Tighter security and increased flight delays mean frequent travelers need pre- and post-flight pampering more than ever. Happily, airport spas with swank facilities and extensive treatments are cropping up around the globe. With 30 locations in 16 airports in the United States and Mexico, the basic, cheerful XpresSpa is the most convenient and has 16 additional spas opening this year (xpresspa.com; ten-minute foot massage, $20). Other spas are high-tech: ECHO2 Pure Natural Oxygen facials, great for parched skin, are available at all four Absolute Spas at the Vancouver Airport (absolutespa.com; 15-minute treatments from $55). Got a layover at Heathrow? Nap in tony London-based Urban Retreat's new energy pods (urbanretreat.co.uk; 20 minutes, $19); pop into the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse's Cowshed Spa and Bumble & Bumble salon (non–ticket holders pay a $120 entrance fee that includes one treatment), or, if you're a British Airways ticket holder, hit one of two new Elemis Spas, where massage chairs lull you during facials or massages (15 minutes, free).

Tea is the new relaxation tool. While the beverage is energizing, it has a gentle amino acid, L-theanine, which induces a natural high by releasing calming glutamic acid in the brain. At Las Vegas's Qua Spa at Caesars Palace, a tea sommelier has matched 12 teas to treatments, such as a collagen-boosting white tea served during facials. In February, Montage Spa, in Laguna Beach, California, debuted an organic loose-leaf blend specially mixed for its spa lounges by Bamboo Tea Company. At Enchantment Resort & Mii Amo Spa, in Sedona, and California's Spa at Ojai Valley Inn and Resort, shops report strong sales of White Lion Tea sachets.

Flashing lights and electronics sound more circuslike than soothing, but now cutting-edge spa treatments use them to make clients look and feel better. At Mezzanine Spa, in Manhattan, the NXTlynk ("Nextlink") coaching system has spa-goers donning headphones and mirrored sunglasses, lying back, and closing their eyes while lights pulse in front of them. Optic nerves are both stimulated and soothed, while a pre-recorded voice prods users to lessen nervous tension, quit smoking, speed surgical recovery, master golf—more than a dozen topics. Management consultant Wendy Bosalavage listened to a 20-minute weight loss recording for four months and lost eight pounds. "I was very skeptical, since I've tried a lot of alternative therapies, but this is the real deal," she says. "My daughter uses it now for de-stressing." And at spas like Skin Renewal Systems, in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Revitalight machines bathe hands in red, blue, and amber LEDs to reduce redness, increase blood flow, and diminish wrinkles by promoting collagen production.

Historic Americana is inspiring spa rituals: In Virginia, the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg debuted last spring with treatments from the 1700s, such as the Root and Herbal Spa Experience (herbs are put on the skin to clarify and invigorate). The Linden Spa at the Inn at Perry Cabin, in St. Michael's, Maryland, taps into the benefits of regional herbs like bayberry root, black birch, and linden flower. And Bedford, Pennsylvania, has been luring wellness seekers since the 1880s with its natural springs, reputed to cure indigestion, osteoporosis, and more. Now, the Bedford Springs Resort offers the Herbal Body Cure, in which warm herb-infused linens are wrapped on the torso and limbs to draw out internal toxins.

High fashion breaks into a sweat with the new sport collection from Celine. The venerable 60-year-old French brand, lately known for its classic yet sexy daywear, just introduced Celine Tai Chi, a capsule collection of shorts, loose trousers, and other workout togs (212-486-9700; $520).