Spoil yourself silly
Warm water caves, private thermal springs, relaxing with aqua aerobics and salt crystal massages—all this while lying in the luxury of an all-glass private suite overlooking an ocean or a snow-capped mountain. Honestly, a week at the Kensington Palace would look ordinary in comparison.
For those who settle for nothing but the best and don’t mind spending a few lakh of rupees for a three-night spa package, the world’s best spa holidays are merely a click away. We consulted experts at the Leading Hotels of the World and pooled in our personal experiences at some of these places to come up with a list of six amazing spa holidays around the world that you should go on at least once in your lifetime.
Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa, US
Located in one of the most spectacular natural settings on earth, this spa is regularly ranked among the world’s best by both travel magazines and tourism boards. Set in a tranquil environment in Sedona, the 70-acre resort next to the Boynton Canyon is less than two hours from the Grand Canyon.
Mii Amo, which means “journey” in the Yuman language, offers guests Ayurveda therapies, Shiatsu massages and lessons in Chi Kung, a martial arts form. This 2,230-sq. m. spa has five outdoor swimming pools and several warm water pools, jacuzzis and saunas. Stay at any of the 116 rooms or 120 suites and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the canyon.
Our tip: try the Native Mii Amo Spa Treatment here. Native Americans used ground corn to cleanse and purify the skin. Here, they blend the blue corn with mineral salt crystals and aloe vera to make a vigorous scrub, polishing your skin to perfection. The package includes a stone massage and costs a mere $470 (Rs 20,000).
Contact: 1-928-2822900
Look Up: www.miiamo.com
Cost: Three-night spa packages $3,000-$6,000 (Rs 1,29,000-Rs 2,58,000) per couple.
How to get there: Several domestic flights operate daily between San Francisco (which is connected to India through several international flights) and Phoenix Airport in Arizona.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Switzerland
Once you have had your fill of the lakes, cable car rides to mountain tops and exotic food, order a limousine and drive up to the Grand Hotel. This spa resort, set among lakes and mountains, boasts state-of-the-art facilities. The exclusive 5,500 sq. m. spa offers a range of wellness, sports and keepin-shape attractions.
It has 22 treatment rooms, apart from hot springs, whirlpools and jacuzzis. We recommend the outdoor spa, which you can enter from indoors. Swim past the glass wall and go outside before lying down on the special beds that are placed just above the water jets. Lie on your back and look up. The view of the snow-capped mountains will take your breath away.
Where: Interlaken, Switzerland
Contact: 41-033-8282828
Look Up: www.victoria-jungfrau.ch
Cost: Suites cost $1,200-$3,000 (Rs 51,600-Rs 1,29,000) per night Spa treatments vary between $100-$450 (Rs 4,300-Rs 19,350)
How to get there: Take a train or hire a car from Geneva. It’s about four hours away.
Spa Chakra Hayman, Australia
Imagine waking up in a penthouse and looking out of the window only to see the vast expanse of the ocean in front of you. There’s someone at the door, though. It’s your personal spa attendant and she is asking you which treatment you would like today from the choice of over 60 therapies lined up for you.
Welcome to Spa Chakra Hayman—an award-winning luxury spa on Hayman, one of the world’s most acclaimed resort destinations. Offering more than 60 health and beauty therapies, Spa Chakra is an exceptional resort. The spa has 13 treatment rooms, including a dedicated wet treatment room and therapy rooms with garden views, two relaxation lounges and a meditation suite. Stay at the penthouses overlooking the ocean.
Our tip: try either the Total Detox package for $A1,220 (Rs 49,000) or the Anti-Aging Retreat package for $A1,375 (Rs 56,300).
Where: Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Contact: 61-7-49401234
Look Up: www.hayman.com.au
Cost: Spa packages cost $A50-$A1,400 (Rs 2,000-Rs 57,300) per person. A stay at the hotel will set you back by around $A600 (Rs 25,000) per night for a couple.
How to get there: Adelaide is the nearest international airport with flights from India. There are daily flights between the Great Barrier Reef Airport and Adelaide.
Palazzo Arzaga Hotel & Spa, Italy
Palazzo Arzaga is a magnificent 15th century mansion that has been transformed into a 5-star hotel. The centre of attraction here is the award-winning spa. Take a reiki treatment here and also its special hot stone therapy. Of course, you have to stay a few days and the massive rooms or the four luxury suites will ensure you won’t feel like leaving in a hurry.
Where: Brescia, Lake Garda, Italy
Contact: 39-030-680600
Look Up: www.lhwspas.com/palazzoarzaga
Cost: Suites cost $1,000-$1,800 (Rs 43,000-Rs 77,400) per night. Spa treatment prices vary from $450-$1,100 (Rs 19,350-Rs 47,300).
How to get there: Brescia Airport is located 20 km from the resort.
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Maldives
Located in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, the spa blends seamlessly with the beauty of this tropical isle. Fanned around a central courtyard garden and surrounded by the serene aqua lagoon are the over-water spa pavilions, each with a private sun deck and relaxation space. The spa also includes a yoga and meditation pavilion, a VIP spa suite, and two luxurious couple spa suites. The pavilion has single and double water beds.
Where: South Male Atoll, the Maldives
Contact: 960-664-2200
Look Up: www.tajhotels.com
Cost: Stay in the luxury beach suites which cost $2,500 (Rs 1,07,500) per day for a couple
How to get there: The resort is 15 minutes by a luxury speedboat, available 24x7 from Male Airport
The Spa at Esperanza, Mexico
Winner of several international awards and rated one of the top three spas in the world by Conde Nast Traveller in 2008, this resort spa incorporates the elements of water, light, desert and sea with uniquely designed features, such as indoor steam caves and waterfalls and outdoor pools and gardens.
Dip into the warm soaking pool here before walking into the steam cave for the ultimate “caveman” experience. Our tip: try the Aroma Spa Package. This four-night package includes accommodation in an ocean view suite for two and six different spa treatments.
Where: Esperanza-An Auberge Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Contact: 011-52-6241456400
Look Up: www.esperanzaresort.com
Cost: A four-night spa package costs $4,800-$5,500 (Rs 2,06,400-2,36,500) per couple.
