The natural hot springs in the Ouachita Mountains have been a place to soak in the thermal waters, rest, and relax for hundreds of years. It was a wellness destination for the Native Americans and there are still numerous opportunities for health and wellness today!
In fact, the nickname of Hot Springs is “Spa City.” Here is a list of some of the best spas in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
These Hot Springs spas range from traditional baths to modern spa treatments. All of these spas in Hot Springs, Arkansas that we have listed are day spas and allow you to select from a variety of wellness and relaxation options.
A couple of these Hot Springs spas are located in the Hot Springs National Park on historic bathhouse row, others are located in the city of Hot Springs, with a couple in the surrounding areas.
The city of Hot Springs is located in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains only about an hour from the airport in the capital city of Little Rock.
This is an historic town with a rich history of tourists coming to “take the waters” along with gangsters, speakeasies, moonshine, and baseball.
Not only that but the area has verdant forests, gorgeous lakes, and very interesting geology. You could even participate in some crystal or diamond digging. Hot Springs, Arkansas has the best combination of city life, outdoor adventure, and relaxing massage therapies.
If you are looking for something else to do after your relaxing spa treatment in Hot Springs you will enjoy our list of Hot Springs attractions. There are also some delicious restaurants to try.
Best Spas in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Buckstaff Bathhouse
We are going to start with the oldest and most traditional of the spas in Hot Springs.
The Buckstaff Bathhouse is the only bathhouse in Hot Springs that has never closed down. This Hot Springs spa has been in continuous operation since 1912 and this is the only place that still offers the full traditional bathing experience.
The bath is a 20-minute tub bath with whirlpool at a maximum temperature of 102 degrees which includes, hot packs, sitz bath, vapor cabinet, needle shower, and whirlpool turned on in your tub. You will probably want to add a massage after your relaxing bath.
Check their website linked above for their various services.
The Buckstaff can be a little difficult to contact and communication is not always the best when making reservations. You will want to make reservations well in advance if you are going to be in Hot Springs in a busy season.
The Quapaw Baths and Spa
The Quapaw Baths and Spa is regularly ranked in the top two or three of the best Hot Springs spas.
It is located in one of the old bath houses on Bathhouse Row and provides modern spa luxury in a beautiful historic setting.
There are lovely thermal pools like swimming pools which means that this can be a fun place to go with a group. Obviously bathing suits are required in these public areas.
Besides just soaking in the waters of the pools the Quapaw Baths also offer many other types of therapies such as Microsilk hydrotherapy, aromatherapy baths and a variety of massages and facials.
I suggest the Quapaw signature facial!
If you only want to dip in the waters you might be able to get in without a reservation but there might be a wait. I would call to reserve well ahead of time for the special treatments.
Thai-Me Spa
The Thai-Me Spa is consistently the number one Hot Springs spa on Trip Advisor. If you are like me you don’t always trust the reviews on Trip Advisor, but in this case, you absolutely can!
Thai-Me is a very good spa. The owner actually trained in Thailand, learning new Thai massage techniques and studying the art of healing through massage, meditation, and food.
There are so many services offered here! A variety of different massages, skin care, body wraps and waxing. In addition they offer their own line of products that are made right in Hot Springs.
Be sure and check some of their packages for both couples and individuals.
Living Wellness Day Spa in Hot Springs
Living Wellness Day Spa is another of the best day spas in Hot Springs.
I do want to mention that it is in a home and a bit of a drive outside of the main downtown area. If that bothers you then you will want to select somewhere else!
However, the studio feels very nice and professional and this is where you will receive one of best massages in town. Our suggestion is to select the 90 minute massage if you have the time. It will leave you more relaxed than you’ve ever been.
Destinations Day Spa
Destinations Day Spa is one of the most popular spas in Hot Springs. The large space is extremely tranquil and it seems that everything has been thoughtfully selected to bring about a state of peaceful relaxation.
There are seven different spaces or “destinations” to choose from. You can even experience an oxygen room or a salt room.
More About the City of Hot Springs
The city of Hot Springs has such a fascinating history. Be sure and check out our lists of the best things to do as well as some great places to eat! We are also including a link to some of the great places to stay in and around Hot Springs. Enjoy your time in the Spa City!
Spa Botanica
Spa Botanica is actually a small chain of spas with other destinations. The one in Hot Springs is located in the Embassy Suites hotel making this a perfect Hot Springs spa if you happen to be staying at the hotel.
You can relax here with a variety of massage choices, facials, body wraps and exfoliations, as well as manicures and pedicures.
The Astral Spa at Oaklawn
The Astral Spa is one of the newest spas in town and is located in the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.
This is a beautiful and luxurious spa with some unique spa treatments such as needle showers and an infrared sauna. You can enjoy a Swedish massage or a deep tissue massage as well as a variety of facial and skin treatments.
This is one of the most decadent spas in Hot Springs, Arkansas!
Chrysalis Day Spa and Skin Care Center
The Chrysalis Day Spa now has two different locations that you can choose for your spa experience! The downtown location is the newest and has fewer services than the original Central Avenue location but could be perfect for a visitor who is staying downtown.
Both locations offer body and facial treatments and massages plus so much more.
Arlington Hotel Resort and Spa
The Arlington Hotel Resort is the most historic hotel not only in Hot Springs but also in the state. The Arlington Spa is known for its thermal water spa which will allow you to bathe in the thermal mineral water that is pumped directly into the hotel.
In addition to the baths the spa also offers a wide variety of skin and body treatments ranging from facials to full body wraps. There are also salon services for hair and makeup available.
Turtle Cove Spa
Turtle Cove Spa is located a bit outside of the town of Hot Springs at the Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa on beautiful Lake Ouachita. This spa is worth the drive outside of town! This is a gorgeous retreat where you can choose the perfect massage therapy to meet your exact needs.
They have stone massages, swedish massages, deep tissue massages, and even a massage for the mother to be.
Hotel Hale
Although it is not technically a spa it would be a fun experience to stay at the Hotel Hale. This is one of the old bath houses that has been renovated into a boutique hotel. It is located right in the heart of downtown Hot Springs and is a wonderful place to stay.
Best of all are their lovely and comfortable guest rooms which each have a wonderful bathroom with a large bathtub. The thermal mineral waters will be piped right into your own private bath where you can luxuriate as long as you wish!
We hope that you enjoy this list of the best spas in Hot Springs, Arkansas and your time in the “spa city!”
If you are looking for some unique places to stay in the area check out our review of Fox Pass Cabins and our review of the new In the Trees Resort. We also have a list of favorite rental cabins in the area.
Thanks for stopping by.
