PHOTO: Courtesy of Silverado Resort and Spa

From the treatment rooms to the décor, even the finest resorts can show wear and tear through the years, and there’s nothing more dispiriting than checking into a luxury retreat to find it feels old and uninspired. Millions are spent each year in a never-ending race to update the country’s premium vacation spots with the most contemporary finishes. From transforming color schemes to building a lazy river, these ten newly renovated destination spa sanctuaries have invested huge sums to deliver the most exciting and refreshing guest experiences in the past year. And believe us, it shows.

By Zachary Laks

PHOTO: Courtesy of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

WHERE: Farmington, Pennsylvania

Fifteen months and $30 million later, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort unveiled a new-and-improved spin on country luxury this past March. Situated an hour and a half from Pittsburgh, Nemacolin Woodlands was built 28 years ago as a golf resort and has evolved into a 2,000-acre destination spa, fly fishing hub, and outdoor activity haven.

Among the renovations to the retreat, spa highlights include the new Holistic Healing Center and Holistic Garden focused on restoring balance to the mind and body with treatments such as acupuncture, Reiki, and cupping. Renovations to the hotel extended to 263 of its 318 guest rooms and a floor-to-ceiling overhaul of its signature Chateau Lafayette lobby, the Tudor-inspired palatial entry.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Pittsburgh Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Silverado Resort and Spa

Silverado Resort and Spa

WHERE: Napa Valley, California

Charm comes easy at the 1,200-acre Silverado Resort and Spa, a California landmark for more than 140 years. With a massive renovation in August 2014, the retreat’s PGA Championship golf course was redesigned and all of its 330 guest rooms were given a total makeover. The iconic southern-inspired mansion on the estate, which was built in the 1860s by General John Franklin Miller, a California senator, now functions as the resort’s main lobby. And for foodies who seek out the best, world-renowned chef Thomas Keller has installed a temporary pop-up restaurant, Ad Lib Pop-Up, inside the mansion until October.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Napa Valley Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa

WHERE: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Bucking the trend of Atlantic City’s recent casino-folding struggle, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa continues to set the standard for luxury on the Jersey Shore, as it just invested $13 million into renovations throughout its 2,000-room resort. The casino’s revamped 54,000-square-foot spa, Spa Toccare, brings updated men’s and women’s lounges, ideal for serene relaxation prior to one of the long list of services in the spa’s 31 treatment rooms (also recently renovated with new massage tables, carpet, and lighting).

The restorations are noticeable upon first step into the hotel because $4 million were spent revamping the front desk reception with a new ceiling and art and the entire casino with fresh carpet and light fixtures.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New Jersey Shore Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort

WHERE: Kahuku, Hawaii

No twist of the arm is needed to make a case for a getaway at Turtle Bay Resort, the only property on Oahu’s North Shore (one of the world’s most scenic peninsulas). With a $45 million renovation, all of the 410 oceanfront rooms have been upgraded, and the resort’s 42 luxury beachfront cottages will be revamped this summer.

Take in the endless vistas of clear skies, ocean, and wildlife native to Oahu from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the newly refreshed Nalu Kinetic Spa, featuring a new spa menu and fitness studio. Turtle Bay plays host to dozens of adventurous activities from surfing the powerful Hawaiian waves to diving with sharks and even stand-up paddling with a surfing dog.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Honolulu and Oahu Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Naples Grande

WHERE: Naples, Florida

Set on the calm shores of Outer Clam Bay, right off the Gulf of Mexico, Naples Grande Beach Resort reemerged this past February from an $18 million renovation with a new name (formerly Waldorf Astoria Naples). The restoration encompassed an overhaul of the resort’s 424 guest rooms and suites, three new restaurants, and a facelift to the beach and pool areas. Make time for the on-site spa, where fun innovations, such as the “floating” hair and nail salon (overlooking the spa pool), add a whimsical touch to your relaxation.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Naples Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa

