The best spas in the world for far-flung luxury
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Nothing says luxury quite like the world's best spas. Instead of feeling like a hotel afterthought, these are the spas that make wellness their language. Groundbreaking treatments, truly special facilities and views to die are just some of the prerequisites that make these locations a cut above the rest – you'll never look at the jacuzzi in your local gym the same way, that's for sure.
From luxurious retreats nestled in the mountains to serene coastal escapes, these are the spas you splurge when you want to seriously make wellness the crux of your trip.
Some are tropical havens of rejuvenation (Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa), while others are a little closer to home but certainly no less spectacular (the Jumeirah Port Soller), and others host residencies with celebrity facialists (step forward Huvafen Fushi). Whichever way you go, everything on this edit offers so much more than a standard treatment list and a sauna-steam.
Ahead, the best spas in the world for far-flung luxury…
The vibe: A knot of 46 bungalows sit on this private island that’s a serious departure from real life. The underwater spa takes things a bit further - not only can you have a stellar treatment, but you can have it while gazing into the depths of the blue ocean as fish shimmy on by.
Come with… Your phone - if you’re after a brilliant shot for your feed, you’ll find views worthy of sharing everywhere. But also take someone you like enormously, because the island is secluded and very much somewhere to go and relax.
Hero Treatment: Time your stay around one of Beata Aleksandrowicz’s residencies. A facial massage expert who's known as ‘the face whisperer’, Beata knows how to lift and tone the skin like no other – and if you were ever going to have down-time for your skin to replenish post-treatment, you’ll have it here.
You’ll leave feeling… Completely and utterly blissed out.
The Residence Mauritius Spa, Mauritius
The vibe: There is nothing like stepping foot into paradise while being pampered with sun, luxury, outdoor yoga classes and plentiful massages.
The Residence Mauritius is a remarkable resort located in the beautiful island of Mauritius and is surrounded by tropical gardens, and pristine white sandy beaches that cover the surroundings coast-to-coast. The accommodation itself is spacious and elegantly designed featuring the most breathtaking views.
In The Residence Mauritius Spa you will be showered with top of the class therapists, which are all highly skilled, attentive and oh-so welcoming. The treatments can be customised to each individual’s needs and are designed to promote optimum relaxation and offer you your most serene and rejuvenating experience yet.
Upon entry you the interiors are decorated to offer a peaceful surroundings, making it the perfect place to unwind and recharge. The Residence Mauritius also offers a wide range of activities, which include water sports (kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding amongst others).
The combination of beautiful surroundings, excellent service, and a wide range of activities make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. This is a one of a kind relaxing and indulgent spa experience.
Come with: Friends, family or your better half.
Hero treatment: “Mom or Dad and Me” — With this 60 mins treatment, treat your child (5 to 15 years old) to experience a soft and gentle spa indulgence accompanied by a parent. The choices include body massage, aromatic facials, mini manicures, mini pedicures, Henna tattoo, yoga and personalised physical training.
You'll leave feeling: Cool, calm and collected
The vibe: Bringing its personality-packed brand of glam to Australia’s sunshine state, W Hotel opened in June 2018 as the first five-star hotel to hit the city in 20 years – and its certainly turned up the heat. Fusing a vibrant ‘River Dreaming’ design theme with a nod to classic Australian culture and a cool pool party scene, the result is fun, bold and unapologetically Brisvegas. Beyond the buzz, W’s signature chill vibes are found in the AWAY spa, where guests can destress (and detox) with an innovative Inner/Outer/After glow treatment, or unwind in the vitality pools, relaxation pods and aromatherapy steam rooms. The pampering hub is also home to Edwards and Co – a leading name in Australia’s salon industry.
Come with… your Insta A-game. From the skyline-slash-river views, in-suite cocktail stations (starring hot pink pineapples) and a ‘ripper’ High Tea, to the wall of Aussie slang quotes and psychedelic pool deck, there’s more #hotelW hotspots than we could shake a selfie stick at.
Hero treatment: W Brisbane is well worth the journey but once checked-in, chances are there’ll only be on thing (besides a giant bed) with your name on it: a Jet Lag Recovery Massage. The ginger, angelica and lemongrass essence Sodashi products (100% natural and vegan, FYI) will help boost alertness, while a therapist works at soothing post-flight muscular tension and stimulates key energy points to clear the travel fog. Later, feeling less wonky, we went back for the mineral-rich Oxy Glamour Glow Facial. Well, it would have been rude not to.
You’ll leave feeling… Refreshed, revived – and ready to party.
Anazoe Spa at Costa Navarino, Greece
The vibe: Perched on the Pelponnese peninsula lie two linked hotels comprising Costa Navarino, where you’ll find all the ingredients for a restorative holiday including a panoply of eateries like a traditional taverna and series of village-style cafes, many swimming pools (some even coming off the back of hotel rooms), and, yes, an impressive 4000 square metre spa. But don’t let its scale fool you - the attention to detail at Costa Navarino is impressive, with everything geared towards showcasing and preserving this beautiful part of Greece.
