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Florida Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida. [Photo credit: Brad Stell]

Fort Lauderdale is traditionally known for its sandy, sunny beaches, and spirited social scene. With its myriad of tasty restaurants, buzzy bars, and bustling shops to stop into—there’s no shortage of active activities to embark upon.

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But for those who are seeking somewhere more lowkey to spend some time relaxing and sinking into the serene scene of South Florida, this seaside city also boasts half a dozen relaxing day spas to step into.

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Our Florida spa guide highlights six of the best spas in Fort Lauderdale to check out on any trip into town and enjoy a safe space for some respite from the heat and urban havoc.

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AWAY Spa at W Fort Lauderdale

 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304; (954) 414-8233

Away Spa at The W Fort Lauderdale is like a hidden oasis within this buzzy, upscale property that sits just steps from the sand on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The spa is located on the fourth floor, just off of the lobby area, making it easily accessible for guests of the hotel and visitors alike. There are separate men's and women's lounges with lockers, healthy snacks, a menu of treats like carefully curated cocktails, and an outdoor patio to soak up the sun.

In classic “W” fashion, the spa is painted a vibrant pink hue with other vivid pops of color and mural-style photography adorning the walls. It’s brightly lit with an invigorating sense of fun that seems to lift your spirits and your beauty-related worries away in one fell swoop. 

Spa Profile: AWAY Spa at W Fort Lauderdale

The motto is "detox, retox and repeat,” here—meaning guests are meant to fully enjoy themselves on-site, while also taking care of themselves in a careful balance. From full-service body treatments like massages, cosmetic treatments like hair and nail touch-ups, and “quick fix’ options like the “bright eyes” beauty experience, which are meant to change up your mood and hydration status in 30 minutes or less—it’s a refreshing and uplifting spa.

Don’t miss the full lineup of beauty products from [comfort zone], a popular Italian spa wellness brand, sold inside the spa.

CONRAD Spa at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304; (954) 414-5100

[Photo credit: Courtesy of Visit Lauderdale]

Warm colors, soft lighting, and an overall sense of serenity envelop visitors immediately when they arrive at CONRAD Spa at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. This spa uses the latest and greatest in luxury wellness technology to deliver unparalleled relaxation experiences.

But the element that makes this spa stand out most is likely its dedication to giving visitors the best and most attentive service from the moment they arrive to the minute they depart. Guests are invited to arrive early and stay late to enjoy the spa’s facilities including rainfall showers, a steam room, and a dedicated relaxation lounge with sparkling wine, tea, and healthy snacks.

On-site treatments include classics like body wraps, facials, massages, exfoliation sessions, couples treatments, and nail services among other wellness experiences such as yoga classes ranging from classic sunrise yoga to prenatal yoga sessions.

For an exceptionally personalized experience, book out The Floral Escape Spa Suite—a private suite hosting personalized packages like charcuterie picnics and champagne toasts. It can be a perfect choice for groups of four or more guests seeking something extra special for a celebration like a birthday or bridal event.

Heavenly Spa by Westin at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304; (954) 245-3040

[Photo credit: Courtesy of Michael Stavaridis]

This property may be best known for its iconic Skywalk located on the 3rd floor leading straight to the beach—but its sophisticated on-site spa also sets a high standard for wellness in the area. At Heavenly Spa by Westin, visitors can treat themselves to a range of therapies that simultaneously relax the body and stimulate the senses—from massages to facials and salon services, among other experiences.

Standout options include the HydraFacial and GM Collins skincare offerings, which are great for re-energizing the spirit by using the latest and greatest in wellness technology to heal the body and mind. There’s also the “Heavenly Waters” lineup of services which includes a private bath soak prior to any spa treatment with sparkling wine, an eye mask, and a fruit and cheese plate upon request from Monday to Thursday.

Travelers who prefer to enjoy a spa experience from the comfort of their own space can book a massage service in their guest room between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The spa also offers facility day passes for resort guests (even without booking a treatment) which comes with access to the amenities including jacuzzis, a eucalyptus-infused steam room, unisex relaxation lounges, the on-site Westin Fitness Center, and locker rooms with showers.

