Spas For Whisky Lovers

We can all think of various ways to enjoy whiskey, but the idea of mixing it into a body scrub isn’t one that usually springs to mind. Yet applied to the skin, whiskey in this form can be surprisingly beneficial. According to McKenna Lamons, spa concierge at Ama Spa at the Edwin Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, “Whiskey is filled with phenolic compounds like ellagic acid, which are believed to have potent antioxidant effects to cleanse the body.”

Several spas around the country feature whiskey-infused scrubs on their treatment menus, while others offer whiskey to sip while you unwind. A few even tout both experiences.

For some retreats, whiskey is a natural fit because of the location. Ama Spa features locally made Chattanooga whiskey in its body scrub. “Whiskey is Tennessee’s signature spirit, so using Chattanooga whiskey connects guests to the local products and stories we want to highlight,” says Merrily Bell, general manager of the Edwin Hotel.

It’s a similar story for spas in Kentucky. “We’re located in central Kentucky, right in the heart of bourbon country, and we love bringing that local heritage into our services to help enhance the senses,” says Kenna Trent, spa manager at The Kentucky Castle in Versailles.

In Louisville, the appropriately named Bourbon & Blush Salon and Spa offers several bourbon-infused treatments and even collaborates with local distilleries for tastings. “In Kentucky, bourbon is more than a spirit—it’s a tradition. Bourbon & Blush was created to celebrate that heritage while pairing it with something equally meaningful: self-care,” says owner Melissa Jacobi. “Incorporating bourbon elements allows us to offer guests an experience that feels uniquely Kentucky while still being refined and spa-forward.”

Jacobi adds that whiskey and spas are more aligned than you might think. “We love that bourbon and self-care share the same philosophy: slowing down, savoring the moment, and enjoying something crafted with intention,” she says. “The time and artistry that goes into bourbon mirrors the care behind luxury self-care treatments.”

Whether touting a bourbon-infused full-body scrub or offering guests a pour of whiskey—or both—the sanctuaries on this list are sure to entice the wellness-minded whiskey fan. A couple of the spas compiled here are even on the same grounds as distilleries, making the whiskey connection that much stronger.

ÁHSI’ DAY SPA AT TURNING STONE RESORT & CASINO

Verona, New York

There’s a wide range of massages and skin treatments on this spa’s menu, but the whiskey enthusiast will be most interested in the body treatments, one of which includes a guest-favorite bourbon scrub, comprising Kentucky bourbon, brown sugar, rice bran oil, and vitamin E that leaves skin exfoliated and soft. From Monday through Thursday, a 50-minute scrubbing session is $130 and an 80-minute session is $180; from Friday through Sunday, it’s $140 and $200, respectively. To keep the whiskey experience going, both TS Steakhouse and Wildflowers restaurants at Turning Stone offer exceptional whiskey menus as well as Wine Spectator- awarded wine lists.

AMA SPA AT THE EDWIN HOTEL

Chattanooga

This retreat offers a Whiskey & Wellness treatment ($275 for 120 minutes) that aims to improve circulation, calm muscle tension, and revive dull skin with its Bourbon Bubbler sugar scrub infused with locally made bourbon from Chattanooga Whiskey. After the scrubbing, a warming body wrap is applied, followed by a full-body custom pressure massage. Once you’re sufficiently relaxed, head to the hotel’s rooftop Whiskey Thief bar for seasonal small bites and a high-end cocktail or a dram or two from a selection of more than 150 labels.

BOURBON & BLUSH SALON AND SPA

Louisville

This bourbon country spa is an ideal stop after a long day of distillery tours. The Bluegrass Bourbon body scrub ($145 for 50 minutes) is a full-body exfoliating treatment that will leave skin smooth, refreshed, and glowing. The service begins with gentle dry brushing to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, then exfoliation with a locally made bourbon-infused sugar scrub, followed by a eucalyptus steam shower, and finished with an ultra-rich body butter application. Another option is the Bluegrass Bourbon pedicure ($80), which includes a mineral sea salt soak, hot towel compressions, bourbon scrub treatment, and a lower leg and foot massage. In addition to spa and salon treatments, this spot offers customized bourbon tastings, curated pairing events, and treatment collaborations with local bourbon brands.