WHERE: Palm Beach, Florida

The endless sand and sun of Palm Beach welcomed Kimpton Hotels’ Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa this past December, a completely re-imagined, beachfront luxury resort, formerly The Omphoy Ocean Resort. Launching the newly renovated and expanded spa in March, the 5,900-square-foot spa includes seven treatment rooms offering indulgent body scrubs, facials, and massages. For something a bit more active, each room provides complimentary yoga mats, perfect for the opportunity to stretch and practice beachside. And be sure to stop by Tideline’s nightly Wine Hour from 4-5 p.m., where a complimentary toast is the perfect way to start the night off on the right foot.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Tenaya Lodge

WHERE: Fish Camp, California

When the sun goes down in the great outdoors, head to the great indoors of Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite National Park. Tenaya stands out for its tranquil setting, away from the crowded Yosemite Valley and fine country lodge atmosphere, and there’s no better excuse to recover from a strenuous hike than one of the organic treatments at the 10,000-square-foot Ascent Spa.

The resort is investing $5 million into remodeling 240 of the main retreat’s rooms in a rustic contemporary flair, with granite countertopped bathrooms, new luxury bedding, barn-inspired doors, and plantation-style window shutters. Many of the rooms are complete, but renovations are still underway.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Yosemite National Park Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hotel del Coronado

WHERE: Coronado, California

San Diego’s beach gem, Hotel del Coronado, received a little polish this past year to the tune of $13 million. The 757-room luxe beach resort, with its ornate Victorian design and iconic red-shingled roof, completely overhauled its main lobby, re-introducing what it refers to as the “turn-of-the-century charm” from the original hotel’s lobby in 1888. A dazzling, refurbished chandelier serves as the centerpiece of the dark-wood lobby, and newly refinished woodwork and period light fixtures make for a grand entrance.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s San Diego Travel Guide

PHOTO: Stewart Cohen Pictures

WHERE: The Woodlands, Texas

A family favorite since 1974, the all-encompassing The Woodlands Resort unveiled a $75 million renovation this past March. Situated thirty minutes outside of Houston, the retreat spared no expense in gutting its 406 rooms to give a sleek, fresh finish. The affordable luxury setting provides nonstop activities from the new, uber relaxing lazy river through the surrounding forest to the resort’s ample spa, thirty-six holes of golf, and impressive twenty-one-court tennis facility.

In addition to structural upgrades and a grand welcoming cochere, Woodlands meets the demands of sophisticated diners with the new Robard’s Steakhouse, an upscale dining experience featuring a private wine vault and nearly every cut of steak you can imagine.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Houston and Galveston Travel Guide

PHOTO: Courtesy of Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

WHERE: Hilton Head, South Carolina

With its new renovation less than two months old, the Omni Hilton Head has a lot to show for its $17 million upgrade. Featuring 323 restyled studio suites influenced by contemporary Caribbean themes, the property has undergone interior enhancements including a fresh front entrance and lobby, a revived Ocean Tides Spa, and expanded pool complex.

Catering to guests of all ages, the Kid’s Splash Zone and 3,600-square-foot family pool are welcome additions alongside the recently revamped adult pool. For those seeking a saltwater swim, the picturesque grounds are the perfect inroads to the island’s sugar sand beaches off the Atlantic. Reconfigured to include a relaxation room and three treatment rooms, the Ocean Tides Spa excels at providing immersive getaways that completely envelop the body and mind.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s South Carolina Travel Guide

Babymoons have evolved from pampered weekends at Mom’s house to full-out luxurious experiences at top resorts. Future mommies have stepped up their pregnancy-travel games and are taking advantage of jetting off for some pre-baby rest and relaxation. And with so many of the best hotels and resorts customizing stays for expecting women, why shouldn’t they? Here are some easy-to-reach destination resorts for the perfect babymoon.

At the Grand Wailea, expecting moms will enjoy the newly renovated rooms and refreshed pools while sipping on mocktails in a cabana. Soon-to-be mothers can go shopping at Pineapple Patch for their new arrivals and pick up a tiny Roxy Hawaiian bikini or little-man Quiksilver board shorts. Executive chef Ryan Urig can help with a pre-arranged cravings menus and has even been known to make pickle ice cream!

