Top Destinations: Spa Holiday

Thailand

In recent years spa hotels have become increasingly popular in Thailand and retreats now offer some of the most luxurious spa holidays with a vast range of treatments from Aerobics to Zen influences.

Most spas in Thailand can be found in hotels surrounding by the beauty and tranquillity that are perfect for soothing mind and body. With stunning views over looking lush green forests or exotic beaches Thai spa resorts are the ideal location for relaxation and escaping the rigours of everyday life. Prices for hotels start from around £700 and include accommodation, exquisite cuisine and use of facilities, though independent spas offer one off treatments for very reasonable prices.
 

Indonesia

Well being holidays and holistic spas hotels are very popular in Indonesia for the exotic surroundings, affordable treatments and expert staff. Retreats in Indonesia offer some of the most luxurious spa holidays with a vast range of treatments from Aerobics to Zen influences. The spas in the Indonesian archipelago located in blissful surroundings of natural beauty and tranquillity that are perfect for soothing mind and body. With stunning views over looking lush green forests or exotic beaches Indonesian spa resorts rate as some of the bet in the world and are ideal for relaxation and escaping the rigours of everyday life. Prices for hotels start from around £700 and include accommodation, exquisite cuisine and use of facilities, though independent spas offer one off treatments for very reasonable prices.

Hawaii

Honolulu is home to luxurious resorts with calming spa ameneties – ideal for a well-being and spa holiday. If your accommodations do not include spa treatments, do not fear for Hawaiiis filled with spa retreats and well-being activities. Many businesses in Hawaii specifically cater to providing the largest range of spa treatments using fresh local ingredients from the land, volcano, and sea. Well-being tours will transport you to the most serene surroundings where you can relax with yoga, Asian arts like tai chi, massage, and meditation. Hawaii is a culture that regards protecting the well-being of the mind and spirit and with its heavy Asian influence, makes a spa holiday that much more authentic.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is new on our top ten destinations to enjoy a spa holiday. Although an up and coming destination, you won't be short for choice when booking a spa break in this beautiful Asian country. You will also benefit from excellent rates and pristine, peaceful beaches.

Cannes

Cannes is an ideal destination for a spa holiday. You will love the relaxing atmosphere that the South of France has to offer, and there is a wide range of luxury spas to choose from in the area. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bask in five-star luxury, with the added advantages of staying in a hotel in Cannes, close to the Mediterranean Sea, yet surrounded by the peaceful and tranquil countryside of Provence. Some of the treats you might expect to find at a spa in Cannes includes a range of treatments using Eastern ingredients such as rhassoul, soap and orange blossom oil, or Asian rituals with green tea and ginger. Slimming and anti-aging treatments at Cannes spas are likely to use the latest technology such as ultrasound or pulsed light. Prices will vary according to the type of spa you choose to go for, but they are likely to be expensive. Shop around to find the best deal to suit you. Day spas in Cannes are also available.

Mauritius

A new addition to our top ten spa destinations, the number of spa resorts in Mauritius has climbed drastically over the past two years. For those seeking wellness, Mauritius now offers an extraordinary festival of colours: turquoise water, lush vegetation, white sand beaches and colourful exotic flowers will constitute an utmost change of scene for your break in a Mauritius spa resort.

Switzerland

Switzerland is the traditional location of the world's best spa holidays, including the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa in Interlaken and the Lausanne Palace and Spa on Lake Geneva.

Wellness holidays combine hiking with luxury spas, and there are plenty of hotels in beautiful locations that combine the two activities in Switzerland. Check out the mountain hot springs at Vals or Bad Scuol in Engadin in Switzerland – the major spas in Graubünden – as well as the many smaller spas with healing waters.

In Baden, in Switzerland, the Thermalbad or public baths can be visited by anyone. The idea is to swim round the perimeter of the baths, which have jets, positioned at different levels. A little buzzer alerts bathers when to move onto the next jet. Try it for a really relaxing experience during your holiday in Switzerland, before you’re wrapped in a warm bathrobe and directed to the relaxation room where talking and cell phones are not allowed.
 

Mexico

We love massages, facials, wine wraps and other indulgent spa treatments. But unless you're a Hollywood celebrity, these are luxury items, not part of your regular work week. When you need pampering, don't waste your valuable time and money by going to an unprofessional or inexperienced therapist. We've tested the latest treatments, met with the practitioners and visited the newest retreats to find the best spas in Mexico.

Away Spa and Fitness at the W Hotel, Campos Elíseos 252, Polanco, 55.9138.1800
starwoodhotels.com/whotels

The Draw: If you like the W’s minimalist style and appreciate New Age spa décor, then Away Spa is for you.
The Scene: Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, shiatsu, aromatherapy, and sport massages are all at your fingertips—or at least at the masseuse’s fingertips. Water-lovers will appreciate Wet, an area that includes a heated relaxation pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sunroom, and sauna. Away Spa also offers a well-equipped fitness center and beauty salon.
Hot Tip: For silky-smooth skin, try the Monte Albán body wrap, an indigenous treatment that wraps you in a concoction of jasmine, rice, cinnamon, aromatic oil essences, and organic milk.

