Airports tend to be fast-paced, busy and stressful places, which is why XpresSpa was founded in 2003 to offer travelers a place to relax and indulge in some self-care during their journeys. XpresSpa has 35 spas located within 15 U.S. and International airports including JFK, ATL, MIA, DFW, and LAS terminals as well as Dubai, Istanbul, and Schiphol international airports.

They offer an array of wellness services including massages, nail care, and rejuvenation treatments that are designed to help guests relax before and after their flights so that they feel more comfortable when on the go. While guests wait for their treatments to begin, they can also browse and shop a wide selection of beauty and wellness products, travel essentials and more that are available at their different locations as well as online.

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"With technology ever-changing and self-care becoming a top priority for travelers, we are proud to deliver innovative and accessible services through a high-tech and high-touch approach that simultaneously ensures wellness for people on the go,” says Pablo Henderson, CMO of XWELL, a leading global health and wellness company that operates three distinct brands (XpresSpa, Treat, and XpresCheck.

We chatted with Henderson, who shared insider tips, recommended treatments to try, and more.

The inspiration: The idea of XpresSpa was fueled by the desire to provide travelers with a place to rest, rejuvenate, and recover on their journeys. We recognized that the hectic pace of travel often leaves people feeling stressed, fatigued, and in need of a moment of relaxation. We wanted to create a haven where individuals can find respite and indulge in self-care, regardless of their travel schedules.

XpresSpa also took inspiration and energy from the sun, which historically guided and provided energy to travelers around the world. The sun represents warmth, light, and vitality—elements that we aimed to bring to our guests. Just as the sun nourishes and revitalizes, we sought to offer a sanctuary where individuals can replenish their energy, pamper themselves, and emerge feeling refreshed.

We envisioned XpresSpa as a beacon of relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of airports, offering a serene oasis where travelers could unwind and indulge in a range of spa services and products. By strategically locating our spas in airports, we aimed to reach a wide audience of weary travelers in need of a well-deserved break. We continue to be motivated by the opportunity to enhance the travel experience for our guests, helping them find moments of peace and revitalization along their journeys.

Why You’ll Love It: We have a lot of repeat guests that stop by our spas on their way to their next destination. Our guests enjoy seeing familiar and friendly faces when they stop by for some self-care before their flight. Our incredible team of highly-trained and experienced massage therapists is passionate about providing exceptional service and creating a welcoming environment.

Our team understands that each guest has unique preferences and requirements, which is why we strive to provide a personalized experience at XpresSpa. We listen to our guests' needs and tailor treatments accordingly to ensure that everyone receives the utmost care and satisfaction in the limited time they have before boarding their flight.

Another aspect of our spa that guests love is the array of TSA-approved products available. Our guests pack stress-free knowing that we have a product for any of their needs, should they accidentally leave their favorite product at home or if they lose it to airport security. Our products help solve many issues travelers might face from stress and anxiety, to hygiene, women’s health, gut health, and more.

Key Features: At XpresSpa, we take pride in our diverse range of services, which we constantly refresh to meet the evolving self-care needs of our guests. Our treatments can be categorized into three main areas: massage, nail care, and rejuvenation.

For our massage offerings, we provide an assortment of options to cater to different preferences. Our Human Touch Massage Chair, equipped with zero-gravity and acupressure capabilities, delivers a deep, rejuvenating massage from your neck and shoulders down to your glutes and thighs.

The HydroMassage Lounge from WellnessSpace Brands utilizes water to provide users a full-body massage experience. For a customizable experience, our Relaxation Lounger allows you to tailor your massage. If our guests prefer a traditional massage experience, we also offer the Tension Relief Massage, targeting sinus pressure and energizing the upper body. Additionally, we provide massages for specific areas such as feet, hands, arms, neck, and back.

For nail care, we offer efficient services that deliver a fresh manicure and/or pedicure in under 30 minutes. Our nail care options allow you to choose based on the specific service you are looking for, ensuring a quick and satisfying experience. At JFK, travelers can now experience the first in-airport robotic manicure with the Clockwork MiNiCURE.

In the realm of rejuvenation, we offer the Anti-Aging Light Mask, which presents three options to choose from. The Red Light Therapy promotes collagen production, the Blue Light Therapy targets acne treatment, and the Amber Light Therapy boosts cellular growth. These light therapy options provide effective rejuvenation for different skincare needs.

Snacks Served: Although we aren’t the traditional spot to stop and grab a snack, we do have a few options that not only curb cravings, but also provide additional benefits. For the stressed flier, the perfect snacks are the adaptogenic trail mix and chocolate bars, made with ashwagandha and mucuna to support relaxation. We also sell an array of gummy packs thats serve different purposes, including Mocca shots for energy, mixed berry for skin brightening, and turmeric and ginger to support anti-aging.

