Chicago is a fantastic city for wellness, with a huge variety of spas ranging from luxurious downtown retreats to cozy neighborhood hideaways.
Here is a curated guide to help you find the perfect wellness and massage spa in Chicago, broken down by category.
Top-Tier Luxury & Destination Wellness and massage spa Chicago
These are the places for a special occasion, a full day of pampering, or an unparalleled luxury experience.
1. The Peninsula Spa
- Location: 108 E Superior St (Magnificent Mile)
- Vibe: Ultimate luxury, award-winning, iconic. Consistently ranked one of the top spas in the world.
- Highlights: Stunning 20-meter pool with city views, extensive thermal facilities (sauna, steam room, whirlpool), incredible attention to detail. Their massages (like the Time Ritual) and facials are exceptional.
- Good for: A truly splurge-worthy experience.
2. Waldorf Astoria Spa
- Location: 11 E Walton St (Gold Coast)
- Vibe: Sophisticated, serene, and modern with a focus on holistic wellness.
- Highlights: The custom massages are a standout. The facility includes a eucalyptus steam room, a relaxation lounge, and a whirlpool. They often use high-end products like Guerlain.
- Good for: A peaceful and refined escape in the heart of the city.
3. The Langham, Chicago Chuan Spa
- Location: 330 N Wabash Ave (River North)
- Vibe: Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, focusing on balancing the body’s elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).
- Highlights: Unique treatments tailored to your elemental needs. The pool and “The Tank” (a hydrotherapy vitality pool) are magnificent.
- Good for: Those looking for a wellness-focused approach beyond standard spa services.
Excellent & Highly-Rated Standalone Spas
These spas are dedicated to their craft and are renowned for their high-quality treatments and service.
1. AIRE Ancient Baths
- Location: 800 W Superior St (West Town)
- Vibe: A unique, immersive experience. Housed in a restored old factory, it feels like stepping into ancient Roman baths.
- Highlights: It’s all about the thermal bath experience. You get 90 minutes to explore various pools (hot, warm, cold, salt float) before your massage. The massage is an add-on to the bath experience.
- Good for: A unique date day or a deeply relaxing journey. Book the baths + massage package.
2. Spa Space
- Location: 161 E Erie St (Streeterville) & 933 W Diversey Pkwy (Lincoln Park)
- Vibe: Modern, chic, and minimalist. Known for its innovative treatments and “no tip” policy (gratuity is included).
- Highlights: Famous for their “Waterfall Massage” and “Mud Lounge” where you can apply therapeutic muds together. The Streeterville location is larger with more amenities.
- Good for: A modern, hassle-free spa day with creative treatment options.
3. Alluvia Wellness & Spa
- Location: 212 W North Ave (Old Town)
- Vibe: Warm, welcoming, and holistic. Focuses on integrating wellness into everyday life.
- Highlights: Offers IV Hydration Therapy alongside excellent massages and facials. Their therapists are highly skilled, and the atmosphere is very calming.
- Good for: A full-body wellness tune-up.
Great Value & Neighborhood Gems
These spots offer fantastic quality without the luxury hotel price tag.
1. Chicago Wellness Center
- Location: 2734 W Fullerton Ave (Logan Square)
- Vibe: No-frills, therapeutic, and professional. This is the place you go for an amazing, focused massage.
- Highlights: Staffed by highly trained therapists, many with a medical background. They specialize in deep tissue, sports massage, and addressing chronic pain. Not a “pampering” spa, but a treatment center.
- Good for: Anyone with specific pain or tension needing a serious, effective massage.
2. Massage Luxe
- Location: Multiple locations (Lincoln Park, Old Town, West Loop, Lakeview)
- Vibe: Clean, modern, and accessible. A reliable chain for a great massage.
- Highlights: Convenience, online booking, and consistent quality. They offer a variety of massage styles at reasonable prices.
- Good for: A reliable, high-quality massage without the fuss. A great regular maintenance option.
3. Ada’s Natural Wellness & Spa
- Location: 3352 N Southport Ave (Lakeview)
- Vibe: Cozy, friendly, and holistic. Focuses on natural and organic products.
- Highlights: Offers acupuncture, cupping, and acupuncture facials alongside massages. A great place for a more alternative wellness approach.
- Good for: Natural wellness treatments in a charming neighborhood setting.
Tips for Booking Your Spa Day in Chicago:
- Book in Advance: Especially for weekends and at popular places like AIRE or the luxury hotel spas.
- Check for Packages: Many spas offer weekday specials or packages that combine a massage with other amenities (like bath access or a facial) for a better value.
- Communicate Your Needs: Don’t be shy about telling your therapist your pressure preference (light, medium, firm) and any areas that need special attention or should be avoided.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before your appointment to check in, change, and relax in the lounge. This ensures you get the full length of your treatment.
- Consider the Vibe: Decide what you want from the experience total luxury, a unique thermal journey, or a focused therapeutic session and choose accordingly.
Enjoy your relaxation in Chicago