Qi Urban Spa
Amsterdam 317, Condesa, 55.5574.5095

The Draw: In the hip Condesa neighborhood, Qi offers a complete range of spa services designed to integrate body and soul.
The Scene: A trendy set from the surrounding area has fallen in love with this day spa, which offers a full menu of massage services and body treatments, as well as a relaxation pool and sundeck. Spinning, yoga, and meditation classes are also available.
Hot Tip: The fitness center also has a climbing wall, a rarity in Mexico City.

Spa at Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel, Paseo de la Reforma 500, Juarez, 55.5230.1818
fourseasons.com/mexico

The Draw: A quiet, elegant spa in the city’s most luxurious hotel.
The Scene: Four Seasons guests expect to be pampered, and these elite (often celeb) spa-goers are seldom disappointed. The sophisticated selection of skin and body treatments includes Thai massage, and clients also have access to the small fitness center, sauna, and swank outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.
Hot Tip: If you want to go native, try the Punta Mita massage, which incorporates tequila, indigenous sage oil, and traditional Mexican healing techniques.

San Diego

There are a variety of spa holiday packages available for those visiting San Diego. For a spa holiday on a budget visit a day spa in San Diego for pampering and relaxation before returning to the rest of your holiday. As there are a large number of such spas in San Diego we recommend you visit the spa to book your appointment, and then you can check hygiene, cleanliness and staff training first hand. Artesia in downtown San Diego and Spa TIki slightly further out of town offer day spa treatments for reasonable prices.

If you are solely looking for a spa holiday in San Diego, then there are many spa resorts on offer. Such resorts tend to be costly, but provide the ultimate get away from everyday life. Hotels such as the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa offer a modern hotel and spa facility, but are nothing out of the ordinary when compared to other luxury hotels in San Diego who offer beauty treatments. For a true feel of San Diego encompassing a spa holiday stay at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa. This hotel encompasses a true feel of San Diego alongside a modern fitness centre, relaxation areas with hot tubs and steam rooms and all the beauty services generally offered at a spa.
 

Malaysia

Rates as one of the top spa destinations in the world for 2009 and 2010, Malaysia is certainly one of the cheaper more beautiful spots for a spa break. When you need to relax and unwind, head for the beautiful sandy beaches of Malaysia - the spa's here will not disappoint! Day spas and spa resorts in Malaysia come in a huge range of styles and personalities, from small village spas to 35,000 square foot extravaganzas with the latest equipment. In addition, some resort spas are open to locals on a day basis. We advise you book your spa in advance... and if you do resort to stressful last minute booking, don't worry - because you're heading straight for a massage! Nevertheless, you might as well save a couple of hundred by booking out of peak season (June/July and August).

Paris

In January 2009, The Times published a guide with the best destinations in Europe for a spa break recently, which included Paris, Geneva and Malaga. Thai massage, Swedish spa or massage, Turkish massage and many other types of spa and massages are booming in Paris – inside the 4 or 5 stars hotels or independently managed. Spa retreats in Paris are generally quite expensive as with most other things in the French Capital, but you get what you pay for in terms of expertise and luxury.

Bahamas

As might be expected for a top beach resort destination, the Bahamas has a wealth of luxurious spa holiday options to enjoy. Top spa holidays in the Bahamas are offered at prestigious resorts and resort hotels like the Atlantis Resort’s Mandara Spa on Paradise Island, which features 14 treatment suites and a Thalassotherapy pool. Oceanfront Azure Spa & Beauty Salon at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau provides several kinds of massage, Vichy showers, facials and body treatments. Other recommended spa holiday locals include the Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay and Senses Spa on Grand Bahama.

Madeira

No luxury holiday is complete without a spa treatment, and Madeira is the ideal place for a well-being and spa holiday. The island of Madeira is filled with luxury hotels boasting luxurious spas, and offering a wide range of treatments in sumptuous settings. A spa holiday in Madeira will not only offer you wonderful treatments, but also magnificent views and settings, whether overlooking the ocean, or set among lush semi-tropical gardens. The charm and peaceful atmosphere of the island of Madeira, the fresh sea air and exhilarating walking trails will ensure that you come home from your well-being and spa holiday in Madeira feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Maldives

There are plenty of spa & well being holidays on offer in the Maldives, with a majority of the resorts offering at least spa facilities.
For the ultimate spa & well being holiday in the Maldives you could try the Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi, a fairly new resort which offers the most luxurious hideaway spa, or the Huvafen Fushi resort which offer a unique underwater spa!
Once at your resort in the Maldives, spa and wellbeing treatments, such as massage, facials and body wraps are easily booked.