Spa Grande offers prenatal massages, and afterward you can float weightlessly in the adults-only Hibiscus Pool because every moment of quiet time should be enjoyed while you still can. Upon request, a body pillow can be waiting in the room to help with proper positioning at sleep time. Keep up your daily exercise with a morning stroll along Wailea Beach and a dip in the ocean. And of course, get in some romance time at Grand Wailea’s signature restaurant, Humuhumunukunukuapua`a, while dining atop the salt-water lagoon at sunset.

Choose the Land of Enchantment for a fairy-tale pregnant getaway. The Enchanted Expectations Babymoon Package at the Four Seasons Resort includes luxurious accommodations, a 50-minute prenatal massage, a 60-minute prenatal yoga session, and a baby blanket to take home as a gift. In addition, mothers-to-be can take in the beautiful surroundings while indulging in tasty treats from the chef-made Cravings Menu.

Perfect beaches and California weather make the Surf & Sand the perfect place for pampering. The pre-arranged package here includes a one-night stay and a basket from Surf’s Mama Bear that includes movies for your room, mocktails for mommy, and beer for your partner. Also offered is a dinner (prepared with the baby in mind) for two in its signature restaurant, Splashes, a private pregnancy beach yoga session, and an 80-minute Mother-to-Be Massage, which uses infant-safe organic oils and appropriate positioning to comfort both mother and child.

The Bundle of Joy babymoon package at the Westin Kierland is a great way to enjoy a relaxing getaway before the baby’s arrival. Included in this package is an organic skin-care gift set from Mama Mio, a $25 gift certificate to Kierland Commons (plus resort discounts at select retailers), an in-room movie of choice, and a couple’s massage at Agave, with mommy receiving the “mother-to-be” massage. Couples can indulge in making their own ice cream sundaes in their room with sparkling cider and chocolate-covesurered strawberries, and a 24-hour “Cravings Chef” service is available upon request.

Located on 400 acres and 2 miles of private, white-sand beach, Half Moon makes a great escape for couples in need of some fun in the sun. The resort boasts 54 pools, many private or semi-private. There is also a 68,000-square-foot spa, offering the Pregnancy Massage, which improves circulation, diminishes back and hip pain, and gives special care and attention to the expectant mother by using unique pillows to create a comfortable and relaxing environment. Half Moon also has the only overwater bungalows in Jamaica, so any massage service can be performed while looking out onto the ocean from the privacy of the bungalow.

Sometimes a babymoon is in order for the second or third child, and the only way to vacation is with the entire family. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Martha’s Vineyard is where everyone who is visiting wants to be. It’s family-run, and the proprietors and their children are involved in every aspect of the business.

The new Toddler’s Program will keep the family busy while mommy relaxes. It’s complimentary and designed to keep tots entertained in the playroom, which has different play stations to keep children of every age occupied. The program includes trips to a local farm, fire truck rides, a pirate-themed playground, and lots more. The accommodations range from one- to four-bedroom suites to three- to five-bedroom private homes.

Perched atop Atlantic Ocean dunes, The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island is a perfect combination of Southern hospitality and seaside splendor. The customized Mommy-To-Be Babymoon Package lets future mothers choose among a facial, nail service, massage, or $150 spa credit. Also included is a Boppy Total Body Pillow, breakfast in bed or in Café 4750 for two each morning, Mama Mio tummy rub butter, Omega body and shower cream, $100 food and beverage credit, and a present for the baby. A two-night stay is required, and the package ensures a room with a coastal or ocean view.

No matter how long your vacation, the island of Maui is a place to relax, and there’s no better way to enjoy your experience than with a unique spa indulgence. With so many top resorts competing to offer one-of-a-kind treatments, visitors to this beautiful island will find a wide array of pampering options at some of the world’s top spas, which you can visit even if you’re not lodging at their properties. Below are five outstanding spa experiences that can only be found on Maui.

