10 Winter Spa Retreats In The South Where Doing Nothing Is Everything

High Hampton Cashiers
Photo: High Hampton

Holiday magic doesn't just happen. If you're a self-appointed director of merriment and cheer, you're well aware that the winter season starts as busy as any other. But as the mental and physical load of elf magic melts away, sometimes the best gift of all is a little post-holiday R&R.

Whether you're looking to recuperate and refocus for the new year ahead or you'd simply like a soak, there's no shortage of Southern destinations offering treatments as sensational as their surroundings. Disconnect from everyday stress in some of the region's most luxurious spaces. From steam rooms nestled in the mountains to deep tissue massages with waterfront views, the South's best spa resorts will rejuvenate your body and soothe your soul regardless of the temperature outside.

01 of 10

The Spa at Sea Island

The Cloister on Sea Island
Peter Frank Edwards

Sea Island, Georgia

Old-school elegance meets modern relaxation on the sprawling grounds of this Georgia island retreat. At The Spa at Sea Island, guests are greeted with a "Spallini" cocktail on their way to the property's sanctuary centerpiece: a garden atrium that transports the area's natural windswept riches inside. Hospitable beyond compare, prepare to be pampered at every turn as you choose from the 65,000-square-foot facility's classic treatments.

The Cloister, 100 Cloister Drive, Sea Island, GA 31561, seaisland.com

02 of 10

Spa Montage at Montage Palmetto Bluff

Spa Montage Palmetto Bluff
Courtesy: Montage Palmetto Bluff

Bluffton, South Carolina

This Lowcountry haven begs for a restful porch rock before you even head to the spa. Set among moss-laden trees and Carolina marshes, Spa Montage uses local elements to create an authentic sense of place in their services, which range from facials to body treatments. Who wouldn't want to sign up for a "Pure Bliss" full-body massage and skin treatment?

477 Mount Pelia Road, Bluffton, SC 29910, montagehotels.com/palmettobluff

03 of 10

The Wellhouse at Blackberry Farm

The Wellhouse at Blackberry Farm
Beall + Thomas Photography

Walland, Tennessee

Though it's fashioned from an 1800s farmhouse, guests of The Wellhouse at Blackberry Farm are far from roughing it. Splurge for the solace you can only find in the foothills of the Smokies. Signature experiences, from wellness to treatments, are rooted in the restorative power of the surrounding mountains and feature house-made lavenders and lotions.

1471 West Millers Cove Road Walland, TN 37886, blackberryfarm.com

04 of 10

The Spa at The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary Hotel
Courtesy of The Sanctuary Hotel

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Just when you think Kiawah Island's secluded beaches and award-winning greens couldn't get more divine, The Spa at The Sanctuary Hotel ups the ante. Try the spa's herbal teas while soaking in a mineral pool or decompress with a body fusion or facial. Private personal training and yoga and pilates classes are also on the menu.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort, One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, kiawahresort.com

05 of 10

The Spa at High Hampton

The Spa at High Hampton
Courtesy: High Hampton

Cashiers, North Carolina

Redesigned and reinvigorated, this nostalgic mountain gem is back to deliver the apex of relaxation in the Appalachians. Indulge in a day of pampering in the state-of-the-art spa, with special offerings for couples and mothers-to-be. Afterwards, take in the property's crisp mountain air and camplike charm with a stroll through the dahlia gardens or hiking trails.

1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC 28717, highhampton.com

06 of 10

Lake Austin Spa Resort

Lake Austin Spa Resort
Robbie Caponetto

Austin, Texas

The premier retreat for a dose of wellness by the water, this destination spa offers peak Hill Country serenity just miles outside of downtown Austin. Lake Austin Spa Resort's 19 waterfront acres hug the shoreline of the Colorado River, immersing guests in the healing power of nature in and outside of the spa's walls. After relaxing with a "Tour of Texas" treatment, take a toga class on the dock or end the day with an astrologer-led stargazing experience.

12611 Riverbend Road, Austin, TX 78732, lakeaustin.com

07 of 10

Salamander Spa at The Henderson

The Henderson
Courtesy of The Henderson

Destin, Florida

Florida serenity reigns supreme at this upscale spa with bed and breakfast-style charm. At The Salamander Spa, an impressive menu of treatments inspired by coastal waters is appealing enough to lure you away from the emerald beaches right outside your window. If you have a full itinerary, sign up for one of the many mini therapy treatments.

200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, FL 32541, hendersonbeachresort.com

08 of 10

The Spa at Omni Grove Park Inn

2. The Omni Grove Park Inn
Ball & Albanese

Asheville, North Carolina

Anchored by Blue Ridge views, this Southern landmark has been pampering guests since 1913. Soak in mountain vistas from the spa's oversized hot tubs and therapeutic waterfalls before diving into the property's sensational underground pool. Then check out the Annual National Gingerbread Competition, which is on display until early January.

290 Macon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804, omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park

09 of 10

Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Courtesy: Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Highlands, North Carolina

Old Edwards Inn & Spa delights with crackling fireplaces, inviting porches, and a spa that has perfected the art of relaxation. Fine wood and local stone steep spa sessions with European-style while spotlighting the Blue Ridge Mountains natural healing wonders. Take a dip in the outdoor Jacuzzi and seasonally heated mineral pools.

445 Main St., Highlands, NC 28741, oldedwardshospitality.com/old-edwards-inn-spa

10 of 10

The Spa at The Breakers

The Spa at The Breakers
Courtesy: The Breakers

Palm Beach, Florida

Treat yourself at this famed resort brimming with architectural grandeur. This grand dame is as deluxe today as it was decades ago, and its spa is no different. Try the Tammy Fender Rose Quarts Massage for a therapeutic session on a heated bed of alpha-quartz sand—well worth the splurge, indeed.

One South County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480, thebreakers.com

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