Humans have been diving into hot springs and wallowing in mud baths since we crawled out of caves, and still today, in the 21st century, many of the most popular spas are to be found in the wild and ancient places of the earth; deserts, forests and mountains valleys. The USA hosts some of the best spas in the world, being able to mix its uber-modern society with the landscape’s rich history.

Outlined below are three of the best.

Before you get carried away, when you plan your trip to these spas if you are not from the country remember that the US is known to be fiendishly scrupulous when it comes to border control! To ensure that you don’t return home with your pores still closed and your back still tense, have a look at this site for example to ensure you are aware of all relevant visa requirements.

And now for the spas …

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg at Williamsburg Lodge is a traditional spa in the sense that you will find here everything that you would expect to find at a spa. The Colonial Williamsburg team offer cutting-edge treatment ranging from the aromatherapy room, muscle-repairing massages and customized facials. The history of healing that the town holds is recognized too, and has been updated for the modern world. Now visitors can get rid of their impurities with the 17th century Detoxifying Herbal Wrap & Hot Stone Massage Spa Experience. In addition to all this, there are whirlpools for excitement, and steam rooms for relaxation.

Spa Veda in Denver has been previously reviewed on this blog and remains one of the best spas in the country. Spa Veda is only one of four Colorado Aveda spas. It is quaint enough not to feel too commercial, but glamorous enough to make sure you feel spoilt. The spa is suitable for both seasoned spa goers and spa-virgins, in the sense the staff are able to guide the latter through the options, and offer advanced treatment to satisfy the more experienced. Perhaps the pièce de résistance of Spa Veda is the Duel Exfoliation Facial offered, which allows treatment to extend beyond microdermabrasion and chemical peels when looking to refresh your skin. The treatment is followed up by exfoliation with only the most natural ingredients.

Cal-a-Vie is a Mediterranean inspired spa situated in 200 acres of private land across from San Diego, Southern California. As a ‘Destination Spa’ Cal-a-Vie aims to address not only your skincare and tension but also your fitness and any bad habits you want to eradicate. Destination spas attempt to help you reach harmony in your life, balance between work and pleasure, and health in your mind, body, heart and soul. Too much to ask for from a spa? Perhaps. But Cal-a-Vie certainly have a good crack at it. There are Pilate classes available, as well as Zumba Latin Dancing and meditation sessions in the four centuries old chapel. And of course, for those of you just looking for a good spa, Cal-a-Vie offers indulgent pampering from hot stone foot treatment to oxygen facials. Even if this spa doesn’t give you perfect balance in your life, you’ll probably return to allow it another attempt.

Interested to come to the US? Getting a visa is not easy, especially if you are based in some parts of Europe, as there are good options to get a ‘ESTA’ online. The USA being so large it is tricky to visit all three of these spas on one holiday. Thankfully, each is complete enough in its own way for one to satisfy you for the next couple of week at least. If you are visiting the States for an extended stay however, as mentioned above, be sure to check all relevant requirements for a US visa here, to ensure you get to enjoy the cream of the States’ spa scene.