- October 25, 2021
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For those looking for a true getaway, these are the best destinations for pampering, rest, and relaxation.
The need to reset, rejuvenate and disconnect is more important than it ever has been before—and after a year-plus spent at home, we’re all hankering for an escape. Though we can’t travel to each of them just yet, the world’s very best spas stand out for reasons much deeper than simply luxurious treatments. These serene oases offer a sense of place, regional character, local traditions, and so much more. Whether you need a place to unwind, reconnect with a loved one, or simply get away from it all we’ve chosen some of the most legendary locations across the world. Ahead, the very best destination hotel spas to plan a visit to.
Where: Antelope Canyon, Utah
Amangiri is the stuff of legends—and for good reason. The pace here is peaceful, and life centers around the stunning pool built into the surrounding cliff face, which seems to flow from within the rock itself. Combining natural hues, textures, and designs, the resort’s limestone pavilions provide a cool oasis, and the signature Aman Spa is breathtaking and treatments unrivaled, characterized by an overwater sauna pavilion and an ultra-modern floating treatment pagoda. Magic.
Where: New York City
The stunning Baccarat Hotel was an ideal setting for French heritage skincare brand La Mer to make a splash on the New York City spa scene. The decadent respite within the hotel and residences transports guests into the immersive, highly curated world of both brands. Decorated by Parisian design duo Gilles & Boissier, Spa de la Mer is adorned with a checkered, marble-tiled, 50-foot pool; sea kelp murals; and ambient light resembling a posh European seaside retreat. This oasis in the heart of the bustle of Manhattan is a standout—and a must, particularly for its facials using only the brand’s renowned products.
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Where: Lake Como, Italy
Housed adjacent to the legendary and breathtaking Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the hotel’s signature T Spa is as tranquil an oasis as that of Lake Como itself, with award-winning facilities like a dazzling infinity pool that peers out over the serenity of the lake. A range of Santa Maria Novella treatments are personalized to each client and the hammam suite has decadent and lavish views. Time seems to move slower in this part of the world, and this is the best way to embrace it.
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Where: St.-Tropez, France
Wellness is the acute focus of the Château de la Messardière, a ravishing, palatial hotel perched on a hilltop on the outskirts of St.-Tropez. Complete with sweeping views of Provence and the French Riviera, the property underwent an extensive renovation in July, debuting a state-of-the-art Valmont spa boasting nine treatment rooms, Iyashi Dôme, hammam, sauna, indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. You would be remiss not to practice yoga and pick up tennis in this sublime setting, too—both are on offer for the self-practicing or with lessons taught by pros.
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Where: Merida, Mexico
Chablé is a sanctuary set amid tropical gardens in Merida, and while small in stature, the spa is one of the most magical setups imaginable. Inspired by and in reverence to the natural world, Chablé Spa oozes tranquility and rejuvenation, and truly is in a league of its own. All things revolve around a natural cenote, and this spa has shaken up the wellness game by blending ancient mysticism and modern methodologies. Chablé is a true reset in every sense of the word—the perfect place for a touch of relaxation and replenishment.
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Where: London, England
It’s hard to find a more glamorous setting than The Corinthia London, and its spa Espa, a four-floor subterranean setup, is one of the finest we’ve seen. This veritable oasis in bustling London exudes peace and tranquility from every corner. With 17 treatment rooms, signature sleep pods, a thermal floor with two pools, an amphitheater sauna, and an ice fountain, you are sure to leave refreshed and revitalized.
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Where: Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
THE WELL debuts next month at Hacienda AltaGracia in Costa Rica and promises unparalleled innovation. True to form, Auberge Resorts Collection has thoughtfully reimagined the spa experience, with East-meets-West healing practices, expert-driven health coaching and workshops, and holistic treatments. This will mark the lauded wellness brand’s first international foray where it will introduce Talamancan healing traditions, fusing advanced therapies with local healing traditions. The setup for the spa is Casa de Agua, a greenhouse-style pool and therapy room with heated stone beds for natural clay treatments and relaxation, which overlooks rolling hills and a lush endless canopy of trees. Whether you’re a spa novice or a wellness aficionado, this retreat is not to be missed.
Where: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Deeply rooted in the heart of Botswana’s expansive Okavango Delta, Xigera Safari Lodge offers a very different type of safari experience, from close encounters with wildlife to stargazing on its lookout deck; it is a truly world-class, new addition to the region. While there are so many special safari destinations, not many boast award-winning spa programs, but Xigera most certainly does. Revival, renewal, and rejuvenation are all buzz words for this heavenly setup that was designed to make the most of the captivating views of season flood plains and riverine forests. The spa here exists harmoniously within the natural world. A commitment to wellness means all treatments employ products that are hyper-potent, 100% natural, and non-toxic. Picture unwinding after a day spent on safari in a spectacularly sublime setting; here, that’s what you’ll get—along with unparallelled treatments.
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Where: Malaga, Spain
Set in the rolling hills of the Costa del Sol, tucked away from all the tourists, is the stylish and stunning Finca Cortesin, an homage to Andalusian architecture that brims with Mediterranean charm and houses one of the finest spas imaginable. Wellness is a priority here, and the spa is vast, housing thermal baths, a heated indoor saltwater pool, a dynamic massage offering, three thermal areas, Turkish baths, and Spain’s first “Snow Cave.” Restorative treatments abound in the inspiring setting; the spa at Finca Cortesin is undeniably a game changer for the region.
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Where: Sumba, Indonesia
Deep in the heart of an undiscovered paradise tucked discreetly in the Indonesian archipelago, NIHI Sumba Island is simply paradisical; with sweeping views of the glittering Indian Ocean, it’s known as the lost world island—and for good reason. Pristine and private, the property offers an indulgent and bespoke Spa Safari Nihioka, which includes a trek through the hills, treatments in a private cliffside bale, and brisk swims in the ocean. This sustainable gem exudes serenity and natural beauty, all to a dramatic backdrop of serene white beaches juxtaposed with the turquoise ocean. Trust us: Add it to your bucket list.
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Where: Anguilla
Perched atop an ocean cliff in captivating Anguilla, Malliouhana overlooks crystal clear waters and perfect white sand beaches. The restorative, newly launched spa has spacious treatment rooms that employ local botanical ingredients, a private infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean, and a best-in-class private fitness training setup. Chilled-out color palettes of white and sky blue give off serious island vibes.
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Where: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
In the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, Conrad Bora Bora Nui is what desert island castaway dreams are made of. The cuisine and setting are nearly mythical, but the hilltop Hina Spa shines through as a veritable temple of well-being. Nestled within an invigorating volcanic rock, treatments here are revitalizing and among the best in French Polynesia.
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Where: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Enveloped by virgin forests on a ridge overlooking both the hills of Myanmar and Laos, this laid-back but utterly luxurious resort and spa is in a truly unique setting in Northern Thailand. The soulful spa is a cut above, set up in a three-story, open-air pavilion with wood treatment suites that quite literally overlook three countries. The treatments here employ centuries-old northern wellness traditions that are fused with indigenous and local medicinal ingredients. The spa’s peaceful setup is a short amble to a rice paddy pavilion that is set up for yoga and massages.
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Where: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Song Saa is made up of two islands connected by a footbridge and surrounded by idyllic beaches, exquisite tropical reefs, and protected virgin rainforest floating effortlessly in the Gulf of Thailand. This is one of the very best honeymoon spots on earth and the “spa with no walls,” with a nod to the name Song Saa (or The Sweethearts), embraces the Buddhist tradition of cultivating loving-kindness. This is not your run-of-the-mill spa, as it’s made up of little sublime sanctuaries dotted across the islands, surrounded by the natural world.
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Where: Auchterarder, Scotland
Surrounded by splendid isolation, with rooms and suites overlooking vast landscapes of rolling countryside hills in Scotland, Gleneagles epitomizes sumptuous luxury. The Spa at Gleneagles has picked up numerous awards—and for good reason. Completely redesigned, its treatments employ balms, oils, and scrubs all naturally derived from botanicals found locally on the estate. They take wellness quite seriously at Gleneagles, so much so that they’ve brought on Dr. Barbara Sturm to elevate bespoke treatments and leading naturopath and nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson to craft healthy, new menus to accompany guests’ treatments with a nourishing diet during their stays.
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Where: Islas Secas, Panama
Islas Secas is a sumptuous hidden gem and private island blending barefoot luxury with intrepid experiences. In line with its untamed, wild locale, The Spa at Islas Secas celebrates a “time stood still” sensibility where simplicity becomes indulgent, set up across two luxury treatment tents. Open to the elements, in line with the resort’s eco-conscious commitment, a treatment here is to embrace the outdoors. At this spa, products are ethical, organic where possible, and natural, drawing inspiration from plants endemic to the island such as coconuts and ylang-ylang. Set amid lush jungle foliage, the spa sits tucked away within the very center of the property, evoking the sensations of being in a secret, and ethereal, garden.
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Where: Finger Lakes, New York
A relative newcomer to the hotel scene, The Lake House on Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes has already made a name for itself with its chic, design-forward aesthetic and an understated but thoughtful take on luxury, with sand-colored wood juxtaposed with rich hues of greens and blues. Its inspired Willowbrook Spa has solidified The Lake House as a wellness destination unto itself in with two signature water-view barrel saunas overlooking the serene Canandaigua Lake. Residential-feeling treatment rooms host experiences, products, and services developed in collaboration with TLee Spas and Born Bathing, with interiors from legendary designer Cate Mills. An oasis in upstate.
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Where: Hong Kong, China
The glamorous and soaring Rosewood Hong Kong couldn’t be in a better location in the city, and its flagship Asaya Spa and wellness concept takes personal well-being to a whole new level, covering an expansive 40,000 square feet over two floors with 11 treatment rooms, blissful relaxation areas, and an outdoor swimming pool with stunning harbor views. Treatments and therapies are bespoke, and the spa’s experts treat well-being as an ecosystem that can be balanced, to help promote a more enlightened and optimized life.
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Where: Shaharut, Israel
Six Senses Shaharut is a mesmerizing escape within the dazzling Negev Desert. Designed to preserve and reflect the natural landscapes of the Ramon Crater and the nearby Dead Sea, this luxurious wellness respite is nestled into a dramatic cliff face where panoramic views of burnt-orange sunsets close each day, leading to unobstructed dark skies at night. The renowned spa uses camel milk in professional massage creams specially tailored for the property; the milk is rich with proteins and vitamins such as B12, A, B2, B1, C, and keratin, which are all vital for keeping the skin healthy and supple. Natural treatments help fight anti-aging and are anti-inflammatory and deeply therapeutic in healing.
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The grand dame of luxury hotels in New York City—The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel—collaborated with Swiss skincare brand Valmont to debut their namesake New York spa and first stateside flagship store, La Maison Valmont. Tucked away on the third floor of the iconic property, The Valmont Spa is the ultimate hideout for relaxing luxury in the city that never sleeps, featuring treatments exclusively tailored to The Carlyle aided by the brand’s signature “butterfly motion” that sets the tone for each treatment. The products and treatments, particularly the facials, are all about Valmont’s results-driven skincare.
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