The Pumpkin Massage Craze: Autumn’s Coziest Wellness Secret
It begins every year around the same time—the air turns crisp, coffee cups turn orange, and somewhere, a spa receptionist flips a sign that reads, “Pumpkin Spice Massage Now Available.” What started as a cheeky seasonal promotion has turned into a full-blown autumn ritual. Across the country, wellness seekers are booking treatments inspired by their favorite fall scent, discovering that pumpkins aren’t just for lattes or pies—they’re surprisingly good for your skin, too.
Where can you get a pumpkin massage treatment?
At The Spa at The Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania, the air smells faintly of cinnamon and cloves as therapists drizzle warmed pumpkin seed oil over clients’ shoulders for their specialty pumpkin massage treatment. The 50-minute “Pumpkin Spice Massage” combines traditional Swedish techniques with an aromatic blend of nutmeg, ginger, and clove, designed to awaken the senses while hydrating the skin. “It’s comfort food for the soul,” one therapist says with a laugh. “People come in stressed, and they leave smelling like pie and smiling like kids.”
Further west, at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa in Arizona, the desert meets harvest season with a twist. Their “Pumpkin Massage Enzyme Renewal” begins with a light exfoliation using an organic pumpkin and sugar blend, followed by a deep, rhythmic massage that melts tension while infusing antioxidants. The treatment ends with a warm towel compress and a cup of spiced chai—a gentle reminder that fall’s magic isn’t just visual; it’s tactile.
In New England, the “pumpkin wellness wave” takes on a rustic charm. At Cliff House Maine, perched above the rocky Atlantic, guests can book a “Pumpkin Soufflé Body Wrap,” where the body is coated in a whipped puree of pumpkin, honey, and yogurt before being wrapped in a cozy cocoon of blankets. The enzymes work quietly to dissolve dull skin cells, while the warmth encourages full-body relaxation. It’s the coastal version of curling up by a fire—with more glow and less sugar.
Meanwhile, urban spas are also embracing the trend. In Los Angeles, Burke Williams Spa offers a limited-time “Pumpkin Spice Aromatherapy Massage” that blends essential oils of cardamom and vanilla bean. In Chicago’s Allyu Spa, clients receive a “Pumpkin Glow Experience,” combining a massage with a pumpkin enzyme foot treatment. Even smaller boutique spas and wellness studios are getting creative—pairing massages with pumpkin facials, scrubs, and even “pumpkin latte” foot soaks.
For those seeking out these pumpkin massage seasonal indulgences, the best time to book is between September and early November, when spas roll out their autumn menus. Look for keywords like “pumpkin spice,” “harvest,” or “fall renewal” on spa websites or social pages. Many resorts in mountain, wine country, or leaf-peeping destinations—like Vermont, Colorado, or Northern California—offer these experiences as part of fall getaway packages.
As trends go, the pumpkin massage is part luxury, part nostalgia, and part genuine skincare. The oils and enzymes from pumpkin contain vitamins A, C, and E, helping hydrate and brighten skin while the scent soothes the mind. In other words, it’s a sensory shortcut to everything we love about fall.
Did You Know?
Pumpkins have been used in beauty and healing rituals for centuries. Ancient Native American communities boiled pumpkin flesh to create soothing poultices for the skin. In the 17th century, European women applied mashed pumpkin as a natural facial mask for brightness and softness. In modern aromatherapy, pumpkin seed oil is prized for its rich antioxidants and omega fatty acids that help repair skin and reduce inflammation. From harvest fields to high-end spas, the humble pumpkin has long been nature’s secret skincare ingredient—ultimate proof that true beauty really can come from the patch.
