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Arkansas Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Little Rock

Little Rock, Arkansas. [Photo credit: Scott May]

Little Rock, Arkansas, is not only the state’s capital but also the urban heart of the Natural State, known for its unique blend of Southern hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and surrounding natural beauty. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a spa experience that is both luxurious and distinctly local. 

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Little Rock's spas offer more than just relaxation—they provide a true taste of the region's spirit. Many of the city’s top spas draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains and the nearby Arkansas River, incorporating locally sourced and organic ingredients in their treatments. Imagine a soothing massage infused with wild lavender and pine, or a facial that uses honey harvested from nearby farms.

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Whether you'd prefer to enjoy a sophisticated spa experience in downtown Little Rock or a rustic retreat to the Arkansas countryside, the Little Rock area’s wellness offerings reflect its warm, welcoming character, and commitment to holistic health. 

Our Arkansas spa guide highlights some of the best spas in Little Rock that you won’t want to miss during your next visit. Discover the best flight deals to Little Rock when booking your next getaway.

Bathhouse Row

115-118 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71902; (501) 624-3383

[Photo credit: Visit Hot Springs]

Located one hour west of Little Rock, historic Bathhouse Row is home to eight bathhouses in Hot Springs National Park, which was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The bathhouses were constructed between 1892 to 1923, and it’s an ideal place to stroll around while taking in the beautiful architecture of the bathhouse buildings.

Several of the bathhouses remain open for services, while others have been transformed into cultural centers, a brewery, and more. The bathhouses consist of:

  • Buckstaff Bathhouse: Built in 1912, it’s the only bathhouse on the row that has operated continuously for more than a century. It offers a relaxing experience with its traditional hydrotherapy program with men’s facilities on the first floor and women’s facilities on the second floor.

  • Fordyce Bathhouse: The elegant bathhouse houses the park’s visitor center, where visitors can talk with the park ranger, join a ranger program, and gather more information about the Park and local area.

  • Hale Bathhouse: Built in 1892, it’s the oldest surviving bathhouse and has a sauna in a thermal cave carved from the mountainside. It has been revived as a luxury hotel and visitors can stay overnight in the historic rooms and experience the thermal springs.

  • Lamar Bathhouse: Built in 1923, it offered marbled bathtubs of different lengths for more comfort. Nowadays it is home to the Bathhouse Row Emporium, the park store operated by America’s National Parks.

  • Maurice Bathhouse: Built in 1912, its 3rd floor lounge has a stone fireplace, painted mural, stained glass skylight, and an expansive view. Currently the bathhouse is vacant and will soon be available for commercial leasing.

  • Ozark Bathhouse: Built in 1922, it has sculpted mythical creatures that hold urns of water, encouraging passersby to sample the healing waters. Today, it houses the Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center, which features gallery spaces for displaying artwork.

  • Quapaw Bathhouse: Built in 1922, its tiled dome crowns a decorative scheme with an American Indian motif. It offers modern day spa services with amenities including thermal pools, private baths, and a steam cave.

  • Superior Bathhouse: Built in 1916, it was the smallest bathhouse on the row that offered affordable massage and hydrotherapy; nowadays it is a brewery and is the only brewery in the world that utilizes thermal spring water to make beer.

Caracalla Salon and Body Spa

5715 Kavanaugh Bllvd,m Little Rock, AR 72207; (501)-280-0866

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Caracalla Salon and Body Spa, Little Rock’s first full-service spa, specializes in health and wellness experiences for men and women. Named after one of the largest public baths from the Roman Empire, Caracalla is proud to address a wide range of stress and skincare concerns in the historic Heights neighborhood. This upscale area overlooks the Arkansas River and is know for its great selection of dining and retail establishments. It’s the perfect place to explore before and after your spa appointment. 

Caracalla’s menu of services includes hot stone therapy, essential oil massages, detoxifying enzyme facials, and an organic floral steam bath, just to name a few. Interested in a whole-body experience? Try one of the spa’s body treatments which use organic ingredients like soothing lavender, sage leaves, cleansing grapefruits seeds or Dead Sea salts—all perfect for guests with sensitive skin. 

