Spa at Pinehurst, Pinehurst

Golf is top-of-mind for Pinehurst visitors who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting their spa (above), but once you drop in for a treatment or a day of tranquility, you’ll never see this place the same. While an array of massage and body treatments cater to golfers and resort guests, any visitor is welcome to enjoy Swedish and deep-tissue massages, salt scrubs, facials, microdermabrasion, nail services and more. For the ultimate pampering experience, book the Spa Escape, which includes a stay at the Pinehurst Resort, a 50-minute treatment, breakfast and a full day of access to the sauna, pools and steam room.

The Spa at Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock

High in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the AAA Three Diamond Chetola Resort offers a spa getaway for resort guests and day visitors. Maple hardwood floors and sea-stone accents bring the natural world indoors, putting you in a calming mood the moment you enter the spa. Therapies include deep tissue, hot stone and couples’ massages, plus treatments that combine massage with facials. They also offer luxe manicure and pedicure services and hair appointments. Spa guests can visit the adjoining heated pool and hot tub, adding to a day of relaxation.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary

Cary’s AAA Five Diamond Umstead Hotel, lauded for its posh rooms and exquisite dinners at the AAA Five Diamond Herons restaurant, features a 16,000-square foot spa that’s a haven for relaxation. The spa has 11 treatment rooms (three dedicated to couples’ treatments that are outfitted with soaking tubs), and the spa facilities include separate men’s and women’s lounges, whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms, as well as a co-ed relaxation lounge—providing additional spaces to recharge. Treatments here include traditional bodywork, but also Ayurvedic experiences, The Piedmont (combining stretching with massage), and a vibration and sound-based Spa Wave Experience.