New Orleans, or NOLA, as it’s affectionately called, sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, surrounded by lakes and overlooking the ocean. This cultural heart of Louisana has a deep-rooted past and breathes life into the things that make it worth living: drinking, eating, and celebrating. So, in a city known for its excesses, some pampering during our visit here was absolutely justified. That’s why we booked hotels with spa in New Orleans for indulging in some R&R in-between outings. NOLA hotel options are varied, reflected in their spa offerings and services. While some sat in luxury chain hotels, others were boutique hotel spas, but they all offered various relaxing experiences and treatments. In fact, many had treatments inspired by NOLA’s local culture and surroundings. In fact, one hotel was accommodating to the extent of having a kids’ menu in the spa!
So, whether we had just half an hour or all day to spare or needed a facial, a massage, or a full-body treatment, these sports left us pampered and refreshed. Here’s a detailed guide to the best hotels with amazing spas for your next visit to the “Big Easy.”
Table of contents
- Hyatt Centric French Quarter
- Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans French Quarter/Iberville
- The Cook Hotel and Conference Center
- NOPSI New Orleans
- Le Méridien New Orleans
- Serenity in the Marigny
- The Windsor Court
- Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
- Hotel Monteleone
- The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in New Orleans?
- Where can I enjoy a full spa day?
- Which is the largest hotel spa in the Big Easy?
- Which part of New Orleans is best to stay in?
Hyatt Centric French Quarter
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We begin with one of the best upscale yet value-for-money hotels with a great location in the French Quarter, the Hyatt Centric French Quarter. All we wanted to do was put our feet up and be pampered after a long day of exploring NOLA. We were impressed by the fact that despite not having a full-time onsite spa, they offered relaxation in the comfort of our room. What’s more, we could choose from a fabulous menu of in-room spa services, including facials, massages, and body treatments. Moreover, they weren’t expensive, unlike what we thought, and were reasonably priced. The best bit? The staff was well-trained, warm, and friendly, and we had a great time unwinding right in our room.
Besides the in-room massages and treatments, the hotel even had a 24-hour fitness center. The best of all was the lovely, large swimming pool, which sat on an inner deck and was surrounded by the hotel walls for complete privacy. The pool deck was full of daybeds and lounge chairs, and even a small pool bar.
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Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans French Quarter/Iberville
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We escaped to the beau monde elegance of the 19th-century vibe of NOLA’s French Quarter by staying at the Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans French Quarter/Iberville. The spa setup at the hotel is rather unique because there was no spa on the property! Rather, we had access to the spectacular 25,000 sq ft huge spa on the same block at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans right behind the Marriott. While there was a daily access fee and charge of USD 25/day, we had full and complete access to all 22 treatment rooms, as well as the café, the fitness center, and the gorgeous pool.
We tried the “Enveloping Balinese Ritual,” which borrowed tropical nuts and ancestral massage therapies from Bali and was divine. Other recommended treatments are the Tonifying Indian Ayurvedic Ritual, the Satsuma Sugar Scrub Under the Rain body treatment, and the Café au Lait Detox Slimming Wrap. The spa is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
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The Cook Hotel and Conference Center
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Towards the end of our NOLA stay, we wanted to stay slightly away from the bustle, so we chose The Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge, an hour away. Sitting right on the verdant banks of University Lake, this Baton Rouge establishment is associated with the wonderful Bumble Lane Spa.
This spa has been around since 2001, combining luxury and necessity beautifully, treating us like absolute royalty. We had the most memorable experience here, especially given the variety of spa packages we got to choose from. They offered services ranging from body treatments to massages, as well as skincare and esthetics, clinical skincare, peels, body wraps and scrubs, skin enhancements, pedicures and manicures, and more. The best bit is that after a visit to the spa, we could even enjoy a lounge by the beautiful swimming pool, complete with comfy daybeds and umbrellas.
