Washington DC Spa Guide: The 20 Best Spas in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. [Photo credit: Caleb Perez]
Few cities can lay claim to higher degrees of stress, activity, and intensity than Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. Perhaps that is why there are so many spas—they offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the world’s political center where one can enjoy peace and well-being.
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Spa and wellness facilities range from boutique storefronts to luxury resorts. Many of the top hotels in the city offer spas, most giving guests access to their pools and fitness centers as well. More than a few have undergone renovations in early 2024, updating their facilities.
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So if you find yourself in the nation’s capital and need high-quality skincare, a massage to work out the knots in your muscles or a series of wellness services, check out our top picks for the best spas in Washington, D.C.
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Argentta Spa at The Watergate Hotel
2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037; (202) 838-4503
A luxe spa at the legendary Watergate Hotel, Argentta Spa offers innovative and exquisite services in an environment that defines luxury. The name takes its inspiration from the Italian word for “silver,” a color that can be seen throughout the spa in an upscale contemporary design.
They tailor every treatment, whether skincare or massage, and combine organic products with highly scientific techniques formed from the latest in molecular chemistry. Their goal is to give each guest an exquisite experience that leaves them feeling transformed. Spa amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, whirlpool, sauna, and steam rooms.
Spa Profile: Argentta Spa at The Watergate Hotel
Their Forever Young Facial is grounded in medical research, a safe procedure that uses red light therapy and a collagen peptide mask. Their Signature Massage treatment incorporates several deep tissue techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and acupressure while including aromatherapy, hot towel compresses, and reflexology.
Other treatments include couples massages, men’s body treatments, CBD massage, and hot stone massage. Spa packages are available that include a stay in one of the Watergate Hotel’s luxury suites, a late check-out, and two massages.
Aura Spa
1517 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 588-5557
445 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 289-8432
1612 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009; (202) 232-6620
1212 4th Street, SE #170, Washington, DC 20003; (202) 554-0444
A holistic wellness center with several DC locations, Aura Spa invites guests into a relaxing oasis where they can experience rejuvenating and restorative treatments. The spa facilities have luxury locker rooms, saunas, steam rooms and a fuel bar serving up healthy smoothie options.
They are part of a wellness network, partnering with such other organizations as a salon, Capital City Brewing, nutrition counseling, a pool and lounge, personal training, SweatBox, Urban Adventures Companies, and VIDA Fitness and Pilates. They host birthday and bachelorette parties for groups of two to eight people that includes complimentary champagne.
Their services include brows and eyelashes, body treatments, facials, massage therapy, and waxing. Body treatments include a cellulite treatment, body polish, and a pedi scrub. Facials focus on specific needs including the classic facial, chemical peels, acne treatments, CBD facials and clinical facials.
In addition to such well-known massages as Swedish, pre-natal, cupping, warm stone, CBD and aromatherapy, they also offer a magnesium add-on massage which is ideal for post-workout recovery.
Bluebell Spa DC
3705 14th Street NW, Suite 2, Washington, DC 20010; (202) 882-2355
A locally-owned day spa, Bluebell Spa DC promotes physical and mental well-being through sustainable practices. Their team is passionate about helping people to improve their health through massage and skin care. Spa guests praise the staff for being kind and providing over-the-top customer service in a relaxing environment.
Their signature massage incorporates Swedish techniques and can be experienced alone or as a couples massage. Other massage offerings include CBD, deep tissue, hot stones, sports, aromatherapy, prenatal, reflexology, and trigger point therapy.
Their skincare offerings include their Signature Lift Facial, deep cleansing, Back Facial, Gentleman’s Facial, peels, dermaplaning, tinting, and LED light therapy. They also offer waxing services.
Capital Blossom Day Spa
1805 Belmont Road, NW Washington, DC 20009; (202) 851-4681
Capital Blossom Day Spa invites you to take a day-cation where you can discover relaxation while they lavish you with “the most innovative treatments and wildly glamorous service.” Devoted to infusing artistic flair into each of their treatments and services, they are committed to health, beauty, and wellness.
The spa offers a retreat filled with plush treatment beds and exceptional products. Champagne and chocolate can be added to any service as can birthday decorations. Services include massage, facials, waxing, body treatments, acupuncture, permanent makeup, and slimming treatments.
Massage options include Swedish, customized, therapeutic deep tissue, hot stone, pain-relieving, couples, lymphatic drainage, Thai, and prenatal. They also offer scalp, foot, and express massages. Skincare treatments start with a customized facial and extend to deep cleansing HydraFacials with oxygen and LED light therapy, microdermabrasion, anti-aging, oxygen, acne treatment, lifting, and contouring.
