Louisiana Spa Guide: The Best Spas in New Orleans
New Orleans, LA. [Photo credit: Arun Kuchibhotla]
When visiting New Orleans (aka The Big Easy or Crescent City), there is never a shortage of fun things to see and do. A melting pot of diverse cultures, the city is known for its rich heritage and traditions.
It’s also played a prominent role in Hollywood and has served as the eclectic backdrop for many films and TV shows including the third season of “American Horror Story: Coven,” which was set and filmed in New Orleans. Numerous celebrities have called New Orleans home such as John Goodman, Nicolas Cage, Sandra Bullock, and Brad Pitt, among others.
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Aside from its colorful and colonial architecture, New Orleans is also famous for its vibrant music and nightlife; iconic French Quarter District, Bourbon Street and Canal Street; world-famous festivals like Mardi Gras, and the best Cajun and Creole cuisine (beignets, anyone?) The city is also infamous for its haunted history and offers various walking ghost tours, in addition to cocktail tours for drink enthusiasts.
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If you need a break from the bustling city scene, New Orleans is also home to several world-class luxury spas and boutique spas that offer an array of relaxing treatments and experiences—many inspired by the local culture and surroundings. Check out our Louisiana spa guide to discover the best spas in New Orleans as you plan your next getaway.
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The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
2 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130; (504) 434-5100
Featuring stunning views of the Mississippi River, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans showcases natural light, French beauty inspiration, and the spirit of NOLA. The spa’s interior highlights materials such as raw white oak, gray travertine, rattan accents, and wrought iron silhouette-projecting lamps accompanied by beautiful artwork in the hallways by Nicole Charbonnet and Allison Janae Hamilton.
Spa Profile: The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Inspired by the French phrase, “Bon vivant,” (meaning, “One who lives well,”) the spa menu incorporates French treatment techniques, locally-sourced ingredients, and nods to local Southern culture. Amassing over 5,000 square feet, the spa includes eight treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, a steam room and sauna, and a couple’s room with a private soaking tub.
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Recommended treatments include the Equilibrium Ritual (especially in the winter) which consists of a warm mud mask and heated candle massage; the lymphatic services for ultimate detoxification; Southern Gentleman and Southern Rose services inspired by the beauty and cultural richness of New Orleans with locally handcrafted oils from cypress trees, fresh rose petals, a warm shea butter scrub, and local cocktail; as well as the Triple Lift Facial, which combines galvanic currents and French microneedling for a one-of-a-kind skincare experience.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
921 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112; (504) 524-1331
The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa is located at the historic Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans hotel, which is on the edge of the iconic French Quarter. Featuring traditional Southern ambiance with a refined interior inside a 1908 Beau Arts Maison Blanche building, the hotel offers unique experiences ranging from locally-inspired events and cuisine to live music.
Spa Profile: The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Guests seeking relaxation can escape the busy city scene at the tranquil hotel spa, which at 25,000 square feet is the largest spa in New Orleans. In addition to 20 private treatment rooms and a specially-designed couples suite, the spa also has a café, full-service salon, and includes access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center.
The menu at The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans features a unique selection of treatments including the Mississippi Mud Detox Treatment, which nourishes skin with mineral-rich botanical botanical mud on a Vichy table followed by a sea salt scrub; as well as the Voodoo Ritual Massage, an 80-minute experience that incorporates traditional vetiver-scented oil and therapeutic poultices.
Spa Aria at Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130; (504) 523-9990
A cozy retreat tucked away inside the Hotel Monteleone, one of New Orleans’ most celebrated hotels that dates back to 1886, Spa Aria is a locally-owned spa that has been open since 2004. One of the city’s best-kept secrets, the spa and its gifted staff guide guests on a transformative spa journey. They incorporate products from world-renowned spa brands such as Cinq Mondes and Pevonia to provide the highest-quality spa experience.
Their spa menu includes a variety of services for the face, skin, body, hands and feet, as well as makeup, waxing, and tinting services. Among their coveted offerings are standard massages, couples massages, an Organic Ancient Hair Ritual and Foot Therapy treatment that aids in recovery and muscle soreness,
Spa Aria’s spa packages offer deluxe experiences including the Bachelorette Party (1.5 hours) that includes a manicure, mini pedicure, and eye treatment for the ultimate spa day for the ladies; the Monteleone Experience - The Full Monte (3.5 hours) which includes a manicure, pedicure, custom facial, and massage; and the Honeymoon Retreat (2.5 hours) which features a 75-minute couple’s massage followed by side-by-side pedicures and champagne.
Spa Atlantis
536 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130; (504) 566-8088
Located in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, Spa Atlantis is a locally-owned day spa, IV treatment, and professional hair salon that is owned by Richard Borne, a licensed massage therapist and wellness expert. Open since 2008 with a focus on Southern hospitality, the spa incorporates top-of-the-line products in its treatments and provides customized care for all its guests.
A wide variety of services are offers on the menu at Spa Atlantis including massages and body treatments, facials and peels, hair and makeup, waxing, and IV treatments. Among their must-try treatments are the signature Atlantis Massage (available in 25, 50, and 80 minutes), the Warm Stone Massage which works into deeper layers of muscle tissue, Raindrop Detoxifying Therapy (brings balance and harmony to the body using nine targeted essential oils), as well as the Deep Sea Detox (combines exfoliating, hydrating, and full-body massage with a full-body exfoliation and Black Baltic Sea wrap).
They also offer an array of IV treatments to treat various issues including the Pre-Party IV Protocol (to prepare you for a big night out), Big Easy Hangover Remedy (for the morning after), as well as the Carnival Glow (pain and relief infusion that brings life back to your body and skin).
One of their more unique offerings is BrainTap, which incorporates state-of-the-art technology to promote brainwave entrainment and enhance thinking, sleeping, and overall performance. The spa also offers various packages with special deals for different occasions such as seasonal, bridal, and IV.
Waldorf Astoria Spa, New Orleans at The Roosevelt New Orleans
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112; (504) 648-1200
One block away from Bourbon Street and a block west of the heart of the French Quarter, The Roosevelt New Orleans has been open since 1893 and was once home to legendary Louisiana governor, Huey P. Long. Its amenities include a rooftop pool; several restaurants, bars and lounges; guest rooms and suites styled with rich, warm decor; as well as a luxury spa.
Waldorf Astoria Spa at The Roosevelt New Orleans offers guests the ultimate private retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can spend time in the elegant relaxation room before and after their services, and choose from an array of pampering services including massages, facials, body treatments, and more.
Treatments to try on their spa menu range from the Waldorf Astoria Signature Massage, which uses a combination of therapeutic techniques and aromatherapy to create a customized experience; a Cupping Therapy Massage, which loosens muscles and encourages blood flow utilizing one of the oldest known Chinese healing methods; and the Organic French Clay Detox Wrap, which includes an exfoliating full-body polish with apricot seeds, orange oil, and walnut shells followed by a French green clay seaweed wrap to stimulate circulating and flush toxins.
A monthly membership is also available with The Spa Club, which offers one restorative massage or custom facial services per month. Members also enjoy access to spa and hotel amenities along with other premium benefits on the day of their monthly treatment.
[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]
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Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk