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best travel destinations in the states for beauty lovers

I don’t know about you, but when I think about traveling, one of the first things that comes to mind is grabbing my passport and heading overseas. In doing so, however, I’m overlooking one very important place. Yup, the US-of-A. And I’m not just thinking about food and scenery when I say that. Nope, it turns out that the United States is actually home to some pretty rad beauty destinations, too. So, to save us all (myself included) from overlooking everything America has to offer (and from booking a flight that costs thousands of dollars that could be better spent at the salon or spa),ahead you’ll find four beauty-centric getaways that will make you glad you stayed stateside.

Austin, Texas

While Austin might not be the most obvious beauty pick, it happens to be home to one of the best spas in the country. Lake Austin Spa Resort is centered on 19 acres of land in Texas Hill Country, making it a cozy retreat for those looking to escape busy city life and avoid tropical destinations. The world-class spa offers over 100 à la carte spa treatments and services, so it’s safe to say you’ll have plenty to choose from. And, when you find yourself getting a tad stir crazy, there’s always the option to head downtown. There, you’ll find natural beauty brand W3LL PEOPLE’s Studio where you can learn new makeup techniques, the Elevé Cosmetics flagship that doubles as a super-Instagrammable champagne bar complete with the cutest neon signs, and Cotone Clothing + Beauty Bar where you can pick up a new fit to head out on the town, as well as new makeup to pair with your favorite amika hair goodies. Crimped hair courtesy of the amika High Tide Deep Waver, anyone? Afterall, it is vacay.

Images via @lakeaustinspa

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

More of a beach babe? Look no further than Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island. There, you’ll find Arum Spa, which offers massages, full body treatments, facials, natural nail services, and waxing from head to toe. And, with views of the tranquil Atlantic Ocean, you’ll feel every bit relaxed as you embark on the beauty journey of your choice. Once you get out of your massage (or whichever other treatment fits your fancy), tour around the town to get spruced up for a night out. Four-star salon All About Me (which is located just a short Uber’s ride away from the resort) will help your score the amika-approved braids of your vacay dreams. To ensure your beachy plaits stay put, bring a jar of amika Got Grit Dry Texture Paste with you and ask your stylist to work it into your mane for added texture and less frizz.

Images via @sonestahhi

Monterey, California

Hoping to fulfill your Big Little Lies fantasy and become one of the Monterey Five? While they’re totally fictional, the awe-inspiring Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa is 100% real. Perched on stilts above the crashing waves of the Pacific, this contemporary resort comes complete with a rooftop spa with a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings. There, you can enjoy massages, facials, body wraps, and a slew of signature treatments you’ll have to see (and try) to believe. And, if you find your hair looks messy AF post-heavenly treatment, fret not. There’s a Sephora down the road where you can pick up the TSA-friendly amika Not So Basic Travel Set, which will keep your mane looking gorgeous on-the-go.

Images via @montereyplaza

Sedona, Arizona

If you’re just as much a nature lover as you are a beauty connoisseur, you’ll fall in love with Mii Amo in Sedona. Nestled amongst the red rock spires of Boynton Canyon, you’ll find refuge from the everyday as you explore Native American-inspired therapies, massages, and specialty treatments that will replenish both body and mind. The only thing is, apart from the spa, you’re looking at miles and miles of good ol’ fashioned nature trails and scenic overlooks. So, if you plan on hoofing it through your vacay, just be sure to pack the amika 001 Hair Fragrance in your fanny pack to keep your strands smelling fresh as you sweat your way through a b-e-a-utiful adventure.

Images via @mii_amo_spa

Thinking about booking a beauty-centric getaway? Tell us where you’re traveling to @amika.

By Rebecca Norris, The Strand Contributor

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