Facial add-ons include eye contouring, hydrating lip, ultrasonic exfoliation, chemical peels, LED light treatment, and oxygen infusions. Body treatments include polishes and wraps with or without massages as well as contouring treatments.
Celestial Health & Beauty Spa
1831 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 743-5194
A female-owned company catering to women, Celestial Health & Beauty Spa has created a sanctuary where women can be surrounded by peace, love and beauty. Founded by Vanessa Graham, a body sculptor whose goal is to share her unique blend of wellness wisdom, the spa is constantly evolving its menu of services based on her latest discoveries.
The spa focuses on body sculpting and contouring while offering other beauty services. Their team welcomes clients and works hard to get them the results that they want in a comfortable environment. Starting with a consultation, the spa staff guides clients to such services as ultrasonic cavitation, laser lipo, butt lifts, wood therapy, cellulite treatment, infrared sauna blankets, radio frequency, and personal training and fitness consultations.
Eaton Wellness
1201 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-7600
At Eaton Wellness, they remind their guests that healing the world starts with healing yourself. Located at the Eaton Hotel, a Langham property, Eaton Wellness offers a range of experiences designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Founder Katherine Lo says, “I had to learn about self-care before I could begin to build a community built on collective care.”
The centerpiece of the spa is a yoga studio where interior designers were inspired by Zen Buddhist meditation temples and Joshua Tree to fill the space with organic millwork and greenery with an eye for sustainability. They also have a meditation room, infrared saunas, and private treatment rooms. The space is designed to be flexible so that they can accommodate groups, filming, and other private events.
Services include massage, Reiki healing, Marma therapy, acupuncture, and Pranic healing. They offer many classes and workshops for communal healing such as sound healing journeys, yoga playgrounds, mindful movement, breathwork, self-love, massage for lovers and friends, womb love, cacoa ceremonies, and meditation.
Etalon Day Spa
707 D St. NW, Washington, DC 20004; (202) 883-8000
Drawing upon the French word for “standard,” Etalon Day Spa wants to set one that provides their clients with the best services and treatments to live healthier and more productive lives. The spa welcomes people into its warm environment with treatment rooms for individual and couples services. They focus on massage and body work, and first-time guests get free aroma and hot stone add-ons to their treatments.
Their signature treatment is a customized massage in which the therapist will work with the client to tailor the service to include such elements as Swedish, deep tissue, sport, and reflexology. Other massage offerings include couple, prenatal, Himalayan hot stone, cupping, aromatherapy, and reflexology.
They offer LPG Body Endermologie, which involves the use of a motorized flap and roller with sequential suction. Guests must purchase a endermowear suit which can be used with each treatment. They also offer an LPB Facial Endermologie.
Lavender Retreat Wellness Club
1236 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003; (202) 450-2329
A holistic spa and wellness center, Lavender Retreat Wellness Club is just steps from Capitol Hill, a serene oasis amid a busy capitol. They offer a relaxing sanctuary where people can experience treatments, receive health and lifestyle coaching, take classes, and pursue the wellness journey that will help to transform their bodies and spirits.
The Capitol Hill location (they have another in Virginia) opened in 2014 and they welcome walk-ins and take reservations 24/7 on their website. The wellness therapies they offer include acupuncture, massage, mindful wellness, naturopathic, and nutritional.
Massages may incorporate many different elements including deep tissue, hot stone, medical, myofascial relief, myoskeletal alignment technique, prenatal, reflexology, sports, Swedish, trigger point, acupressure, cupping, and Reiki.
Mindfulness sessions can be designed for such goals as smoking cessation, weight loss, stress reduction, and getting better sleep. Naturopathic sessions involve meeting with naturopathic physicians for such purposes as nutritional supplements, dietary counseling, acupuncture, Reiki, hydrotherapy, and mind-body medicine. Their services include lab consultations, soul talk numerology, reflexology, and a detox and weight loss package.
Salamander Spa at Salamander Washington DC
1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024; (844) 860-2741
Once known as the Mandarin Oriental, Salamander Hotels & Resorts purchased the 373-room hotel in 2022 and began an extensive renovation that includes a transformation of Salamander Spa. When the enhancement is complete in Spring 2024, Salamander Washington DC will include a lobby-level entrance, men’s grooming lounge, and more treatment rooms to showcase new services.
