15 Of The Best Spa’s In The World

Best for: Garden of Eden setting

Why we love: Mountains on one side, Andaman Sea on the other and set on heavenly Ko Lanta, the aptly named Linger Longer Spa offers air-conditioned treatment rooms, outdoor foot massage salas, shock showers and hydro-massage pools. This adult’s only tropical resort set within botanic gardens is the epitome of effortless Thai hospitality.

2. The Sarojin– Khao Lak – Thailand

Best for: Rainforest Calm and Charm

Why we love: Described as “an act of kindness,” massage is a national pastime in Thailand. With traditions passed down from generation to generation, the Pathway Spa at The Sarojin harnesses Buddhist teachings and local wisdom, ancient remedies and herbal practises. The range of treatments is complemented by secluded couple’s baths, yoga and tai chi platforms, plus tantalising body rituals such as ‘Goodbye Jetlag’ and ‘Stop the Clock’; time stands still at this serene resort enveloped in rainforests and national parkland.

3. Indigo Pearl – Phuket – Thailand

Best for: Fantasy Treehouse Retreat

Why we love: The Indigo Pearl’s Coqoon Spa contains a big hint of the experience that awaits you within its name. This five star resort is a private oasis of wellbeing, a blend of style and unwavering opulence, while the award-winning spa is designer jungle luxury.  The centrepiece of the resort is the treatment rooms that are tantalisingly referred to as ‘nests’. The image above ably demonstrates why.

4. Fusion Maia – Danang – Vietnam

Best for: Serenity Swimming Pools

Why we love: This is a contemporary all-pool villa resort where the infinity pool is perfectly placed to capture the sun as it sets on this beautiful stretch of beach in Danang, while you gaze out dreamily from your resting place on the massage table in full knowledge that all spa treatments are included in the price.

5. Maya – Ubud – Bali

Best for:  Heavenly Hillside Hideaway

Why we love: Allow the wooded slopes on the island of Bali to cast their spell on you. Here the sound of monkeys chattering while distant drums mingle in the tropical mist. At the Spa at Maya, you’ll easily forget the outside world exists; at this environmentally certified resort there is little evidence of anything else but your wellbeing and the river that runs beside your swimming pool.

6. Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa – Mauritius

Best for: Holistic wellness in tropical surrounds

Why we love: CHI, the spa, prides itself on offering holistic wellness treatments tucked away in a tranquil corner of the island. Surrounded by verdant greenery you can take your pick from one the most extensive treatment menus available in this part of the world, alongside signature ingredients provided by French haute beauty brands Clarita and Decléor. With wellness coaches to guide guests, you are sure to return completely refreshed and rejuvenated from this experience.

7. JA Manafuru – the Maldives

Best for: Dreams of Marine Healing

Why we love:  A delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit is always carefully observed at the JA Manafaru. Where else but at an overwater villa resort on a far flung Indian Ocean atoll can you celebrate the restorative power of nature? The Calm Spa specialises in Ayurvedic and Shidehara traditional healing rituals. A stroll along the jetty across the lagoon from your overwater villa will reveal a sensual spa secreted away in the herbal infused Relaxation Garden.

8. Heritage Le Telfair –  Mauritius

Best for: Colour of tranquillity

Why we love: Based around authentic Mauritian traditions at the Seven Colours Spa Village, guests choose colours that appeal to their mood. Surely one of the most beautiful spas to be found anywhere in the world, with design cues from tropical colonial grandeur. The Seven Colours Spa is set in the tropical heartland of the Domaine de Bel Ombre, a haven of serenity on the colourful isle of Mauritius.

9. Coco de Mer  – Seychelles

Best for: Treatment Room with a View

Why we love: Many of our top spas are stunningly located, within forest gardens or close by infinity pools. The Waterfront Spa at Coco de Mer one is situated on the cliff-top where the spectacular panoramic views are complemented by a highly personal wellbeing service. Providing massages and facials, body wraps and scrubs and beauty  hair and nail treatments; all offered with typical Seychellois charm.   Imagine yourself surrounded by an abundance of nature including fruit trees, tropical birds, turtles, and swaying palms overlooking the glittering Indian Ocean.

10. Four Seasons Bali at Sayan – Indonesia

Best for: Wellness and luxury in tropical surrounds

Why we love: If you’re looking to escape the world without giving up the little luxuries, make a trip to this contemporary hotel set by the tinkling Ayung river in Bali. Resident wellness mentor Ibu Fera, also a former Buddhist monk, guides you through a holistic wellness therapy for your mind and body, where you can experience traditional healing, exercise your mental muscles with philosophical debates or enjoy various Balinese purification rituals.

11. Sugar Beach at Viceroy –  St Lucia

Best for: Nestling in the Natural World

Why we love: Voted ‘one of the coolest spas in the world’ by Marie Claire, the Sugar Beach at Viceroy Resort nestles in the valley of the Pitons and harnesses the properties of nearby volcanic springs and cocoa plantations; all natural rituals are free-from chemicals. This World Heritage Listed region is regarded as the heart of St Lucia and might claim to be the most geologically advantageous site for restoration and renewal.

12. Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf and Spa Resort– Cancun – Mexico

Best for: Adults Only Side-By-Side Serenity

Why we love: On a sugar-white beach just north of Cancun, reconnect and rekindle your flame with that special other one in a totally private escape. At Secrets Mujeres you’ll find a complete service for you and your partner, including massages, body scrubs, and facials and there’s a hydrotherapy circuit with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool, and a number of massage cabins including special couples hideaways where the ocean will gladly act as your lullaby.

13. Breezes  –  Zanzibar Beach Club & Spa – Zanzibar

Best for: Après-Safari Soothing Sensation

Why we love: After witnessing some of the most astonishing wildlife scenes on safari, take time to unwind and reflect upon your experiences at the Frangipani Spa. With evocative body rituals including ‘Kili Foot Treatment’ and Après Safari Treatmenta, the Frangipani Spa is specifically designed to soothe and stimulate after your holiday on Africa’s wild savannahs. This makes Breezes situated on Bwejuu beach just about the most ideal multi centre option to unwind on after your wild travels through the bumpy bush.

14. The Resort at Pelican Hill  –  Newport Beach – California

Best for: Best for Entertaining Friendships

Why we love: The tree-lined lanes and dramatic ocean view provide a calming backdrop to Pelican Hill, just outside Newport Beach, California. This luxury spa resort is just the place to connect with friends and family for weddings and bachelorette parties, to share a few days of personal pampering at Conde Nast’s number one voted resort in the USA. Offering 22 treatment rooms including the women’s and men’s Acqua Colonnades, this will make an invigorating weekend break, just an hour from LA, a few moments of bliss at the Forbes Five Star spa will create memories to last a lifetime.

15. Fairmont  Banff Springs – The Rockies – Alberta – Canada

Best for: Mountain scenery

Why we love: Some people find solace by the sea, others prefer magic in the mountains. With the Rockies as a spiritually uplifting backdrop, the panoramic views will silence your soul while high levels of oxygen intensify every waking moment, allowing the Willow Stream Spa to facilitate its healing properties. Built close to sacred waters, Banff Springs now has central spa pool with pulsating waterfalls to reawaken your senses.

These are just a few of our favourite hotels. Have we missed any? Feel free to tell us your favourite spa resorts from around the world.

                                         For more inspiration on luxury holidays visit our Holiday Types page.