With 134,000 square feet of space, Canyon Ranch’s spa is among the largest in the city. In the lobby, you’ll see a cafe where it’s normal to rock your robe while you eat a grilled bison burger or avocado toast, and a large fitness center, both of which you have access to with a day pass. (The fitness area also has a rock climbing wall, which you can use for a separate fee.) Day passes, which grant you in-and-out privileges all day, cost $125 for non-hotel guests daily. However, if you purchase a service over $75 — among the cheapest is a manicure — you’ll automatically receive a day pass with no additional fee.
Once you check in, you’ll be escorted down a lengthy hallway to the grand spa, which features an herbal laconium room, a steam room, a sauna, an igloo room, sensory showers (cold and hot) and a jacuzzi. You can do your own thing and craft your own experience at the spa, or you can follow the curated guides displayed on the wall (options include the stress relief and relaxation routes) if you don’t know where to start. I opted to do my own thing. The spa also has a relaxation lounge where you can find hot tea, coffee, water, fruit and other snacks like trail mix. No phones are allowed anywhere at the spa.
Clothing is required in the co-ed area, where you can access the salt grotto and wave room. The wave room, which is illuminated only by a wavy blue image on the ceiling that mimics water, was my favorite amenity because it was so meditative and hypnotizing that I found it hard to stay awake. Around me, several people were knocked out — and some were snoring.
The spa was relatively busy when I visited on a recent Monday afternoon, but because of its size, I was still able to experience all the areas I wanted to in peace without feeling claustrophobic. It’s much harder to secure a day pass during the weekend, so it’s best to arrive early. Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.