The best hotel spas in Dallas to relax and retreat

Whether you live in Dallas or you're just passing through, you need a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle. Luckily, Dallas hotels capably serve the relaxation needs of locals and travelers alike with spa retreats that can chase your cares away — at least for one day.

From urban cool to subterranean chic, these are the best hotel spas in Dallas. Book now to forever hold your peace.

Best Overall Experience: ESPA at The Joule
From the tea and warm towel before descending to the treatment areas to the divine five-stop water therapies, ESPA has changed the way pampering is done in Dallas. For starters, instead of booking a specific treatment, guests can reserve ESPA Time, which is two, three or four hours with a therapist who tends to your every relaxation need. The spa is the U.S. flagship, with many products for sale that are not available elsewhere in the country. Make a day of it by booking a yoga or core fitness class in the new Vital studio, and leave time for all the hydration options. Have somewhere amazing to go after the spa? Complimentary blowouts are available on the weekends.

Best Spa and Snack: The Spa at the Crescent
This longtime favorite inside the Rosewood Crescent Hotel always delivers excellent treatments, and thanks to its Spa D-Lite menu, comprising an assortment of 25-minute services, you can still squeeze in some relaxation even if time isn't on your side. Better still, you can dine in your robe — pre-treatment or post — at the spa cafe, which offers foodie-friendly fresh-pressed juices and smoothies, breakfast, snacks, salads and sandwiches. Indulge guilt-free, because the calorie counts are listed on the menu.

Best New York Import: Bliss Dallas at W Dallas Victory
Best known for its cheeky brand persona, Bliss, on the 16th floor of the recently renovated W hotel, is a fun stop for spa treatments should work or leisure take you to Victory Park. Try the new "Heel-leljujah" ultimate pedicure or the popular "Youth as We Know It" facial in a new nighttime treatment. The Dallas outpost also has the famous brownie buffet and a movie-while-you-manicure station. A full product line means you can take the spa home with you, wherever that may be.

Best Fitness Infusion: Exhale at Highlands Dallas (formerly Hotel Palomar)
It's hard to tell what Exhale fans love more — the Zen-inducing face and body treatments or the invigorating Core Fusion and yoga classes held in pretty, light-filled studios. For travelers who cannot skip a workout, Exhale meets their relaxation and exercise needs. For locals, there are spa and class memberships available, so when you fall in love with the place — and you will — it's easy to maintain your regimen and take advantage of poolside access and member discounts.

Best Outer-Limits Respite: The Spa & Salon at Four Seasons
The elegant relaxation lounge, with its cold plunge pool and hot tub, is so addicting you may be tempted to miss your service. But you'll be glad you made time for body treatments augmented by aromatherapy, hot stones and Vichy showers, for starters. Finish off the day with the Change of Season mani-pedi, during which you can enjoy a cocktail created by the nail technician. Men also get the star treatment here, with a long list of services such as the Old-fashioned Cowboy Soak replete with Shiner Bock beer. The aromatherapy oils soothe sore muscles — most likely incurred on the golf course.

Best Mani-Pedi With a View: Mokara Spa and Salon at Omni Dallas
Due to its proximity to the convention center, Omni Dallas is an obvious choice for conventioneers, who deserve a break from all that business. Thankfully, Mokara does the trick. We suggest unwinding with a signature massage complete with an application of heat-activated whipped shea butter balm. The spa also features deluxe couples' rooms, cozy relaxation area with see-through fireplace and a nail salon with sweeping views of the Dallas skyline. You've never had a mani-pedi like this before.

Best Uptown Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dallas
We can't get enough of the silken robes, "Experience" shower and luxe dressing rooms — and that's even before you step foot into the treatment hall for an invigorating Dean's Margarita Salt Glow or signature Texas Eight Hands Massage. For those harried weekdays, the spa offers mini escapes at special prices, so there's no reason not to have some Ritz in your day. Couples can luxuriate together in one of two VIP suites with soaking tubs.

Best Little Gem in a Big Jewel Box: VSPA at the Hilton Anatole
Getting to VSPA is a workout in itself, as you wind through the expansive hotel and grounds to the Veranda Club. Then it's up the stairs and — voila! — serenity beckons with a foot bath and a few tea-sipping moments before your treatment. Prices here are more reasonable than some of the other swanky spas, which our pocketbooks appreciate. Complimentary access to the newly remodeled fitness center is an amenity, so plan accordingly.

Best Sexy Hideaway: ZaSpa at Hotel ZaZa
Hotel ZaZa may be known for its singles-friendly Dragonfly and Urban Oasis, but the hideaway spa on the second floor is the perfect antidote to that see-and-be-seen life. There's plenty to keep you in the treatment room, including six facials, five massages, body scrubs and wraps, and body contouring service. (Not surprisingly, "The Morning After" treatment helps relieve the symptoms of too much partying the night before.) If you feel too mellow to drive home, you could always see if one of the Magnificent Seven suites is available. Because you deserve it.

Bliss at W Dallas Victory hotel.

Photo courtesy of Bliss

Bliss at W Dallas Victory hotel.