What better way to look after yourself than with a restorative spa treatment? The stresses and strains of modern life can drift away when you have a relaxing break at one of the world’s luxury spa resorts.
There is an acknowledgement today of the need for a better work/life balance, and with lifestyles as hectic as they are it’s more important than ever to recharge and refuel and that’s where the world’s spas are coming into play.
With so many trips in the lap of the gods – sun-soaked holidays can sometimes be a washout if a rainstorm strikes suddenly, wonders of the world that don’t deliver as promised – there’s one trip you can totally rely on. Spa treatments are worth their weight in gold for making sure your holiday is reliably restorative.
From wellness retreats in Bali, to chanting with a Tibetan Buddhist monk in scenic Switzerland there are dozens of treatments around the world worth hopping on a plane for.
To help you find your route to relaxation, we have chosen seven of the best treatments at luxury spa resorts around the world.
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Spa treatments at luxury spa resorts
1. Have a Balian healing session in Indonesia
For something to treat your mind as well as your body, head to the Four Seasons in wellness hotspot Ubud, in Indonesia.
Nestled in a little village called Sayan, you can expect stunning scenery as you discover some of the amazing treatments on offer.
Not only can you chat away with the hotel’s resident Buddhist monk, the hotel can also arrange a traditional healing session with a Balian healer in their home.
2. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Japan
Although not strictly a tea ceremony, the Signature Treatment at the Aman Tokyo Hotel is inspired by the traditional Japanese ritual.
High up on the 33rd floor you’ll enjoy epic, sky-scraping views of Tokyo. But the real show-stopper is the hotel’s incredible signature massage which promises to whizz you back in time to the 16th-century with tea ceremony inspired scents and sounds.
3. Take to the clifftops for a massage in Indonesia
If you like your treatments with a side serving of landscape heaven, The Nihiwatu in Indonesia is for you.
A boutique hotel specialising in surfing, you can skip the activities and enjoy the ‘Nihi Oka Spa Safari’ which comprises of a dramatic mountain walk through a rural village to your own private clifftop massage room.
It’s a showstopper of a treatment, which will leave you physically and spiritually restored. Especially after you meet with a Balinese high priestess as part of a water purification ceremony.
This is one treatment really worth travelling for.
4. Channel your inner yogi in Switzerland
Switzerland may not seem the most obvious setting for yoga, but The Chedi Andermatt is where you can really channel your inner yogi.
Each day you can shake off the cobwebs with a 90-minute mountain walk through the kind of exquisite scenery any shutterbug will enjoy.
And if you’re lucky, you can catch a session with visiting Tibetan Buddhist Monk, Loten Dahorstang, who teaches yoga, chanting mantras and sacred meditations.
5. Relax with Ayurveda in India
The home of Ayurveda, India is the perfect place to relax in the idyll of one of the world’s seriously swish luxury spa resorts.
The Vana hotel in Uttarakhand, India is a minimalist’s dream, with interiors to soothe your busy mind.
But where it really excels is in treatments offered by Dalai Lama-trained therapists who use a holistic blend of traditional Ayurveda to calm your bones and rejuvenate your body.
For each and every guest, a bespoke experience is crafted so you can expect a completely personal service every time you stay at Vana.
And you can chow down on meat, vegetarian, or vegan delights as the chefs cook up spectacular Indian cuisine.
6. Have a Cabernet mud mask in California
Wine isn’t just for drinking at one of California’s fine luxury spa resorts, Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley.
Wander in the beautiful gardens, and find your way through the secret courtyard. Once there, try out the Fleurs of Earth & Vin, a unique treatment that includes a warm cabernet mud mask for the body and a nourishing oil massage afterwards.
And, of course, after you have enjoyed the fruits of the vineyard on your skin – you can also quaff your way through their cellar offerings too.
And as you can expect from a Relais & Chateaux property, this is total luxury from start to finish: no dieting here!
7. Relax at a wellness retreat in the Maldives
Wellness retreats rarely offer views as spectacular as this one. Because at the Amilla Fushi on Baa Atoll you’ll be 40 feet high in your own private treehouse.
But you won’t be left sleeping all day, as ‘Bodyism’ personal trainers whip you into shape and get your body bikini ready.
After all the sweating, relax with a treatment (or two!) in your tree-house. Highlights are the full body massage, and collagen boost facial.
Images used here under a Creative Commons licence include by Amila Tennakoon
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