A Local’s Guide to the Best Spas in Dallas

The Experience: The Joule’s sleek, subterranean oasis is the coolest retreat in the city, and my go-to recommendation for a luxurious spa day. Arrive early to make sure you get to take advantage of the sauna, steam room, heavenly rainfall showers, and the jet-lined Vitality Pool — don’t forget to bring your suit.

Notable Spa Service: You can’t go wrong with a Swedish massage (don’t tease yourself with a 50-minute massage — 80 is the way to go), but Joule facials ($215 – $560), which currently utilize the iconic French skincare line Biologique Recherche, are some of the best in the game.

The Experience: Last year, a $460 million preservation  project breathed new hotel life into a glamorous downtown Dallas skyscraper and included the addition of a truly luxurious spa. Be sure to budget time for hot and cold terrace plunge pools and infrared saunas.

Notable Spa Service: The Celestial Black Diamond Facial ($275), featuring wonderfully goopy 111Skin hydrogel masks and diamond powder, is one of the most indulgent offerings at The Thompson (or any Dallas spa).

The Experience: While The Joule’s wellness center unfurls underground, Spa Adolphus is an airy oasis high above the bustle below. Sip a glass of champagne in the sun-soaked relaxation room or take in the lofty downtown views from patio.

Notable Spa Service: If you’re looking to indulge with a significant other, Spa Adolphus is your match. Enjoy side-by-side massages and facials in the private couple’s suite ($540), which comes equipped with its own downtown terrace.

The Experience: A multimillion-dollar renovation restored The Ritz-Carlton Spa to crown jewel status in January 2022. One of the most breathtaking new additions, a full-scale trellis hand-sculpted by local artist Larry Whiteley, greets guests at the spa’s elegant modern entry. Updated relaxation lounges (complete with sweet and salty snacks) offer a stylish place to crash between luxe treatments and trips to the whirlpool.

Notable Spa Service: There’s the Diamond Facial, the Rolls-Royce of skincare treatments with Natura Bissé, but I’d be remiss not to mention the 80-minute Texas Eight Hand Massage. Four synchronized therapists deliver a one-of-a-kind Dallas experience.

The Experience: The result of another multi-million-dollar makeover, the 22,000-square-foot spa, boutique, and fitness center at The Hotel Crescent Court is serene sight. Expect eco-friendly Italian skincare products, a nail station, relaxation room, whirlpool, dry sauna, and plunge pools of both the hot and cold variety.

Notable Spa Service: The “Age Solution” facial ($250+) utilizes a Japanese facial technique and an innovative peel-off mask for instant lifting.

The Day Spas

The Experience: The popular Austin-based spa and beauty brand expanded to Fort Worth in 2019, bringing its pampering-as-therapy ethos and warm, elevated aesthetic to the Shops at Clearfork. Whether you’re indulging in a massage, facial, pedicure, or a much-needed hair trim, it’s hard not to buy into the good vibes at Milk + Honey. (It’s also been Fab Five-approved.)

Notable Spa Service: The service menu is vast (the spa even added injectables in 2021), but you can’t go wrong with a Milk + Honey massage.

The Experience: With locations across the state, Hiatus is practically a Texas institution. All treatments at the beloved spot are solid (and affordably priced) and the Aveda green tea is famously addictive. You’re all but guaranteed to leave happier than you arrived.

Notable Spa Service: The Hiatus pedicure (prices range from $70 to $119 unless you’re an H-Circle member), with its zero-gravity pedicure chairs and noise-canceling headphones, might be the most soothing experience in Dallas.

The Experience: The luxury spa chain, which began in Victoria, Texas 20 years ago, finally arrived in Dallas at the end of 2020. The tranquil retreat in Mockingbird Station delivers a wide array of therapeutic services, including unique options like a four-handed massage, halotherapy, and a dry-brushing body treatment.

Notable Spa Service: You can’t go wrong with a massage at Woodhouse, but consider including a Rainfall Refresher add-on, featuring a warm Vichy shower.

The Experience: The front-of-house sets a lovely homespun tone, complete with Texas-made products and handsome cabinetry custom-built in the owner’s hometown of Ennis. Beyond the welcoming entrance, cozy treatment rooms play host to lush services, including a glacial facial and a signature massage with add-ons like an agave nectar scalp massage or honey glaze foot cocoon.

Notable Spa Service: Nobody does seasonal treatments quite like Vivian’s. Indulge with appetizing holiday-inspired options like a spiced cranberry cobbler massage ($130+), a frosted custard facial ($130+), or a gingersnap foot ritual ($95).

The Experience: The California import delivers on the promise of its name: affordable, high-quality massages that can be booked quickly. (Dallas outposts are located along Lower Greenville and in Preston Forest Village.) Immerse yourself in the elevated, Tulum-inspired interiors and enjoy enhancements like gua sha and herbal heat therapy, then carry on with your busy day.

Notable Spa Service: Massages are the main (and only) attraction here, but like any limited menu, what the NOW does, they do particularly well.

The Experience: Perhaps best known for injectables and laser treatments, the family-owned Enlighten MD is also home to truly soothing facials administered with care.

Notable Spa Service: There may not be any massages at Enlighten MD, but everyone should experience the “Facial By Tiffany” ($135+). The rejuvenating treatment is a supreme stress reliever thanks to its namesake’s magic hands, and more than makes up for the lack of massage options.

The Experience: As the name alludes to, Botox and filler are House of Preservation’s (aka HOP’s) bread and butter. You won’t find any body treatments here, but their dreamy custom facial services are truly top-notch.

Notable Spa Service: Join the monthly facial club (ask for Paloma!) to keep things glowing.