If that wasn’t enough, they even offer luxurious nail services. The spa is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturdays, it’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; on Sundays, it’s open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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NOPSI New Orleans
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We wanted to stay near the bustle, but not quite in its heart, so we chose to stay at the NOPSI New Orleans. The surprisingly grand property was once where NOLA locals came to pay their electricity bills! That’s why it’s one of the most stylish structures around, even on the inside: think a vaulted ceilinged lobby with blue velvet chairs, marble desks, and framed NOPSI memorabilia. But what we liked the most about this hotel was that despite not having a spa, we could enjoy all sorts of massage and treatment services. Firstly, they have a nicely set room where high-quality masseuses come in to provide everything from facials to body treatments. Not only that, but we even arranged for in-room massages when we didn’t want to leave the comfort of our room.
The best bit? All treatments indulged in rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul treatments, incorporated local materials and techniques, and drew inspiration from the region. After a spa session, we could even take a dip in the sparkling pool and soak up the sun at the rooftop cabana.
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Le Méridien New Orleans
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It was easy to choose a hip property in the heart of NOLA; we stayed at Le Méridien, New Orleans. This hotel checked all the boxes for a relaxing holiday, with stellar service, excellent amenities, and warm hospitality. What we loved about the property was that despite not having a full-service spa, they were able to provide the option of in-room spa services. All we had to do was contact the concierge, and they would set up everything we needed to enjoy a rejuvenating session without having to leave our abode. It was an absolute pleasure enjoying a facial and massage in our suite, with soothing music in the background and the NOLA skyline out front.
The best part about the in-room spa session was that we could head to the state-of-the-art fitness center for a workout sesh afterward. However, since we were on holiday, we headed straight to the stunning rooftop pool, where a bunch of cabanas, great views, and poolside food and drink services awaited us.
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Serenity in the Marigny
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Best B&B with a spa. We were thrilled to hear of a spa bed-and-breakfast in New Orleans and decided we had to stay there. Behold, Serenity in the Marigny, a unique setup where the B&B is an extension of the spa rather than the other way around! In place of the 20-year-old Serenity Spa, Serenity in the Marigny stands now and was the perfect spa weekend getaway for us in NOLA.
The full-service spa and salon, which sits right on the property, has a jacuzzi, an exercise sauna, a salt cave, and personal care services. These include everything from skincare to massage therapy and boasts treatments ranging from 30 to 80 minutes. One of the best bits we liked here was that they even had massages for expecting mothers, which is very rare and thus very inviting. We indulged in the 50-minute deep tissue massage, which relieved tension from every tissue in our bodies. In fact, we used the saltwater jacuzzi prior to our service to prepare ourselves for the session.
“Staying at Serenity in the Marigny was a dream come true! We’d scheduled a day of pampering and relaxation, and got more than what we’d expected.”
WOW Travel
What’s great is that the property even provides customizable spa party packages for groups like bachelorette and birthday parties. Besides the spacious rooms with a bevy of comforts, including the Serenity Collection of bath, body, and spa products, the B&B also served a wonderful fresh breakfast every morning. Perfect!
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The Windsor Court
5
Open every day between 9 am and 5 pm, the Windsor Court Spa at The Windsor Court is guided by the belief that each individual walks a unique path. That philosophy extends to every detail of the spa, a safe and sacred space that welcomes everyone. Despite this world-class spa sitting just two blocks from the buzzing Canal Street, the quiet sanctuary, which complemented the old-world Southern charm with modern treatments, seemed like a world away. So, after a long day of experiencing the heady NOLA, it was certainly the best place we could find to detach and wind down.
The spa has everything from treatment rooms to relaxation areas, steam rooms, and saunas. In fact, guests at the spa could even enjoy direct access to the rooftop pool and the fitness center during the spa’s operating hours. The best bit? Our session started with our therapist offering us several beverage options, including mimosas, champagne, and wine, to help ease us into a state of full relaxation as we lay in the relaxation room. What’s more, the services used products from brands like Augustinus Bader, Davines, Dyptique, 111 Skin, and Vintner’s Daughter. After our session, we even stopped by the spa shop to pick up 111 Skin masks, Lanshin gua sha tools, and Diptyque candles.
