Illinois Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Chicago
Peninsula Chicago
Some of the links on our site may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.
You need a spa day to relax and unwind, and we’re here to help you find the Chicago spas that are right for your needs. Whether you want to destress with a massage or your skin needs some TLC, a visit to a destination on this list of the best spas in the Windy City that will have you feeling like a whole new person! Pamper yourself or a loved one with a rejuvenating spa.
Check out our Illinois spa guide to discover our top picks for the best spas in Chicago.
If you’re looking for the best deals on flights to Chicago, click here.
Chicago Hotel Spas
Chuan Spa at the Langham
330 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 - 312-923-7650
Located in the heart of Chicago, the five-star contemporary hotel The Langham Chicago offers sweeping views of Lake Michigan and is a short distance away from Millennium Park. In addition to luxurious services and amenities, the Langham Hotel Chicago is also home to the award-winning Chuan Spa—a soothing oasis of tranquility that inspires contemplation and introspection.
With an extensive menu of therapies and spa treatments inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chaun Spa also offers its guests the opportunity to participate in aromatic and sensory experiences, including the Chuan Bathing Ritual.
Spa amenities at Chaun Spa include a 67’ indoor lap pool and hot tub (with spa cuisine available poolside), salt stone sauna, steam room, and state-of-the-art fitness center. Group fitness and wellness classes are also available.
Currently, Chaun Spa is offering couples treatments perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day, like the “Nourish Your Love” package.
Read more in our profile on Chaun Spa at The Langham Chicago.
Leaf Spa at Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
200 N. Columbus Drive, Lower Level, Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 946-8945
Located at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, Leaf Spa offers holistic treatments that are meant to bring wellness to the mind, body, and soul while connecting guests' hearts with nature. Guests are greeted by the Willow Tree, which presents the balance, harmony and growth we experience through life's challenges.
At the Alchemist Bar guests can create their own concoctions, oils, and scrubs using an assortment of healing plants, herbs and more. The spa also invites guests to visit the Wish Tree (which represents hope) and to enjoy its amenities including the locker rooms, steam room, meditation area, relaxation room, and the House of Knowledge—a gallery wall of plants, herbs, and leaves from around the world noting their natural healing benefits.
Spa Boutique at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
127 West Huron at LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60654 - (312) 374-1829
The Godfrey Hotel in downtown Chicago features a Cubist-influenced façade and chic, comfortable accommodations. Godfrey means “peace and welcome,” two things that perfectly complement relaxation.
Spa Boutique offers two private treatment rooms for recharging with a pampering spa treatment. Hotel guests can also enjoy treatments in their room/suite if they prefer. Spa service options include a wide variety of massages including an indulgent four-hand massage and a hot stone massage. Other treatments include body scrubs, facials, and waxing.
Spa@theWit
201 N. State Street - 5th Floor - Chicago, IL 60601 - (312) 239-9402
theWit is a Four Diamond hotel in the heart of Chicago’s theater, arts and shopping district, and includes a renovated rooftop bar, smart guest rooms, uniquely designed meeting rooms with the latest built-in technology, and award-winning culinary offerings.
Located on the hotel’s 5th floor, Spa@theWit is an urban oasis that offers guests a hidden and quiet space to relax and restore the body and mind. The treatment menu features an array of massages, facial treatments, nail services and waxing, in addition to various packages and specials.
Read more in our profile on Spa@theWit.
The Peninsula Spa at the Peninsula Chicago
At the Peninsula Chicago, Far Eastern graciousness meets midwestern hospitality. In 2021, the 5 star hotel, was named “#1 Hotel in Chicago” and “#3 hotel in the U.S.” by U.S. News and World Report.
Located on the 19th and 20th floors of the hotel, The Peninsula Spa’s extensive menu of treatments is inspired by Ayurvedic and Asian philosophies. Treatments options include the all-natural hot stone massage, “Subtle Energies Blissful Marma” massage (an enriching, results-driven massage), deep cleansing facials, and manicure options. Facials at the Peninsula Chicago feature Biologique Recherche for results-oriented skin care customized for the guest’s skin type.
The exquisite spa is complemented by amenities including an indoor half-Olympic length swimming pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views of the city. There’s also a relaxation lounge with a fireplace, a fully equipped fitness center, and yoga room.
