The best spas around the world
Check in, zone out at these luxurious retreats
Whether it’s at home or abroad, a spa or retreat, these dreamy destinations are guaranteed to bring you bliss. Here’s to feeling relaxed, refreshed and incredibly pampered.
French elegance
The spectacular pool at Spa My Blend by Clarins, in Paris
Where: Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Spa My Blend by Clarins
The lowdown: On a quiet street steps away from the Champs Élysées, lies the luxurious hotel Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris. Inside, an astounding 1,500 square metres is devoted to the Spa My Blend by Clarins, and is open to guests and visitors alike. Philippe Starck designed the modern, all-white temple of relaxation, and a glass ceiling offers a view to the sky.
The highlight: Take a swim in the pool and enjoy the relaxation area, or take advantage of the sauna, hammam and laconium rooms. A signature My Blend tailored facial offers a diagnosis and bespoke treatment that tends to the specific needs of your skin. The more adventurous should try the Watsu Ritual: a combination of shiatsu, muscle manipulation and traditional massage that takes place in a private, heated pool. This is one of only two spas in Paris to offer the unique therapy.
37 Ave. Hoche, 75008 Paris, France
For bookings, visit leroyalmonceau.com
The country getaway
Treatment rooms with an outback view at the ultra-chic One&Only Spa
Where: Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
The lowdown: If you’re looking for relaxation with a side of rural luxury, book the Weekend of Wellness at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, NSW, hosted by Megan Larsen, founder of holistic skin care brand Sodashi.
The highlight: Need to recharge? This two-night program delivers a combination of wellness and indulgence, along with the chance to mingle with like-minded guests over delicious meals prepared with fresh local produce. In addition to a soothing massage and spa treatment, enjoy an exclusive one-to-one session with Larsen, who will blend a bespoke body oil to soothe your stresses. Or simply check in to the resort and revel in the ultra-luxe spa and its peaceful bush surrounds whenever you crave a restful mini-break.
2600 Wolgan Rd., Wolgan Valley, NSW
For bookings, email reservations@oneandonlywolganvalley.com
City sophistication
The indoor pool at The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel
Where: Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
The lowdown: Located in Tribeca, on the doorstep of the bustling financial district, the new Four Seasons New York Downtown positions you perfectly to explore lower Manhattan. The 189-room hotel is also home to The Spa at Four Seasons, with a luxe 560-square-metre fitness centre and indoor lap pool that boasts breathtaking views of the city.
The highlight: Whether you want to sweat it out at the gym, or just need a little time to yourself, this wellbeing sanctuary has you covered. Targeted skin therapies by Swiss-based brand Dr. Burgener strike the perfect balance between relaxation and results. Plus, it’s the only spot in the city where you can experience a facial using products from Omorovicza of Hungary— their popular Blue Diamond treatment gives tired and lacklustre skin a refreshing and brightening boost.
27 Barclay St., New York 10007
For bookings, visit fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown
A coastal haven
A Vichy shower at The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa
Where: The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa
The lowdown: Set within a sub-tropical rainforest just minutes from Byron Bay’s Tallow Beach, escape to The Byron and unwind with a complementary yoga class, or take a dip in the infinity pool, before experiencing the newly revamped spa menu.
The highlight: The spa’s design draws influence from its surroundings and uses local macadamia oil-based brand Jindilli in addition to luxury organic skincare brands. Try the Cultural Hawaiian Massage: The Royal Ka Huna, a 90-minute Lomi Lomi massage and 30-minute body scrub.
77-97 Broken Head Rd., Byron Bay, NSW
For bookings, visit thebyronatbyron.com.au/spa
New beginnings
Golden Door Spa Elysia’s Watsu treatment pool
Where: Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia
The lowdown: Nestled among the vineyards of NSW’s Hunter Valley, Golden Door Health Retreat & Spa Elysia is an all-inclusive health and wellness haven, with fitness activities, relaxation classes, workshops and spa treatments. If you’re hoping to kickstart a new regimen, or to simply get away and recharge, this might be just what you're looking for.
The highlight: The Healthy Lifestyle Weekend program, from Friday to Sunday, includes use of all facilities — and delicious, nutritious meals — as well as a luxurious treatment at Spa Elysia; either a facial or Swedish massage. If you get the chance, experience the Radiance Boost ritual, which includes a heavenly 50-minute collagen-boosting facial, plus a file, buff and polish on both hands and feet. After three days you’ll be ready for the new week, and wishing you’d booked in for a seven-day stay.
165 Thompsons Rd., Pokolbin, NSW
For bookings, visit goldendoor.com.au
An opulent experience
The Moroccan hamman chamber at The Darling Spa
Where: The Darling Spa
The lowdown: A visit to Sydney’s revamped Darling Harbour precinct isn’t complete without a stop at The Darling Spa, located within The Darling hotel, part of The Star casino complex. Spanning the second floor of the hotel, this award-winning retreat pampers guests with luxury skin care brands La Prairie and ESPA.
The highlight: If you’re checking in for a treatment, be sure to take full advantage of the facilities on offer, including the steam room, saltwater jacuzzi, gym and the stunning rooftop pool. For the utmost indulgence, try the new La Prairie Ultimate Caviar Luxury treatment: unwind for two hours with a Caviar Massage and Caviar Firming Facial using the brand’s massage oil, which is enriched with their Skin Caviar Complex.
Homegrown hero
A treatment room at Endota Spa
Where: Endota Spa
The lowdown: Endota Spa began on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where founder and CEO Melanie Gleeson took inspiration from the region’s calming landscape. That same sense of serenity can now be experienced at Endota’s 100 locations around Australia.
The highlight: The New Age Light Therapy Facial uses the latest LED technology to target the signs of ageing, while the brand’s Pure Collagen spheres will help boost hydration and stimulate cell regeneration — a potent treatment that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and looking luminous.
For bookings and spa locations, visit endotaspa.com.au
London calling
The hamman steam room at the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre
Where: Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, Hotel Café Royal
The lowdown: From Elizabeth Taylor to Brigitte Bardot, the Café Royal has played host to luminaries since 1865. But refurbished in 2012 and re-opened as the Hotel Café Royal, this famed location isn’t just a London landmark — it’s now a relaxation destination thanks to the newly opened Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre. Named after the Sanskrit word that unites the elements of nature (earth, water, fire and air), Akasha is an all-encompassing healing experience.
The highlight: Visit for the amenities alone, which include a gym, lap pool, hammam, and London’s first Watsu pool for hydro-treatments and meditation. The centre offers modern therapies alongside ancient Eastern traditions, and favourite spa treatments from Sodashi.
68 Regent St., London W1B 4DY
For bookings, visit lhw.com
Looking for a great spa treatment in Hong Kong? Our beauty editor shares her hit list.
For more treatment recommendations from InStyle, stop by instylemag.com.au
Images supplied
Hayley has contributed to a range of online and print titles including InStyle and Gritty Pretty
