Best Spas in Gold Coast

"That this 60-story stunner in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood was modeled after a 1920s Parisian grand dame tells you all you need to know about the kind of romance you'll find here. (No wonder so many weddings are booked here year-round.) Talk about an entrance: cars pull up a brick-paved driveway and deposit guests at the entry of the chandelier-lit, velvet-couch-lined white marble lobby. Upstairs, guest rooms are even more glamorous—think pops of platinum and gold, furnished terraces, black granite fireplaces‚ and huge soaking tubs—as is the spa, where you can indulge in a lava-shell massage."

"The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is located downtown, one block from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile in the stylish Gold Coast neighborhood. The hotel is well known for its superior spa treatments and packages including in-room spa services perfect for a romantic stay and an indoor lap pool. The spa’s couple suite is perfect for a romantic getaway, featuring side-by-side personalized body massages."

"The Waldorf Astoria, Chicago stays true to the brand’s reputation with a hotel bursting with quintessential luxury. A shimmering chandelier, marbled walls and steel decoration welcomes guests into the opulent lobby. With a vast collection of art throughout the hotel, it sometimes feels as if you are walking through a contemporary art exhibition."

"While Donald Trump is making headlines, the real story is taking place at his international hotel. The Terrace sits in the shadow of the Wrigley Building, giving it a daunting view of the majesty around it, but also serves color-changing cocktails infused with odd fruits from around the world for a drinking experience that is downright transcendent."

"On Chicago’s streets the name “Trump” is polarising, but within the real estate mogul/reality TV star/president’s arresting 92-floor tower, it’s all business. The hotel goes above and beyond in services and amenities and is home to Sixteen, one of the city’s best restaurants."

"401 North Wabash Avenue, River North, Chicago, Illinois, 60611. Trump International Hotel and Tower is a 98-story mixed-use condo-hotel skyscraper in downtown Chicago next to the main branch of the Chicago River. It is currently the 7th tallest building in the U.S."

"Located steps from chic North Michigan Avenue shops and minutes from Chicago’s business and financial centers, the Four Seasons Hotel is the perfect destination for elite business and leisure travelers alike. The luxury five-star hotel offers a fresh and contemporary ambiance with astounding views of Lake Michigan and the city’s magnificent skyline. Guests will also enjoy the hotel’s Health and Fitness Club with its 50-foot indoor pool surrounded by Roman-inspired columns and positioned under a domed glass ceiling."

"Serene and intimate, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago provides a personal escape to relax and rejuvenate. Experience the spa’s traditional and innovative treatments such as a Harmony massage for couples, an Ayurvedic scalp massage or a Perles de Caviar facial to refresh and reinvigorate. Combining natural ingredients with the nurturing care of expert therapists the spa welcomes you on a journey of beauty and wellbeing."

"Located in the Peninsula Hotel, The Peninsula Spa draws inspiration from Ayurvedic and Asian healing therapies, including a variety of Ayurvedic massage techniques and hot stone treatments. Check out the Sleep Support Therapy for help getting a good night’s rest when you’re experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.If you book two or more hours of treatments, you’re free to explore other hotel amenities – but leave your phone beyond, as this is a technology-free zone. Go for a swim in the spacious pool and enjoy a view from the surrounding city through floor to ceiling windows, relax by the fireplace in the lounge, or enjoy a yoga session in the fitness center."

"From the second you arrive in the lobby of The Peninsula Spa, you’ll be transported. Natural wood interiors and raku-style tiles evoke an Asian oasis, while your prime location on the Magnificent Mile is reiterated by a spectacular view from the glass-enclosed pool. Before or after a treatment, guests can gaze dreamily at the skyline; with premium snack and glass of port."

"You’d have to try really hard to not be pampered at the Peninsula. From the opulent lap pool (its floor-to-ceiling views are worth Instagramming) to the facial treatments featuring Biologique Recherche (the holy grail of French skin care), everything is a little extra. We suggest you take it as a challenge and book not one but two treatments for a half-day retreat."

"The view of the Chicago River is the crown jewel in the signature Chuan Spa, known for its serenity. The décor and treatments are based on an East-meets-West spa concept, with many of the services—massage, facials, and an array of well-known traditional Chinese medicine treatments, including cupping and acupuncture, designed to restore balance and increase overall energy."

