Seated in The Cape, Currents is a seven-room spa imagined by architect Javier Sanchez and interior designer Marisabel Gómez Vázquez and espouses a soothing minimalism inspired by the nearby desert-meets-sea landscapes.
Cabo San Lucas
Ride the Waves
Seated in The Cape, Currents is a seven-room spa imagined by architect Javier Sanchez and interior designer Marisabel Gómez Vázquez and espouses a soothing minimalism inspired by the nearby desert-meets-sea landscapes.
Aside from a steam room, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, a couples’ treatment room with rain showers, a private pool, and two ocean-view cabanas, the hotel is also fitted with a gym offering classes, yoga sessions and private coaching against a panoramic floor-to-ceiling window that opens up to unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortez. www.thompsonhotels.com.
Hong Kong
New Leaf
Following the footsteps of its sister outlets around the world, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong takes back its spa outlets, which were previously managed by ESPA, to bring not only a brand new concept, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, but also new treatments with product lines like MDNA Skin, Nubo and 111Skin.
The menu in Hong Kong specifically pays tribute to the venue’s status as the world’s highest spa by offering experiences that allow guests to feel they are ‘in the clouds’ with soft, smooth and natural materials. www.ritzcarlton.com.
Playa Del Carmen
Cabin Crew
Grand Vela Riviera Maya expands its wellness offerings with three new spa cabanas where guests can enjoy signature treatments like foot or back massage, eye treatments, after-sun refreshing facial, aloe vera back massage and grape exfoliation while overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The new cabanas are an extension of the property’s existing impressive 90,000sqft Grand Velas Spa, known for its authentic Mexican therapies such as the seven-step water journey. www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.
Buckinghamshire
Stoked Out
Stoke Park takes its spa outdoors with Spa Gardens, featuring a brand new hot tub, Scandinavian sauna, daybeds, double loungers and a Manu Nest that hangs from a yew tree – all set amidst 300 acres of luscious parkland. Currently, the spa uses notable labels like Thalgo, Aromatherapy Associates, CACI and Lava Shell products.
The latest addition complements the existing property that already houses 11 treatment rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, marble steam rooms, deep relaxation room, private atrium, nail bar, boutique, tennis courts and a gym complete with facilities for fitness, hot yoga and spinning. www.stokepark.com.
Ambalantota
Tea Valley
Chi, The Spa makes a landing in Sri Lanka with Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa, offering Ayurvedic treatments using 100 per cent organic herbs and natural products designed to relieve stress for the body and face.
The 12 indoor and outdoor rooms are accompanied by a salt-water swimming pool, a Sunset pool and a freeform pool that blend in with the resort’s tropical landscape, captivating wildlife and turquoise sea views of the Indian Oceans. www.shangri-la.com.
TAIPEI
Grand Entrance
The 26-year-old Grand Hyatt Taipei opens its first Oasis Spa, fusing the hotel’s contemporary Taiwanese decor of grey slate stone and mood lighting with Eastern wellness rituals and Europeaninspired skincare treatments – an offer that’s truly the best of both worlds.
The spa opens up to three treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, heated thermal baths, steam and sauna rooms and a cold plunge pool; while the menu includes everything from body scrubs, facials, two- to three-hour treatments and everything in between. Must-tries include the 180-minute Calm, which uses moor mud from Hungary’s Heviz Lake. taipei.grand.hyatt.com.
FLORIDA
Coastal Sense
Drawing on the inspirational venue with treatments that incorporate the natural surroundings, The Henderson’s Salamander Spa features 11 spacious treatment rooms and numerous amenities, including a ladies steam room, sauna and whirlpool which overlooks the treetops of the secluded park.
Treatments are derived from the Gulf’s crystal waters, untouched dunes and indigenous plants. In addition, there are also specially constructed spa guest rooms, furnished and equipped with sounds and smells of the region. www.hendersonbeachresort.com.
