotherapy; and intuitive painting.

Score: 95.13More information: shousugibanhouse.com

2. Cal-a-Vie, Vista, California

Score: 94.29More information: cal-a-vie.com

3. The Ranch Malibu, California

Score: 93.33More information: theranchmalibu.com

4. Civana Wellness Resort & Spa, Carefree, Arizona

Score: 93.21More information: civanacarefree.com

5. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.51Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

6. Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Score: 92.00More information: hhhealth.com

7. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

Score: 91.46More information: ojosparesorts.com/ojo-caliente

8. Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 91.23Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

9. Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii

Score: 91.11More information: fourseasons.com/sensei

10. Miraval Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Score: 91.06More information: miravalresorts.com

11. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Score: 90.98Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

12. Miraval Austin, Texas

Score: 89.64More information: miravalaustin.com

13. Ojo Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Score: 88.80More information: ojosparesorts.com/ojo-santa-fe

14. Westglow Resort & Spa, Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Score: 88.00Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

15. Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona

Score: 87.39Compare rates at Clicktripz.com

See all of our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World’s Best Awards for 2021.