Some beverage options include Qula’s Pre + Probiotic drink mix and Cure’s hydrating electrolyte mix.. And of course, our superfood protein bars offer energy, a recharge, bliss, or some nourishment. We strive to source our products from socially-responsible companies. Self-care is making the right food choices for yourself too!

Insider’s Tip: One insider's tip we have for our guests is to take advantage of our online booking feature, allowing guests to plan their visits to XpresSpa in advance. By booking online, guests can not only save valuable time but also optimize their time at the airport. We believe that incorporating a spa visit into your travel ritual can elevate your overall vacation experience. It's essential to prioritize your health and well-being amidst the chaos of travel. By planning ahead and reserving your spot, you can ensure that you have a rejuvenating and relaxing spa experience waiting for you when you arrive. We encourage all our guests to take advantage of our convenient online booking system and make self-care an integral part of their travel journey.

Another tip would be for travelers is to leverage our services beyond self-care. At XpresSpa, we offer solutions to various travel-related issues. Whether you need to combat jet lag and ensure a restful flight, stay awake to finish important work before your destination, alleviate anxiety caused by turbulence, or a remedy for an upset stomach, we have a range of offerings tailored to your needs. Utilize XpresSpa not only for self-care but also to make their trip as seamless as possible by taking advantage of our comprehensive solutions for common travel problems. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you towards the right products or services to address your specific needs and enhance your overall travel experience.  

Lastly, a special offer that most guests don’t know is available is 5-minute demos of our remarkable zero gravity massage chair. While 5 minutes may not sound like enough time, it is enough time to feel the full effects of the deep massage. I personally tried it, and it left me in awe of the profound impact it had in such a short period of time. So, we encourage our guests to take advantage of this opportunity and experience the incredible benefits of our zero-gravity massage chair firsthand.

Insider’s Favorite: It’s not one treatment, it’s about the entire experience. When you walk into an XpresSpa, you will be transported. From the music to the scent to the vast array of high-quality, ethically sourced products for whatever ails you or makes you feel better, we have a solution for people on the go.

Splurge Treatment: One treatment that is a must-try is the heated chakra bed, available at ATL, CLT, DFW, LAS, MCO, MSP, and MIA locations. A session on a heated chakra mat embedded with 16 pounds of natural gemstones includes the release of infrared rays and negative ions that penetrate deep into your body’s core to relax muscles, reduce pain, improve joint flexibility, and circulation. Although this is more of a “splurge” treatment in comparison to our other services, all spa treatments are affordable and can fit into any time window a guest has. We can personalize the experience to fit our guest’s constraints and needs, always ensuring they leave relaxed and satisfied.

Unique Treatment: At our Las Vegas XpresSpa and JFK Treat locations, we offer a virtual reality relaxation service, unlike any other spa service conveniently available. Our guests get to stretch out on a comfy lounger and explore tropical beaches, underwater oceans, and outer space using the VR Oculus Rift headset.

Another new and exciting treatment we have officially added at our JFK Terminal 4 location is the Clockwork robotic manicures. In just 10 minutes, a robot can give you a fresh manicure all while waiting for your turn to board. We are very excited about this new service and look forward to expanding it to other XpresSpa locations!

Featured Products: XpresSpa is proud to partner with a curated selection of exceptional brands that cater to the diverse needs of our travelers In the beauty space, we have partnered with esteemed names such as Salt & Stone, Hatch Collection, Alder New York, Vielo, Alleypop, Everyday Humans, and Jaxon Lane to name a few. These brands offer an array of high-quality beauty products that contribute to a luxurious and rejuvenating spa experience. In the realm of health and wellness, we have collaborated with notable brands including Bala, Rae, Genexa, Welly, Hilma, Stamba, and more. These partners provide a range of wellness solutions that prioritize overall well-being during your travels.

We are proud to work with brands such as August, De Lune, Cheeky Bonsai, and Well Told Health to bring women’s products to the forefront of the health and wellness space. We prioritize sustainable practices and ethically sourced products, aligning with our commitment to supporting businesses that share our values. Through our in-store locations and online presence, we actively promote and raise awareness about these remarkable brands. By featuring sustainably driven and women-owned businesses, we aim to create a positive impact while providing our guests with exceptional products.

Future Plans: Our company has exciting plans for the future as air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels. We are committed to reinvesting in our spas and aligning with the evolving needs of today's travelers. Our focus is on continuously refreshing our spa offerings with innovative services that cater to the next self-care needs and introducing new must-have products for all travelers. With our finger on the pulse of wellness trends, we anticipate growth as more individuals prioritize their self-care. We are also actively exploring opportunities to expand to additional airports worldwide. Stay tuned for exciting announcements as we continue to expand our presence and aim to bring wellness to everyone on the go.

For more information on XpresSpa, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @xpresspa

[Photos courtesy of XpresSpa]