The Spa at JW Marriott Chicago
151 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60603 - (312) 660-8250
The JW Marriott Chicago is a luxurious landmark hotel located in the heart of the Chicago Loop. Featuring a historic past and modern amenities, the Daniel Burnham-designed property offers guests an extravagant escape from the bustling urban city center with an array of dining options, a fitness center, indoor lap pool, and an on-site spa. In Spring 2020, the hotel received a guest room transformation with a new room design inspired by the iconic Pullman luxury rail car.
Showcasing a menu of rejuvenating services and invigorating beauty treatments, the Spa at JW Marriott Chicago is a tranquil oasis that provides a calming haven for guests to enjoy. Aromatherapy is used throughout the menu of spa services, and the spa also has a hammam room where guests can experience ultimate relaxation.
Read more in our profile on The Spa at JW Marriott Chicago.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
120 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 - (312) 280-8800
At the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, you’ll find award-winning hospitality and gorgeous Lake Michigan skyline views. After a day of shopping and gourmet dining on Michigan Avenue, unwind at the property’s beautiful contemporary mediterranean-style spa for a relaxing or romantic escape.
Amenities include the destination’s iconic indoor pool, whirlpool, saunas for men and women, Eucalyptus steam rooms, relaxation lounge, treatment rooms, and a fitness center (including Peloton bikes).
Fun Fact: The Roman-inspired 50-foot indoor pool at the Four Seasons Chicago was featured in Home Alone 2.
Learn more in our profile on The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
The Spa at Palmer House Hilton
17 East Monroe Street Chicago Illinois 60603 - (312) 726-7500
Palmer House is an iconic 150-year old hotel, located in downtown Chicago. In recent years, the Hilton Hotel property received a $170 million renovation to preserve the history of the destination while updating for convenience and comfort.
The hip and historic hotel is home to The Spa at Palmer House, an 8,000 square foot wellness oasis located on the 5th floor. The downtown Chicago spa offers everything you need to pamper yourself, plan a romantic couples escape, or even reserve the entire spa for an indulgent event. The spa’s menu includes a variety of services including massages, facials, body services, hydrotherapy, manicures, and pedicures. Salon services are also available, including cuts, color, updos, and makeup application.
Palmer House guests get complimentary access to the fitness center located on the 8th floor.
K’alma Spa at the Ritz Carlton Chicago
160 East Pearson Street at Water Tower Place, Chicago, IL 60611 - (312) 266-1000
A beacon of luxury in the Windy City, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is an iconic address that offers a modern luxury experience for guests with innovative dining and personalized stays.
K’alma Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago is a serene retreat amidst busy Michigan Avenue’s daily hustle and bustle. Influenced by the shores of its surroundings, the Spa’s interior design takes cues from Lake Michigan, offering hydration-inspired experiences designed to awaken the senses, nourish the body, and renew the spirit.
Spa amenities include a eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, and top-of-the-line fitness center with a lake view of Navy Pier. The destination also has a heated indoor 52’ lap pool and a relaxation lounge to enjoy and unwind before or after your experience.
Learn more in our profile on The Ritz Carlton Spa, Chicago and check out our Spa Diary for K’alma Spa.
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa and Health Club
11 E Walton, Chicago, Illinois 60611 USA - (312) 646-1300
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, The Waldorf Astoria Spa and Health Club is a sanctuary of wellness and beauty. Visit the award-winning spa for indulgent pampering and take advantage of the location’s state-of-the-art health club.
The spa features relaxation lounges, a luxurious lap pool, a eucalyptus steam room and sauna, a state-of-the-art health club, jacuzzis and a private spa terrace. Treatments are tailored to the customer’s needs and there’s even a special menu for men and children. Guests will enjoy an array of massages (including Shiatsu, prenatal massage, couples massage and more), body treatments, facials, and waxing.
For ultimate pampering, book the Diamond Experience which focuses on replenishing deep hydration and enhancing the elasticity, firmness, and brightness of one’s skin. The treatment’s primary component is the spa’s beloved Diamond Glow Facial, which utilizes novel skin resurfacing technology, providing simultaneous exfoliation with deep delivery of customized solutions directly to the skin. Following the facial, guests are treated to a Knesko Diamond Collagen Mask set with a quartz facial roller. The experience is topped off with a glass of Veuve Clicquot and a sprinkle of diamond dust. Guests will also take home a Knesko Diamond Eye Mask to recreate the spa effect on at-home.
