Boston is a city of many reputations: a college town, the cradle of the American Revolution, a sports-obsessed metropolis, and a hub for global business. But wellness capital? That’s one honorific that’s typically reserved for the tropical climes of Florida or the woo-woo hippie towns of the West Coast.
Look a little closer, however, and you’ll see that Boston has all the ingredients for rest and rejuvenation. Our many, many champion athletes need places that cater to their rest and recovery. Our high-performing students and business executives need ways to blow off steam. And as a gateway to skiing, sailing, hiking, and every outdoor activity that New England has to offer, Boston is ideally situated to offer wellness experiences before—or more likely after—more rugged pursuits. And while some folks tend to shy away from this northeastern capital’s harsh winters, locals would argue that the colder months are the best time of year to hunker down and hibernate with wellness classes, restorative spa treatments, and nourishing meals bridging the gap between indulgence and self-care.
Next time you’re in Boston, don’t just tick the Freedom Trail or Boston Public Library off your list—although those are must-dos, too. Here are some of Boston’s best wellness experiences to incorporate into your visit.
The Best Spas in Boston
A vibrant hotel scene has helped Boston’s spa scene flourish in recent years. The biggest, splashiest hotel spa on everyone’s lips these days is the Guerlain Spa at Raffles Boston. One of the few American spas from this French luxury brand, it focuses on high-efficacy facials and deeply satisfying massages which draw on the brand’s extensive portfolio of aromatherapies. The Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street has a similarly fabulous wellness floor complete with a spa, a vitality pool, an infrared sauna, and a whirlpool, much of which is framed by beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Back Bay. Nearby, the Mandarin Oriental, Boston remains a longstanding favorite, offering Asian-inflected rituals and robust multi-day wellness packages. And don’t forget the fabulous Spa at Encore Boston Harbor, which benefits from being just across the city limits in Everett—its truly enormous spa facilities offer spacious relaxation rooms, saunas, and plunge pools that invite guests to linger before and after their treatment.