150 SPAS YOU NEED TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE
By Devorah Lev-Tov
As our world becomes increasingly hectic and our lives become more stressful, the importance of self-care increases. Taking time for ourselves to unwind and actively heal our bodies, minds, and spirits is both bold and necessary. Spas are some of the best spaces for healing, relaxation, and self-care, and fortunately, the world has thousands of them. From a solitary sauna concealed in the woods to an urban oasis soaring above a city’s hustle and bustle, from a bathhouse harmoniously built around a naturally occurring thermal hot spring to a massive, state-of-the-art wellness center, the concept of what truly makes a spa a spa is wonderfully multifarious. A spa serves as a tranquil haven that shields you from the relentless demands of the outside world. It’s a space dedicated to healing and rejuvenating your body and spirit, offering you the opportunity to pamper yourself, cater to your wellness needs and desires, and even experiment with the latest advancements in health technologies. But how does a spa accomplish its goal of helping you unwind, reset, and replenish your energy, and prepare to rejoin the world feeling revitalized? Countless nations and cultures around the world have their own unique spa traditions, some of which trace back hundreds, and even thousands of years. Whether it’s Icelandic thermal bathing, Nordic hot and cold contrast therapy, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, South Korean beauty regiments, Japanese onsen soaking and shiatsu massage, Indian Ayurvedic principles and practices, traditional Chinese medicine, or Turkish and Moroccan hammam rituals —to name just a few—these diverse paths to the spa all share a common objective: rejuvenation and healing. However you may choose to define the term “spa,” it is indisputable that there are those that stand out among the rest. Below, you’ll find a global list of the 150 spas that merit a visit before you die, be it for their exceptional design, opulence, historical significance, philosophical approach, size (large or small), location, expertise, or methodology. Regardless of your destination, I wish you rest and relaxation. Devorah Lev-Tov
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OVERVIEW DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
AFRICA
017 THE SPA AT CASA DE CAMPO ECUADOR
BOTSWANA 001 THE SPA AT SANCTUARY CHOBE CHILWERO
P.35
P.10
018 SUMAQ SPA AT PIKAIA LODGE
P.36
JAMAICA 019 FERN TREE SPA AT HALF MOON P.37
MOROCCO
MEXICO
002 SPA AT LA MAMOUNIA
P.12
003 SPA ROYAL MANSOUR
P.13
020 ONE&ONLY SPA AT ONE&ONLY MANDARINA
P.39
004 HOT SPA AT BABYLONSTOREN
P.14
021 THE SPA AT CHABLÉ YUCATÁN
P.40
005 THE WATERS OF ROYAL MALEWANE BUSH SPA AT ROYAL MALEWANE LODGE
P.15
022 SENSE, A ROSEWOOD SPA AT ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
P.44
006 THE SPA AT THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA
P.18
SOUTH AFRICA
023 THE SPA AT RANCHO LA PUERTA P.48 P.49
PERU 025 KALLPA SPA AT TAMBO DEL INKA
THE AMERICAS BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 007 THE OCEAN SPA BVI
024 SPA MONTAGE LOS CABOS
P.52
PUERTO RICO P.19
CANADA 008 FAIRMONT SPA BANFF SPRINGS P.20
026 SPA BOTÁNICO AT DORADO P.53 BEACH, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
009 MOUNTAIN TREK
P.21
027 QC NY SPA
P.56
010 STE ANNE’S SPA
P.22 P.25
028 SHIBUI SPA AT THE GREENWICH HOTEL
