The 15 Best Spas in Chicago by Neighborhood

• Why We Love It: well-priced, ultra-zen waiting room, free private showers
• Neighborhood: Goose Island
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Want to treat yourself to a fancy spa day without blowing your monthly mortgage payment? Say hello to Allyu. With its dramatic white draperies and soft, warm lighting, this is exactly the kind of place you’ll be tempted to loiter—so it’s a good thing that loitering in the spa’s gorgeous and totally soothing relaxation space is encouraged for all spa guests. For $150, you can hang out among the flowing curtains and take in the soothing sounds of running water and flickering candlelight for as long as you like before or after your hour-long massage or chakra-balancing appointment. Better yet, you can add a private shower session to your package free of charge, giving you even more bang for your buck. Our one complaint? There are no communal locker rooms, so you won’t be given a robe right away, and sitting in the waiting area in your street clothes can feel a bit … unnatural. Still, a few minutes inside Allyu’s darkened tents, and you’ll forget all about it.

312-755-1313, 600 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60654; allyuspa.com

• Why We Love It: Eastern treatments, custom services
• Neighborhood: Streeterville
• Yelp Rating: 3.5 stars

Rather than taking a one-treatment-fits-all approach, this hotel spa seeks to unearth any disharmonies you may have in your overall psyche and adjust them. That means weighing your element sign against what the spa calls "sensory testing" in order to find your ideal treatment here, many of which incorporate traditional Chinese medicine practices, such as acupuncture. The facilities are nothing to sniff at, either: In fact, they're downright opulent. We're talking a 67-foot pool, a hydro-vitality tub and eucalyptus and Himalayan salt stone saunas where you can fully detox your body from the everyday stressors of life.

312-923-7650, 330 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL, 60688, chuanspa.com

• Why We Love It: great for couples, unique experience
• Neighborhood: River West
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars

Nothing against your Epsom salts, but you just haven’t bathed until you’ve visited this romantic retreat inspired by ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman bath houses. In between dips in the various thermal baths (because yes, there are six different types boasting different temperatures and features)—or even in a vat of red wine (!)—you can indulge in a massage or scrub with argan oil, honey or Himalayan salt. There are plenty of couples' packages if you want to bring a partner along, and architecture buffs might also find themselves geeking out over the space: It's in a restored factory from 1902.

312-945-7414, 800 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60642, beaire.com

• Why We Love It: trendy, multiple locations
• Neighborhood: South Loop
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

There’s a reason that celebs like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Hilary Duff flock to this spa: It’s downright chic. Inspired by “exotic destinations from around the world,” you’ll feel like an A-lister from the moment you walk inside. You’ll have your choice of three base massages (a traditional Swedish option, a balancing massage and a sport-inspired massage), but there are several “enhancements” available that make these feel a bit more bespoke, such as Gua Sha or a scalp rub-down. But don’t take our word for it: With four locales right here in the Windy City (there’s also one in Lakeview, Wicker Park and Lincoln Park), you can find out what all the fuss is about for yourself. If you happen to like it (trust us: you will), you can opt in for a monthly package that will save you and up to $30 every 30 days.

312-667-0960, 1109 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL, 60605; thenowmassage.com

• Why We Love It: energy healing, cool gift shop
• Neighborhood: Ukranian Village
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars

When your Co-Star horoscope isn’t quite cutting it, head to this Ukranian Village respite for an intuitive reading. Depending on your preferences, the spa’s healers might read your energy or aura or call upon some numerology to tell you what’s really going on with your roommate. Afterward, you can break free of any negative vibes with a nice, soothing crystal or healing massage (complete with the company’s own flower and gem essences), opt for a wax service or even pick up a smudge stick in the spa’s gift shop to clear the energy in your home. You’re bound to leave feeling cleansed, rejuvenated and ready to take on any energy suckers that may cross your path.

773-235-232, 1743-45 W. Division St., Chicago, IL, 60622, rubyroom.com

• Why We Love It: unique massage options, woman-owned, couples’ options
• Neighborhood: West Loop
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Sure, your monthly Massage Envy sessions are great and all, but sometimes, you want something a cut above. Enter: Massage Evolved. Selecting a spa service here is like selecting a delicacy from a fancy restaurant menu: You’ve got your CBD massage (infused with 250 milligrams of THC) for the tightly wound, your sports massage for the athletes, your Himalayan warm salt stone massage for the perpetually cold… and that’s all before you ever even get to the spa’s other services (hello, hydrafacials!).

