Must-have luxurious spa treatments around the world
You know that voice in your head that’s saying “Treat yo self”? Say it louder for the people at the back! We all need a little r&r here and there and we might indulge ourselves in that weekly massage appointment or DIY foot spa in the living room. But wouldn’t we agree that a nice long spa weekend trip would be a dream come true, especially after everything we’ve been through with covid? Fun fact, the health and wellness industry is going through a boom at the moment. We are living in the same age as the new-age beauty hacks which propelled Gywneth Paltrow’s wellness brand to Netflix fame - we’re talking Acai powder, alkaline water, home-made avo facials, the works. Social media has our face, bodies and skin all under scrutiny more than ever right now and research into both techy and natural remedies is coming more and more into the spotlight as we fall in love with those “zero nasties” celebrity-endorsed diets and essential oil beauty treatments. Needless to say, we were into wellness pre-covid and during covid it’s pretty much a no-brainer. But our favourite luxurious spas around the world have had to adapt a little bit and change the way they work in the name of safety for their clients with touchless spa services, digital detox, virtual fitness, above-the-mask beauty treatments and sustainable practices. Of course we can’t get too picky. When it comes to relaxation, even in 2021, we all have a different idea of how to unwind - for example, are you more of a mineral-rich mud bath or beer jacuzzi type of tourist?
We’ve compiled some uniquely luxurious spa experiences abroad which you can hopefully treat yourself to in three months time, we’re thinking. Each experience doesn’t just nail it in terms of plush modernity, the latest in beauty science, maximum privacy and an extensive selection of exclusive invigorating hydrobaths, gold facials, body wraps, cleanses, procedures and more. They also have the world’s top-rated therapists to execute these ridiculously pampered sessions. We’re also looking at treatments that cannot be experienced anywhere else- experiences you might need to plan well ahead for and even call home about. So get your fluffy robe on and let’s plan a trip to the spa. Heaven is closer than you think!
Jade Stone Facial @ The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York
When it comes to world-class 5 star spas, Mandarin Oriental’s in NYC tops the WKNDTRP list of favorites (find it in our New York city guide) and no, the floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t the only reason this lush oasis of relaxation earns serious brownie points. New guests and return visitors gush about the spa’s meditative atmosphere. It may be an urban getaway but it is amazingly transformative. Take the Jade Stone facial. It combines the old traditions with the new, promoting not just an aesthetically pleasing experience but a brand new lifestyle through metaphysical healing. The 80 minute treatment starts with a soothing exfoliation with freshwater pearls and then brings in the jade beauty stones gently massaging the face and waking up the skin - a refreshing detox from the inside out.
24 Karat Gold Mask Treatment @ Talise Ottoman Spa, Dubai
Talise Ottoman Spa has for years had many other spa treatments beat just by offering, on its sumptuous menu of spa packages, the world’s most luxurious treatment. The treatment is this - a 24 karat gold facial mask that comes with a host of other lavish bonuses including the setting of an authentic Turkish-style hammam, delicious caviar at lunchtime in the spa suite and of course complementary argan oil massage and milk and rose oil bath. The whole experience is reminiscent of Arabian royalty, think “Queen of the Nile” and let’s not forget the famed healing properties of using pure gold as a beauty treatment.
Luxury Beer Spa @ Corinthia Hotel, Prague
As history shows us, beer spas are not new to the health and wellness scene. Its origins actually trace back to the Middle Ages where beer baths were seen as a health ritual and energy-booster. Just as beer is somewhat of a traditional symbol of the Czech Republic and drinking beer and beer tastings are some of the most-loved things to do when in Prague, it seems fair to say that the Czechs would bathe in it too! To say the least, you will be missing out if you skip out on this unique and ancient spa therapy where the techniques have been perfected over centuries. In the bath you’ll see hops, yeast and other natural parts of the beer making process (as authentic as it gets). One huge bonus: the whole experience involves an unlimited supply of unpasteurized beer! Drink up!
Cellular Exclusive Lift Concept @ Bulgari Spa, London
Bulgari Spa of Bvlgari glamour pulls out all the stops as a wellness retreat and its two thousand square meters of eudemonic wellness easily make it the largest and most sought after spa in Central London. Even now we dream of taking a dip in the refreshing and serene pool where you see the ornate gold-leaf tiles on the shimmering green floor when you plunge in for a long soak. The Italian aesthetic is all part of the designer brand and the treatments at the Onyx Spa Suite only bring out the bougie even more. Like its series of Swiss Perfection Cellular Facials designed to slow down the aging process at the cellular level, making the skin firmer, more supple and smoothening away wrinkles. The treatment lasts 80 minutes, all in the lap of velvety luxury.
The Mountain Escape @ The Spa at The Twelve Apostles, Cape Town
Even the more reserved indoorsy spa-goer yearns for a breather out in nature once in a while - drawing in the earthy scent of the soil, breeze bouncing off the mountain ranges and the pleasant colours of flora in the Cape. Here’s where you get your nature fix. The Twelve Apostles’ location creates an exciting backdrop for this 105-minute all-natural massage experience. The treatment uses stones from iconic Table Mountain as well as indigenous medicinal plants. Relax as your therapist guides you through the first phase of the session - deep breathing - and moves on to the Ayurvedic salt scrub, full body massage, scalp massage and heavenly foot rejuvenation.
Margy’s Monte Carlo: Ultimate Radiance Aesthetic Facial @ The Peninsula Spa Hong Kong
What better way to kick back and unwind than at one of the top spas this world has to offer? The Peninsula Hong Kong sets the scene for the pampering you were craving this fall and before the end of the year, let’s hope you make this trip to see its gorgeous pool, breathtaking terrace and of course the spa spaces where the magic happens. You could be here, soaking in the crystal steam room and glass sauna overlooking the harbour while your Margie Lombard facial is prepared. Margy’s facial includes a range of techniques to promote collagen growth from deep inside the layers of the skin. The result? Skin that’s totally camera ready.
Leg School @ Capri Palace Jumeirah, Capri
Celebs like Liz Hurley and many other athletes and supermodels have checked in for the A-list skin care this exquisite beach-side resort has got going on for it. Its oxygen facials and body contouring are a major hit. Capri Palace is a mainstay wellness oasis using Elos technology, and out of all its treatments, the most popular one has got to be “Leg School”. Like the name suggests, it’s all about the legs! Using a range of different techniques including hydrotherapy, and mineral-rich mud treatments, these expert therapists shape beautiful looking skin on the legs for problems like varicose veins and stretch marks. The soothing environment and pampering here is on another level.
A trip to the spa is one luxury that we have been seriously deprived of for the past year. We see more and more that destination spas are taking on a new role as a safe haven from the stress of the pandemic. Still there are big changes like maybe less of a “hands-on” experience but we see a lot more creativity put into the healing and rejuvenation process that us wellness enthusiasts can actually look forward to. As more countries lift restrictions, we could be going into the new year with a wkndtrp to these spa getaways for the pampering of our lives!
