In a world that moves fast, taking time to slow down, reconnect, and care for yourself—or someone you love—is one of the most profound expressions of self-love there is. Nestled just outside of Yosemite at the National Park’s south entrance in Fish Camp, Ascent—The Spa at Tenaya Lodge—offers just that: a serene escape where self-love and shared experiences are elevated to an art form. Set within the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada’s towering pines and granite peaks, the Ascent Spa is a refuge of tranquility after a day of adventure or exploration. Here, romance and rejuvenation intertwine with a full menu of treatments, expert therapists, and amenities designed to nourish both body and spirit.

Wellness that Begins with You

Self-love isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. At Ascent Spa, that philosophy is woven into every detail. From the moment you step into the elegant relaxation lounge to your final sip of organically infused water, the experience invites full presence and deep rest. With 12 treatment rooms offering massages, facials, and body therapies, guests can choose experiences tailored to personal renewal.

Highlights include custom massages that lull you into bliss and advanced facials that leave skin radiant and refreshed. The spa also features steam rooms and saunas, where tension melts away and your senses reset. These communal spaces create quiet moments of mindfulness that extend the benefits of your treatment long after you leave the table.

For those looking to boost their overall well-being, treatment enhancements—such as aromatherapy or a peppermint scalp massage—can be added to any session, delivering a personalized touch that encourages deep relaxation and restoration.

A Shared Journey: Couple’s Retreats

Love is best when experienced together, and Ascent Spa honors that truth with dedication. More than just a place for rejuvenation, it’s an opportunity to connect through calm and comfort, making it an ideal couples’ activity—no matter the occasion or time of year.

Couples relaxing side by side in duo treatment rooms, paired massages, or coordinated facials create shared memories that extend beyond the itinerary. The spa’s Couples Relaxation and Couples Immune Boost massages are signature options for those who want to celebrate connection through intentional care.

Picture unwinding with your partner in a steam room before your treatment begins, sharing golden moments of stillness in the relaxation lounge afterward, or choosing matching restorative therapies that reset both body and mind. These shared experiences are ideal for anniversaries, romantic getaways, or simply carving out time to say “I love you” without words.

Nature as Part of the Experience

What truly sets Ascent Spa apart is its seamless integration with its surroundings. Inspired by the natural beauty of Yosemite, many treatments reflect the region’s bounty—using organic products and seasonal influences that echo the forest, mountains, and sky beyond. After a treatment, you can wander the spa’s boutique to browse locally inspired skincare and wellness items, perfect for continuing your self-care ritual at home or gifting to someone special.

Complete Care, Inside & Out

Ascent Spa doesn’t stop at relaxation. Within the spa doors, guests can also access a complete fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, complemented by sauna and steam amenities to support a full wellness cycle—energize, unwind, restore. For many couples and solo travelers, this blend of active care and soothing repose becomes the cornerstone of a meaningful escape—one that invites reflection, connection, and intentional renewal.

A Retreat Worth Planning For

Whether you’re seeking a moment of personal peace or a shared sanctuary with someone you care about, Ascent Spa elevates the experience of love in all its forms. It encourages us to cherish the body we inhabit, the bonds we hold close, and the beauty of slowing down together.

This year, let Valentine’s be more than a date on the calendar—let it be a shared journey toward wellness, presence, and connection under Yosemite’s vast sky. Ascent Spa at Tenaya at Yosemite is not just a destination—it’s a reminder that the most profound love stories begin with care, intention, and the courage to nurture both yourself and each other.

Best Treatments for Two at Ascent Spa

Couples Immune Boost Massage
A restorative, side-by-side massage designed to support circulation, relaxation, and overall wellness—perfect for couples seeking balance and renewal together.

Couples Relaxation Massage
Unwind in tandem with this calming full-body massage that melts tension and encourages deep connection through shared stillness.

Custom Couple’s Experience
Tailor your time together by pairing massages or facials that suit each partner’s individual needs—proof that intimacy and personalization can coexist beautifully.

Steam, Sauna & Lounge Time
Arrive early or linger after your treatments to enjoy the steam rooms, saunas, and tranquil relaxation areas—where quiet moments together become part of the ritual.

Finish with Fitness or Forest Air
Extend your wellness date with a visit to the fitness center or a peaceful stroll on the surrounding grounds, letting Yosemite’s natural beauty seal the experience.

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photos courtesy of Tenaya at Yosemite