Obviously I’ve not been to every spa in the world, though if a position with that description exists then I’m submitting my resume this very minute. Throughout the last two years, I’ve visited diverse locales and stayed in some spectacular hotels. As a result, I’ve also experienced a number of world-class spas. Here’s a slideshow sampling of my favorite spas from around the world.
Best Amenity
Guerlain Spa at Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, Austria
What happens when two leaders in luxury get together? Well, magic, obviously. It’s only fitting that the first Guerlain Spa in Austria is found in Vienna’s Ritz-Carlton. After all, four palaces were combined to create the hotel, and the royal treatment is no doubt given. Yes, this spa has countless yummy-smelling lotions and potions, the facilities are first-class, and the atmosphere is beyond tranquil. But what stood out to me most about the Guerlain Spa? There’s music playing underwater in the pool. I’m not sure exactly what kind of music, but I would assume it’s Mozart or Beethoven. This is Vienna, after all, and that would certainly be apropos. I think that if I was inclined to swim laps instead of rubbing elbows with the chocolate sommelier, I would like to hear music.
Dream Spa Destination
Best View
Four Seasons at Park Lane, London, England
From the 10th floor spa at London’s Four Seasons at Park Lane you can see most every recognizable landmark in the city. Floor to ceiling windows give ample opportunity for you to watch the London Eye spin and the hands of Big Ben move while being pampered beyond compare. Besides the spa and fitness facilities on the 10th floor, there’s also a lounge that can be used for guests that have an early arrival or late departure. What’s special about this lounge is the view from the balcony. London is laid out before you. Four Seasons even provides binoculars for your viewing pleasure.
Best Facial
Three Springs Spa at Omni Barton Creek Resort, Austin, Texas
For first-time visitors to Austin, it’s hard to imagine that Texas actually has hills and trees. Tucked away in the prestigious Westlake area of Austin is the Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. Not only the #1 golf resort in Texas, Barton Creek also has great spa facilities. Although their signature Facelift Facial is only fifty minutes, I felt like it turned back five years. What sets this facial apart from others I’ve received is the NuFace microcurrent treatment. Basically, this little vibrating machine stimulates facial muscles making them tighter. I could see the difference after half of my face was treated. I’m not sure how long the effects lasted, but as I’m approaching the big 4-0, I’ll take what I can get.
Best Use of Nature
Six Senses Spa at Evason Ma’In Hot Springs, Madaba, Jordan
I love finding something great where I least expect it. In the middle of the desert mountains outside of Amman, Jordan is Evason Ma’In Hot Springs, a lovely boutique hotel. A short walk from the hotel is the Six Senses Spa. The beautiful stone building blends into the surrounding landscape. The spa sits right under a natural hot spring waterfall that flows into the pool and relaxation area. Even if you’re not getting a treatment in one of their ten rooms, it’s worth the price of admission just to lie in the lounger and listen to the water trickle down. For a brief moment, you’ll feel like the only person on earth.
Best Relaxation Room
Spa Moana at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui, Hawaii
At Spa Moana in the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, I experienced my first lomi lomi massage, which is a method utilizing long, continuous strokes derived from the ancient Polynesians and healers of Hawaii. Those fifty minutes left me looser than creamed corn, so what could have made my experience even better? How about lying in a comfy lounger in the spa’s relaxation room drinking in the glorious view of the Pacific and listening to the waves rolling in? Yeah, that definitely did the trick.
Best Disconcerting Spa Experience
Zara Spa at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Sweimeh, Jordan
One time I was in Singapore’s Chinatown having a Thai massage in a cramped, dark room on the third floor of a questionably sound building. I was stretched, contorted, and even had my stomach massaged. You’d think that experience would be the most disconcerting spa experience ever, but you’d be wrong. Instead that honor goes to the Zara Spa in the Mövenpick Resort in Jordan. Since the hotel is located at the Dead Sea, one of their signature treatments includes its famous black mud. Their mud body wrap “is known to cleanse and stimulate the skin, relieve muscle and emotional tensions, improve blood circulation and ease rheumatic pain.” So, what could be so disconcerting about a body wrap besides the fact that I was covered in hot mud and then wrapped in clear plastic where I waited for thirty minutes? Oh, having my ENTIRE body covered in mud by a middle-aged Jordanian man did the trick. Would I do the black mud body wrap again? Absolutely, but I’d most certainly have it done by a woman or insist on wearing my bikini.