P.58
011 BOTA BOTA CHILE 012 UMA SPA AT TIERRA CHILOÉ HOTEL & SPA
P.26
030 SHOU SUGI BAN HOUSE
COSTA RICA
P.62
031 SPA BY EQUINOX
P.64
032 SPA TOWN AT PAWS UP
P.66
033 LIFE IN BALANCE SPA AT MIRAVAL ARIZONA
P.68
034 THE SPA AT MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE
P.69
P.30
035 THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL PHILADELPHIA
P.73
P.34
036 TIERRA SANTA HEALING HOUSE P.74 AT FAENA HOTEL MIAMI BEACH
013 WELLNESS SHALA AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO
P.28
014 VIDA MIA HEALING CENTER AND SPA AT THE RETREAT COSTA RICA
P.29
015 NAYARA SPA AT NAYARA SPRINGS 016 THE WELL AT HACIENDA ALTAGRACIA, AN AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
6
029 THE SPA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON P.59 NEW YORK, NOMAD
037 MII AMO
P.75
OVERVIEW 038 FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI AT WAILEA
P.78
039 BAMFORD WELLNESS SPA AT 1 HOTEL HANALEI BAY
P.79
040 SENSEI LANAI, A FOUR SEASONS RESORT
P.80
041 CASTLE HOT SPRINGS
P.82
042 FAIRMONT SPA P.83 AT FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA 043 THE RANCH MALIBU
P.84
044 SPA SOLAGE AT SOLAGE, AN AUBERGE RESORT
P.85
045 SPA PALMERA AT THE BOCA RATON
P.86
046 THE SPA AT THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN
P.87
047 CAL-A-VIE HEALTH SPA
P.91
048 PANGOLIN SPA AT DUNTON HOT SPRINGS
P.92
049 HOT SPRINGS SPA AT P.94 THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT 050 THE SPA AT INNS OF AURORA
P.96
051 THE SPA OF THE FIVE GRACES P.97 AT THE INN OF THE FIVE GRACES 052 THE SPA AT TEN THOUSAND WAVES
P.100
053 THE SPA AT OJO CALIENTE
P.101
054 LAKEHOUSE SPA AT LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT
P.102
055 AMAN SPA AT AMANGIRI
P.104
ASIA CHINA 056 BANYAN TREE SPA RINGHA AT BANYAN TREE RINGHA
P.105
057 UR SPA AT THE PUXUAN HOTEL AND SPA
P.106
058 CAPELLA WELLNESS AT CAPELLA TUFU BAY
P.107
059 THE AMAN SPA AT AMANDAYAN
P.109
HONG KONG 060 ASAYA HONG KONG AT ROSEWOOD HONG KONG
P.110
061 PENINSULA SPA & WELLNESS CENTER AT THE PENINSULA HONG KONG
P.111
INDIA 062 THE SPA AT ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS
P.112
063 THE SPA AT THE LEELA PALACE UDAIPUR
P.113
064 SIX SENSES VANA
P.114
INDONESIA 065 THE SPA AT COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE
P.115
066 NIHI SPA SAFARI AT NIHI SUMBA ISLAND
P.116
067 CAPELLA WELLNESS AT CAPELLA UBUD
P.118
JAPAN 068 AMAN SPA AT AMAN KYOTO
P.119
069 THERMAL SPRING SPA AT HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
P.120
070 HOSHINOYA KARUIZAWA
P.121
LAOS 071 SENSE, A ROSEWOOD SPA P.122 AT ROSEWOOD LUANG PRABANG MALAYSIA 072 SPA & WELLNESS CENTRE AT THE BANJARAN HOTSPRINGS RETREAT
P.123
073 THE SPA AT RITZ-CARLTON LANGKAWI
P.124
MALDIVES 074 ANANTARA SPA AT ANANTARA KIHAVAH MALDIVES VILLAS
P.126
075 AREKA AT JOALI BEING
P.131
OVERVIEW OMAN 076 THE SPA AT THE CHEDI MUSCAT
P.132
QATAR 077 ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT BY CHIVA-SOM
P.133
SOUTH KOREA
094 LOISEAU DES SENS SPA P.160 AT LE RELAIS BERNARD LOISEAU 095 THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS
P.161
096 SPA NOLINSKI BY LA COLLINE AT NOLINKSI PARIS
P.164
097 SPA LE BRISTOL BY LA PRAIRIE AT LE BRISTOL
P.165
P.166
078 SPA 1899 DONGINBI
P.136
079 JUNIPER SPA CENTER AT THE WE HOTEL
P.137
098 GUERLAIN SPA AT RELAIS CHRISTINE
080 ANANTARA SPA AT ANANTARA CHIANG MAI
P.138
099 FRIEDRICHSBAD
P.169
100 LANSERHOF SYLT