Meanwhile, they continue to offer services and have relocated their fitness center to a sun-lit room on the lobby level. A luxury spa, they feature integrative and regionalized treatments. While they are undergoing renovations, treatments include massages, body work, and facial.
One of their massages includes the Dream Catcher, which is designed to help guests get a good night’s sleep by putting them in a deep state of relaxation. It includes an herbal heat pack, scalp massage, and a lavender-inspired gift.
In a city known for its cherry blossoms, the Cherry Blossom Body Treatment is a ritual inspired by Japanese traditions. It includes exfoliation, hydrating treatment, massage, and reflexology. Facials include a HydraFacial MD, a Holistic Facial, and the Salamander’s Signature Facial. They use products from Linne and Biologique Recherche.
Shoreham Spa & Health Club at Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, NW Washington, DC 20008; (202) 756-5199
In the midst of a historic city, Shoreham Spa & Health Club is part of a historic property, one that is on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted VIPs for more than 90 years. The spa overlooks the hotel’s 11 acres of landscaped gardens and spa guests have access to the uniquely sculpted outdoor pool, heated children’s pool, and hot tub.
Omni Shoreham Hotel is adjacent to Rock Creek National Park, which provides walking and biking trails. The spa associates take great pride in providing extraordinary and tailored spa services in the spa’s two treatment rooms. Shoreham is an intimate spa that focuses its treatments on facials and massages.
With four facials to choose from, they last from 50 to 80 minutes and include a classic European Deep Cleansing Facial, Men’s Facial, Ogenage Replenishing Facial, and Deluxe Hydractive Facial. Massage options include Swedish, deep tissue, tension reliever, stone, and reflexology. Aromatherapy can be added to any massage.
Spa Pendry at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf
655 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024; (202) 843-1113
Guests at world-class hotels expect world-class spas and Spa Pendry at Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf does not disappoint. A spa designed to pamper and recharge its guests, they offer custom beauty and body treatments in an intimate and beautiful setting. The spa has eucalyptus steam rooms, an outdoor heated terrace pool, and a fitness center. Couples are welcome and the spa offers specially designed services for people to enjoy together.
Spa Pendry’s services include facials, massages, and bodywork. Five different facials (each available for either 60 or 90 minutes) include ones designed to brighten, firm or protect, and a Platinum HydraFacial. Microcurrent treatments are available for the full face or specific areas.
They have two body treatments—one that lasts an hour and the other that is twice as long. The treatments incorporate scrubs, dry brushing, and moisturizers with an optional CBD add-on.
The massages provide a DC-centered experience, focused on fulfilling the needs of tourist and business traveler alike. The Harbor + Stone Massage incorporates a salt scrub along the body’s meridians as well as heated stones. “The Athlete” caters to wellness enthusiasts, “The Pendry” uses cashmere oils and probiotics, “Sole Survivor” focuses on the legs and feet with exfoliation, reflexology, and a nourishing mask and serum; while the “Mommy-to-Be” offers pre-natal, restorative massage.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
3100 South Street NW, Washington, DC 20007; (202) 912-4100
The Ritz-Carlton name is synonymous with high-class luxury. In Georgetown, The Ritz takes up residence in an iconic building from the 1930s and the newly reimagined Ritz-Carlton Spa is a hidden oasis with five treatment rooms and an exclusive ESPA product line. They have created a wellness space where people can relax in their lounges, indulge in the saunas and steam rooms, and visit their fitness centers and wellness rooms.
Their treatments and therapies showcase high-quality products and therapies. They offer massages, facials, waxing, tinting, and body treatments. There are nine different massages to choose from including “The Men’s Massage,” which is billed as the ultimate male escape. Most massages can be customized with such add-ons as CBD relief balm, hot stones, pink hair and scalp mud, a body butter or a hand, foot, and back reviver.
Guests can find the facial treatment to meet their individual needs whether it is balancing, healthy aging, glow or hydrating. Their Georgetown Escape Body Treatment combines a scrub with bamboo exfoliation and hydrating treatments followed by a full-body massage.
The Ritz-Carlton has 12 wellness rooms that combine comfort, relaxation, and fitness. Found on the hotel’s spa level, they feature such amenities as an air purifier, yoga mat, aromatherapy bath salts, and a Sleep + Sound machine.
