Named after the historic explorer Christopher Columbus, the state capital of Ohio is the second most populated city in the Midwest right behind Chicago. With miles of trails, family-friendly attractions and activities, a vast selection of restaurants and rooftop bars, and sports for every season—there are a wide variety of things to see and do in Columbus.

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While Columbus might not be as well known for its spa scene, those seeking wellness and relaxation in the Discovery City have plenty of great options to enjoy. From amenities like cold plunges to infrared and Himalayan salt saunas and traditional treatments including manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials, you’re sure to get your dosage of well-being and rejuvenation during a visit to Columbus.

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Here, we’ve rounded up the best spas in Columbus for our Ohio spa guide. Keep on reading to discover what those are. (See what we did there?)

If you’re looking for the best deals on flights to Columbus, click here.

Allvera Wellness Spa

2079 W. 5th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212; (614) 914-5092

Out of all the spas on this list, Allvera Wellness Spa is the one with the widest array of offerings. For example, there’s the FAR Infrared Body Wrap, which is a 50-minute session that’s meant to simulate a workout. Not only does this treatment help with back and joint pain as well as muscle spasms, it also helps reduce cellulite. This body wrap, which will kind of make you look like a mummy, also works to detox your body and even offers lymphatic drainage.

As you would at any other spa, you can get waxing, facials, spray tanning, and massages at Allvera. Options for facials include express services and hour-long treatments that are tailored to your skin’s needs. As far as massages go, you can pick from classic options like a Swedish massage, a deep tissue massage, and a hot stone massage.

If you’d like to schedule a treatment at Allvera, you can call the number above or do so online. Keep in mind that the spa is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The spa is closed on Sunday.

Ebb & Float

231 North 5th Street, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 826-2154

The amenities at Ebb & Float are truly out of this world. These include float tanks, which contain heated water that has a high concentration of salt. This helps to manage pain, accelerate recovery, reduce stress, and balance your sleep patterns. Why? Because your mind and muscles can release all the tension they hold from day-to-day stress.

You’ll also have access to an infrared sauna, which you can use for 30, 45, or 60 minutes. In addition to these two therapeutic modalities, you can also take a cold plunge at Ebb & Float. If you’re unfamiliar, a cold plunge is when you immerse yourself in water that’s between 45 and 50°F. This helps to balance your mood by releasing endorphins. It also helps strengthen your immune system.

What we love most about Ebb & Float, though, is that they offer monthly memberships for single services. These include a monthly float for $59, unlimited cold plunges for $129, and unlimited visits to the infrared sauna for $225 a month.

Ebb & Float is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Note that the spa is closed on Tuesdays.

Paloma

1197 W. 5th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212; (614) 929-5434

Massages. Facials. Infrared sauna. Palmistry. Lymphatic drainage. Paloma does it all. And they offer tons of options for each treatment—they even have six different options for sauna modalities. Additionally, the first step into Paloma puts you at ease. Its chic décor and welcoming staff make you feel like nothing else matters. And isn’t that what wellness and mindfulness are all about?

What makes Paloma stand out from the other spas on this list are its six curated spa journeys. The packages range from two-and-a-half hours to five-and-a-half hours. If you’re able to and are hoping to cocoon yourself in wellness, we suggest splurging on The Metamorphosis. It includes a 90-minute massage, a specialty facial, a session in Paloma’s infrared sauna, a private soundbath, aura photography, and a mindful meal.

If you’re on a tight budet, we recommend The Grounding Stone Massage. You’ll get warm oil and hot Himalayan salt stones working together to bring you utter bliss. The spa is open daily. On weekdays, Paloma’s business hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. On the weekend, it’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To reserve a treatment, call (614) 929-5434 or book online.

Panacea Luxury Spa

2130 Quarry Trails Drive, Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43228; (614) 324-7777

In Greek mythology, Panacea is the goddess of healing. In modern English, the term refers to “a universal remedy that is believed to heal all diseases, problems, ailments, illnesses, and difficulties.” That philosophy is engrained into the mission of Panacea Luxury Spa, where you’ll find all sorts of wellness modalities.

These include a cold plunge pool, a hydrotherapy pool (which uses warm water and massaging jets), Himalayan salt saunas, a eucalyptus steam room, a relaxation lounge, and a lifestyle boutique. There’s also a private event space and conference room in case you’d like to host a shindig here. 

We’d be remiss not to highlight Panacea’s 60-minute sensory Ayurvedic Shirodhara Treatment. To begin, your therapist will slowly pour warm Abhyanga oil over your forehead. This oil is special because Ayurvedic Practitioners pray mantras over the oil to balance energy within and promote positive healing. You can also choose from myriad other body treatments including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and microblading. 

Panacea is open daily. You can visit the spa from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It’s also open on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can reserve your spot online or by calling the number listed above. 

Replenish: The Spa Co-Op

​​124 S Washington Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215; (614) 429-3165

Self-care is the name of the game at Replenish. We love that they offer 15-minute options for the face and body treatments on their menu, making wellness more accessible. They also offer 30-minute sessions as well as hour-long treatments and 90-minute options.

In addition to facials and massages, you can get waxed and have your lashes done at the spa. Their manicure offerings are also available in 15-minute options. For instance, you can get a reset—which includes the shape, cuticle care, and nail hydration, but no polish—for $20.

If we paid a visit to Replenish, one treatment we’d opt for is The Body + Dry Brushing Massage. Over the course of this treatment, a skilled therapist will start by dry brushing your body—which stimulates lymphatic drainage. After that, they’ll perform a relaxing massage to help calm your nervous system. You can also add CBD to this massage for increased relaxation. Another great add-on is Replenish’s sleep option, during which they “create an ambiance for you to sleep well in.”

The spa is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., as well as on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, the spa is only open for yoga sessions. Call the number above or visit the Replenish website to book your appointment.

[Photos courtesy of spas and resorts]

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Natalie Arroyo Camacho is a beauty, lifestyle, and well-being writer with more than five years of experience. She's indulged in self-care at 50 spas nationally and internationally—including locations in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mexico, Morocco, and France. Keep up with her best life on Instagram: @personatalieeee.