P.170
081 CHIVA-SOM
P.139
101 THE SPA AT SCHLOSS ELMAU
P.174
082 RAKXA
P.140
GERMANY
THAILAND
TÜRKIYE
GREECE 102 EUPHORIA RETREAT
P.176
˘ ˘ 083 CAGALOGLU HAMMAM
P.141
103 CANAVES OIA SUITES
P.177
084 HÜRREM SULTAN HAMMAM
P.142
P.180
085 SIX SENSES SPA AT SIX SENSES KAPLANKAYA
P.143
104 EVEXIA SPA AT ANDRONIS ARCADIA 105 ANDRONIS CONCEPT WELLNESS RESORT
P.181
106 LAVA SPA AT MAGMA RESORT SANTORINI, THE UNBOUND COLLECTION BY HYATT
P.182
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 086 ANANTARA SPA P.144 AT QASR AL SARAB BY ANANTARA 087 AWAKEN AT ATLANTIS THE ROYAL
P.146
088 THE SPA AT EMIRATES PALACE P.147 MANDARIN ORIENTAL ABU DHABI
EUROPE 089 JSPA AT SPA-HOTEL JAGDHOF
P.148
090 THE SPA AT ROGNER BAD BLUMAU
P.149
091 THE SPA AT STANGLWIRT
P.152
ESTONIA P.156
FRANCE 093 THE SPA AT LES SOURCES DE CAUDALIE
108 THE SPA AT CALILO
P.184
109 THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONS ASTIR PALACE HOTEL ATHENS
P.187
HUNGARY
AUSTRIA
092 ENERGIA ECO-SPA
107 ELIOS SPA AT VEDEMA, P.183 A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT
P.159
110 ROYAL SPA AT CORINTHIA BUDAPEST
P.188
111
P.189
SZÉCHENYI BATHS ICELAND
112 KRAUMA GEOTHERMAL BATHS P.192 113 BJÓRBÖÐIN
P.193
114 SKY LAGOON
P.194
IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND 115 ELEMENTS TRAIL SPA AT FINN LOUGH
P.198
OVERVIEW 116 THE SPA AT ASHFORD CASTLE
P.199
ITALY 117
MEZZATORE HOTEL & THERMAL SPA
P.200
118 THE SPA AT FORESTIS
P.201
119 LEFAY SPA AT LEFAY RESORT & P.203 SPA LAGO DI GARDA 120 PALAZZO FIUGGI
P.204
121 PREIDLHOF LUXURY DOLCE VITA RESORT
P.206
LITHUANIA 122 SPA PACAI AT HOTEL PACAI
P.207
NORWAY
135 THE SPA AND TAMINA THERMAE AT GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ
P.228
136 THE DOLDER SPA AT THE DOLDER GRAND
P.229
137 TSCHUGGEN BERGOASE SPA P.232 AT TSCHUGGEN GRAND HOTEL UNITED KINGDOM 138 THE BOTHY BY WILDSMITH AT HECKFIELD PLACE
P.234
139 ESPA LIFE AT CORINTHIA LONDON
P.235
140 THE SPA AT COWORTH PARK
P.236
123 BRITANNIA SPA AT BRITANNIA HOTEL
P.208
141 SPA VILLAGE BATH P.237 AT THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA
124 THE SPA AT SOLSTRAND HOTEL & SPA
P.209
142 THE LANESBOROUGH CLUB & SPA
P.238
125 THE SPA AT THE WELL
P.212
143 THE FLOATING SPA AT MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE
P.239
PORTUGAL 126 LAUREA SPA AT SAVOY PALACE P.213 127 THE SPA AT OCTANT FURNAS
P.216
128 ESTORIL WELLNESS CENTRE AT PALÁCIO ESTORIL HOTEL
P.218
129 SIX SENSES SPA P.219 AT SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY
OCEANIA AUSTRALIA 144 THE SPA SANCTUARY AT GWINGANNA
145 SPA KINARA AT LONGITUDE 131 P.241 146 SPA QUALIA
SPAIN 130 SHA WELLNESS CLINIC
P.222
131 SIX SENSES SPA AT SIX SENSES IBIZA
P.223
SWEDEN
P.240
P.244
FIJI 147 FIJI BEACH SPA AT THE JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU RESORT
P.246
FRENCH POLYNESIA
132 THE SPA AT KOSTA BODA ART HOTEL
P.224
133 LOKA BRUNN
P.225
148 DEEP OCEAN SPA P.248 AT INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT & THALASSO SPA
P.226
149 VARUA TE ORA POLYNESIAN SPA AT THE BRANDO
SWITZERLAND 134 BÜRGENSTOCK ALPINE SPA AT BÜRGENSTOCK RESORT LAKE LUCERNE
9
P.249
NEW ZEALAND ˉ WELLNESS RETREAT 150 ARO-HA
P.252
Africa
01
Botswana
THE SPA AT SANCTUARY CHOBE CHILWERO Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana
TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE BECAUSE
Indulge in a lush African-inspired treatment amongst the trees of the bush.