When it came to treatments, we picked the highly recommended Method Augustinus Bader services, which used the brand’s science-backed luxury skincare products. They even tailored the massages to our needs, using luxuriant lotions and oils. Another must-do treatment is the Celestial Black Diamond Non-Surgical Lift, which uses 111Skin’s best products.
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Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
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The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is home to the Spa at Four Seasons, which boasts stunning views of the Mississippi River. We loved the 5,000 sq ft huge spa right from the get-go, with all the natural light, rattan accents, gray travertine, raw white oak, beautiful artwork, and wrought iron lamps. When it comes to the spa’s offerings, the menu is inspired by the French phrase “Bon vivant,” which means “One who lives well.” So, you’ll see a lot of locally sourced ingredients and nods to Southern culture, which beautifully complement the French treatment techniques.
Our spa session began with us unwinding in the relaxation lounge as they offered us sesame sticks, dried fruit, cold-pressed teas, and non-alcoholic sparkling rosé. The space has eight treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, and even a couples’ room, complete with a private soaking tub. We tried the highly recommended Equilibrium Ritual treatment since we were in NOLA during winter. It comprised a heated candle massage and a warm mud mask for ultimate detoxification. You could also try the Southern Rose and Southern Gentleman treatments, inspired by the city’s cultural richness and beauty. Moreover, they use locally handcrafted oils from cypress trees, a local cocktail, a warm shea butter scrub, and fresh rose petals. Another highly recommended treatment is the Triple Lift Facial, which blends French microneedling and galvanic currents for a one-of-a-kind skincare experience.
The best bit? Every session ends with personalized mimosas and sumptuous dark chocolates with nuts. The spa is open from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays and Thursdays and from 9 am to 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Hotel Monteleone
3
Best spa packages. Spa Aria is a cozy retreat tucked away inside the French Quarter’s Hotel Monteleone. Interestingly, the hotel is one of NOLA’s most celebrated and oldest, dating back to 1886. The locally-owned spa has been around since 2004 and is one of the best-kept secrets in the city.
Armed with a warm, friendly, and gifted staff, the place is all about a transformative spa journey for the guests. We were impressed by the fact that they used products from world-renowned spa brands like Pevonia and Cinq Mondes. So, we were looking forward to our spa experience, which lived up to its expectations and then some. Firstly, the spa menu included a variety of services for the skin, face, hands, feet, and body, as well as waxing, makeup, and tinting services. The standard and couples’ massages are amongst their most coveted offerings, as well as the Organic Ancient Hair Ritual and Foot Therapy treatment, which aids in muscle soreness and recovery.
Spa Aria is the place to be if you’re looking for special spa packages and deluxe experiences. Are you getting married? The 1.5-hour Bachelorette Party treatment includes an eye, manicure, and mini pedicure, making it the ultimate spa day for you and your ladies. The 3.5-hour Monteleone Experience is also cheekily named the “Full Monte.” It includes a pedicure, manicure, custom facial, and a massage. We indulged in the 2.5-hour Honeymoon Retreat, a real treat and retreat. After a relaxing 75-minute couple massage, we got side-by-side pedicures as we sipped on champagne!
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The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
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Best French Quarter spa hotel. The Roosevelt New Orleans, right in the heart of the French Quarter, is a NOLA institution that’s been around since 1893. Since it’s also the former home of legendary Louisiana governor Huey P., it’s one of New Orleans’ most historic hotels. That said, it comes with some seriously decadent modern amenities, like a rooftop pool as well as a luxury spa. The Roosevelt is home to the Waldorf Astoria Spa, one of the most sought-after spas in the American South.