312-818-1901, 118 N. Clinton St. #205, Chicago, IL, 60661; massageevolved.com

• Why We Love It: over-the-top pampering, French skincare line
• Neighborhood: Magnificent Mile
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars

You’d have to try really hard to not be pampered at the Peninsula's sprawling 15,000 square-foot spa space, which is so massive, it takes up two different floors inside the hotel. From the opulent lap pool (its floor-to-ceiling views are definitely worth Instagramming) to the facial treatments featuring Biologique Recherche (the holy grail of French skin care), everything here is just a little extra—and we’d expect nothing less from Chicago’s premier celebrity haunt. Enjoy one of the spa's indulgent "retreat" packages or go for something à la carte from the copious list of massage, facial or nail treatment options—just note you'll have to book at least two hours of services to check out the spa's gorgeous sun terrace or pool.

108 E. Superior St. #2508; 312-573-6860 or peninsula.com

• Why We Love It: good specials, upscale environment
• Neighborhood: The Loop
• Yelp Rating: 3.5 stars

Spa @theWit falls right in the middle of the pack. Nestled inside theWit hotel in the heart of the Loop, it’s not quite as fancy as The Peninsula or the Waldorf, but it’s also a far cry from your run-of-the-mill mom and pop spa with its upscale furnishings, warm tones and tried-and-true service providers. All the standard offerings are available and then some, from the hot stone massage to the hydrafacial (though we’re privy to the 50-minute massage and glass of bubbly $99 special), and you’ll always know exactly what you’re getting: a great, luxurious service in a clean, upscale environment.

312-239-9402, 201 N. State St., Chicago, IL, 60601, spaatthewit.com

• Why We Love It: customized service, comfy robes
• Neighborhood: Magnificent Mile
• Yelp Rating: 3.5 stars

Tucked into the back of the 900 Shop’s basement salon is the Tricoci Salon & Spa. While the location, which is set up directly across from a loud, sweaty gym, leaves something to desired (I found it harder than usual to get into zen mode with the busy workout bees swarming in and out of the facility right next to me, despite the upscale locker rooms and thick, plush robes), I’d do it time and time again for the service.

The facial I received here from Dee Dennison was one of the best I’ve ever gotten in the city. Rather than immediately trying to sell me on the spa’s entire product line and slapping my face full of a bunch of unknown potions that would be lost upon me in an hour, she took a vested interest in my skin, inquiring as to what products I currently used, educating me about problem areas she saw that she’d be addressing (turns out, your girl’s skin is perma-parched) and making recommendations that would work with my current routine. She also walked me through every step of the service while still allowing me to give into total relaxation, gym rats be darned. By the time she was finished, I felt completely rejuvenated, and I have no doubt my skin was all the better for it.

That same level of service goes into all of the salon’s offerings—even a basic pedicure is a cut above, with a level of care that goes far beyond polish to your actual feet. (Hey, they do a lot for us: They deserve a little TLC!)

847-202-1900, 900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611; tricoci.com

• Why We Love It: tons of spa amenities, ultra-luxurious
• Neighborhood: Gold Coast
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars

When you pay for a service at the Waldorf, it’s more or less understood that what you’re actually paying for is the chance to spend the day in this ultra-luxurious haven above the city. Book a 60- or 90-minute service (from $190), and you’ll have free rein to take a dip in the indoor lap pool, soak in the jacuzzi, take a steam bath in the steam room or sauna or simply soak up the sun on the outdoor terrace. Even the showers provide a swanky experience, with private rainfall showerheads and provisions that range from designer hair products to mini shaving creams.

The digs at the Waldorf are so luxe, in fact, I found myself slightly underwhelmed at the actual Signature facial I received, which felt like it was largely spent waiting for various salves and creams to soak into my skin in 15-minute increments.