10
Deep in the heart of the bush, at the edge of Chobe National Park, the riverside haven of Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero boasts the only full-service spa along the Botswana safari circuit—and it’s a spectacular gem. Featuring a unique tree-top treatment room infused with African design and therapies influenced by local culture, you’re in for an authentic and serene wilderness wellness experience. Using premium, organic Africology products crafted from African plants like rooibos, aloe ferox, and marula, alongside the luxurious French marine-based line by Thalgo, treatment options include the Soul of Africa Conditioning Body Massage and the Signature Salutation, a lavish treatment that uses antioxidant-filled rooibos and lavender mud culminating in a full-body massage. Post-treatment, immerse yourself in the split-level swimming pool area, complete with indoor spa bath, Vichy showers, and a relaxation area. While you bask in this serene atmosphere, keep an eye out for elephants, as this park is home to the world’s largest remaining elephant population.
sanctuaryretreats.com/ botswana-lodges-chobe-chilwero-spa
+27 11 438 4650
Africa
02
Morocco
SPA AT LA MAMOUNIA Avenue Bab Jdid, 40040 Marrakesh, Morocco
TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE BECAUSE
This is one of the best of Morocco’s legendary hammams.
12
Follow the lanterns down to the renowned Jacques Garcia-designed Spa at La Mamounia, a sanctuary in the heart of Marrakech honoring Moroccan culture and wellness practices. Here, there are three Moroccan hammams (two traditional and one private) adorned with colorful mosaic tiles and marble benches, making it a must to experience at least one. Hammam treatments begin with the application of a moisturizing blend of Moroccan black soap made from plant essences and olive paste (a nod to La Mamounia’s 700-yearold olive trees). This is followed by a deep exfoliation using a Moroccan kessa exfoliating glove. The treatment continues with the healing powers of a ghassoul (mineral clay from the Atlas Mountains) body mask, made with local neroli and eucalyptus essences. Don’t forget to set aside time for a leisurely swim in the famed indoor pool, an ode to Moroccan architecture with its marble columns, vibrant tilework, and painted ceiling.
mamounia.com/en/the-spa-wellness
+212 0524 388 600
Africa
03
Morocco
SPA ROYAL MANSOUR Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti, 40000 Marrakesh, Morocco
TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE BECAUSE
Traditional Moroccan therapies are combined with modern products for ultimate healing.
The heart of the Spa Royal Mansour is the pristine all-white atrium, where intricate lattice-work iron walls, crafted in the tradition of Moorish-style moucharabieh, cast fragmented light and create a play of patterned shadows. Ten marble and wood treatment rooms surround the atrium, while a glass-enclosed pool and traditional marble hammam are off to one side. The spa offers hammam treatments that include black soap wraps, ghassoul (mineral clay from the Atlas Mountains) treatments, kessa glove exfoliations, aromatic orange blossom soaps, relaxing steams, and floral waters. In addition to these treatments, Spa Royal Mansour provides facials featuring Moroccan argan oil and skincare products from the Dr. Bergner line, marma massages, and watsu water therapy in the pool’s hot basin. For those seeking a more holistic approach, several personalized wellness programs encompass everything from nutrition and fitness to therapeutic treatments guided by a professional consultant.
13
royalmansour.com/en/the-spa
+212 0529 808 080
Africa
04
South Africa
HOT SPA AT BABYLONSTOREN Klapmuts - Simondium Road, 7670 Simondium, South Africa
TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE BECAUSE
The combination of farm-fresh ingredients and a hydrotherapy area is perfection.