Introduced this year, the Ocean Ritual at Spa Helani is a treatment that begins with the “Wave of Purity” aquatic scrub, which exfoliates the entire body. What follows is a “Neo-Vital Massage,” which reproduces the movements of the sea as the therapist uses fabric pouches filled with Dead Sea salts, which are heated and used during the massage. The next step of the ritual is the tingling “Marine Renewal” algae mousse, a self-heating wrap with stimulating and regenerating Spiruline and Laminaria algae powder. The experience concludes with an application of the Ocean Memory Cream.

Spa Helani, a Heavenly Spa by Westin, opened its 10,000-square-foot facility in 2008. The full-service spa features thirteen treatment rooms, including three couples-massage suites, steam rooms, separate indoor relaxation lounges for men and women, as well as a shared outdoor lounge. The menu of services includes massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures as well as signature treatments.

The Omakase Blending Experience is fully customized from beginning to end. The first step upon arrival is meeting with an apothecary consultant to custom-blend a product for the guest’s spa treatment. Guests are taught the healing properties and benefits of each oil, tincture, and serum, in addition to fragrances and essential oils. Some of the more unique selections include locally sourced ingredients such as Kava Kava, plantain, hibiscus, and coffee-berry. Once the selections have been made, guests can enjoy a massage utilizing the product. Almost every therapist at the spa is double-certified and can customize a treatment based on ailments, symptoms, or special requests.

Awili Spa was inspired by a Hawaiian apothecary. The apothecary lounge is in the heart of the 14,000-square-foot facility, which has ten treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, a tranquility pool, and men’s and women’s relaxation rooms, each with a sauna, steam room and heated plunge pool.

The Nalu (Wave) Suite features one of only four WaveMotion Tables in the U.S. This treatment table moves in rhythmic motions and creates a deeply relaxing experience. Sensations of floating on the water are emulated on this table, which tilts, rotates, and rocks to create a weightless sensation. Therapists take advantage of the table’s three-dimensional movements to use joint-release techniques.

Fairmont Kea Lani’s 9,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa, combines Maui-sourced products with ancient Hawaiian traditions, as well as the latest in spa technology. Signature services include the Wailele (Waterfall) Suite offering Vichy shower treatments with infrared technology. The spa was recently recognized as Hawaii’s ‘Top Hotel Spa.’

The luxurious 20 Hands Duo Massage is only recommended for experienced spagoers due to the overwhelming stimulation of having ten hands massaging you at once. This couples’ massage is experienced together, with each person having five therapists tend to their body. One therapist focuses on the scalp, one each on the lower left and lower right side of the body and two on the upper portion of the body. A Swedish massage is performed in unison to conclude this one-of-a-kind treatment.

Spa Grande is one of the first spas to cohesively balance between traditions of East, West, and Hawaii. Eastern therapies focus on internal wellness with the assistance of herbs while services from the West focus more on new technologies. The traditions of Hawaii are achieved through integration of nature and culture.

The refreshing Hualani Hawaiian Fruit Scrub uses Hualani products with essential oils such as coconut, kukui nut, and macadamia nut to help exfoliate and hydrate the skin. The treatment begins with the Vichy shower, which uses seven shower heads to spray water from head to toe. The scrub includes a gentle sugar-cane exfoliation infused with coconut oil, pineapple, and passion fruit essences. The treatment concludes with a Hualani Body Crème, which leaves the skin feeling silky and looking radiant.

The Heavenly Spa by Westin has a luxurious oceanfront setting with views of Kaanapali Beach. The full-service spa spans over 15,000 square-feet and has sixteen treatment rooms, including two couples-massage suites, each with a whirlpool. A hair and beauty salon as well as an oceanfront outdoor cabana are part of this beautiful spa.

David Duran is a Brooklyn-based luxury, hospitality, culinary and overall freelance travel writer who contributes to such publications as Jetsetter, The Huffington Post, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, and Travel+Leisure among others. When not traveling for work, he is planning his personal travel.