Are you tired of the hectic pace that living in the fast lane delivers day in and day out? Are you worn out, fed up, exhausted and only firing on one cylinder? If any of the above applies to you, then you’re long overdue for something completely different. If you want a break from the real world, now is the time to book yourself a visit to one of the world’s most luxurious day spas.
We’ve hand picked some of the most qualified massage therapists and the most comfortable accommodations to help you enjoy life’s luxurious moments. So don’t wait a second longer – go ahead, we dare you to rediscover yourself at one of these exclusive resorts:
Chiang Mai (Four Seasons Resort, Thailand) – Chosen as the “World’s Best Spa” by Conde Nast Traveler, the relaxation experts at journeyPod agree! This exotic destination will help recapture the lost feeling of youthfulness within the walls and beautiful outdoor facility of this magical spa. Inspired by ancient Thai rituals, the treatments offered at Chiang Mai are extremely unique – the “Shirodhara” is a restorative treatment where your “Third eye” is poured with sensual oil to balance the mind and body. Give your hair the royal lashing it deserves with a Prai Hair Treatment that will send your hair follicles in a spin. Trust us – it’ll be very difficult to leave this place!
Como Shambhala Retreat (Uma Paro, Bhutan) – Recharge your inner power while getting spoiled at this prestigious spa located just a short hop from Bangkok, Calcutta, Delhi or Kathmandu. Feel your muscles relax during a reflexology session or pose in a downward dog position while breathing in the fresh air of the Himalayan Mountains. This tree-house style retreat will make you cancel your obligations for the next month (or longer).
Spa at Elbow Beach (Bermuda) Ahhh relaxation… Bermuda’s soft pink sand and fresh sea air. After having just experienced “nirvana” at the Spa at Elbow Beach – life simply could not get any better. Using Mandarin Oriental’s holistic sensory philosophy, the body and mind is transcended to a state of complete relaxation. Those looking for a real treat -book the personalized two hour session in a private sanctuary suite and let the therapist determine your needs. The Hollistic Back, Face and Scalp Massage will leave your body, mind and spirit feeling re-hydrated and nourished. After each specialized treatment, enjoy solitude while lounging on the veranda bed, sipping on Chinese herbal tea and overlooking the spectacular view of the Atlantic ocean. For more information on Elbow Beach, check out our podcast!
Kinan Spa at Maroma Resort (Riviera Maya – Mexico) – Voted best beach resort in the entire Caribbean by The Travel Channel, this place is amazing in every way. We loved the Lomi Lomi massage mixed with the Deep Tissue to ease those aching back muscles. One therapist offered, “Some people laugh, some people cry, some people sigh,” referring to the body’s reaction to total relaxation at Kinan. Let’s just say we really had to keep our bursts of laughter down so as to not interupt anyone else! Kinan experts offer a perfect blend of physical therapy, massage, medicine man, and chiropractor. Relax indoors or outside on the terrace overlooking one of the top beaches in the World. For the daring, try your hand at the Mayan version of massage – Temazcal. Super heated lava rocks create the steam and aromatic healing for this ritual to improve mind and body. The service is just as good as your surroundings.
Mii Amo (Enchantment Resort – Sedona, Arizona) – Voted #1 by Travel and Leisure Readers in 2006, Mii Amo takes its name from the Native American word for journey – which is exactly where you’re going with a visit here. Nestled in the beautiful Red Rock country, this special place will show you how to truly relax and live a healthier and happier life. Don’t believe us? Visit the place yourself and indulge in a spa treatment, get your palm read, detox or soak in a Milk and Honey Bath and leave all your worries at home. For the avid gym junkies – jump on a bike and explore the cedar forests or go hiking in Boynton Canyon. Either way you decide to spend your day, nothing is better than unwinding in one of the Spa casitas or suites here.