Come with… Anyone in need of a proper holiday and keen on all things Greek - there’s more than a whiff of Mama Mia about this one.
Hero Treatment: Olive trees are a key part of the Costa Navarino mission - in order to build the golf courses, they uprooted and replanted hundreds to preserve them, and now harvest their own olive oil. The signature Oleotherapy treatment makes use of the healing, antioxidant properties of the oil, so book in for that.
You’ll leave feeling… Healthier - all that fresh Greek food and time in the warm Ionian Sea is a great tonic if you’ve been under the weather.
Terre Blanche Hotel and Spa, France
The vibe: Nestled in a particularly picturesque part of Provence, everything about Terre Blanche is chic with a capital C. The spa is enormous, with a manicured ‘zen space’ outside from which you can sip lemon tea in the balmy weather, while the rooms, complete with terracotta terraces on which you can enjoy many croissants in the morning, are sumptuous and ripe for a sneaky Instagram shot. Remember to pack your bikini - the incredible Art Deco swimming pool is impossible to resist.
Come with… Someone who’s into the good life with whom you can enjoy the spa, the wine, the freshly-baked bread, and the local market selling juicy fruit and hand-embroidered smocks.
Hero Treatment: A massage at Terre Blanche is a thing of joy as the therapists tailor the treatments to your ailments, so you can go and choose something to both relieve aching muscles and leave you feeling sprightly in one session. Also, the scented, 100% natural oils smell heavenly.
You’ll leave feeling… Desperate to book back in. And mellow. Very mellow.
The vibe: Don’t think of the Stanglwirt as a hotel - it’s more a sprawling eco-friendly, homely series of wooden buildings - with some seriously luxe additions. There’s the bar with a glass wall so you can watch the snow white Lippizaner horses practising routines, an enormous spa comprising a series of grotto-like steam and saunas, a lake water-filled outdoor plunge pool, tennis courts overlooking the mountain range, and the comfiest beds you can imagine.
Come with… Your family - there’s something for everyone at this place.
Hero Treatment: Facialist to many an A-lister (think Emma Roberts, Elle MacPherson, and Gwyneth) Dr. Barbara Sturm has brought her famous Molecular Facial to the Stanglwirt, so book in for that if you’re after a firming, deeply hydrating treatment.
You’ll leave feeling… Much fitter - all that jumping in and out of the various pools and trying all the variety of gym facilities make for great tone that you get without putting in too much effort.
The Vibe: People head to Bali for the beach and the boujee cocktails, but if it’s luxury you’re after remember two words: Apurva Kempsinki. Translating literally to ‘unique’ and ‘magnificent’, this resort certainly lives up to its name, and you could probably add in an ‘oooh’ as well. The sheer scale of the resort is truly impressive, it boasts a 60 meter pool (swim laps if you will but it’s mostly for the ‘gram), it’s own chapel (should you feel the need to get hitched right there and then) and its very own beach club all within in walking radius. The place is so ginormous it actually takes 17 mins to walk from the entrance to the edge of the beach front but the slight hike is worth it for the view. The ascending architectural design, inspired by the iconic steps of Balinese water terraces, are actually guest suites with private plunge pools. Every inch of the place brings the island philosophy to life; the interconnection of God, people and the universe. The rich-indigenous heritage continues through to the interior design of the hotel, and the result is the epitome of beachfront luxury and understated-opulence, a true feast for the eyes.
You’ll be able to sample the best of traditional Indonesian dishes or international cuisines at the Pala restaurant, located right next to the pool that has a sophisticated rooftop bar - perfect for that pool-to-bar experience. If relaxation is the name of the game then head to The Apurva Spa for an pampering experience that’s tailored just for you.
Come with… Your significant other; you can hold each others phone to capture the best gram content as well as enjoying ‘holiday vibes’ and spending quality t.i.m.e with one another. The views, the experiences and the memories aren’t as special if you can’t share it with someone important.
Hero treatment: “Awakening the Chakra sprit” a 3-hour Balinese purification ritual, believe to protect a person from negative forces by unblocking and awakening the major Chakras through it’s signature treatment; that begins with a soothing massage, into a detoxifying scrub called Lulur, followed by a healing body wrap and ends an hour yoga-meditation session. Not to mention being supplied a healthy supply of Jamu, a local herbal tonic of turmeric, ginger roots and tamarind to keep you hydrated and feeling energised!
You’ll leave feeling… Rejuvenated, grounded and balanced. Can’t stop you now!
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy
The vibe: Classic European palace elegance all the way, a sense of grandeur and a view you'd kill your grandma for. Set in a prime location on the shores of Lake Como, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is the last word in luxury in one of Italy's most sought-after spots.
The award-winning T spa is as seamlessly sophisticated and sumptuous as the rest of the hotel. There are heat treatments in Turkish baths, Mediterranean steam rooms and a sauna that boasts an unfettered view of the lake. There are marble hammam rooms and luxurious special suites built for two, with whirlpool tub, sauna, steam bath, contrast cascade shower and amazing couples massages.
