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Cote d’Argent, France
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Matthew Barker
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France
Endless windswept coastline sprouting out of the Basque region punctuated by lakes, dunes and pools with pine forests dotting the hinterland. Assorted Gallic starlets starting to move in. They say: “A ribbon of silver sand, 230km in length -...
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Before You Die: Coki Bay, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
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Matthew Barker
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US Virgin Islands
Birthplace of Camille Pissarro, the US bought the island from the Danes for $25 million in 1914. This beach on the northeast side of the island is still relatively unknown, with clear water ideal for snorkeling. Nearby capital Charlotte Amalie...
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Before You Die: Spa Deus, Chanciano Terme
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Matthew Barker
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Italy
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Tuscany
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Siena
Specialities of this Italian spa include the Dead Sea mud treatment, a hot stones massage, an oxygen bar and rebirthing. They say: “Staff are professional and contagiously enthusiastic with an emphasis on showing you a fun time” (Tatler...
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Before You Die: Atacama Desert, Chile
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Matthew Barker
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Chile
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Atacama
The driest place on Earth (although El Nino does rear up once in a while); at certain points you can see the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes to the east. You may even catch a glimpse of one of NASA’s robots - the space agency likes to...
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Four Seasons Resort, Kuda Huraa, Maldives
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Matthew Barker
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Maldives
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Maldives Region
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Kuda Huraa
A speedboat picks you up from Hulule airport on Male; the accommodation includes water villas perched on stilts out in the lagoon (with their own private decks) and the herbal aromatic spa provides a range of massages, with energizing remedial and...
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The Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand
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Matthew Barker
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Thailand
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Bangkok Region
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Bangkok
Overlooking the Chao Phya River and blending East and Western massage techniques, with the 21-herb Body Glow treatment, Executive Rescue Pack, Vitality Program all coming highly recommended. They say: “From its lily-ponds to finely-tuned massages...
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Spa Selma Lagerlof Sunne
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Matthew Barker
Sweden’s largest spa is in the far north, up near the Norwegian border. Their treatments include sauna, herbal wrap, hotwaxing and an energy massage based on traditional acupuncture. They're big on tai chai. They say: “State-of-the-art gym and...
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Four Seasons Hotel, New York
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Matthew Barker
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United States
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New York State
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New York
The tallest hotel in New York with Art Deco trimmings galore and swanky guest rooms looking out over the Manhattan skyline. Gershwin soundtrack optional. They say: “In the morning (New Yorkers) will even stand in line for a breakfast table. Taste...
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Spadari al Duomo
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Matthew Barker
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Maldives
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Maldives Region
Achingly chic boutique number a Prada button’s lob from the city’s fashion and business districts. Arty but plush functionalism (contemporary local artist’s work adorn the walls), with an affable air and polished service. Very Milan. 36 rooms (three...
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Bleibtreu Hotel
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Matthew Barker
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United States
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California
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Carlsbad
Chic city-centre boutique (60 rooms) that practices minimalism as eco-philosophy, thankfully with plenty of soft edges: comfy designer-upholstery in the rooms - some of which are borderline chintz - and colour-coded tiles throughout (the outside...