Spa L’Auberge (L’Auberge Del Mar, Del Mar, CA) – Indulge in luxury by the sea at the new Spa L’Auberge. Opened in March of 2009, Spa L’Auberge reflects the surrounding seaside environment: fresh, clear, vibrant. With treatments from all over the world, guests can relax and experience a little piece of the world. While journeyPod didn’t have a chance to experience Seaside Sojourns, they do sound amazing! Guests can choose from the Polynesian Journey, Amazonian Escapade, Moroccan Adventure or the Asian Escape. journeyPod got lost at sea with the L’Aroma Massage. Ocean Rose, Citrus Wave and the Rosemary Mint notes helped us relax, revitalize and detoxify.
Aria Spa & Club at Vail Cascade (Vail, CO) – As a premier spa and fitness facility in Colorado, Aria Spa & Club offers a sanctuary for achieving total wellness. Offering fitness classes, personal training, cardio, indoor track, heated outdoor pool, steam room, tennis & basketball courts, and a wonderful rejuvenating spa – it’s no wonder that Aria Spa & Club is one of Vail’s most frequented spots. The 10,000-square-foot opulent spa provides exhilarating body and skin treatments that will take you on a relaxing and rejuvenating personal journey. Our advice – after a day on the slopes, let their expert masseuse treat you to a Deep Tissue Massage to soothe and stretch those aching muscles!
The Lodge at Woodloch (Hawley, PA) – It’s no surprise that The Lodge at Woodloch as been recognized among the top destination spas – its founders John and Ginny Lopis hail from the ever so famous Canyon Ranch, are founding members of the International Spa Association (ISPA) and master minds behind some of the most famous spas from around the world. Nestled in PA’s gorgeous lake region on its own 15-acre lake, this unassuming luxury destination spa is a short (90 miles or so) ride from NYC and definitely worth the trip – regardless of where you’re traveling from. An ideal retreat from daily life, Woodloch offers guests the opportunity to relax, renew and rediscover – with everything from the resort’s architectural theme of nature and menu of outdoor activities, to the art classes, culinary demos, fitness classes, and award-winning 27 treatment room spa. The moment you step foot inside Woodloch and are greeted with the handmade crystal Chakra Bowls, you feel a sense of relaxation and awakening. Followed by their signature (and our favorite) “Awakening the Senses ‘Head to Toe’” multi-sensory body treatment with personalized chromatherapy (color therapy), aromatherapy and more – its no wonder we felt like new! And, the fact that we spent most of our time in robes (which Woodloch encourages), coupled with outstanding spa cuisine and top-notch service – we now understand the love affair most guests experience!
The Spa at La Costa Resort & Spa (Carlsbad, California) – As America’s first full-service spa resort, La Costa Resort and Spa has set the standard for relaxation and rejuvenation since 1965. journeyPod recommends their signature Spanish Herbal Rub and Massage. This is 100 minutes of total relaxation and bliss! This treatment uses Native Spanish herbs like sage, lavendar, and rosemary. Then the herbs are combined with moisturizing olive oils that annoint your body while your therapist exfoliates and polishes your skin. Your hair will receive a deep conditioning, while your scalp and body is massaged and you slip into a state of deep relaxation…or a deep sleep! Heavenly, right?! Want to hear more about La Costa Resort and Spa? Stay tuned for our luxury travel podcast.
Spa at the Wynn (Las Vegas, Nevada) – There is no better feeling than letting yourselfbe pampered in a city of immense luxury. Leave all the stress of relationships, work, or that poor hand at poker behind and indulge in a state of utter relaxation. The Good Luck Ritual Massage will send your minda nd body on a spiritual journey to the Far East. The treatment is based on the Five Elements of Feng Shui and begins with a massage using unique treatments of heated Thai herbs, followed by a lemon peppermind foot treatment and a botanical scalp treatment. After feeling like your body might turn into jello…head on over to the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, or simply grab your book, hot tea and lounge around in your robe.
Sandy Lanes Spa (Barbados) – Tiger woods hit a hole in one by choosing this resort as his wedding destination – Elton John and Jacqueline Kennedy have also enjoyed it. then again, who wouldn’t want to try out the assortment of revitalizing and rejuvenating treatments at Sandy Lanes Spa. Situated on a beautiful beach in Barbados, this world-class resort and spa epitomizes the word luxury as guests can choose a VIP treatment suite (with mood enhancing lights for those traveling with that special someone), indulge in Bajan sugar cane scrub or a revive jet lag body treatment.