That said, there are plenty of other services to try, from the hot stone massage that’s sure to be divine on a cold winter’s day to the  Diamond Glow body treatment that gives you a body polishing, vacuum massage and serum injection all in one. Or, skip the service entirely and simply pay for the day pass ($75) to gain access to the spa’s splendors for less—just make sure you choose a less-busy day to fully enjoy it.  

312-646-1310, 11 E. Walton St., Chicago, IL, 60611,  waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com

• Why We Love It: welcoming, friendly staff
• Neighborhood: Lakeview
• Yelp Rating: 5 stars

A spa should be a place you go to relax—not a place that stresses you out when you step inside because it’s so hoity-toity you feel on edge. De La Vie Day Spa is a warm, welcoming retreat that you can really let your hair down in (don’t believe us? Check out that 5-star rating on Yelp). While you won’t find massages here, there’s a wide range of facials to choose from (we’ve got our eye on the rejuvenating Collagen 90, which targets wrinkles, dehydration and aging skin), a contour and detox body wrap and a dermarolling cellulite treatment that has our full attention.

773-687-8206, 3120 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL, 60657, delaviedayspa.com

• Why We Love It: unique hydrotherapy services, coed spaces for couples
• Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
• Yelp Rating: 3.5 stars

It’s safe to say that we trust Kohler (you know, the maker of your sinks, baths and showers) to know a thing or two about hydrotherapy. The company, which has long operated water-loving spas in the suburbs, opened its first Chicago location in Lincoln Park in 2019, and we’re so very grateful they did: There’s nothing else quite like it in the city. In addition to its huge thermal suite, which encompasses a coed sauna, steam room and a cool-plunge pool, you can book an ultra-unique treatment under the Kohler Vichy shower, which encourages lymphatic drainage from above via its waterfall shower as you indulge in exfoliation, massage and aromatherapy, only to emerge for a Digital Detox wrap when your fingers prune. A word to the wise? This place books up, fast, so it’s recommended to make your appointment a good two weeks ahead of your planned visit.

312 245-9129, 2358 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL, 60614,  kohlerwatersspalincolnpark.com

• Why We Love It: naturalistic environment, affordable
• Neighborhood: Humboldt Park
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars

This Humboldt Park gem will have you exfoliated, drained of toxins, oxygenated and massaged within an inch of your life, all from within the confines of its serene, naturalistic spa walls, which features elements of the great outdoors sprinkled throughout. A whopping 30 treatments are offered here, so you’ll have your pick of the litter, and monthly specials make them even more affordable than they already are compared to other spots. It can be a bit hard to get in, however, so we highly recommend booking your service well in advance.

312-846-1047, 2638 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60622, oxygenspastudio.com

• Why We Love It: exclusive, upscale products
• Neighborhood: West Loop
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

Soho House’s well-appointed interiors are a far cry from an English barn, but that’s where the in-house spa gets its name. The original was established in an actual Somerset cowshed, which explains the galvanized buckets of warm, soapy water at the pedicure chairs. China pots of English tea keep the overall ambience refined, of course, as do facial treatments featuring SkinCeuticals products (ooh la la!). It's also highly exclusive: You'll have to be a Soho House member to get a treatment, so you'll rarely be crammed in or fighting someone for a locker or post-service hair dryer.

312-754-6915, 113-125 N. Green St., Chicago, IL, 60607, sohohousechicago.com

• Why We Love It: handmade, clean and cruelty-free products and services
• Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
• Yelp Rating: 5 stars

If you’ve ever read the ingredients label on your lotion and felt slightly freaked out, head to this boutique spa, which bills itself as Chicago's first green spa in the city. In addition to housing its own clean, cruelty-free line of spa products (handmade in small batches using ingredients from local farmers), there's a focus on "farm-to-facial services." The company's signature facial combines all-natural body butters, clays and herbs chosen specifically for your complexion, and for hair removal, Lena Rose offers "sugaring"—a paste of lemon, sugar and water that's not only less toxic, it's said to cause less irritation (bye, ingrowns!). The spa's nail services, meanwhile, use only 5- to ten-free polishes (meaning they’re free of harsh chemicals).

872-806-2552, 4645 N Rockwell St., Chicago, IL, 60625, lenarosebeauty.com