In a world where well-being is paramount, these 9 extraordinary destination spas are poised to redefine relaxation and wellness. Set in some of the most breath-taking corners of the globe and offering a harmonious blend of stunning natural landscapes and invigorating therapies, these destinations are the ultimate escape for those seeking a holistic rejuvenation.
1. WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI: AN IDYLLIC ISLAND-INSPIRED WELLNESS SANCTUARY
Nestled on the pristine shores of the Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an idyllic sanctuary dedicated to offering its guests with unparalleled levels of privacy and personalised services. For those looking for a rejuvenating escape, the property’s award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa offers an array of remarkable well-being experiences for both couples and families alike.
The calming ambience of the spa invites guests to indulge in a range of restorative treatments surrounded by the tranquillity of six tropical gardens and four overwater villas. Offering a dedicated wellness concierge; the first of its kind in the Maldives and a unique consultation process, guests can melt into the blissful serenity of specialised treatments that are inspired from the natural elements of earth, water, fire, and metal. A range of signature treatments include the ‘Salt of the Earth’ or ‘Fire of the Sun’, which encompass ancient healing powers of salt stones and lava rocks wrapped in leaves to energise the body and illuminate the skin.
For those looking for an all-rounded experience, The Aqua Wellness Centre at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi elevates the luxury wellness experience available to guests, with expansive facilities stretching across 7,735 sqft. These facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, ice fountain, steam room and a lush sauna facing the botanical gardens of the Indian Ocean. To further benefit guests’ time at the resort, the leading wellness experts are available to offer holistic and highly customisable treatments using recreational medicine alongside private yoga and meditation sessions, fostering a renewed vitality that will accompany guests back to everyday life.
For more information, visit: https://waldorfastoriamaldives.com/wellness/
2. RECONNECT WITH NATURE AT VERDURA RESORT: THE IDEAL MEDITERRANEAN SPA RETREAT
Immersed in the serene Sicilian countryside, Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel, provides a range of unique and distinctive wellness experiences for its guests. The resort’s expansive spa is set amidst the picturesque palms, olive trees, and orange groves whose floral scent fills the air. Infused with the regenerative powers of nature and science, the Irene Forte Spa at the Verdura Resort includes a range of treatments and experiences that highlight the essence of Mediterranean wellness.
Set in a luxurious Italian setting, the innovative Irene Forte Skincare products and advanced technologies are designed to restore the body and soul. The nourishing Sicilian botanicals, harvested from Verdura’s own organic farm, enrich its proprietary skincare products. This is complemented by innovative, technological know-how that’s integrated into the selection of facials and relaxing body treatments, which are carried out by an expert team of specialists.
Some of the signature facials include the ‘Etna Age-Defying Facial,’ which integrates hot and cold volcanic stones from Mount Etna with a triple facial massage technique to rebalance, revitalise and defy aging; and the ‘Sicilian Earth & Sea Toning Treatment,’ a luxurious full body toning treatment that starts with the Trapani Sea Salt body scrub and is followed by a nutrient-rich algae and clay mud wrap to extract impurities. Technology-based treatments include the ‘Rigenerante Zemits Facial,’ which is designed to lift and plump the skin using oxygen, microcurrent and LED. Guests can also opt for the ‘Endosphères’, a non-invasive treatment for body contouring, muscle toning, lymphatic drainage, and pain relief. Together, Rocco Forte Wellness and the Irene Forte Spa provide the perfect framework for an enhanced journey for guests that embodies comprehensive and sustainable physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
For more information, visit: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort/irene-forte-spa/
3. THE PENINSULA NEW YORK SPA: A HAVEN IN THE HEART OF MANHATTAN
High above the bustle of Midtown Manhattan, discover the serenity, luxury, and refinement of the award-winning Peninsula Spa at The Peninsula New York. Guests are invited to experience spa treatments that are not only therapeutic but timeless and indulgent and offer an ideal retreat from the demands of the city.
Guests can indulge in ultimate relaxation with signature massages that reinvigorate the mind and body, some of which include ‘Escape from the City’; the perfect treatment to truly escape into an urban oasis. This signature treatment encompasses a 60-minute detoxifying body exfoliation session paired with an energising Himalayan salt scrub. Guests can also opt for the signature ‘Renew and Revive Journey’ which begins with a mineral-rich aromatic foot soak followed by a full-body exfoliation and the Blissful Marma Massage to release muscle tension and energise the body to induce better sleep.
As part of the property’s “Life Lived Best” program, an extensive collection of new wellness resources has been introduced on the 22nd floor, including a spacious private spa suite, relaxation lounges with individual music and lighting for each bed and an Asian-inspired tea lounge with 10 treatment rooms including a steam room and sauna. The absolute must-visit lies on the spa’s second floor, where a glass-enclosed swimming pool glistens and offers panoramic views of Midtown and Central Park.