Chopra Center (Dream Hotel – New York, NY) – Dr. Chopra is an accomplished author with interesting titles on life and everyone’s favorite sexual therapy- Karma Sutra. So it’s no wonder that his spa caters to your every wish. Located in a beautiful boutique hotel in New York, treatments at the Chopra Center will help release the stress of the every day hustle and bustle. Especially the Primordial Sonna Meditation (PSM) – talk about turning off your mind and sending you into a state of utter bliss! For those of you who are coupled – we highly recommend the Oodi room where you can cover each other in mud in your own private steam room.
Beauty Center (Le Sirenuse Hotel – Positano, Italy) – Tagged as one of the leading hotels in the world, many of our avid movie watchers will remember the pool scene overlooking the Almalfi coast in the Robert Downey movie “Only You”. At the Beauty Center, you’ll feel the years dripping off when you experience a Rosemary Mint Awakening Body Wrap while overlooking the serene Mediterranean. Most importantly, don’t forget to let your skin breathe by indulging in a floating facial and then follow with a lazy nap by the famed turquoise pool.
Trilogy Spa (Manhattan Beach, California) – Their exotic hand-picked treatments provide the ultimate and unique spa experience from head to toe, leaving you relaxed and your skin nourished. This spa is where Los Angeles’ professional athletes head when they need some extra TLC. Whether it’s a Lomi Pohaku (Stone Massage) or a Macadamia Nut Body scrub, this is the place to be pampered! This relaxing destination made our journeyPod expert feel like a kid again as she experienced the Lehua Honey Escape — a luxurious treatment with healing and moisturizing Island Lehua honey and coconut oil. Want to hear more? Then listen to our luxury travel podcast.
Mandarin Oriental Spa (Miami, Florida) – Enjoyed by Mick Jagger and Penelope Cruz, this luxurious South Beach destination makes sure that guests are pampered the way they ought to be. Surrounded by bamboo, rice paper and natural linens, this spa will make you feel like you’re in the heart of a forest in Bali. Favorite Spa menu items include: Holistic treatments, Thai massage and the invigorating Indian Scalp massage.
Montage Spa (Laguna Beach, California) – Situated on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean-fronts, this mansion-style trendy retreat pampers the elite. Dig your toes into the powdery white sand. Experience the four-finger massage as two experts rub out the knots on your body leaving you feel like a newborn baby. Looking for something else? Any treatment you get here will make you think you’ve just stepped out of a heavenly sanctuary.
Sequoia Spa (The Grove Hotel – Hertforshire, UK) – Voted “Best Spa Retreat” by Conde Nast Traveler, couples can get cozy during a couple’s stone massage followed by an intoxicatingly relaxing crystal steam room session. This swanky spa is the first to offer the new ESPA treatment, which features a full range of Ayurvedic-influenced wraps, spa rituals and other treatments. With its Zen décor, your chi will be at its best at Sequoia Spa.
La Reserve Spa (Geneve Hotel – Geneva, Switzerland) – Warm up your senses after a day of skiing in the Swiss Alps and enjoy a few hours of ecstasy (figuratively speaking, of course) at this majestic destination. The Swiss are known for their cleanliness and attention to detail, which you’ll experience firsthand the second you arrive at La Reserve. Bathe in Algae or get a weight loss massage made from Brazilian coffee cream – whatever you choose, all your thoughts are likely to fade away. The contemporary feng shui-styled hotel rooms offered here will also make for a nice nightcap.
Zen City Spa (Prague, Czech Republic) – This 4-star property is designed for luxury, and is the first in Prague to have a traditional Asian Wellness studio. Zen allows guests to enjoy The Floating Centre, the first and the only one of this kind, which offers the concept of harmonizing your mind and soul. In a 7-metre shell-shaped bath, guest float on water enriched with natural crystals (Dead-Sea-Effect) and experience a unique feeling of weightlessness, absolute silence, deep relaxation and peace. The water is renewed after each usage and the strictest hygiene, used for many years in hospitals is ensured, so you can achieve your absolute glow.
