Founded more than 25 years ago, Spafinder Wellness, Inc., the world’s largest media, marketing and gifting company for the wellness industry, believes that keeping well is not a luxury but a necessity. With that in mind, the company each year conducts a survey asking readers to choose their favorite spas and wellness locations across six continents, in 45 countries and in 29 categories for the annual 2013 Spafinder Wellness 365 Readers’ Choice Awards. Here, the results:

Best Beach Spas


#1: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa


With its 42,000 square feet of luxury spa located on Palm Beach, Florida, the playful vibe and relaxed atmosphere welcome families and individuals alike to enjoy spectacular surroundings including waterfalls and chairs above reflecting pools with the option of spa services by Cornelia.
Also in the Top Ten:


• Hilton Head Health

• El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

• SiSpa at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

• Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

• The Breakers Palm Beach

• Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami Beach

• Montage Laguna Beach

• Body Holiday Le Sport Castries, St. Lucia, WI

• Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria™ Resort

Best for LGBT
#1: Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
(same as above)


Also in the Top 10:

• Westglow Resort & Spa Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

• New Life Hiking Spa

• Peppermill Resort, Spa & Casino Spa My Blend by Clarins at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

• Spa Gaucin at St. Regis Monarch Beach

• Spa La Quinta at La Quinta Resort and Club

• The Spa at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

• Topnotch Resort and Spa

Best Medical Spa


#1: Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa

Located in Miami, Pritikin is the resort that has been the top choice for weight loss, health and relaxation for over 30 years featuring their famous healthy gourmet menu, with 32 spa treatment rooms and over 100 body and spa treatments. Medical journals have detailed the outstanding results achieved in returning visitors to medically verifiable good health.


Also in the top 10:

• Sha Wellness Clinic

• Synergy MedSpa

• Canyon Ranch in Tucson

• Chiva-Som, Hua Hin
• Kurotel Medical Center for Longevity and Spa

• Skin Deep & Beyond Day Spa

• Ageless Med Spa

• Thornhill Skin Clinic

• The Farm at San Benito

Best for Families


#1: Laniwai Spa at Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa


On Oahu, Hawaii, the spa features a secluded cove and beach, while also offering guided excursions and activities, incredible dining and spectacular entertainment that celebrates Hawaiian culture, history and traditions. With a full-service spa, state-of-the-art health club, salon and more, they offer nearly 150 spa therapies, from massages and skin care treatments to unique “rain water” therapies and personalized programs including the Kulu Wai, the only outdoor hydrotherapy garden on Oahu—with private vitality pools, co-ed mineral baths, six different “rain” showers, whirlpool jet spas, and more.

Also in the Top 10:


• Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa

• Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

• Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria™ Resort
• Topnotch Resort and Spa

• Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa

• Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

• Stowe Mountain Lodge

• Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa

• The Spa at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Best For Girlfriends and Bachlorettes

#1: Ste. Anne’s Spa
Since 1985 this Ontario destination offers invigorating, Old World atmosphere, exceptional spa services and tantalizing menus that lure over 24-thousand guests every year to its over 400 acres of scenic, rolling countryside; with more than 35 rejuvenating spa treatments.
Also in the Top 10:


• Miraval

• Rancho La Puerta

• Spa Shiki at the Lodge of Four Seasons

• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
• Sundara Inn & Spa
• Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

• Westglow Resort & Spa
• Canyon Ranch in Lenox

• Deerfield Spa

Best For Men


Ste. Anne’s Spa (same as above)

Also in the Top 10:


• Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
• New Life Hiking Spa

• The Spa at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

• Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa

• Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian at The Palazzo

• ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

• Rancho La Puerta

• Hilton Head Health

• Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria™ Resort

Best For Solo
#1: Golden Door


In 1958, Deborah Szekely founded Golden Door in northern San Diego County, situated on 377 acres on the western slopes of southern California’s Peninsular Ranges. Golden Door is a Zen-inspired oasis and features world-class fitness facilities, luxurious spa amenities, spacious and comfortable accommodations, Asian-inspired architecture, immaculately landscaped grounds, and 20 miles of private hiking trails.

Also in the Top 10:


• Rancho La Puerta

• Miraval

• Green Mountain at Fox Run

• Canyon Ranch in Tucson
• Deerfield Spa
• Hilton Head Health

• Westglow Resort & Spa
• Spa Eastman

• Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa

Best for Healthy Spa Cuisine


#1: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat


Australia’s only Eco Tourism Certified health retreat, Gwinganna provides scenic views of the coast and surrounding valleys and a casual relaxed atmosphere located in the Hinterland of Queensland’s Gold Coast.The food philosophy is that Mother Nature knows best and Low Human Intervention [Low HI], is the rule so the food served here has undergone no or minimal changes from its place in nature to your plate. Gwinganna allows re-evaluation of the relationship with food and an experience and learning about the meaning of true nourishment.
Also in the Top 10:


• Rancho La Puerta

• Miraval

• Spa Eastman

• Hilton Head Health

• Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

• Golden Door

• Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa

• Canyon Ranch in Tucson

• Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Best Urban Hotel Spa


#1: Elysian Spa and Health Club at The Waldorf Astoria, Chicago


Located downtown on the Gold Coast, this AAA Five Diamond Resort offers a 14,000 square foot spa with 12 treatment rooms, fitness center and swimming pool around an ancient Greek theme.

Also in the Top 10:


• Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

• The Spa at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

• Guerlain Spa at Waldorf Astoria, New York City

• The Spa & Hammam at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

• Spa My Blend by Clarins at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

• Sahra Spa & Hammam at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

• Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires

• SPA at Sunset Marquis

• Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Best For Weight Loss
#1: Green Mountain at Fox Run


Founded in 1973 by Themla Wayler, MS, RD the spa now operates out of a former ski and corporate retreat on a hill overlooking Okemo Mountain and the Okemo Valley Golf Course. Set on 26 wooded acres, the retreat is low-key and relaxing with informal classrooms, well-equipped physical activity rooms, a spacious dining room, and a comfortable living room.

Also in the Top 10:


• Hilton Head Health

• Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa
• Chiva-Som, Hua Hin

• Rancho La Puerta

• Deerfield Spa

• Shane Diet, Weight-Loss & Fitness Resorts

• Miraval

• Canyon Ranch in Tucson

• New Life Hiking Spa