Best Pool
Canary Wharf, London, England
Remember the pool scene from Cruel Intentions staring Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe? When I first saw the movie I thought it must be the most amazing indoor pool ever, but then I laid my eyes on the pool at London’s Four Seasons Canary Wharf. Enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass, this 65-foot, infinity edge heated stunner sits on the banks of the famous Thames River and offers a view of the brilliant London skyline. And if that weren’t enough, Daniel Craig, aka James Bond, took a few laps in the pool while filming scenes from Skyfall.
Best Massage
Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
In my book, there aren’t many things better than a massage at an extraordinary spa in a world-class location. All of those elements combine to create a sort of Utopia for me. If you’ve visited the Spa at Four Seasons Resort on Maui, then you’ll agree that it’s as close to heaven on earth as you can get. While the soothing surroundings and warm ginger drink lured me in, it was the signature Lomi Mahala massage that left me blissful. After having flown over 10,000 miles in two weeks, my back was in desperate need for attention. Fifty minutes on the heated, plush massage table in the capable hands of Jennifer and I was ready to take on the world, or at least have full range of motion in my neck.
Best Retro Experience
Spa Resort Casino, Palm Springs, California
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have known about the healing properties of the waters for centuries, but it was the Hollywood set that made Palm Springs their playground and place for rejuvenation in the 1950s. Visitors can still experience the healing properties of the water in a retro setting at the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs. I experienced something called Taking of the Waters, which entails a circuit of steam room, dry sauna, and eucalyptus room. After all of that, I soaked in the waters of a private sunken tub. It was certainly an experience like no other.
Best Overall Spa
Laniwai Spa at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Oahu, Hawaii
I can honestly say that I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect at the Laniwai Spa. Since it is a Disney Resort, I didn’t know if Mickey Mouse was going to rub me down with his big, white hands or what. Though that may be a dream for Disney lovers, it would be an absolute nightmare for me. I’m pleased to report there was no sign of Goofy, Minnie, or Pluto in the Laniwai Spa. Instead what I found was an homage to Hawaiian culture and a meaning behind each design detail. It really is extraordinary. In a tranquil garden far away from the mega pools and lazy river of the resort lies the hydrotherapy garden, my favorite part of the Laniwai Spa. Private vitality pools filled with hot and FREEZING water, mineral baths, rain-style showers, whirlpools, and a path made of reflexology stones are all just some of the options guests enjoy. If I am lucky enough to return to Aulani, 98.46% of my time will be spent in the Laniwai Spa.
Note: There are affiliate links in this post, meaning I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more, but helps keep me stocked in French wine {and a roof over my head}.
Robert Schrader
October 23, 2013I’ve never had a spa experience so disconcerting as that one, but a female friend of mine had one that is even worse than the one you described. I would love to describe it, but I fear this comments section is not 18+!
Leah Walker
October 24, 2013You’ll have to tell me over our next cocktail together.
Hogga
October 23, 2013i would cut a man for a massage right now
Leah Walker
October 24, 2013Quit doing all that yoga exercise and eat and drink your way through Spain like a normal person.
Raymond @ Man On The Lam
October 24, 2013Did you ever have the massage at the Travaasa Hana in Maui? I think it would give the Four Seasons a run for their massage money. 😉
Leah Walker
October 24, 2013Ummm…NO! I wasn’t invited on the Road to Hana with you. Thanks for the reminder though.
Lance | Trips By Lance
October 24, 2013Not my thing but do wish we would’ve fit in a spa visit in Santa Fe. As a runner I used to get deep-tissue massages. Maybe I’ll consider a spa stay on one of our next trips without the kid. These pics are certainly enticing.
Leah Walker
October 24, 2013At least treat your wife. You’ll most likely get huge bonus points with that gesture.
Sand In My Suitcase
October 24, 2013Underwater classical music? Glimpses of James Bond aka Daniel Craig? Nude mud wraps by Jordanian men? You’ve experienced some interesting moments at these spas :-). They all look great though…
Leah Walker
October 24, 2013I didn’t mention in this post that I also stayed in the Presidential Suite where the steamy shower scene from Skyfall was filmed. Now that would have been an interesting moment. 😉
Mary Anne
October 24, 2013Ahhh the spa… a good massage is like breathing in new life.