Copper Well Retreat

12418 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72223; (501)-904-1978

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At Copper Well Retreat, holistic healing is rooted in ancient wellness practices thoughtfully balanced with the modern luxury guests can expect from an cultural hub like Little Rock.   

Copper Well Retreat features a range of thoughtfully curated services including therapeutic massages, herbal body wraps, and moisturizing facials that cater to the individual needs of each guest. Depending on your preferences, guests can choose treatments that use clean, natural ingredients or try the latest in spa and wellness technology to target their concerns.

What truly sets Copper Well Retreat apart is its commitment to the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. Guests are invited to unwind in peaceful meditation spaces, take a dip in the soothing outdoor hydrotherapy pools, or enjoy a detoxifying sauna session. Pregnant guest are offered massages at no additional cost and are paired with a therapist certified in prenatal massage.  

The spa also offers a variety of other wellness experiences, including yoga, Reiki, crystal rituals, and tai chi, promoting a balanced lifestyle that guests can carry with them long after their visit.

Novah Clinic

14309 Cantrell Road, Suite 4, Little Rock, AR 72223; (501)-600-2793

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Novah Clinic’s philosophy aims to provide guest with a private pampering experience that results in spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Their classic Swedish massage features gentle, flowing strokes that promote relaxation and improve circulation.

Or for clients seeking deeper relief from muscle tension and chronic pain, the deep tissue massage uses firm pressure and slow strokes to loosen knots and alleviate discomfort. Detoxify skin with a purifying facial or rejuvenate with a collagen treatment. Combine these offerings within one of Novah’s spa packages for the ultimate spa day.

Another unique feature of Novah is its emphasis on education and preventative care. The experienced team, including licensed aestheticians and certified medical professionals, takes the time to consult with each client, providing in-depth skin assessments and personalized recommendations. This focus on individualized care ensures that each treatment plan is uniquely suited to the client’s health goals, whether it's improving skin tone and texture, managing stress, or enhancing overall well-being.

Novah also offers holistic wellness services like nutritional counseling and acupuncture, encouraging clients to adopt a balanced lifestyle that extends beyond their time at the spa.

The Floating Lotus Day Spa & Yoga Studio

900 N. University Ave., Suite 4, Little Rock, AR 72207; (501)-361-2518

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The Floating Lotus Day Spa & Yoga Studio has been serving the Little Rock community for 15 years. Owner Cassandra Benning is a former Lancôme employee who combined her lover for yoga and aging prevention and started her own business. Benning’s day spa keeps guests’ bodies and skin in good shape through inclusive spiritual exercise practices and wellness treatments. 

Several of The Floating Lotus Day Spa’s treatments are designed to address premature aging. Coconut sugar exfoliating body wraps, and mango enzyme treatments gently exfoliate skin and leave guests relaxed and glowing.

For facials, techniques like microchanneling, microdermabrasion, and LED light treatment give fast, lasting results. Or if you’d prefer a more natural treatment, try the Organic Facial to enjoy the soothing effects of lymphatic drainage massage, gua sha, and aromatherapy. 

Trinity Massage & Spa

2400 Crestwood Road, Suite 100, North Little Rock, AR 72116; (501)-904-5196

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Owner of Trinity Massage & Spa, Keri Janowski-Popejoy, believes that massage therapy is not “one size fits all.” That’s why she strives to create a spa environment that welcomes everyone and has received training in massage for patrons with chronic pain and disabilities. At Trinity, every treatment is truly tailored to the guest’s individual needs. 

At the heart of Trinity’s offerings is its diverse selection of massage therapies including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, sports, and prenatal massages, each tailored to meet the unique needs of clients. These treatments are expertly administered by skilled therapists who focus on relieving tension, reducing stress, and improving circulation, providing a restorative experience for both the body and mind.

Each massage can include cupping, hot stones or the use of CBD oil at no additional cost. In addition to traditional massages, Trinity offers specialized therapeutic options like reflexology and microcurrent stimulation, which help enhance the body’s natural healing processes by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow. 

[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]

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Katherine Lawless is a Minneapolis-based travel and lifestyle writer who has covered topics ranging from Norway’s Michelin Star restaurants to Minnesota’s top ski areas. She is interested in stories that inspire readers to seek culturally enriching experiences and live a well-rounded life. View her work at: katherinelawless.squarespace.com.