For more information, visit: https://www.peninsula.com/en/new-york/wellness
4. INDULGE IN TIMELESS LUXURY AT CAVALIERI GRAND SPA CLUB IN THE ETERNAL CITY OF ROME
Situated amongst a green oasis, covering 15 acres of lush Mediterranean parklands, Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel overlooks the Eternal City of Rome, adorned with Aleppo pines, palms, and tranquil pools. This serene haven offers its guests unbeatable views of the Vatican and sets the stage for a remarkable wellness experience at its Cavalieri Grand Spa Club.
Signature treatments are designed using high-end formulas and innovative ingredients from the renowned Switzerland brand La Prairie. Cavalieri Grand Spa Club has also partnered with the luxury skincare brand, Natura Bissè to create two exclusive signature rituals developed to offer guests beauty and well-being in an exquisite setting. Skilled therapists are also on hand to ensure that the research of Natura Bissè laboratories and its products are combined to offer tailored treatments that aim at achieving concrete, immediate and lasting results.
Some of these treatments include the ‘The Kiss of Good Night Sleep’, which welcomes guests with a relaxing back massage to relieve tension, followed by a deeply cleansing facial focused on rebalancing all the nutrients and maintaining all-around youthfulness. In contrast, the ‘Mediterranean Journey’ celebrates the energy of citrus fruits and medicinal plants from the Mare Nostrum; recharging the entire body and eliminating damage caused by free radicals, and recharging it with Vitamin C and botanical essences.
For more information, visit: https://romecavalieri.com/cavalieri-grand-spa-club/
5. EXPERIENCE AKASHA HOLISTIC WELLBEING: WHERE EUROPEAN WELLNESS MEETS ELEMENTAL BLISS
With exceptional and inspiring wellness sanctuaries located across Europe at the Hotel Cafe Royal, Conservatorium and Hotel Lutetia; Akasha Holistic Wellbeing is the perfect urban retreat designed by The Set Collection Hotels. Derived from a Sanskrit word, its vision is to harmoniously unite the four basic elements; earth, water, fire, and air to provide a unique experience that assists guests in improving one’s overall health, happiness, and personal balance.
These four elements are sophistically blended within the serenity of the Akasha spa, where the implementation of the Earth element is represented through a lounge bar offering a selection of organic dishes and energising drinks. The Water element is reflected through the stunning facilities which include lap-style pools, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis which are enhanced by mood lighting, restorative sounds, and uplifting aromas. The spirit and energy of the Fire element is reflected by the spacious gym area. Lastly, the calming private studios are associated with Air and are dedicated to the disciplines of yoga, pilates and tai-chi; reinstating Akasha Holistic Wellbeing as the quintessential escape to commence or conclude one’s perfect day in the city.
The Set Collection also recently announced its exclusive partnership with the skincare brand, U Beauty creating a unique opportunity for guests to indulge in a level of pampering that transcends luxury. Among these experiences are the ‘U Beauty Precision Glow Facial’, providing a 48-hour hydration and combating signs of aging and the ‘U Beauty Siren Glow Facial’, enhancing circulation and delivering a radiant appearance using a proprietary SIREN Capsule Technology.
For more information, visit: https://www.thesetcollection.com/akasha
6. DREAM AWAY AT THE HÄSTENS’ SLEEP SPA IN PORTUGAL
Set in a city with over a thousand years of history, the quaint Portuguese city of Coimbra is perfectly located away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. With fifteen unique rooms either overlooking the Mondego River or the hotel’s private garden, The Hästens Sleep Spa is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique and one-of-a-kind immersive wellness experience.
Featuring the most luxury bed to ever be made, the rooms are inspired by the originality and literary richness of the Joanine Library, with its thousands of books and gold-adorned baroque furnishings, combining its classic charm with modern style, where the supremacy of sleep prevails on the world’s best bed.
One of the many activities’ guests can join is in ‘Bed Talks’, a conversation led by sleep expert Dr. Edie Perry, where various topics are discussed to help educate and guide guests for the ultimate sleep experience. The pillows are imperative at the Hastens Sleep Spa and come in five versions – soft high, medium high, firm high, medium extra high and firm extra high. These pillows are made of 100% cotton and filled with goose feathers. These remarkable pillows offer essential benefits, including optimal neck and spine support, improved breathing, enhanced relaxation, and overall, a significantly improved night’s sleep.
In addition to achieving the fullness of well-being through a quality night’s sleep, guests can experience what a good sleep routine can do with light sleeping, acoustic insulation, sleep recommendations and, of course, an inspirational environment where books can make one dream away.
