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27 Of The World’s Most Luxurious Destination Spas For Your Bucket List
Fly and flop
By | 3 months ago
Need to get away from it all? These luxurious destination spas are the best in the world – and whether you book for two days or two weeks, you’ll be sure to emerge revitalised, reenergised and renewed.
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Incredible Destination Spas
Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort – Cyprus
Fly and flop at Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, a new hotel (having opened in summer 2022) with 202 rooms and suites, many with private infinity pools, and a range of plush private villas. You don’t need to travel far for guaranteed sun: a healthy dose of Vitamin D is pretty much guaranteed in Paphos, with average spring temperatures sitting at 23°C. Enjoy it best on the sundeck beside the Thalassa Olympic outdoor pool or in the 130 metre beach cove, after a long day of relaxation at the exceptional 2,585m2 Cleopatra Spa (named for the famed Egyptian Queen who was once gifted the island of Cyprus). Think Valmont and Cinq Mondes products smoothed onto skin in one of eight treatment rooms. Plus there’s a spacious indoor pool and cold plunge pools, thermal saunas, steam rooms, aromatherapy experience showers, and signature Rasul mud treatment chambers to enjoy.
The Retreat At The Blue Lagoon – Iceland
Welcome to an other-worldly spa experience. This 4000sq-m spa is at the heart of the The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon hotel, connecting the hotel to the public lagoon. As well as a private lagoon (complete with swim-up direct access to the bar), the spa includes access to the Blue Lagoon Ritual, a three-step face and body routine utilising the silica, algae and mineral elements of the lagoon in a nourishing, revitalising treatment. There are also multiple relaxation areas, steam, ice pool and sauna facilities for a day of total indulgence.
Read our full review of The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon Hotel
Coral Reef Club – Barbados
It doesn’t get much more idyllic than the Coral Reef Club in Barbados, a family-owned, tropical retreat on the island’s west coast. Lush gardens bedecked in mahogany trees and palms sweep through the hotel grounds to a white sandy beach, with all bedrooms featuring a patio or balcony overlooking the greenery, pool or beach. Within this paradise you’ll find an excellent spa, set within the natural landscape with vegetation and waterfalls weaving through. There’s a Hydro pool, a thermal suite complete with a crystal steam room and experience shower, plus four treatment rooms – each with its own private foot ritual patio and garden. Skilled therapists offer everything from facials to wraps and scrubs, with the Muscle Melt massage a definite highlight. Afterwards, float to one of the shaded cabanas for some post-treatment R&R.
Hacienda Altagarcia – Costa Rica
Tucked into the foothills of Costa Rica’s Talamanca mountains, Hacienda Altagracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, is billed as a one-of- a-kind culinary, wellness and adventure experience. The Well is the escape’s dedicated wellness destination. Here, your journey begins in the vitality pools and aromatherapy steam rooms, before journeying on to treatments inspired by both ancient tradition and scientific innovation. The signature immersive ‘River Bath’ experience begins with a guided meditation, followed by a herbal bath and detoxifying riverside massage.
Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa – French Polynesia
Heaven is a place on earth – and we’ve found it. Escape to Bora Bora for the ultimate in relaxation, surrounded by the paradisiacal golden sands, turquoise lagoons and emerald mountains of this Polynesian island. If you can tear yourself away from your overwater bungalow, head to the Deep Ocean Spa for seawater therapies in villas with glass floors, so you can watch the fish swimming beneath you as you sink into pure bliss. The treatments on offer, such as hydro-massage baths and pearl rain massages, make use of key nutrients extracted from deep-sea waters, and there’s also massages and beauty treatments with Tahitian oils.
Hotel Palace Merano – Italy
An ochre-fronted Italian mansion that first opened its doors in 1906, hotel Palace Merano has been welcoming guests in search of respite and relaxation for over 100 years. Here, health is the real luxury and the hotel has dedicated 6,000 sq/m of space to its bespoke Revital Method, comprising treatment rooms, diagnostic tools and a spa. The hotel’s new Detox for Longevity programme is a must-try, for an overall improvement of physical and mental health, tackling everything from digestive difficulties to skin diseases and muscle, bone, cardiovascular and diabetes-related complaints.
Royal Mansour Marrakech – Morocco
Sheltered by the city’s walls and overlooked by the towering Atlas Mountains, the incomparable Royal Mansour Marrakech contains 53 charming private riads, plus a brand-new wellness concept featuring four all-inclusive programmes. Choose between Rebalance, Weight Control, Rejuvenation and Immunity Boost retreats, all of which come with consultations with the nutritionist and wellness advisor, personalised food menus, unlimited access to the spa and a bespoke programme to continue the positive work at home.
Zaborin Ryokan – Hokkaido, Japan
A ryokan is a Japanese inn offering tatami-matted rooms, classic hospitality and, often, baths fed by hot springs. The team behind Zaborin, nestled in a birch forest in the Hanazono woods of Hokkaido, have taken this traditional model and elevated it to new heights, with 15 luxurious villas and private hot spring baths. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a tea master expertly preparing a cup of matcha for you, and throughout your stay you’ll benefit from the soft volcanic mineral waters of the baths, the tranquillity of the surrounding forest and exquisite Japanese cuisine.
Two Bunch Palms – Desert Hot Springs, California, USA
Surrounded by vast desert and endless blue sky, Two Bunch Palms is a true oasis. Perched on the edge of the vast swathe of Joshua Tree National Park, the spa offers natural hot mineral pools in which to soak, as well as nine treatment rooms offering a range of massages and facials. Once you’ve basked in the pools, head for an al fresco yoga class or try a crafty workshop in everything from natural indigo dyeing to hand-thrown ceramics. Refuel in The Restaurant, which offers seasonal, So-Cal inspired foods, or in Twine, serving mezze platters and a wide selection of wines.
Tschuggen Grand Hotel – Arosa, Switzerland
There’s nothing like a dose of crisp alpine air to blast away the cobwebs and reset mind, body and soul. The Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s new Moving Mountains guest experience programme with its immune-system boosting treatments are great place to start. Based out of the hotel’s inimitable Bergoase spa – built into the mountain itself by starchitect Mario Botta – it features the Immune Recovery Body Ritual, a full body massage starting with inhaling steam infused with salt to clear the respiratory system. Hiking, al-fresco yoga and meditation sessions will help you leave feeling your best self.
L’Albereta – Italy
Surrounded by rolling hills, emerald forests and vineyards heavy with fruit, L’Albereta will have you enchanted at first glance. A handsome, 57-room Italian chateau located just a few kilometres from Lake Iseo, L’Albereta hosts one of only two Espace Chenot spas in Italy. It offers the exclusive Chenot Method: energising treatments combined with a delicious healthy Bio-Light diet (wherein ingredients are prepared in a way that retains their nutritional benefits), hydro-aromatherapies, phyto-mud therapies and hydro-jet treatments. You’ll arrive overstretched and under cared for, and leave feeling like a brand new you.
Sani Resort – Greece
In a pine-scented cove overlooking the Aegean Sea is Sani Resort, a 1,000-acre eco-reserve with 7km of sandy beaches. There are five luxury hotels to choose from, each with its own Anne Semonin spa to enjoy. Inspired by the power of nature that surrounds you at Sani Resort, the spa menus include anti-ageing, hydrating, brightening and firming treatments, all using Anne Semonin’s skincare products. Afterwards, take part in a yoga class on the beach, caressed by the soft sea air, or do some forest bathing – there are over 20km of lush wooded trails to explore here.
Santo Pure Oia Suites and Villas – Santorini, Greece
Surrounded by sweeping azure waters, the northwest Santorini location of Santo Pure Oia Suites and Villas was made to enrich the mind, body and soul. Wellness runs in Santo Maris’ veins, and its Anassa Spa is inspired by ancient Greek rituals – with a programme of muscle-melting massages, private yoga sessions and coterie of highly skilled therapists on hand to swiftly see to every stress and muscle niggle. Once fully rejuvenated and recharged, feast the senses on dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients at Alios Ilios sunset restaurant, overlooking awe-inspiring vistas of the Aegean Sea.
Kisawa Sanctuary – Mozambique
Leave your troubles at the door and reconnect with your inner rhythm at Kisawa, a nature sanctuary set out across 300 hectares on the southern tip of Benguerra Island. At its heart is the Natural Wellness Centre, rooted in the four natural elements (earth, water, wind and fire) with a special focus given to Ayurvedic treatments. A menu of massages, cleanses and energy healing Reiki and meditation revitalises the body and soul from top to toe. You’ll sleep peacefully, too, aided by the serenity of Kisawa’s impeccably conserved natural surroundings and wildlife.
CASA CHABLÉ – Tulum, Mexico
A glowing sense of wellbeing should go hand-in-hand with a glowing conscience – so while you’re recharging your batteries on the Yucutan peninsula, rest easy in the knowledge that its surrounding biosphere is taken care of. The philosophy here is: surroundings plus emotional and physical wellbeing equals wellness. So, on top of restorative massage therapies and facials using local ingredients, expect to find yourself nourishing the soul with yoga on the beach and snorkelling in the jewel- like reefs. A programme of slow beauty, gentle immersion in Casa Chablé’s healing surroundings and wellbeing-focused activities will ensure you step back on the plane feeling renewed.
Vila Vita Parc – The Algarve, Portugal
The state-of-the-art Sisley Spa is a newcomer to the prestigious Vila Vita Parc hotel in the Algarve – and the perfect refuge after the rigmarole of party season. Treatments take place in rooms inspired by sea caves and natural stone with calming oceanic hues. Led by the latest science balanced with essential oils selected for their biological properties, expect to indulge in cutting-edge Sisley treatments – such as the Phyto-Aromatic facial and body treatment. Supercharge your treatment afterwards with a session of aerial yoga or chakra meditation bathed in natural light in the fitness studio, overlooking Vila Vita’s luscious gardens.
Vana – Uttarakhand, India
Taking its name from Sanskrit, meaning ‘forest’, Vana is perched between the forest dense with sal trees and the hills of Mussoorie in the far north of India. Tailored to those frazzled by the challenges of the modern world, expect an offering of Ayurveda healing, alongside traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan healing, known as Sowa Rigpa. Shaded by a grove of mango trees, you can explore the extensive grounds that are peppered with spots for yoga and meditation. Enjoy on-site nutritionists, visiting monks and re-energise with a Sufi singing lesson.
Lanserhof Sylt – Germany
Tipped as Europe’s most expensive new resort (the development costing ¤120m), the hype for what’s dubbed the ‘Hamptons of Germany’ has reached fever pitch. This is the first coastal resort by innovative health giant Lanserhof, which is opening this spring. The improvement of guests’ health is taken seriously here with the project overseen by Dr Jan Stritzke, a specialist in cardiological rehabilitation for acute and chronic illnesses. Expect aesthetically striking architecture of continuous glass facades and spiralling staircases matched with pretty thatched roofs.
Forestis – Italy
Sceptical of flimsy, over-hyped wellness trends? Forestis may change your mind with wellness seekers flocking to its sanctuary for over 100 years. Take in that clean, crisp air high above the clouds in the Dolomite Mountains of northeastern Italy. It’s all centred around the healing potential of the forest: expect guided hikes, tree-inspired treatments and healthy dishes sourced directly from the surrounding woodlands and local farmers. Earthy rejuvenation is matched with luxurious cutting-edge treatments at the spa, which also includes a gym, swimming pools and saunas.
FORESTIS, South Tyrol: A Dreamy Dolomites Retreat Rooted In Nature
Hotel Crillon Le Brave – Provence, France
In this Provençal village hotel, guests are encouraged to switch off and enjoy a slower pace of life. The hotel’s Spa des Ecuries, housed in vaulted stone stables from the 18th century, has three treatment rooms and offers a gentle but effective approach to relaxation. Products used during treatments contain active ingredients of organic plant extracts and essential oils, and personalised programmes are available on request. Guests can take their pick of sports preparation and recovery, yoga, meditation, slimming and detoxing, anti-stress cures and mum-to-be treatments.
Shou Sugi Ban House – New York, USA
A wabi-sabi-inspired wellness retreat and destination spa in New York, the chicly understated Shou Sugi Ban House is home to 13 guest studios where guests can enjoy Kobe-style beds, a fireplace, private terrace and soaking tub. The spa roots itself in the natural world, drawing from the inherent wisdom and curative properties of the ocean, local pine forests, wild flora and indigenous herbs. Guests are encouraged to reconnect with the world around them, with therapy treatments designed to create an individual space for exploration, transformation and harmony through body and mind.
Iniala Harbour House – Malta
Launched in September 2021, Iniala Harbour House’s new spa is an oasis of calm and wellbeing within the ancient stone city of Valletta. The Essensi Spa boasts architecture that combines the building’s historic vaults with modern design. Spa facilities include double and single treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, relaxation area, and a luxurious heated pool surrounded by contemporary Maltese art. There are over 80 treatments to choose from, with techniques from all over the world, from Europe to Asia. A true slice of comfort in the middle of the Mediterranean.
Cayo Resort – Crete, Greece
Perched on a steep hill on the northern coast of Crete you’ll find one of the island’s most peaceful pockets, Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa. From its prime cliffside position, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the glittering Aegean, plus the historic Spinalonga islet, a former leper colony and the subject of Victoria Hislop’s acclaimed novel The Island. A theme of total relaxation permeates throughout the resort, culminating in a beautifully designed spa complete with a candlelit pool, steam room and sauna. A wide range of treatments are available here, from classic massages to mud masks to longer wellness rituals inspired by Greek mythology.
Matild Palace – Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, HungaryFor a taste of royalty, book a stay at Matild Palace, recently opened in Budapest following a five-year transformation. The 120-year-old palace and UNESCO site is now an opulent Luxury Collection hotel, featuring 130 guest rooms and suites converted from the apartments where monarchy once dwelled. It’s also home to The Swan Spa, which combines traditional Hungarian wellness practices with Turkish-inspired bathing experiences, with thermal treatments designed to refresh and energise. Superchef Wolfgang Puck, meanwhile, brings a taste of California glam to the city with a new outpost of his restaurant Spago.
Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas – Greece
Steer clear of Greece’s tourist hotspots and go off-piste to Aristi Mountain Resort, a series of lodges surrounded by the wilderness of the Northern Pindos National Park. The treatments here are Mediterranean-inspired, with products infused with Greek oils and herbs. There’s both an indoor and an outdoor pool, boasting mountain views, alongside a hammam, hot tub and sauna. After a day of blissful relaxation, float to on-site restaurant Salvia, which serves traditional Epirotic cuisine made using produce from the organic garden, before resting your head in one of the recently built villas.
Windjammer Landing – St Lucia
Spread across 60 acres of lush tropical landscape in St Lucia, Windjammer Landing is a picture-perfect slice of the Caribbean suited to families and couples alike. The all-inclusive hillside resort has all the amenities you could need, from restaurants and bars to water sports facilities and tennis courts. Wellness enthusiasts will be particularly impressed by the 5,000 sq/ft spa, which overlooks Labrelotte Bay and features a Japanese soaker tub, juice bar, herb garden and hair salon, plus numerous treatment rooms offering everything frombody wraps to acupressure facials.
Le Val Thorens – France
Dating back to the 1970s, Le Val Thorens was one of the ski resort’s very first hotels. In December 2021 it reopened after a big revamp, holding onto its 70s spirit but with some shiny new facilities added. After a day on the slopes, recuperate at the updated spa, which features a sauna, swimming pool and hammam alongside a selection of treatments, many specifically created for skiing, such as a massage designed to combat the effects of high altitude. New life has also been breathed into the bedrooms, which are designed for ultimate cosiness, with balconies offering spectacular 360-degree views of the region.
Elevate Your Journey With Priority Pass
Flying there? Start your journey on a high by booking into an airport lounge – the perfect peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of an airport with an added edge of luxury. The best way to make the most of airport lounges is with a Priority Pass membership, a one-of-a-kind global network offering members access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide for as little as £69 per year. Better still, Country & Town House readers can get an exclusive 20 percent off Standard memberships and 15 percent off Standard Plus when you purchase your membership using this link. Enjoy!