The Spa at Hotel Washington
515 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004; (202) 661-2400
Hotel Washington, which was established in 1917, is at the center of a city where the world’s decisions are made. It’s why the spa promotes that it is a place where the only thing they take seriously is relaxation. It’s a place of well-being where people can shed their stress and reserve luxurious services and treatments.
The Spa at Hotel Washington is dedicated to nurturing the inner light of its guests and helping to regenerate their bodies and minds by combining ancient traditions with advanced scientific studies. The products they primarily use are [comfort zone], a sustainable skincare line from Parma, Italy. The spa’s steam showers and relaxation rooms are open for guests before and after their services.
In addition to customized signature massages, prenatal massages, and couples massages, the spa offers a Pro-Sleep Massage inspired by Indonesian Spa Malay massage, a ritual that supports deep sleep and jet lag recovery. Multiple massage options include acne treatments, healthy aging support, organic facials, and oxygen facials. Multiple enhancements let guests customize their facials with peels, masks, oxygen infusions, eye treatments, and microdermabrasion.
Body treatments range from an Aromasoul Volcanic Scrub to cellulite treatments, back and shoulder rescue, and back treatments. Other services include manicures, pedicures, and waxing.
The Spa at The Wharf at InterContinental Washington DC.
801 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024; (202) 878-8484
In 2021, InterContinental Washington D.C.- The Wharf opened the newly rebranded Spa at The Wharf, a full-service spa in partnership with ISM Spa. Designed as an oasis from the busy capital, it boasts stunning views of the Potomac River, signature products by Privai, and customizable treatments.
Spa Profile: The Spa at The Wharf
The 4,000-square-foot spa is on the third floor of the luxury hotel and features four therapy rooms (including a couples room), a relaxation room/oasis lounge, a nail salon, and luxury locker rooms and shower facilities. Services can be selected from a menu or guests can speak with a therapist about their wellness goals to determine what sort of treatment will help them on their journey.
For massage treatments, they’ll incorporate reflexology, deep tissue, prenatal, Swedish, neuromuscular, and stretching as needed. Their results-driven facials are classic European style and completely customized to meet each guest’s needs. Other services include manicures, pedicures, and waxing.
The Willard Spa at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20004; (202) 628-9100
Once known as the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, Willard InterContinental Washington D.C. Hotel has rebranded the spa to fit more closely with its historic heritage. A hotel that has hosted nearly every president since Franklin Pierce, it opened in 1818 and the Historic Hotels of America has put it on its top 25 lists for most unique culinary heritage, of hotels where women made history, top afternoon tea experiences, top places for a romantic proposal, and most magnificent gingerbread displays.
The Willard Spa is a place designed to be a revitalizing oasis where guests can experience wellness. It’s a place that is comfortable in its historic setting while drawing upon both modern and traditional treatments. The menu is nearly identical to The Spa at the Wharf with customized massage and facial treatments. However, they also offer waxing and makeup treatments upon request.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
2800 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20007; (202) 342-0444
The newly renovated spa and fitness area at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC was recently unveiled after undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Located in DC’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, the spa has garnered four stars from Forbes. Inspired by nature, the spa’s design features rounded contours, earthy tones, and ambient lighting—every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to guide guests into a realm of tranquility and relaxation.
Amenities include a dedicated couples massage area complete with a luxurious deep soaking bathtub for two, a chic co-ed lounge offering a special dining menu, and an upgraded swimming pool, which will debut in Summer 2024. Guests can also enjoy a range of additional new services in the state-of-the-art treatment rooms, including the cutting-edge IonixLight Facial.
The spa’s experiences change with the seasons and guests can always call the spa and ask them to arrange a personalized experience for them. Any massage can be customized to incorporate different techniques, while they also offer a prenatal, jet lag, and healing stone massage. Their varied facial menu uses results-oriented products and IonixLight equipment, as well as a Red Carpet Facial combining eight technologies into one. Other options include Tata Harper and Biologique.
Among the body treatments offered at the spa in the nation’s capital is a Political Detox Salt Scrub and a Coconut Island Escape. Enhancements are available for nearly every treatment including aromatherapy or arnica oils, hydrating skin treatments, foot scrubs, scalp treatments or a back scrub.
The spa also offers Mind Sync technology, a groundbreaking feature that synchronizes brainwaves, inducing a deep state of relaxation and mental clarity. This addition makes it the only spa in the country to offer such innovation.
Unna Self-Care Center
1931 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; (202) 800-0708
Unna Self-Care Center is a retreat that focuses on massage services. For more than 17 years, the founders have been committed to providing professional massage therapy to the area. They are dedicated to helping guests take a journey to a life filled with relaxation and free of pain. They focus on delivering “an unparalleled customer experience.”