Those who live nearby can become members of the Self Care Club, which includes access to the spa and its facilities, in addition to one choice of a complimentary weekday core service per month.

PURE Spa at Pelican Grand Beach Resort

2000 North Ocean Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305; (954) 556-7600

The mantra of the dreamy, Scandinavian-inspired spa, PURE Spa at Pelican Grand Beach Resort, is a simple but powerful, “You are beautiful.” It’s perched atop the 11th-floor rooftop of Pelican Grand Beach Resort boasting stunning and calming sea views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Measuring in at nearly 3,000 square feet, this spa feels like a tucked-away retreat with three indoor treatment rooms and two outdoor spa cabanas. The design is natural and earthy with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, tranquil whitewashed wooden floors, and cool green walls with wooden accents and a clean Swedish aura.  

Visitors can spend time winding down in the relaxation room which is outfitted with hanging chairs or in solitude in one of the locker rooms. PURE Spa aims to offer a holistic approach to disconnecting from the outside world to experience an all-encompassing feeling of well-being.

Indulge in one of the signature treatments which include massages, facials, body treatments, nail care, waxing, and make-up experiences. Guests will enjoy natural products by Maria Akerberg (the spa’s exclusive partner) in each of the treatments.

Don’t miss the signature CBD treatment options, which can either stand as an “add-in” to an existing treatment by way of CBD oil or as a dedicated service meant to aid in pain relief and anti-inflammation.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

1 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304; (954) 302-6490

[Photo credit: RMStudio Corp- Ricardo Mejia]

The full-service, 8,500-square-feet ocean-inspired Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale features a range of signature treatments that focus on detoxifying and energizing the body using the powers of the natural earthly elements.

There are 11 treatment rooms including a private couple’s treatment suite, as well as private massage areas and jacuzzis on the tropical pool deck, access to the state-of-the-art fitness center, pool, and a spa boutique. The decor uses natural tones of tan and blue, playing off the color scheme of the nearby sand and sea, with plush seating arrangements and mellow lighting to soften the senses.

Embark on a journey with refreshing and revitalizing treatments like the Cleansing Ceremony, which lifts the spirits and cleanses the body and mind through a full-body exfoliation experience using iced mitts followed by a detoxifying lymphatic drainage massage.

Or try the Intuitive Ocean experience, which is influenced by the raw power of the ocean using sea salts to smooth the skin before wrapping the body in a warm marine mud mix.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Fort Lauderdale

525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304; (754) 336-3100

[Photo credit: Rich Stapleton]

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale is inspired by the flowing canals that weave throughout the city. Upon entering the spa, visitors are meant to feel as if they’re immersing themselves into the peaceful rhythms of the water’s changing tides.

There are six treatment rooms at the spa (including a couples’ suite) to indulge in treatments ranging from massages and facials to hair and nail services, and even wellness experiences like personal training and yoga. Before or after the experience, visitors are invited to relax in the tranquil lounge which features luxurious amenities like a salt-wall sauna, an aroma steam room, and an ice fountain. 

Be sure to sample the upscale skincare brands at the spa boutique. Don’t miss the BodyBliss brand goodies. This lineup of award-winning aromatherapy products make for seemingly endless combinations of personalized wellness experiences with choices for body scrubs, body butter, and crystal-infused remedies—among other treats. Visitors can even create a custom blend for themselves to take home.

[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]

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Molly has lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California, studied abroad in Barcelona to perfect her Spanish minor, and earned a degree in journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before moving to Los Angeles where she currently resides. She's passionate about health and wellness, and happiest when she's traveling or writing (even better if it's both at the same time!) As a creative hobby, Molly runs her own Etsy shop "BeautyTransformed" with personally handmade necklaces, from which a dollar from every purchase goes toward the National Alliance on Mental Illness." Follow her on Instagram: @metropolitanmolly