I went to CR years ago, just once. It is a beautiful place but in my limited experience, the guests there seemed cliquey and snooty. I much prefer Kripalu, which is very unfancy and more diverse, still has spa treatments (more limited) and beautiful grounds. I have been there 4 or 5 times. And you don’t have to be into yoga, but they do offer multiple yoga classes every day. There is a lake and hiking trails, too.

I also really liked Mirbeau Spa in Skaneateles, NY. I went there once, very cozy and pretty and the town itself is beautiful and quaint.

But my favorite is the Cliff House in Maine! Have been there twice in the last two years. Just gorgeous setting, and I haven’t even been there ”in season” (I went in late winter). And the town of Ogunquit is great, too, although it can be hard to tear yourself away from the hotel.

Thank you so much, Sue. Very helpful since I would definitely prefer the same type atmosphere. I will definitely check out the places you mentioned.

No idea where you are but this is probably out of your geographical comfort zone. It is on Vancouver Island BC. It's the go-to place for my two sisters and I for a weekend away. The food is amazing!

Kingfisher Spa

Thank you nekotish! It looks wonderful! Definitely a longer trip for me but I've always wanted to see that area. I'm now on their newsletter list :)

Just saw this:

https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a61191161/best-wellness-travel-retreats/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0TiEwUI2X5aEtWdRVB2uvrG7EryaAl5VCGuLbywSU0Zzcr5GQUiKZfBQk_aem_HBdHqAFY4Zo7SDoUCzPbUg

I think it depends on what you want in a spa, and if you are going with DH, solo, or a friend. It seems almost all luxury hotels now have “spas.” That might simply mean treatment rooms and massage services, etc. Then there are the “spa and resort” type, which I think of as places where the DH can golf and the kids can play in the pool while DW gets a massage and a facial. (or less sexist versions thereof). Then, there are what I might call destination spas that cater to adults only and offer all sorts of wellness (physical, mental and even spiritual) programming.

I like the Cliff House but for me it is the luxury-hotel-with-a-spa category. The spa waiting room and some of the treatment rooms are oceanfront, which is lovely, and I find their massage therapists to be excellent. My DDs like their all-natural manicures and pedicures. They are practically our neighbors so if you opted to go you’d have to (re) visit us in Maine!

I am guessing you are thinking more of the destination-getaway type of spa. Canyon Ranch is of course one of the most famous, assuming you want to stay in the Northeast rather than travel to FL or out West. The thing about CR is it can be clique-y and, to me, intimidating (like a gym you need to get in shape for before you actually go). I have not been but have friends who love Kripalu and find it far more welcoming, really the opposite of CR.

Saratoga has a nice spa but it’s not at all luxe and separate from the hotel. Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles felt a little bit outdated to me (very Tuscan) but we had a nice time there. I know someone who liked this place:https://www.innsofaurora.com/

Arapaho, you will probably laugh at me making a suggestion because I am so NOT a spa person. . That said, I do love my massage therapist! I'm not sure where you live, but here in Tennessee we do have a lovely retreat - Blackberry Farm. Although it is not "rugged" in the least, I'm sure it may not be the level of luxury some here might want in a spa. However, if you are looking for wellness, relaxation, etc. this might interest you. BF is located in a beautiful setting and the outdoor activities are nice. That is much more up my alley. Just sitting and relaxing in the setting would be a lovely place to de-stress. There are animals on the grounds (not running wild lol), there's a clay course, they grow their own grapes for wine, etc. There is horseback riding, fly-fishing (would be nice for the guys) swimming, paddle board, etc. and I believe they offer some cooking classes. It's located in a serene area. They also have a first class chef and the food is delicious. At least it was in the past. It's been at least 2-3 years since we have eaten there.

Just thought I'd toss that out. www.blackberryfarm.com - you might want to check out the spa offers there as I'm not familiar with that.