They have 11 different massage services starting with their Signature Massage, a treatment that combines several massage techniques and is tailored to each guest. Other massages include postnatal, prenatal, couples, four hands, reflexology, sports, hot stone, deep tissue, foot, and Swedish.
Unna Spa
Georgetown: 1054 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Washington, DC 20007; (202) 333-3334
Navy Yard: 831 2nd Street SE, Washington, DC 20023; (202) 820-9000
Adams Morgan: 1990 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; (202) 232-2232
With three locations in DC, Unna Spa offers an elegant, luxurious day spa experience and have done so for the past 25 years. It’s a tranquil location bathed in what they call “sensual lighting.” CityPaper has awarded them such honors as best massage, best spa, best med spa, best facial, best waxing, and best acupuncture.
In addition to providing services at the spa, they’ll send massage therapists to people’s homes for outcall services. Each visit includes a 4% employee wellness charge that helps the spa provide high-quality employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Spa services include massage, waxing, body wraps and scrubs, acupuncture, facials, and eyebrows. Each location has its own series and packages. Massage services include deep tissue, four hands, couples, hot stone, Swedish, sports, foot, reflexology, Thai, pre-natal, post-natal, and lymphatic drainage.
Body wraps are categorized as detox, relaxing, hydrating, sugar, and sea salt. Medical spa treatments include endermolift and enermologie lipomassage.
Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004; (202) 868-5180
A spa that balances luxury and eco-conscious, Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is committed to sustainability. The spa has six treatment rooms, a Himalyan Salt Therapy Room, and a relaxation area called The Sanctuary, complete with private resting cocoons and a serenity fountain. The private couple’s wing includes its own rain shower and salt therapy room.
Massages can be personalized or guests can choose from hot stone, therapeutic deep tissue, prenatal or couples. They offer HydraFacials and facials—the latter including antioxidant treatments, oxygen boosts, lifts, and contours. Body treatments include a detox retreat, a floral foot bath, and a vitamin C exfoliation and hydration treatment.
Those wanting a day pass can experience the spa’s amenities while sipping on a flute of champagne. A signature couple’s retreat lasts 245 minutes and includes champagne, caviar, body scrubs, a dual rain shower, a hot stone massage, and private relaxation time.
For those seeking a self-guided wellness experience, the spa invites them to participate in a Harmony Ritual that includes a warm shower, hot steam, salt room experience, halotherapy, a foot salt soak, and then a 90-minute massage. This experience can be customized with a variety of enhancements including CBD elixirs, dry brushing, hot stones, gemstone face, eye or lip masks, aromatherapy, and scalp treatments.
Wat Massage
1804 Vernon St. NW, Washington, DC 20009; (202) 588-9393
An independently-owned massage therapy spa, Wat Massage opened its doors in 2011 and since then has offered wellness services that incorporate traditional and new holistic treatments. With a reputation for providing professional customer service, they have hired a staff of licensed, certified, friendly, and knowledgeable massage therapists.
Each therapist brings a unique collection of skills that incorporate massage techniques from around the world. It allows them to focus on providing client-based approaches and unique experiences.
The spa supports charitable giving in Rio de Janeiro. Spa owner Alan Pavesi is an immigrant who was born to a disadvantaged family in Brazil. Pavesi went back to Brazil during the pandemic to work as a volunteer and the spa supports his nonprofit PROJEC where they offer free education to low-income teens and food for their families.
Spa services include massage, skin care, and waxing. Massage offerings include Swedish, deep tissue, trigger points, pre-natal, cupping, hot stones, Thai, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, Ashiatsu, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Thai herbal ball, postpartum, Shiatsu, and sports. Facials include customized treatments, hydrating and glow, acne treatment, sculpt and lift, Gua Sha, anti-aging, and express.
[Images courtesy of individual hotels and spas]
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Bridgette, who is a second-generation journalist, fell in love with spas and travel while working as a writer and editor for 16 years at the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. As a freelancer for the International SPA Association, she co-wrote two textbooks, nine workbooks, and numerous case studies on spas. Her freelance career began in the 80s and she has written for publications in Michigan, Arizona, California, and Texas along with several regional and national publications. She is a committed storyteller who loves sharing narratives which improve people's quality of life and build community. Born and raised in Michigan, she currently lives in Lansing with her husband and son. See more of her writing at bridgetteredman.com.