This elegant spa was the ultimate private retreat for relaxation for us in the city. We spent time in the elegant relaxation room before and after our treatments. What’s more, we had the choice of an array of pampering services, including facials, massages, body treatments, and more. One of their most recommended treatments is the 50-80-minute Waldorf Astoria Signature Massage, which blends aromatherapy and therapeutic techniques for a customized experience. If you’re a follower of ancient Chinese healing methods, the 50-minute Cupping Therapy Massage is the one for you. The Organic French Clay Detox Wrap includes the most amazing exfoliating full-body polish with walnut shells, orange oil, and apricot seeds. That is followed by a French green clay seaweed wrap that flushes out toxins and stimulates circulation.
If you’ll be in NOLA for a long time, the Spa Club offers a monthly membership, which includes a custom facial or a restorative massage service per month. On your spa day, you can even enjoy access to other hotel amenities.
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The Ritz-Carlton
1
Most luxurious spa hotel. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is at the top of the list. It is home to the massive Ritz-Carlton Spa, which is a huge space of 25,000 sq ft. The tranquil spa, NOLA’s largest, offers rejuvenation right on the fringes of the French Quarter.
This spa focuses on relaxation and connecting with the French Quarter’s essence, warmth, and mystical spirit. It has 20 well-appointed treatment rooms and a luxurious and specially designed couples’ suite for romantic rejuvenation. There’s even a boutique and a cafe, where we dug into a few bites between our treatments.
We loved the menu at the spa, which had more than 100 signature treatments, with the featured wellness treatments catching our eye. For instance, the unique 50-80-minute Spa Dream Elemental Massage began with our choice of dry essential oil that induced deep relaxation. The gentle stretching and rocking relieved us of all our tension as we lay atop a warm water massage table. Or, you could go in for the Mississippi Mud Detox Treatment, a mineral-rich botanical mud treatment atop a Vichy table, topped by a sea salt scrub. The most popular is the Voodoo Ritual Massage, an exhilarating 80-minute experience incorporating traditional vetiver-scented oil and therapeutic applications. Check out the spa menu.
Besides the full-service salon, this wellness space gave us access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center.
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Our Verdict!
Since there are so many excellent options on this list, we’ve hand-selected some of the best stays with spas in New Orleans so you can make a quick choice that suits you.
- Best B&B with a spa: Serenity In The Marigny
- Best spa packages: Hotel Monteleone
- Best French Quarter spa hotel: The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
- Most luxurious spa hotel: The Ritz-Carlton
Where to Stay in New Orleans?
New Orleans might not be as huge and sprawled out as New York City or Los Angeles, but it has many cool neighborhoods. So, you need to decide where to stay when you’re visiting this city, depending on what you want to do.
When it’s your first visit to a city, staying Downtown is always a good bet for a well-rounded holiday. This city is much the same, with most of the top things to do in New Orleans lying in the Downtown area. Furthermore, one of the most famous parts of Downtown is the city’s historic French Quarter, one of the USA’s top tourist attractions. You can feast your eyes on numerous historical landmarks and excellent architecture and even find carriage rides in this touristy neighborhood. Even though it’s one of the noisiest and liveliest parts of NOLA, staying here for rejuvenation is always a great idea.
That said, the city is more than just the French Quarter, as many people will lead you to believe. We’re talking about the Garden District, where the famed Mardi Gras festivities, one of the world’s best carnivals, take place. Even if you aren’t in NOLA for Mardi Gras, like we were, this quaint neighborhood is excellent for walking around and absorbing its vibe.
Finally, the CBD (Central Business District) is just across Canal Street from the French Quarter, extending into the Warehouse District. This former low-key home is now home to many cultural institutions and now has a growing hip atmosphere, with concert halls and trendy restaurants and bars.
Where can I enjoy a full spa day?
The Serenity at the Marigny is a great option for enjoying a full spa day, as the B&B experience is designed around the spa.
Which is the largest hotel spa in the Big Easy?
The Ritz-Carlton Spa is the largest spa in the city, measuring 25,000 sq ft. It has a couples suite and 20 private treatment rooms, a full-service salon, and a café.
Which part of New Orleans is best to stay in?
The French Quarter is a walkable neighborhood bordered by the Mississippi River and laid out in a compact grid. It is the oldest and one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city.