The lake is one of this spa's unique selling points; especially their stunning infinity pool, which makes you feel as though you could swim straight from the pool into Como's deep blue waters. You'll appreciate it even more after enjoying any one of the spa's amazing and specially-curated treatments, from olive oil or Thai massages and hot stone treatments.
Come with: your significant other. What could be more romantic than a couples massage followed by pasta and Aperol Spritzes on a terrace overlooking Lake Como? Nothing. Exactly.
Hero treatment: Any of the various massages and facials that celebrate the hotel's new partnership with Santa Maria Novella. One of the world's oldest operational pharmacies, the brand was first founded in 1612 by Florence-based Dominican monks who discovered how to harness the natural benefits of organic floral and herbal ingredients, including orange blossom, rosewater and iris powder. They have created a special line of treatments to complement the unique Lake Como surroundings, including a body candle that melts into luxurious massage oils.
You'll leave feeling: totally relaxed, well-fed, smug and happy.
Savoy Seychelles Resort & SPA, Seychelles
The vibe: The Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa is an idyllic retreat located on the stunning island of Mahé in the Seychelles – and its spa is the jewel in its crown. Here, you'll find multiple pools, jacuzzis, steam and sauna rooms, a well-appointed fitness centre, and an impressive range of world-class skin and body treatments. Book yourself in for an in-and-out 30 minute fresh facial; or a 90-minute, totally re-energising intensive treatment that will leave your skin fresh and rejuvenated.
For body treatments, there is something for every preference. From an exfoliating massage, to a rescue sunburn body wrap (which may or may not come handy in the Seychelles heat), to a moisturising coconut hair mask. The spa also extends its services for yoga classes, yogalates (a combination of yoga and pilates) and guided meditation.
Come with: Yourself, because who says paradise is only for couples? Use this perfect occasion to find some peace and time to realign your chakras. However, it is also perfect for a romantic getaway or a sunny family escape.
Hero treatment: Crème De Coco De Mer Couple Indulgence — Start off this romantic experience with a footbath. With the coco de mer being the national fruit, this treatment involves having a delicate coconut scrub to gently clean the skin. Then follows a relaxing bath with coconut milk, vanilla oil and honey, while you enjoy a refreshing ice tea with lemongrass and ginger. The treatment wraps up after an 80-minute couple massage with coconut leaves oil which makes your skin smooth and resilient.
You'll leave feeling: Replenished, tanned and rejuvenated.
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, Mallorca
The vibe: Firstly, this is hands-down the most Instagrammable hotel we've been to in a really long time. Built on a cliff overlooking the picturesque fishing village of Port de Sóller, Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa floats between the sea and the sky. Surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the resort offers the most incredibly stunning and unique getaway in the Med.
From cool towels and the deliciously sweet fresh local orange juice on arrival to the dates on your bed for your turndown service, the service is impeccable. Kick off the day tucking into your breakfast overlooking the incredible ocean before adjourning to the infinity pool for a chilled glass of rosé (and Insta shoot, naturally). Then spend an hour in the spa indulging in a relaxing massage, make full use of the amazing spa facilities (experience shower, anyone?) before moving outside to the seriously aesthetically-pleasing outdoor spa pool complete with a huge hot tub overlooking the sea.
Evenings can be spent taking in even more sea views at the prestigious Es Fanals by Javier Soriano restaurant, which uses the highest quality local produce to serve up flavourful Spanish courses complemented by local wines; think warm breads served with a selection of local olive oils, deliciously fresh fish and experimental desserts. After dinner, roll home to your slick room, which houses one of the comfiest beds we've ever slept in and incredible shower with - you guessed it - ocean views.
Come with: Someone who loves the 'wow factor'. From the jaw-dropping views and impeccable hospitality, this hotel will impress and delight in equal measure.
Hero treatment: 3 Aromas Massage. You really ought to treat yourself by indulging in a Talise Signature massage - a luxurious treat that's a fusion of the best oriental and occidental massage techniques. This one uses 3 essential oils that are personalised to cater your individual needs. Trust us when we say it's one of the most invigorating treatments we've tried.
You'll leave feeling: Like you need to book to come back to this unreal hotel the same time next year. See you there?
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Loic ThebaudSpa Metropole by Givenchy, Monaco
The vibe: Laidback Riviera style made achingly chic thanks to the input of a host of stylish folk from Karl Lagerfeld to Didier Gomez with an injection of Givenchy in the spa, you can expect everything here to be impeccable and tasteful.
Come with… A dazzling wardrobe - you’ll need it, given that the hotel is just off Place de Casino and a mere stroll away from iconic Port Hercules.
Hero Treatment: If you’re ever going to go for it, this palace of excess is the place to do it, so we’d recommend going for the 2-hour face and body Le Skin Noir Renaissance Integrale Givenchy treatment to leave your skin and muscles feeling buttery soft.
You’ll leave feeling… Pampered AF. And probably a bit unwilling to go home.