HONG KONG
Location, Location
New urban spa in Hong Kong The Right Spot is a 1,700sqft modern space featuring designer furniture, American walnut wood, soft calfskin leather chairs, Egyptian cotton towels and artwork by Singaporean photographer Colin Wee to create a relaxing atmosphere for spagoers on the run. The spa pairs pampering with express lunches from reputable surrounding restaurants or happy hour drinks. www.therightspot-wellness.com.
SAINT-BON-TARENTAISE
Winter Wonderland
Following an eight-month refurbishment, the spa at Aman Le Melezin in Bellecote Piste, Courchevel now houses an indoor pool, Jacuzzis, hammam and four treatment rooms.
Boasting a spa menu that focuses on restoration and providing nourishing heat and moisture to sooth aching muscles after a long day at the Alpine slopes, its must-try signature treatment begins with a dry skin brushing for boosting circulation and replenishing the skin with the oxygen it craves; a combination of hot stones and a hot oil massages for releasing tension and eliminating lactic acid build-up; as well as a facial boost to rehydrate and nourish the skin. www.aman.com.
JEJU
Cliff Side
L’Île Spa by L’Occitane opens its first spa in Jeju hotel Hidden Cliff embodying the warmth of nature’s presence and healthy energy be experienced on the charming island.
Treatment highlights include the signature Peony Beauty Treatment Set, combining a Peony Sublime Beauty facial and a Peony Relaxing Massage, for the ultimate beautifying, relaxing journey. Cultivated in the south of France, the peony symbolises head-to-toe well-being and beauty through aromatherapy and natural ingredients. www.loccitane.com.
SANSUR
Bali Breeze
Biossentials debuts its latest urban day spa Chantara Wellness & Spa comprising four private treatment rooms complemented with a relaxation lounge, salon service area for hands and feet, a boutique corner and a tea lounge. Inspired by time-honoured Asian rituals, the property features all of the beauty brand’s award-winning natural and organic spa and facial products in holistic massage therapies, hand and foot specialities, aromatherapy facials, body exfoliating scrubs and body wraps. Treatments conclude with a serving of organic teas and coffees, cold-pressed juices and healthy treats. www.chantaraspa.com.
DHIGU
Over the Bridge
Anantara Dhigu Maldives unveils 132sqm Over Water Suites with natural rattan decorative panels, Italian ceramic tiling and outdoor lanterns along floor-to-ceiling windows where guests can marvel at the dazzling turquoise sea from the comfort of their king-sized beds.
A revamp allows for more natural light and a greater sense of space; an outdoor sun terrace with loungers and daybeds for guests who want to up their vitamin D intake. To access crystal waters of the lagoon and colourful marine life, guests only need to cross a ladder connecting the deck and the big blue. www.anantara.com.
SORGUN
Rugged Beauty
Seated between the Mediterranean Sea and a lush pine forest, Voyage Sorgun by GeoID is designed based on the five senses with inspiration from the city’s coastlines and nature – think earthy tones, textures and shades that blur the boundaries of outdoors and indoors.
With three pools and situated a stone’s throw away from Blue Flag Beach and a Sense Spa Centre highlighting a Turkish hammam, the hotel also has a mini club with swimming pools, restaurants and an amusement park for younger guests. www.voyagehotel.com.
JIUZHAIGOU
Stairway to Heaven
Taking inspiration from the surrounding 3,000-year local ethnic group, the Qiang people, Banyan Tree Jiuzhaigou sports a clean, modern look with Asian elements such as intricate handicraft embroidery with vivid colours.
Its 209 guests rooms look out to picturesque mountains and valleys; while dining options include authentic Chinese and Sichuan specialities, hotpot and decadent cocktails. Nature lovers cannot miss the 700sqm Jiuzhaigou National Park and Huanglong National Park; while golfers should visit the 18-hole golf course nearby. www.banyantree.com.
