Seven Best Spas Around the World by Jill Starley-Grainger
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There are now thousands of day spas, resort spas, health spas and luxury spas around the world - not to mention all the specialist spas. So how on earth can you choose where to spa? This list, although hardly definitive, is my pick of the best spas around the world right now.
1. SHA Wellness Clinic, Alicante
Purify your insides while pampering your outsides at the SHA Wellness Clinic. Europe’s first macrobiotic spa is as luxurious as it is virtuous. Winner of Best Medical, Thermal & Natural Spa’ at the 2010 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Spa Awards, this serene spa has a flotarium and oxygen bar in addition to the saunas, steam rooms and swimming pools, all surrounded by a Zen garden. Truly exceptional therapies in a blissful setting with deliciously healthy gourmet food.
Don’t miss the De-contracting Massage to zap those shoulder knots and tense back muscles.
2. The Dorchester Spa, London
Londoners in the know flock to the beautiful Art Deco spa at The Dorchester for youth-renewing facials and body treatments. A glamorous boutique spa with nine treatment rooms (two of which are for couples), this is the place to go for a sure-fire beauty boost rather than a full day of spa lounging as there are no thermal facilities. The bijou Spatisserie is an adorable place to meet a girlfriend for lunch or an afternoon cake, while the men can get a shave and a haircut at the barber shop after their treatment. The feel is very Golden Age movie star glam – and you’ll come out of your treatment looking every inch the A-lister.
Don’t miss the Carol Joy London Flawless Facial, which uses diamond dust to give a five-star glow.
Also see our entire listings of luxury hotels in London.
3. Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
Horse-lovers are hot-to-trot for Lucknam Park hotel and spa, a classic English country house near the beautiful city of Bath, just 90 minutes from London. Riders of all – or no – abilities can get a workout in the mornings on a hack through the 500 acre estate, taking dressage lessons or cantering through the quaint local villages. Recuperate in the afternoons with treatments in the newly revamped spa set inside the house’s walled gardens.
Don’t miss the Anne Semonin Herbal Pumice Oil Body Experience and the Soothing Remedy Facial. These will get the kinks out of muscles and calm skin that’s been exposed to the elements – perfect post-horse pampering.
4. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
With its centuries-long spa history and passion for cutting-edge technology, it’s no surprise Japan is a spa trendsetter. And Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is the place to discover the future, with its oxygenating therapies and innovative massage techniques. Thanks to the spa’s position on the hotel’s 36th floor, guests get unbeatable views of the city’s high-rise skyline in the sauna and by the vitality pool.
Don’t miss the Kiatsu massage, a new variant of shiatsu using the whole hand rather than just thumbs – gentler, but more effective.
5. Capri Palace Hotel and Spa, Anacapri, Italy
If you want to look svelte without breaking a sweat, Italy’s Capri Palace Hotel and Spa is the place for you. Its leg school is visited by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Liz Hurley and Julia Roberts to get their pegs in shape for the camera. Using medicated mud, bandages and Kneipp vascular treatment, a week on the programme reduces the appearance of cellulite and measurably trims the legs. Those who want to shed a few pounds all over should try the Metabolic Response weight loss programme, while its Heart School keeps your ticker tocking.
Don’t miss a visit to the hotel’s boutique – a great place to stock on Armani, Valentino and Versace dresses and swimwear to show off your newly shapely legs.
6. Soneva Kiri by Six Senses, Koh Kood, Thailand
Soothe your senses and be at one with nature in the soul-satisfying spa at Soneva Kiri by Six Senses on the lush, little-known island of Koh Kood, near the Cambodian border. Six Senses poached some of Thailand’s finest therapists – and are training some of the locals – to provide truly top-class treatments in beautiful bamboo open-air huts in the jungle.
Don’t miss the Watsu – water-based massage where the therapist sways you in the water while massaging you. Unbelievable relaxation.
7. Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Heal mind and body at one of the world’s best modern Ayurvedic spas, Ananda in the Himalayas. With 2,400 sq m of spa facilities and 80 treatments blending Ayurveda with Western therapies, this destination spa is the place to spend says swanning between treatments, yoga, meditation, steam room and lounging by the pool – all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Time your visit with a Visiting Master for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t miss the Himalayan Experience, using indigenous ingredients such as ginger and rose for a massage, facial, body scrub and body mask.
Thinking of a relaxing spa break? For more of the most famous spas around the world, check out our selection of spa hotels.