As the new year rings in and we’re looking for ways to detox and refresh from the holidays, wellness is best embraced with a bit of luxury. During the winter, spas and resorts offer season-specific services to help your body with the unique challenges colder months bring, from dry skin and dehydration to muscle stiffness and low circulation.
Here are three desert spa treatments to try out, with lodging at many places to make a wellness weekend out of it (in case you needed an excuse for a getaway).
All is Bright Facial at the Agave Spa
Scottsdale, AZ
Winter in the desert can be harsh on skin, making hydration and repair essential. The All Is Bright Facial at Agave Spa is a seasonal facial that focuses on brightening, moisture replenishment and gentle exfoliation, leaving skin refreshed and glowing. Pair your treatment with a stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, where open fire pits and multiple dining options make it easy to turn a spa appointment into a full weekend escape.
Learn more at na.spatime.com/wtk85254/6307666/spa-service/service-item/119257082
The Winter Warm-Up Package at Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Temescal Valley, CA
For a getaway wellness weekend, head to the rolling hills of Southern California for Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Their Winter Warm-Up Package combines classic spa treatments with seasonal services like the thermal mud experience, where warm, mineral-rich mud is brushed onto the skin before soaking — a detoxifying ritual that feels especially restorative in winter — followed by a soothing massage to ease tight muscles and improve circulation. With multiple pools, wellness classes and dining, it’s an easy choice for a reset.
Learn more at glenivy.com/best-winter-wellness-experiences-in-southern-california/
Sage Smudging Ceremony at the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado
Santa Fe, NM
Winter wellness takes on a more spiritual tone in In Santa Fe. At the Four Seasons, there are a number of ways to cleanse spiritually, including the Sage Smudging Ceremony, a grounding ritual meant to clear energy and set intentions for the season ahead. Following this centering experience, the spa’s Hot Stone Massage — often paired with desert-inspired aromatics like sage and piñon — offers a deeply warming complement. The resort itself feels like a secluded retreat, with adobe-style casitas and sweeping desert views, ideal for embracing quiet, intentional wellness.
Learn more at fourseasons.com/santafe/experiences/wellness-activities/sage-smudging-ceremony/
Here’s to embracing wellness and indulging in desert spa treatments in the new year.