"Helping you reach tranquility through the essence of water, Chuan Spa Chicago offers a water journey potent to your replenishment. Once you enter through their Moon Gate doors and secret garden, the excursion begins. Bathing rituals, saunas, a steam room, and utterly exquisite interior all join to create the utmost relaxation experience."

"Chuan Spa at The Langham, Chicago has been rated Illinois' first and only Forbes 5 star spa - and it shows. Ensconced in The Langham Chicago, rated a Five-Star hotel by Forbes Travel Guide, Chuan Spa is the best spa in the city. Complete a five-element questionnaire to ensure you get the most from your treatment."

"After all that walking, head back to your room at the Dana Hotel and Spa in the chic River North neighbourhood to freshen up ahead of the night portion of your Chicago itinerary. The design-forward property wows from the moment you walk through the multi-storey, airy foyer, which is accented with geometric seating and light fixtures that set the tone for the surrounding ultra luxe spaces. On-site amenities include an acclaimed spa and multiple restaurants, like the rooftop Apogee Lounge where the in-crowd comes to sip hand-crafted cocktails and soak in the views."

"Exhale Spa earns their place on our most expensive spa map for their Power Facial with Ultrasonic Peel for $280. Additionally, exhale offers acupuncture and energetic therapies as well as specialty therapies like LED Core Contouring by SlimStation and a head to toe wash followed by a heated hammam stone two-step exfoliation."

"Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique uses the highest quality and natural ingredients in perfecting pastries and desserts. They bake both classic and contemporary cakes served inside a chic and modern European atmospheric setting. Furthermore, they offer a selection of pastries such as cupcakes, macarons, cake pops, frosting shots, and pairings."

"Located in one of Chicago’s quieter neighborhoods, Ada Street is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that serves New American-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined and elegant setting. Owners Michael Kornick and David Morton provide guests with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as pan-seared Arctic char, grilled baby octopus, and agave glazed lamb ribs. Ada Street also has an eclectic selection of handcrafted cocktails, local and imported brews and beers on tap, and fine red and white wines."

"Twinkly nights and a pretty patio are pretty much a slam dunk for any successful date night, and Ada Street delivers on it all. Sit outside and share small plates in a cute little courtyard if you can, but know that the inside offers a similarly pleasant experience."

"If you weren’t actively looking for this restaurant, you wouldn’t find it. But you should look for it, because the food is delicious and the cozy interior is the perfect escape on a winter night."

"This charming ice cream parlor serves up root beer floats from an old-fashioned soda fountain. Their homemade ice creams, pies and cakes are fresh, delicious and definitely worth the trip to Forest Park. Double up on the chocolate-chip ice cream sandwiches — they are divine!"

"The macarons on offer at Vanille Patisserie give out an explosion of flavor when bitten into. Strawberry lemongrass in a popular summer flavor at these venues found across Chicago, including S Harper Ct. and N. Clinton St. at the Chicago French Market, however, there’s a whole variety of flavors available."

"Vanille offers many french pastries and cakes, but the best are their cupcakes topped with a macaron. The frosting is encased with a chocolate shell and hidden inside the cupcake is a filling. This will definitely cure your Parisian food fomo."

"With all the pretty pastel colors and exotic flavors—strawberry lemongrass, anyone?. —choosing a macaron from Vanille isn’t easy. Save yourself the stress and go for a box of 6, 12, or 24."

"Located in Chicago’s Main Stem river district on the third floor of Renaissance Chicago Hotel, Raised is a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the city and the river. The indoor/outdoor bar occupies what was once the hotel’s meeting space. Decorated in trendy and industrial style, the lounge serves Chicago local craft beers, a nice selection of wines and, both classic and new cocktails."

"Bars Cocktail bars Loop. We consider this Loop rooftop one of Chicago's most underrated summertime secrets. Situated just three stories above street level, it might not seem like this hotel bar has much to offer on the view front."

"Located inside the newly refurbished Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, this comfortable rooftop has indoor and outdoor space with fire pits and a fun Mediterranean menu. It’s hip, but to me feels more welcoming than some of the others."

"Fall 2017 saw the opening of West Loop B&B the Publishing Houseand its subterranean wine bar. Visitors have a global selection of more than 70 bottles from which to choose. The drinking menu complements the season-driven fare — from charred broccolini to seared scallops — and a nice mix of cheeses and charcuterie."