Maine’s capital, Augusta, sits in the heart of the Kennebec Valley in the central region of the state, split by the Kennebec River that runs along the east side of the city’s downtown. Victorian architecture lines downtown Water Street, filled with new restaurants, shops, and other outlets that have opened in more recent years.

Augusta has historic ties to the American Revolution, home to the Old Fort Western Living History Museum on the site of the oldest surviving fort in Maine and greater New England. It was built in 1754 and used by Colonel Benedict Arnold as a staging point for his (failed) strike on Quebec City in December 1775 as part of his proposal to invade Canada.

Maine Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Portland

From there you can head to the nearby Waterfront Park where you’ll find the Augusta Greenway Trail, part of the 6.5-mile Kennebec River Rail Trail and perfect for hiking and biking—in summer, at least, when temperatures hang in the more pleasant 60s to 70s. Winter in Maine is chilly and welcomes a generous dusting of snow. Keep warm inside with a visit to Hatchet House where you can try your hand at ax throwing, Sparetime Recreation for bowling, and Rare Bird Art Studio to take a crafty workshop.

After getting familiar with Augusta and experiencing all it has to offer, treat yourself to a little TLC at one of the local spa and wellness outlets. From spiritual healing to thorough massages and brightening facials, the city flourishes with outlets that will leave you feeling your best.

Massachusetts Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Boston

Read to on to discover picks for the best spas in Augusta in our Maine spa guide and find the best flight deals to Maine when booking your next travel adventure.

Alpha Salon & Spa

188 Water St., Augusta, Maine, 04330; (207) 213-6225

Book an appointment solo or with friends or family at Alpha Salon & Spa located downtown along the Kennebec River. Specializing in hair care and treatments along with cosmetic services such as makeup, brows, lashes, and nails, the outlet keeps it simple.

The cozy, modern space is framed by white brick walls and dotted with greenery and plantlife, inviting those making a visit to sit back and enjoy a bit of pampering. Alpha’s downtown location provides access to other local spots such as the Downtown Diner, the Colonial Theater, and the Kennebec River Rail Trail for those itching for a hike.

As the holidays approach, consider something reflective of the season at Alpha Salon & Spa such as holiday event makeup or a festive set of nails. They also offer laminations; lash tints and lifts; event makeup; and a menu of waxing options. Whether you’re in for a quick fix or a more leisurely stay to revitalize, Clark has you covered!

Downtown Yoga & Healing Arts

283 Water St., Suite 101, Augusta, Maine, 04330; (207) 861-1508

Take a yoga class and then some at Downtown Yoga & Healing Arts along the downtown riverfront. From yoga flow to hot yoga and aerial yoga, this distinctive outlet will get your body moving in all the right ways.

Aerial Fit is a dynamic yoga class that uses aerial hammocks to combine the aerial arts with traditional strength and conditioning exercises. Top off a visit with a relaxing massage treatment by Jason Shorey Massage Therapy, which operates within DownTown Yoga; or reduce pain and stress with an appointment at Grace Acupuncture, which also operates within DownTown Yoga.

Choose from 30-, 90-, and 120-minute traditional massages, or the Lomi Lomi traditional Hawaiian temple-style massage. Sami Maldondado runs Grace Acupuncture and brings a wealth of experience in traditional Chinese acupuncture alongside Japanese and orthopedic styles.

Kennebec Valley Wellness Center

21 University Dr., Augusta, Maine, 04330; (207) 592-4787

Comprising a network of independent freelance spa and wellness professionals each offering unique services and offerings, the Kennebec Valley Wellness Center likely has something to suit any customer looking for a place to rest, revitalize, and refresh.

Its massage therapists can customize therapies to treat any sore spot, whether it’s a muscle strain or stress from the hustle and bustle of the day to day. Explore facial treatments, eyelash extensions, and professional body waxing services, as well, among others.

Customers can book online by selecting the practitioner they would like to work with—Kristy James is an aesthetician and spiritual healer, Andrea Ando Albert is a veteran licensed massage therapist, and Gabby Marshall is a nail artist specializing in Japanese and Korean gels, dry manicures, overlay, and hand-painted nail art.

Relax N Time Massage Therapy

226 Western Ave., Augusta, Maine, 04330; (207) 716-9061

This cozy outlet along Western Avenue specializes in Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Swedish Massage, and Oriental Bodywork—also known as Asian bodywork therapy, which is rooted in techniques based on traditional Chinese medicine and meant to treat and heal not only the body but also the mind and spirit.

Maybe you just spent the day hiking along one of several nearby trails surrounding Augusta and need to sooth sore muscles, or strolled the downtown riverfront and want an hour away from the hubbub for some peace and quiet. At Relax N Time, you can accomplish just that as all massages have 60- and 90-minute options to focus on you and your rejuvenation.

Deep Tissue Massage uses intense pressure to release chronic stress and muscle pain, and requires open communication between customer and therapist to avoid too much discomfort. Reflexology is a process that involves applying pressure to specific nerve areas in your feet to relieve tension, which can have larger benefits to the body’s overall well-being. Feel good and smell good with the Swedish Massage, which uses a combination of oils or lotion with rolling, kneading, and percussion movements to stimulate circulation.

Senator Inn & Spa

284 Western Ave., Augusta, Maine, 04330; (207) 622-3138

Just west of downtown Augusta up Western Avenue is Senator Inn & Spa, an award-winning 125-room property home to the Cloud 9 Restaurant and the Senator Spa, the latter of which is a warm respite designed with earthy blues, greens, and beiges that invite relaxation. Here, guests can unwind and rejuvenate with any of several treatments and therapies.

The Aromatherapy Body Polish & Wrap uses a body polish wrap infused with the customer’s choice of essential oil and either organic sugar granules or mineral-rich sea salts; it also includes a Mini Face and Scalp Massage.

Experience the 60-minute Signature Facial comprising each essential step to facial renewal—an analysis of the skin, then a cleanse, exfoliation, extractions, followed by a facial and scalp massage, hand and arm massage, and finished with facial moisturizer and treatment.

Are you perhaps a lover of the apricot? Take in the Apricot Bliss Massage, the Senator Spa’s signature massage, which uses Eminence Organice Skin Care’s Apricot Oil infused with coconut oil for stress relief, tension release, and muscle relaxation.

If apricot isn’t quite your pick, other massage options include the Warm Coconut Stone Massage and the Wildflower CBD Massage. If you’re looking for some cosmetic pick-me-ups, the Senator Spa features makeup application, lash and brow tints, hair care and treatments, and manicures and pedicures.

[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]

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.

Amanda Christensen is a writer and editor based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with experience covering a range of business, lifestyle, and tourism topics. She has a passion for traveling and experiencing the world through a multitude of lenses, using her work to share with readers how they might best accomplish that themselves. View her work at amandachristensen.journoportfolio.com.