Set in the center of a sprawling farm estate, the Hot Spa at Babylonstoren harnesses the natural botanical riches of the South African landscape to craft a range of treatments that feature Babylonstoren’s own unique blends of oils, balms, and lotions. The spa’s bamboo pavilion is situated amidst tranquil greenery, and as a fully operational farm estate, Babylonstoren grows its own native aromatics onsite. From waterblommetjies and roses to clivia and fynbos, these botanical treasures are meticulously transformed into essential oils in the spa’s own floral distillery, infusing their essence into the spa experience. Beyond the pampering treatments, guests can tour the botanical fields and try their hand at creating their own handmade soaps and scrubs. The spa’s centerpiece is the aqua area, which features a large pool and two circular vitality pools—one hot, one cold. These pools are connected by a narrow central pool, allowing you to leisurely swim between the contrasting temperatures. As you reach the mosaic-lined alcoves, allow the invigorating flow of ice-cold water to cascade over you before reveling in the sauna or salt room, meticulously crafted from raw pink Himalayan salt blocks. Babylonstoren recently introduced hammam and rasul treatment rooms, inspired by the traditions of ancient Arabian public baths.
14
babylonstoren.com/spa
+27 021 300 3929
Africa
05
South Africa
THE WATERS OF ROYAL MALEWANE BUSH SPA AT ROYAL MALEWANE LODGE F5J7+RM 1380 Amanda, South Africa
TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE BECAUSE
You can indulge in Africa’s finest therapies while surrounded by the magnificent South African bushland.
15
Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Greater Kruger National Park, the Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is a true oasis. Guided by a philosophy rooted in the therapeutic properties of water, the spa treatments are enhanced by mineral-rich water sourced from an underground stream that flows through the reserve, then meticulously filtered through limestone and granite. For instance, the signature Royal Face and Body treatment begins with a luxurious full-body scrub in the African baths, followed by a body wrap. After that, there is an hour-long full-body massage, culminating in the rejuvenating African Essential Facial. The spa’s three treatment rooms are positioned around the central courtyard, which features a heated lap pool. Additional facilities include a steam room, hot and cold African Baths, and four pre- and post-treatment casitas to relax in.
theroyalportfolio.com/ royal-malewane/wellness
+27 21 671 5502
Africa
06
South Africa
THE SPA AT THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA Victoria Road, Camps Bay, 8005 Cape Town, South Africa
TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE BECAUSE
You can experience a massage in the salt-tinged air, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the ocean and mountains.
18
Perched at the very tip of the African continent, with Table Mountain as a majestic backdrop, the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa offers magnificent panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The spa features a restorative indoor space, with seven elegant treatment rooms, a rasul chamber, hydrotherapy pool, plunge pool, a saltwater floatation pool, and a well-appointed relaxation lounge. For a truly indulgent experience, book one of two mountainside spa gazebos, where you can take in incredible vistas as you indulge in a treatment such as the Apostles Touch. This signature treatment includes a waterless scrub using calico bags infused with essential oils and fynbos, followed by a massage utilizing heated shells and stones, and a soothing scalp and foot massage. The spa uses a select range of products including Elemis and Tata Harper, along with B|Africa, a unique blend of indigenous African plant extracts and natural sea resources, utilized in all spas within the luxury Red Carnation Hotels group.
12apostleshotel.com/wellness
+27 21 437 9060
The Americas
07
British Virgin Islands
THE OCEAN SPA BVI White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE BECAUSE
You can float amid the cerulean waters of the Caribbean while receiving a mindful massage.
19
Float your troubles away at one of the Caribbean’s only floating spas, Ocean Spa BVI. Anchored in the turquoise waters of White Bay off the coast of Jost Van Dyke island, the spa is accessible by complimentary dinghy water taxi—or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can boat, paddleboard, kayak, or swim there on your own. Built primarily from salvaged lumber after Hurricane Irma in 2017, the floating wooden spa is a petite 550 square feet, but with salty ocean air and turquoise water in every direction, what else do you need? Best of all, rectangular windows under the massage tables allow you to gaze into the water and watch colorful fish swimming below during your treatment. Only one treatment is offered, but it more than satisfies: a seawater and herbal oil foot soak followed by a 60 or 90-minute massage, plus a rum cocktail.
theoceanspabvi.com
+1 284 340 0772
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