Leah Walker
October 27, 2013Ain’t that the truth? I love a good massage like little else.
@mrsoaroundworld
October 25, 2013Beautiful photos and love the slideshow. Must confess I was surprised by the last one – but if you say so! 🙂
Leah Walker
October 27, 2013I was as surprised as you probably are too. It’s less than a year old and not expense was spared or attention to detail ignored. Perhaps because it is nothing what I expected makes it my favorite over the last two years.
Laura @Travelocafe
October 26, 2013I have tried also a few spas during my travels. Your picks loo much better. I’ll make sure to bookmark this post for future references. 🙂
Leah Walker
October 27, 2013There are several other worthy spas that didn’t make this list, but no doubt there will be another in due time.
Craig Zabransky
October 26, 2013Leah, nicely presented…. And although hardly a spa expert myself, I’ll admit I was surprised not to see either SE Asia or Mexico making any of the top ten categories…
stay spaventurous, Craig
Leah Walker
October 27, 2013Thank you, Craig. I’ve not been to Asia in the last two years, and only Mexico once in that time. Although, the Hacienda in Cabo is a wonderful spa that easily could have made this list.
Raul (@ilivetotravel)
October 26, 2013I have to say that I have never done a spa experience, other than going in and out for a massage, but now I may have to contemplate it!
Leah Walker
October 27, 2013That really surprises me, Raul. I thought you’d surely be a spa guy.
Tawny of Captain and Clark
October 26, 2013Stop. I’ve been complaining to Chris for the past year that I need me a good massage. I can’t even take this post. Just, no. I’m dying with envy. Or maybe that’s just my aching back.
Leah Walker
October 27, 2013WHAT?!? All that time in Hawaii on your honeymoon and there was no massage? That just makes no sense in my world.
lola dimarco
October 27, 2013You wouldn’t be into Mickey Mouse giving you a massage? Oh come on, why not? 😉 Fab post though! You are one lucky lady!
Leah Walker
October 27, 2013I know you’re not a huge spa lover, but these will certainly convert even most anti-spa person. I seem to remember you loved that massage at Park Lane.
Erin at The World Wanderer
October 27, 2013I’ll take the Six Senses Spa at Evason Ma’In Hot Springs – gorgeous!! I love a little spa experience while traveling. This is a list, I’ll be saving for sure! One of my best massages was in Lake Placid – amazing spa!
Leah Walker
October 27, 2013That place is really unlike any place I’ve ever been. After a great mountain hike, it’s awesome to soak in the hot springs. You’d love it!
Traveling Ted
October 28, 2013I would think a lomi massage would be disconcerting, but a lomi lomi one or a lomi squared would definitely be rough. That is twice the lomis for those who are counting.
Leah Walker
November 15, 2013I’m going to need a visual to follow all of that math.
Erika Awakening
November 5, 2013Wow, Leah, I am a spa junkie myself … and these photographs took me back to some of my greatest spa experiences …. and have me drooling over new experiences. I’ve never been to Jordan and disconcerting experience aside, it sounds like a pretty amazing place to see. I gotta start thinking about my next trip. Thanks so much 🙂
Leah Walker
November 15, 2013Jordan is a WONDERFUL place. The spas are just icing on the delicious cake.
Charu
November 10, 2013A great list! I think the Texas Winemaker’s massage at the Westin, Austin, also qualifies, as does the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. I had a $600 treatment there! But the TOP was the Banyan Tree in Macau, which gave me my own villa, and a masseuse, as well as a spot of tea afterwards.
Leah Walker
November 15, 2013Ohhhhhhh….that sounds heavenly. And to just think I was an hour boat ride away from Macau just two days ago!
Pola (Jetting Around)
November 16, 2013OK I need to bookmark this post! Spa on the road? ANYTIME!
Leah Walker
November 23, 2013There are so many more to explore, and I’ll happily be the one to make the sacrifice.
Opentour
February 22, 2014Beautiful photos and love the slideshow. Must confess I was surprised by the last one – but if you say so !