Career Center - Top Ten Spa Resorts

Top Ten Spa Resorts: Work in Luxury

Employment in a luxury resort spa is a unique and exciting career opportunity. You may need a certain level of skill and experience to be considered, but you will be showered with rewards if you win one of these coveted positions.

Resort spa jobs are lucrative. Rates for services are significantly higher than at most day spas, and vacationers often tip generously. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from many other talented spa and salon professionals, and having an award-winning spa on your resume will dramatically improve your appeal to future employers. Perhaps most exciting, however, is that your resort spa job will enable you to live and work in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

The following resort spas were selected as the top ten in the world by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Spa Poll. Read more about what makes them so special and how you can find out more about job opportunities.

Four Seasons Resort, Nevis

West Indies, Caribbean

Nevis is a sister island to St. Kitts and is a secluded paradise, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Four Seasons Resort visitors can enjoy luxurious spa facilities from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day or receive services in the privacy of their own rooms. Customized body treatments include the Noni Body Wrap and Mango Sea Salt Glow. Facial treatments cater to jet-lagged travelers and the unique needs of aging skin, teenage skin and men’s skin. An extensive range of massage therapies include reflexology, hot stone therapy and aromatherapy, as well as island-inspired treatments incorporating coconut milk, papaya oil and other unique ingredients. One of the resort's signature spa treatments is the beachside Nevisian Massage, in which vacationers are lulled by the sound of the waves during a relaxing full-body massage. Complete salon facilities are also available, including hair, nail, hair removal and make-up services.

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Post Ranch Inn

Big Sur, California

This small but magnificent resort on the cliffs of coastal California offers breathtaking views and caters to couples seeking a romantic getaway for their spa vacation. Spa treatments are a major emphasis. Resort visitors can choose from an extensive selection of body treatments, facials and massage, including Thai massage, lymphatic massage and aromatherapy massage. The spa also offers reflexology, craniosacral therapy, Reiki, private yoga classes, meditation instruction and even shaman (spiritual and natural healing) sessions. Individuals and couples can receive in-room services or enjoy beautiful treatment rooms surrounded by redwood trees and views of granite peaks.

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Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort

Sedona, Arizona

Mii Amo is a large and luxurious spa at the Enchantment Resort in Arizona's fascinating, red rock country. According to professionals at Mii Amo, spa vacation-goers enjoy an extensive and holistic program of spa services dedicated to "transformation in physical health, emotional well-being and spiritual well-being." Body treatments incorporate local traditions and ingredients, including the Native American-inspired Blue Corn Polish Scrub and the Sedona Clay Wrap. Facials pamper spa-goers with everything from crystal gemstones to succulent plant extracts. Massage therapies are also popular, and they include Shiatsu (a Japanese massage technique that includes acupressure), Thai massage (a massage technique that includes yoga, acupressure, reflexology and meditation), Watsu (a Shiatsu form of massage that is performed in the water), reflexology and much more. Mii Amo also offers exotic treatments and services like Ayurvedic treatments, palm readings, tarot card readings and hypnosis. Nail care services, health and nutrition guidance, and fitness activities are also emphasized.

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Bathhouse at Calistoga Ranch

Napa Valley, California

In the private canyon in the wine country of California, the Calistoga Ranch is a 46-room resort offering fine dining, beautiful accommodations and 157 acres for hiking, swimming, yoga and other outdoor activities. The Bathhouse Spa offers rejuvenating treatments and provides guests the opportunity to relax in natural healing mineral waters. Mineral salt body scrubs, mud wraps and herbal infusion massages are among the most popular treatments. Facials incorporate natural herbs and enzymes, including a grapeseed antioxidant facial and a comfrey sage cleansing option. Hair and scalp treatments are also offered.

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Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is named for the natural mineral hot springs found in the area. As part of the Disney Vacation Club, this kid-friendly resort caters to Disney theme park and water park visitors and offers extended hours, convenient transportation and world-class service. The High Rock Spring Pool is a focal point for the resort, and the spa offers a full selection of relaxing spa treatments and therapies, including massages, facials and aromatherapies.

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Las Ventanas Al Paraíso

Los Cabos, Mexico

The secluded desert garden spa in this world-class resort offers a personalized spa experience to every guest. Organic products and native Baja Desert remedies enhance the pampered spa experience. Restorative treatments include an Austrian Moor Mud body wrap, hot stone therapy, healing crystal massage and foot reflexology. A complete menu of hand, foot and hair treatments is also available. Some of the most popular include manicures, pedicures, in-room hair styling and waxing.

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Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore

Santa Barbara, California

This classic West Coast resort combines Spanish colonial-style charm with pampering services by the ocean. In-room spa and massage services include moor mud masques and aromatherapy sugar scrubs. Massage services include Thai massage, Hawaiian lomi lomi, reflexology and aromatherapy techniques. Body wraps, soaking rituals and scrubs are also available, using exotic ingredients such as French Chardonnay clay, avocado and seaweed. Many treatments are specifically designed to cater to men and teens. Facials, waxing, hair design, make-up application and nail services complete the comprehensive menu of offerings.

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Willow Stream at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Scottsdale, Arizona

A mini-city amid the "sun-washed stone and bright green cottonwoods" with views of "majestic purple mountains," the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a large, full-service resort with meeting facilities, two golf courses and three award-winning restaurants. The resort's Willow Stream Spa includes a pool and private cabanas, along with an extensive choice of services inspired by the essential elements of earth, air, fire and water. Unique treatments include the Arizona Eucalyptus Salt Scrub, the Willow Stream Marine Energy Ampoule Facial and a purifying algae-enriched Thalasso Bath. Services for men and sports-inspired services are emphasized. The spa also offers manicure services and two exclusive product lines.

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Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai

Big Island, Hawaii

On the Kona-Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island, this Four Seasons Resort offers "seclusion without isolation" and an award-winning sports club, golf course and spa. Spa services are inspired by island traditions and botanicals and are offered in tropical gardens that include a lap pool, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and cold plunges. Signature treatments include an Ayurvedic foot treatment, Hualalai hot rock massage, and Polynesian coconut scrub. A complete selection of massages, body treatments, facials and therapies such as Reiki and acupressure are also available. For an additional fee, all massages—except the hot rock and wet treatments—are available in guest rooms. Hair, skin, nail, nutrition, health and exercise services ensure something for everyone at this full-service resort.

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Topnotch Resort and Spa

Stowe, Vermont

Topnotch is a luxury resort and spa in the mountains of Vermont with year-round attractions including tennis, skiing, fine dining and magnificent landscapes. Their 35,000-square-foot day spa offers 30 treatment rooms and more than 120 services, plus pools, saunas and steam rooms. In addition to massage, body treatments and facials, the spa offers acupuncture, Chinese medicine consultations, lifestyle coaching and a Pampering Pooch treatment including Reiki and massage for pets. Complete hair, nail, waxing and make-up services include deluxe services for wedding parties. Restylane and Botox injections are also available in the Topnotch Medi-Spa.

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• What's Hot in Spa & Massage
• Top Ten Beauty Treatments

View all our Spa and Beauty Articles to learn more about the spa, massage and beauty industry.

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