Located: 2 hours from San Francisco
Why we like it: Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn sets a new standard for eco-luxury. In keeping with its commitment to the preservation of its land and environment, the resort chauffeurs guests in via a Lexus Hybrid, all lodges are made from sustainable materials and the cleaning system is biodegradable.&nbsp;
For more info: go to <a href="http://www.postranchinn.com" target="_blank">postranchinn.com</a>
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Located:&nbsp;2 hours from Boston
Why we like it: Built in 1914, this 25-acre Cape Cod resort is the epitome of classic New England charm. For the last word in pampering, Chatham Bars recently created 12 new adult-only "spa suites," which include hydrotherapy rooms, saunas, steam rooms and massage tables. Which means you can truly indulge yourself by going straight from your treatment to your plush Tempur-Pedic bed.
For more info: go to <a href="http://www.chathambarsinn.com/" target="_blank">chathambarsinn.com</a>&nbsp;

Located: Under 3 hours from Chicago
Why we like it: Both the hotel and spa at this Frederick Law Olmsted-designed resort (originally built for Kohler's workers), earned a coveted Forbes Five-Star award in 2012. As befitting its parent company's plumbing expertise, the spa focuses on hydrotherapy treatments with custom Vichy showers and a waterfall-adorned soaking pool. If you're going all out, book the luxurious Eau de Vie Suite, with an 8-foot-long tub that fills from a faucet in the ceiling.
For more information: go to <a href="http://www.americanclubresort.com/spa/spa_index.html" target="_blank">akohlerexperience.com</a>

Located: 2 hours from Los Angeles
Why we like it: This Palm Springs resort's Tuscan-style environment hosts private villas, a relaxing adults-only pool and a 14,000-square-foot spa. Wellness classes such as yoga, tai chi and hydro-yo-chi round out the extensive spa offering of indoor and outdoor treatments such as Bagno Vino (wine baths) and Pittura Festa, in which bright-colored, toxin-eliminating muds and clays are painted on your body, face and hair.
For more information: go to <a href="http://www.miramonteresort.com/luxury-spa-resort/palm-desert-spas.php" target="_blank">miramonteresort.com</a>

Located: 1 hour from Miami
Why we like it: This 80-year-old Waldorf Astoria resort is well-practiced in the art of relaxation. Its exclusive spa isn't available to the public, but guests who book one of its decadent treatments (such as a Caviar Facial) get access to the private spa pool, sun deck and quiet lounge (not to mention the hotel's three state-of-the-art fitness facilities and seven pools). &nbsp;
For more information: go to <a href="http://www.bocaresort.com/Things-to-do/Spa-Palazzo" target="_blank">bocaresort.com</a>

Located: Under 2 hours from NYC
Why we like it: Created with a completely green philosophy (all organic and natural products), the elegant, architecturally stunning spa at this luxe farmhouse resort uses the power of the sun and earth to heat the sauna and steam room. An indoor pool with sweeping views of the Hudson River and complimentary tea service mean you&rsquo;ll want to lounge for eternity post-treatment.
For more info: go to <a href="http://www.buttermilkspa.com/" target="_blank">buttermilkspa.com</a>

Located:&nbsp;2 hours from Washington D.C.
Why we like it:&nbsp;The Omni Bedford Springs Resort's recent $120 million renovation landed this stately property on Travel+Leisure's list of top 10 spas in the world for 2011. The new facility boasts a 30,000-square-foot spa, eight mineral springs and uses natural, healing spring water in its treatments. The Bedford Bath Ritual, which includes a Black Walnut Ginger Body Polish, an aromatic steam bath, dips in hot and cold mineral pools with massaging jets and more, will turn your muscles to jelly.&nbsp;
For more information: go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BedfordSprings/Spa.aspx" target="_blank">omnihotels.com</a>

Located: 2.5 hours from Greenwich, CT
Why we like it: Fully renovated in 2010, this sprawling Victorian mansion's five-star, 12,000-square-foot spa overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Sip herbal tea in a cozy lounge chair while waiting for your sea-inspired treatment, then slip into the sun-soaked indoor lap pool to work out any last kinks. &nbsp;&nbsp;
For more information: go to <a href="http://www.oceanhouseri.com/rhode-island-spas.php" target="_blank">oceanhouseri.com</a>

Located: 3.5 hours from Dallas
Why we like it:&nbsp;Routinely rated as one of the country's top 10 spas, the Lake Austin Spa Resort's facility houses 25,000 square feet of bliss. Choose from a menu of 100 treatments and take your time lounging in the beautifully decorated rooms with natural limestone and upscale-casual antiques. Have time for a seven-day getaway? They'll design a custom weight loss and stress-management program complete with classes and treatments.
For more info: go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lakeaustin.com/" target="_blank">lakeaustin.com</a>

<a href=/articles/2011/09/bestnightssleep>Faraway destinations</a> make for decadent daydreams — and serious R&ampR. But with spring break behind us and summer still just out of reach, there's something to be said for a nearby mini-break. Consider a weekend jaunt a quickie tune-up for your sanity, and take a timeout at one of our favorite destination spas, all located just outside Equinox's metropolitan habitats. Click through the slideshow above for nine pampering retreat options.

9 urban spa retreats

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