Read more in our profile on Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa and Health Club.
Chicago Day Spa and Boutique Spas
AIRE Ancient Baths
800 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60642 - (312) 888-7079
Located in a restored 1902 factory in River West, AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago provides a relaxing experience for the body and mind inspired by traditional ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bath experiences.
Different temperature baths range from hot to cold to ice to salt. Amenities also include two steam rooms with aromatherapy. Treatments range from relaxing massages at 30, 45, or 60 minute intervals to more indulgent treatments.
Unique experiences include the Himalayan Salt experience which features a soft massage with hot salt stones and the Wine Bath experience which offers the opportunity to submerge yourself completely in the antioxidant properties of the Spanish Ribera del Duero red grapes, followed by a detoxifying, hour-long massage with grapeseed oil.
Allyu Spa
600 W Chicago Ave, Riverwalk Level, Chicago, IL 60654 - (312) 755-1313
Allyu (ah-yū), is the Quechua word for community and represents the spa’s commitment to the ever-evolving needs of its clients, team, and the earth. At Allyu Spa, guests enjoy therapeutic massage and bodywork, advanced skincare, and beauty services in a caring and luxurious environment. Services include massage, Chakra balancing, reflexology, body treatments, couples services, waxing, sauna therapy, mani/pedis, and more.
The heart of the spa space is a tented relaxation area, designed in the shape of a chakana, a South American sacred symbol. This tent provides beautiful and calming space to relax prior to and following appointments.
Private shower rooms are complimentary for Allyu Spa guests, but require reservations and are based on availability. Plush towels and eco-friendly toiletries are provided.
LifeSpa at Life Time Chicago
15 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654 - (872) 345-8500
Life Time River North at One Chicago is located at 15 West Chicago Avenue within the new One Chicago development – the city's tallest residential building. The 126,000-square-foot Chicago flagship Life Time destination is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Member can enjoy dedicated studios for large group classes including barre, cardio and strength, indoor cycling, Pilates, and yoga with more than 100 classes weekly. The location also features state-of-the art fitness equipment for cardio, strength, and functional training. (Memberships start at $249 per month.)
Luxury dressing rooms offer whirlpool and cold plunge suites, along with saunas, steamrooms and high-end, complimentary toiletry products.
LifeSpa offers full-service salon and spa services, including hair, nail, esthetician services, and massages such as Swedish massage. The spa is open to members and nonmembers of Life Time. Guests can use the club and Kids Academy programs on the same day of their services before or after.
Ruby Room
1743 W. Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 - (773) 235-2323
Ruby Room is known for services that focus on intuitive healing. The destination offers energy healing, massages, and classes to awaken your inner healer. Weekly classes include yoga, tarot, oracle, meditation, sound baths, and more.
At the Ruby Room, visitors can also shop a curated collection of healing and wellness products, including crystals, bath salts, smudge sticks, essential oils, and candles.
King Spa and Sauna
809 Civic Center Dr. Niles, IL 60714 - (847) 972-2540
King Spa & Sauna, also known as "Jjim-Jil Bang," is a unique Korean-inspired spa that offers family-friendly relaxation in the Chicago area. Known for being the largest Asian sauna in the United States, the destination offers an authentic Korean spa and sauna experience. (General admission is $50 and services are available for an additional fee.)
Amenities include 10 different dry saunas, large public rooms for men and women to relax and soak, soothing spa tubs, and 8 whirlpools with natural herbs such as jasmine. For an additional charge of $5, guests can access the Base Rock Room which features a mineral stone called Siraka, imported from Japan that is said to have healing abilities. This stone slab bed is surrounded by amethyst crystal and wormwood coal. Other rooms that guests can experience include the Pyramid Room, Fire Sudatorium, Salt Room, Ocher Room, Ice Room, Charcoal Room, Bul Ga Ma, and Amethyst Room.
Services include facial massage, body scrub, body acupressure massage, and V-steam herb (a natural, centuries old treatment for women that features a seated vaginal steam treatment).
