Last updated April 29, 2024
No need to travel to a far-flung destination for a good wellness retreat. Cities are now waking up to wellness. And with this re-think, hotels are capitalizing on this trend. Here are 5 urban wellness hotels in the U.S. to stay, spa and siesta.
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In the thick of the concrete jungles that we live, travel, work and breathe in, there are actually places of respite, restore and regeneration.
While a standalone spa is all good, I do prefer one attached to a hotel. This not only helps me get out of my element and be able to work from anywhere, but adds in little doses of wellness and blissful dreams in those king-sized plush white pillows.
As someone who is constantly combining travel work and wellness play, here are my top five favorite urban wellness hotels in the U.S. to stay, spa and siesta.
1. Equinox Hotel – Manhattan, New York
Starting out in the concrete jungle itself is the Equinox Hotel in New York City. This urban wellness hotel boasts luxury, fitness, stunning Hudson River views, design and all the creature comforts you could seek.
Guests gain full access to the Equinox Fitness Club, complete with a luxury spa that features body treatments, cryotherapy, infrared saunas and more.
Fitness options include yoga on the 100th-floor observation deck, a one-mile vertical climbing structure, unparalleled group classes, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, public lounge spaces and SoulCycle.
In the city that never sleeps, the Zen-channeling rooms are dark, quiet, cool and plush with white linens. Everything one would expect when raising the bar in fitness, health and hotel.
2. The Langham – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago surprises in how large in scale and populated it is. While it can be very cold and blustery in the winter, Chicago heat can be boiling in the summer.
With all the crowds and urban noise, The Langham most definitely calms the bustle from within (and out).
Inside this urban wellness hotel, you will find the Chuan Spa, a wellness sanctuary with treatments based around the five elements theory. Guests receive a questionnaire that assists in identifying basic disharmonies among those five elements. Together with sensory testing, the results direct you to the most suitable Chuan signature treatment.
There’s also a swimming pool and fitness center, and some incredible views overlooking the river from select rooms and suites.
3. 1 Hotel West Hollywood – Los Angeles, California
I live in Los Angeles, and although many will talk about how spacious LA can be, it does not equal quiet.
Los Angeles is the entertainment hub and noise is abundant. That being said, doses of wellness, earthly tranquility and restore can be found.
The 1 Hotel West Hollywood invokes all that a sustainable soul would seek, along with their standards of clean and high-class greenery mixed throughout.
Right off Sunset Boulevard, you are quickly whisked away from the noise that the strip can hold, while still keeping the skyline views and location central to all.
Wellness starts within here and the in-stay experiences are designed to maintain mind, body and spirit.
The urban wellness hotel partners with top personal trainers who provide their exclusive training services. Group classes include therapeutic yoga and somatic exercises.
Expect garden-to-table food offerings, top of the line fitness and spa facilities, and rooms with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Hollywood Hills—evoking thoughtful touches of natural elements mixed with earthy tones.
4. Mandarin Oriental – Boston, Massachusetts
Located in the heart of Back Bay, yet secluded and peaceful amidst the vivacious spirit of Boston, Mandarin Oriental is located in the Prudential Plaza—making it an easy connect to anywhere you need to go in the city.
Taking well-being one step further, the coveted hotel features a wellness initiative to help guests maintain a healthy lifestyle and mindful balance while on vacation. One such service includes women’s empowerment coaching.
But men, listen up. The spa offers a selection of gentlemen’s treatments that promise effective results and a truly relaxing therapeutic experience.
The fitness center is fitted with the latest equipment for running, weight training and cardio workout. I personally recommend getting outside for your cardio and taking a run along the nearby Charles River.
While you can explore on your own, Mandarin Oriental offers guided tours, bookings to Fenway Park and sunset sails on Boston Harbor.
5. EAST Miami Brickell – Miami, Florida
Miami can seem like an easy target to recharge and restore—think of how many go alone just for the beaches?
However, Miami has shifted in its business appeal and is becoming a contender as a tech and business hub central to the Americas.
That being said, one of the busiest “city-scape” areas of Miami is Brickell. Anyone who’s driven through Brickell for less than 30 seconds will tell you how loud and congested this area of Miami can be.
The EAST Miami Brickell is a combination of laidback and luxury. You can easily fit in a workout session, take a meeting in their business center, mentally check out poolside with a book or dine al fresco Miami style.
Whether you’re a serious swimmer or enjoy just splashing about, there are four pools to do so including a cold plunge pool. The BEAST (Body by EAST) is their 24-hour wellness and lifestyle hub that boasts a modern gym.
You definitely don’t need to have a car and can walk from this urban wellness hotel to anywhere in the city center area.
Prefer to work in peace? Rooms are fully tech-equipped to work or relax without the noise of the outside city or Miami party humans.
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