Sanctuary Ground

Guide

Day spas: a plain-language guide

Day spas and wellness spas offer massage, facials, body treatments and often access to saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges.

What a session is like

A spa visit can be a single 60-minute treatment or a half-day package. Arrive early to use the facilities and fill in a short health form.

Why people book it

People often go to a spa to celebrate, recover or simply give themselves time off.

How to choose someone

Questions

What should I wear?

Spas provide robes and slippers; bring swimwear if there are pools.

How much should I tip at a spa?

15–20% is usual in the US unless a service charge is already included.

Can I go to a spa while pregnant?

Many offer prenatal treatments; avoid heat facilities and tell staff you're pregnant.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Holistic practices can sit alongside, not replace, care from your doctor or a licensed mental-health professional.

Browse 86 Day spas listings →

A few to start with

Verified and owner-run listings are shown first.

Body of Clay

Massage & esthetics · Brooklyn, NY

Medical massage, facials & body treatments in Bushwick. Body of Clay is a massage and esthetics studio in Bushwick, Brooklyn,…

From $175

Great Jones Spa

Day spa · New York, NY

NoHo water lounge with a three-story waterfall, sauna, and cold plunge. Great Jones Spa is a cool, dark, three-level retreat in…

Palestra Spa & Studio

Massage, facials and yoga · Charlotte, NC

SouthPark spa and yoga studio serving Charlotte since 1995. Palestra Spa & Studio has served SouthPark Charlotte since 1995 and…

From $25

Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa

Ayurvedic spa and energy work · Jacksonville, FL

Avondale holistic spa with Ayurvedic treatments and energy work since 2002. Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa has operated on St.…

From $120

Acupuncture Center of La Jolla

Acupuncture · San Diego, CA

Long-running La Jolla acupuncture clinic. A La Jolla acupuncture clinic that has served Southern California for decades,…

Alchemy Spa & Wellness

Day spa · Birmingham, AL

Full-service spa blending traditional healing with modern wellness in Birmingham. A full-service Birmingham spa offering…

Find Day spas near you

New York, NY6Brooklyn, NY5Baltimore, MD3

More guides

ReikiHolisticNatural healthSound healingMassageAcupunctureEnergy healingPolarity therapyCraniosacralBreathworkMeditationYogaBathhouses & saunasSalt cavesFloat therapyWellness centersHypnotherapyPsychic mediumsAstrologyNutritionCoachingCounselingShamanic healingRetreats