Spa snacks are available at the food court and include fresh juices, Korean food, ice cream, salads, bubble tea, and more.
Children are welcome at King Spa and Sauna and the location even offers movies and swimming for kids. Note: King spa is a barefoot facility, and while sandals and slippers are prohibited, guests may wear clean socks.
Kohler Waters Spa - Burr Ridge
775 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 - (630) 323-7674
From the moment you step into Kohler Waters Spa Burr Ridge, you are greeted with the sound of running water and the promise of tranquility. The spa is located 20 miles west of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and provides a similar experience to the brand’s renowned Forbes five-star flagship spa in Kohler, Wisconsin.
Kohler Waters Spa features two relaxation rooms, 21 treatment rooms, and a “Circle of Tranquility” that is a thermal, hydrotherapy experience. Central to the Circle of Tranquility room is a 25-foot figure eight hot tub with an 8-foot waterfall on the far end that provides a massage-like experience. The room also contains a Himalayan salt sauna, an 8-foot cold plunge pool, a Eucalyptus steam room, and plenty of loungers to relax in.
Service options include massage therapy, hydrotherapy treatments, facials, Kohler bathing, body treatment options, manicures, and makeup application.
Kohler Waters Spa - Lincoln Park
2358 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 - (312) 245-9129
Kohler Water Spa in Lincoln Park offers 20,000 square feet of tranquility in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago. The destination features 21 treatment rooms, a thermal suite, sauna, cool plunge pool with lounge seating, an outdoor terrace, and state-of-the-art amenities. Treatments include more than 50 innovative water services, therapeutic massages, facial and body treatments, and finishing services.
Renee Day Spa
233 E Erie Ave #710 Chicago, Illinois 60611 - (312) 787-2544
Renee Day Spa is a European-style day spa that offers skincare, therapeutic massage, bodywork, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and spa packages. Located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the spa has received rave reviews on Yelp and Google. While you won’t find fancy amenities at Renee Day Spa, you will find skilled staff and excellent service in a clean and welcoming environment.
Private Members Only Spas
Cowshed Spa at Soho House Chicago (members only spa)
113-125 North Green Street Chicago, IL, 60607 - (312) 521-8000
Cowshed Spa at Soho House Chicago is located in the historic Allis Building in the West Loop. The rustic spa with British roots is a perfect place to socialize, snack, and enjoy relaxing treatments.
Guests at Cowshed Spa Chicago will enjoy lounges with individual lockers, showers, and space to relax and unwind. The spa features five treatment rooms, seven mani-pedi chairs, and a selection of rejuvenating experiences from full body massage treatments and scrubs to facials, waxing, and nail maintenance. (There’s also a Neville Barbershop for grooming services.)
Because Cowshed is a social space, guests are encouraged to enjoy each other’s company over amazing food and drinks from The Allis Restaurant, which is adjacent to the spa.
All Cowshed spas carry Cowshed’s skin, body, and hair products. The products have playful names, but take their all-natural formulations seriously.
Learn more in our profile on Cowshed Spa at Soho House Chicago.
The Spa at BIÂN Chicago
600 W. Chicago Avenue, Suite 001 Chicago, IL 60654 - (312) 625-0845
BIÂN Chicago is a unique private members’ club that is built on a foundation of holistic wellness, vitality, and social well-being. The stunning 25,000-square-foot space includes a vibrant social/dining area and bar that serves chef-driven food and beverages, a listening room with vinyl records organized by mood, a lounge and library reading area, as well as a nap room with a HÄSTENS bed for restorative sleep.
BIÂN's spa offers an array of healing treatments and services that range from therapeutic body work and massage to cupping and gua sha, in addition to medical grade aesthetic and beauty offerings, facials, and skincare treatments.
The club is also home to multi-purpose studio spaces for yoga, strength training, reformer and mat Pilates, meditation, and private sessions.
Learn more about BIÂN Chicago in our profile on BIÂN Chicago.
More Spa Guides:
New York Spa Guide
New Jersey Spa Guide
Palm Springs Spa Guide
Las Vegas Spa Guide
Los Angeles Spa Guide
[Images courtesy of the featured hotels and spas]
Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy