Take care of yourself: 7 luxury spa experiences within a 3-hour drive of Charlotte
With the stress of everyday life bearing down upon us, it’s crucial to make self care and wellness a priority.
And when the occasion calls for it, we want deep relaxation. We’re not thinking of just any day spa, med spa or massage. We’re looking for luxury locations in Charlotte and close by where you can take in a full day of relaxation that could include a gym visit, maybe sitting by a pool or in a sauna, and sitting down for a meal. (We might even add a cocktail — this is “me time,” after all.)
A spa day is also a great gift idea for, say, Mother’s Day, big anniversaries, birthdays and the like. So you’ll want to ensure a special experience — perhaps one that you can join in on.
It’s also worth noting that Charlotte was ranked in the Top 20 of Pool Gnome’s Best Cities for Spa Lovers list. Here are some of the best luxury spa options in Charlotte and nearby:
Grand Bohemian’s Poseidon Spa
Location: 201 W. Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202
The Poseidon Spa at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte offers penthouse views with a focus on wellness and indulgence through water-inspired treatments, although there is no pool or sauna on site.
Before you head up for your treatment, stroll around the property and take in views of the property’s curated art collection, creating a gallery experience.
Prices range from $170 for a custom 50-minute massage to $415 for the 90-minute ultra hydrofacial, which includes lymphatic drainage techniques, LED light therapy and a soothing facial mask.
Things to know:
Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Hair and nail services aren’t on the menu, but waxing is available.
Spa guests can use the fitness facilities only if they’re hotel guests.
The hotel has an on-site Starbucks, along with Mico Restaurant and the rooftop Buho Bar, where smart casual attire is required.
Parking is validated for spa guests.
JW Marriott Spa
Location: 600 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
The Spa by JW has an extensive list of services available. By appointment only, you can indulge in a Foot Renewal and Reflexology massage ($100), a Vital Youth Facial ($275) or Ultimate Hydrating Body Wrap ($190).
Couples massages are also available in 50-minute ($380) or 80-minute ($500) sessions.
You’re encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early to experience the Zen Lounge. You can also make a separate reservation to enjoy the Aura Rooftop bar pool, which has cabanas available to rent when it’s open for the season.
Other things to know:
There’s a Spa by JW loyalty program, where every dollar spent is a point earned toward complementary treatment rituals
Spa by JW is a cashless experience, and a 20% gratuity will be added to your payment.
If you need to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of your booking, you’ll be charged for the entire amount of your reservation, including gratuity.
When the Aura Rooftop Pool is open for the season (roughly March through early September), you can reserve a cabana and enjoy poolside cocktails and appetizers. Cabana pricing varies throughout the season, but experiences start at about $200.)
Life Time Charlotte’s Life Spa
Location: 11220 Golf Links Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277
Although Life Time Charlotte is a luxury fitness center, it also has a spa tucked inside. Members can reserve treatments on their Life Time apps, and non-members can book treatments, as well.
Prices vary by service provider, but a recent look showed a 45-minute HydraFacial Deluxe Treatment available for $255, a 45-minute massage for $80 and 45-minute manicure for $45.
While you’re there, you can relax in the eucalyptus-scented steam room, then head out to the pool. Or head upstairs for a workout on Life Time’s massive fitness floor.
Other things to know:
If you need to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of your service, a cancellation fee of 50% of the service cost may occur.
Parking is free.
There is an on-site cafe with meals, smoothies and more.
Omni Grove Park Inn
Location: 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
About 125 miles from center city Charlotte sits the Omni Grove Park Inn, which Conde Nast Traveler has named among the best resort spas in North America. But you’ll have to book a room to purchase a spa treatment and reserve a $200 day pass granting you access to the spa pools and amenities — and a limited number are available., so guests are encouraged to get that pass while booking their stay.
The 43,000-square-foot facility includes mineral pools with underwater music and waterfall pools, plus a lap pool, an inhalation room, a sauna and a eucalyptus-infused steam room.
Spa treatment prices range from a $140 Hiker’s Delight Pedicure to a $659 Couples Retreat Massage lasting 110 minutes. Body wraps, a deep meditation session and reflexology are also available.
Other things to know:
The hotel recommends booking weekend appointments three to four months in advance.
A 22% service charge is automatically added to spa treatments and day passes.
Spa clients are advised to arrive at least one hour prior to their scheduled appointments to complete paperwork, change, receive a tour and relax.
The hotel’s 50,000-square-foot Sports Complex is available for overnight guests, and fitness classes, tennis and racquetball are available. (Classes such as water aerobics, body sculpt and yoga are $10/hour.)
The outdoor pool is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Spa Café is open for breakfast and lunch daily, and guests may dine in their robes. Outdoor pool service is available when weather permits. Menu offerings include smoothies, fresh juices, salads, sandwiches and more.
Valet parking is $38 for overnight guests or $35 for day parking; self-parking is $28 for overnight guests and pro-rated for day parking.
The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
Location: 201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
At the recently renovated Ritz-Carlton Charlotte spa, you’ll find wellness treatments like the Awakening Bamboo Massage ($355), 30- or 60-minute hydrafacials ($210/$415) and a 30-minute manicure ($50).
Spa guests purchasing treatments may use the Vitality and Relaxation Lounges, along with the Fitness Center and Aqua Lounge.
If you’re not a hotel guest or purchasing a treatment, you can also buy access to the spa facilities for $175 per day – excluding Friday and Saturday.
Other things to know:
On Friday-Sunday, all services are $20 more, excluding enhancements and beauty treatments.
A 20% gratuity and service charge is added automatically.
Complimentary valet parking is available for the day of your treatment.
Dining options on site include The Fifth Fork, which opened in January, and Bar Cocoa carries coffee and desserts. The Punch Room offers cocktails.
Rock Barn Country Club & Spa
Location: 3791 Clubhouse Drive, Conover, NC 28613
Rock Barn Country Club & Spa — about 60 miles from center city Charlotte — is just a short drive outside of town.
Its spa day pass option ($200 Monday-Thursday and $250 Friday-Sunday) offers access to its hydrotherapy circuit with indoor heated pools with music underwater, two grotto waterfalls, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, a cold-plunge pool, a steam room and saunas. Also included is a pre-scheduled 45-minute Himalayan salt cave session, chocolate-covered strawberries, a spa lunch, two beverages and a take-home swag bag, plus complimentary champagne or sparkling cider upon your arrival.
Services offered include a 50-minute Signature Facial ($225 Monday-Thursday or $255 Friday-Sunday), 50-Minute Custom Massage ($290) or a hair blowout and Olaplex hair mask ($65.)
Other things to know:
Services totaling $175 or more include hydrotherapy circuit access.
Pricing does not include gratuity.
An on-site cafe is available for meals and drinks.
Parking is free.
The Spa at Ballantyne
Location: 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277
At The Spa at Ballantyne, day passes aren’t available. But services $100 and above include use of The Spa’s relaxation lounges, outdoor pool, indoor pool and hot tub, as well as the fitness facilities, locker rooms and amenities. (Note: On Saturdays, the outdoor pool is reserved for hotel guests only. On other days, the outdoor pool may incur a 3-hour time limit based on occupancy.)
The Ballantyne Relaxation Massage ($125 for 50 minutes or $165 for 80 minutes) is among the offerings, as is the 80-minute Ballantyne Platinum Hydrofacial ($400), plus numerous hair treatments, manicures and pedicures.
Other things to know:
A 100% fee will be applied to all no-shows and 50% for appointments canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled time.
A 20% service charge will be added automatically.
A specialty spa menu with salads, wraps and snacks is available in the spa dining room and can be reserved when checking into The Spa. A 45-minute advance notice is recommended.
Parking is free.