THE EDGE SPA AT THE LODGE AT BLUE SKY

Wanship, Utah

On the grounds of this sprawling, 4,000-acre mountain resort just outside Park City, you’ll find a cliffside wellness sanctuary as well as High West Distillery. At the spa, the High West Whiskey Rubdown ($504 for 90 minutes) begins with a whiskey, salt, and sage foot soak while you sip a High West whiskey, followed by a massage that includes warm towel compressions to loosen muscles, proprietary hydrating body butter, and scalp invigorator. Or you can opt for the Whiskey on the Rocks experience ($780 for up to 2 guests; $420 per additional guest), which starts with a cold plunge—assisted by a certified breathwork coach—and a visit to the outdoor sauna, after which you’ll be joined by a High West whiskey ambassador for a private tasting. To complement your whiskey-fueled wellness journey, stop by the distillery for a tour, then enjoy a meal and craft whiskey cocktail at the distillery’s restaurant, The Refectory.

FOUR SEASONS NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans

Situated on the Mississippi River, this Four Seasons is home to a spa that blends self-care and the rich cocktail culture of New Orleans with its signature offering, The Southern Gentleman ($365 for 80 minutes, $500 for 110 minutes). This treatment includes a deep therapeutic massage focusing on the neck, shoulders, and back to release tension and restore ease, plus a foot exfoliation and massage using targeted pressure-point techniques that incorporate a locally sourced cypress-scented oil. To complement the experience, guests are offered a date-infused Old Fashioned.

THE KENTUCKY CASTLE

Versailles

Another bourbon country spot, this hotel is owned by Angel’s Envy co-founder Wes Henderson and serves as the current home away from home for his new whiskey brand, True Story, while its distillery is being built next door. The hotel serves True Story bourbon and rye at its bar, and also hosts tastings and pairing events. This connection to whiskey extends to the hotel’s spa as well. The Warm Bourbon and Honey Body Drench ($205 for 90 minutes) is a relaxing, refreshing massage experience featuring a warm, soothing bourbon-and-honey-scented oil. The spa also offers a full-body bourbon-and-honey-scented scrub followed by a body butter application ($145 for 60 minutes). The scrub can also be purchased in the spa’s retail shop to take home.

SPA TERRA AT THE MERITAGE RESORT AND SPA

Napa Valley

This 22,000 square-foot wine country spa is located within a centuries-old estate cave. Appropriately, it offers plenty of wine-related treatments, but there’s also something for the whiskey fan to enjoy. The Bourbon Bubbler body treatment features a vanilla bourbon scrub that relieves tension in the feet, neck, and shoulders; controls excess oils; and calms the skin. From Monday through Thursday this 50-minute treatment is $245; from Friday through Sunday it’s $270.

SEAHILL SPA AT THE CAVALIER HOTEL

Virginia Beach

This historic oceanfront hotel conveniently houses both a spa and Tarnished Truth Distillery, specializing in small-batch bourbon, among other spirits. At the spa, a full-body treatment with a Tarnished Truth bourbon-infused scrub, followed by a warm detoxifying mineral soak and a moisturizing lotion application can be enjoyed while relaxing on a heated quartz table ($200 for 50 minutes), as part of a multi-sensory hydro capsule treatment ($180 for 50 minutes), or as part of a couples service ($380 for 50 minutes). After your treatment, you can enjoy a tour and tasting at Tarnished Truth, then visit the adjacent Hunt Room tavern for a cocktail or bourbon flight.

THE UNDERGROUND SPA AT THE LOGAN HOTEL

Philadelphia

At this retreat, you’ll be offered a complimentary glass of bourbon (or wine, prosecco, or non-alcoholic beverage) with every treatment. The bourbon selection rotates. For men, the Beard & Bourbon Experience ($420 for 100 minutes) aims to renew skin tone and texture while soothing and restoring devitalized, sun-damaged, or razor-burned skin. The treatment includes a 50-minute Nirvana stress relief massage and a 50-minute hot towel facial with special attention to beard care—or, for men who don’t have a beard, extra attention to the skin. Afterward, enjoy your glass of bourbon in the Relaxation Room. This package also gives you a 20% discount on beard products available in the spa shop. In addition, any guest can add a 25-minute full-body bourbon-bubbler scrub treatment to any service for $125.