AMSTERDAM
Pulitzer Prize
Pulitzer Amsterdam has renovated 25 historic canal houses in time for the hotel’s 45th birthday. The restoration includes new restaurant Jansz and Pulitzer’s Bar and the elaborate marble garden cafe, in addition to 80 redesigned guest rooms and suites facing the Keizersgracht canal, featuring contemporary designs inspired by the 400-year-old canal houses.
Headed by ex-senior designer at Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio Jacu Strauss, the revamped hotel evokes the grandeur of the Golden Age of canal houses. www.pulitzeramsterdam.com.
MAUN
Into the Wild
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp set up shop in Botswana in the famous game-viewing destination Moremi Game Reserve. Its 10 pavilions and the 620sqm Geoffrey Kent Luxury Suite roll out to private pools and outdoor seating areas for the best views of the Okavango Delta.
The main areas have been decorated in a safari-chic style to include a new bar, library and dining room where guests can spend time on the deck, work up a sweat at the fitness centre or let their kids join the fun at the resort’s Children’s Retreat. Here, pampering is guilt-free with the property’s solar farm supplying the majority of its energy. www.sanctuaryretreats.com.
DANA POINT
California Dreamin’
Steeped in the sun-splashed sophistication of Southern California, a reimagined Monarch Beach Resort now includes a 24-room Miraval Life in Balance Spa that has more than 70 treatments, a Drybar and Deborah Lippmann Nail Salon; five new dining concepts serving Mediterranean cuisine, craft cocktails, healthy options, Mexi-Cali favourites and everything in between; an arrival experience where guests are welcomed with an unobstructed ocean view, an infinity-edge Ocean Pool and private cabanas with outdoor mini-bars. www.monarchbeachresort.com.
HONG KONG
Ultimate Makeover
Cosmopolitian Hong Kong has been rebranded as Dorsett Wan Chai Hong Kong, boasting a lobby and guest rooms revamped with a contemporary aesthetic. Conveniently located between Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, the hotel is tucked in one of the city’s major eating-shopping-drinking hubs, and now offers 24-Hour Full Stay, a free smart phone that includes unlimited 3G internet, free local and IDD calls to 10 countries and a complimentary shuttle bus. www.wanchai.dorsetthotels.com.
EUROPE
Water Everywhere
The new US$450 million Regent Seven Seas Explorer brings luxury to the deep blue with Versace crockery, Murano glass fittings, an 18-hole putting green and a 4,443sqft Regent Suite, a two-bedroom suite featuring an in-room spa retreat, a custom Steinway Maroque piano and chic black marble bar. With capacity for 750 guests, the cruiser also houses a sports deck ringed with a jogging track; a casino boasting a dozen slot machines and six table games; and a spa, salon and gym. www.rssc.com.
HAVANA
Full Points
With an emphasis on friendly design and stylish comfort, the 186-room Four Points Havana debuts in the Cuban capital with three eateries including Don Quixote, day-service at El Olivio and poolside light bites; a 24-hour fitness centre; spa offering a variety of massage treatments alongside a sauna and steam bath and the brand’s signature Best Brews serving refreshing local beers Cristal and Bucanero. www.fourpoints.com.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Coastal Vibes
Located in Southern California, Paséa Hotel & Spa houses 250 guest rooms, most with ocean views; eight lavish one-bedroom suites and a grand 1,900sqft penthouse suite. A state-of-the-art fitness centre and yoga classes help guests relax and ease body and mind; while the 5,800sqft Balinese-inspired Aarna Spa next door has eight treatment rooms, a boutique salon, relaxation room and an outdoor garden for guests to unwind after a day of exploration. www.paseahotel.com.
VOAVAH
Island Getaway
The world’s first exclusive-use hideaway in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll is a secluded five-acre haven that transcends the private island experience. From the moment of booking, you have complete access to seven bedrooms, a Beach House, dive school and a 62ft yacht. Privacy-protected with single entry, CCTV, night vision cameras, and 24- hour on-site security patrols make it the perfect hideaway for the A-list. www.fourseasons.com.