For more information, visit: https://www.cbrboutiquehotel.com/en/hastens/
7. EMBRACE THE ESSENCE OF ARABIAN HEALING AT BAB AL SHAMS SPA & HAMMAM
Awaken the senses with a carefully crafted holistic spa and wellness journey at the newly unveiled Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam. Located within the tranquil golden sandscape of Dubai, an oasis of serenity that embodies a profound commitment to Arabian healing traditions and therapies that draw strength from the surrounding dunes.Encompassing over 18,000 square feet of resplendent space, this sanctuary thoughtfully caters to both men and women, ensuring privacy and discretion at every step. It boasts four multi-purpose single rooms, complemented by two VIP couple suites, steam and sauna rooms where body, mind, and spirit converge in perfect harmony.With sustainability at its core, Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam curates experiences that engage all the senses in collaboration with eco-conscious brands dedicated to organic, and sustainable products. Among these esteemed brands are De L’Arta, Bamford, Whind, and Maison d’Asa. The homegrown De L’Arta offers signature facial treatments that harness the power of UAE’s native reservoirs, rooted in meticulous research and development whereas Bamford, one of the UK’s foremost sustainable pioneers marking its Middle East debut, offers energy treatments and revitalising rituals. The ‘B Silent Massage’; is designed for restorative sleep and begins with a foot bath, followed by Shiatsu rocking and a therapeutic back massage using Bamford’s B silent body oil and concludes with a relaxing Indian head massage. Whereas for the Moroccan-inspired skincare brand, Whind, the spa unveiled two signature facial treatments that are a testament to self-care whilst unlocking the unique ‘Chemistry of Glow’.Complementing these timeless wellness offerings, Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam features avant-garde fitness facilities, a peaceful courtyard adorned with a tranquil plunge pool and expert-led classes which are enriched by mindfulness activities.
For more information, visit: https://www.babalshams.com/wellness/spa-hammam
8. EXPERIENCE ROYAL RELAXATION AT THE SPA & WELLNESS CLUB AT SHANGRI-LA JEDDAH
Perched on the picturesque shores where the Red Sea meets the city, The Spa & Wellness Club at Shangri-La Jeddah is the perfect spot for everyday celebration of wellness and health; with its cutting-edge health and wellness amenities alongside separate male and female gyms and fully dedicated private spas. In addition, women benefit from a VIP treatment suite with an in-room whirlpool bath, while men have access to a traditional Moroccan Hammam.
At The Spa at Shangri-La Jeddah, warmth and care are rooted in Asian traditions combined with wellness therapies and carefully selected high-end products. The distinguished Diamond Life Infusion line incorporates anti-ageing treatments from Natura Bissé to encourage inner balance and absolute relaxation and skin renewal. It is the ultimate urban spa escape where guests can opt for one of their indulgent 2.5 hour Signature Wellness Moments, like the ‘Royal Time-Out’ – A nutrient-rich ritual that includes an energising exfoliation, revitalising full body massage and an effective anti-oxidant facial designed to renew, stimulate the production of collagen and reduces inflammation.
Conversely, men have the option to pamper themselves with the ‘Hammam Ritual.’ This invigorating ritual begins using Charme d’Orient products, including the application of black soap to the body, followed by a thorough skin cleansing using a special Kassa, a full-body massage, application of a nourishing Rassoul body mask made up of white honey and royal Jelly and finishing it with a choice of musk, rose or jasmine oils to leave guests feeling fully cleansed and revitalised.
For more information, visit: https://www.shangri-la.com/en/landing/jeddah-wellness/
9. IMMERSE IN MINDFUL WELLNESS IN A TROPICAL PARADISE AT LUX* BELLE MARE, MAURITIUS
Settled on one of the most impressive coastlines in the Indian Ocean, near the quaint village of Belle Mare, LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius holds the secret to the art of wellbeing. Along its iconic picture-perfect beach, where waves lazily lap onto the shore, the LUX* Me Spa peeks out among lush foliage. Structured around the five guiding principles of earth, water, fire, air and space, treatments are dedicated to relaxation, stress relief, and detoxification. These principles underpin a selection of sixty spa treatments using homemade spa products, complemented by various alternative activities like personal coaching, suspension training, and aqua therapies, guided by their trained wellness concierge.
The spirit of island living permeates throughout the resort including the spa that offers red carpet glow-worthy facials as well as Intraceuticals Oxygen infusion treatments, therapeutic and unconventional massages using bamboo and herbal poultices and a coconut-themed ritual comprising their home-grown coconuts. The fruit known for its many health benefits, the ‘Coconut Body Ritual’ starts with a cooling glass of electrolyte-rich coconut water, followed by a body scrub and massage using warm coconut balm and deep strokes. This treatment ends with an herbal infusion and a traditional coconut biscuit called ‘Gato Koko’.
The resort’s private Niyama Studio offers a variety of sessions that include Pilates training while Niyama Garden offers sunrise yoga, aerial fitness, and meditation classes. Conversely, the cutting-edge cardio and Kinesis weight training equipment at the fitness centre features Technogym’s newest modular functional strength system – Universe – a first in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Guests can take advantage of LUX* Belle Mare’s ‘Wellness Immersion Programme’ to curate and design an extraordinary experience ranging from 3, 5 to 7 days at this tropical paradise.
For more information, visit: https://www.luxresorts.com/en/mauritius/hotel/luxbellemare