Disconnect all gadgets—it’s time to reboot the body, mind and spirit at one of these ultra-pampering spas.
Disconnect all gadgets—it’s time to reboot the body, mind and spirit at one of these ultra-pampering spas.
One of the many pools at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
A plush treatment room at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ
Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
For a serious wellness programme at a top-notch retreat, head to Switzerland’s largest and most comprehensive medi-spa nestled in the foothills of the Alps. With stunning views, the five-star resort boasts its own thermal spring and a health centre comprising 70 specialists. Offering holistic and interdisciplinary medical expertise, you’ll find an extensive menu of treatments ranging from dentistry and Vampire Plasma Lifts to chocolate massages and acupuncture by TCM experts. But the star of the show is the Ragazer thermal water, which originates in the Tamina gorge near Bad Ragaz. The water flows at 36.5 deg C, and has been praised for its supposed ability to alleviate rheumatic ailments, lung and kidney issues. The resort’s spa zone spans an impressive 14,650sqm, and the highlight is the stunning oasis-like Tamina Therme spa. Here, sauna is like an art form where even fragrance plays a part. Or up the luxe level and go for the private spa, which features a herbal steam bath, personal cinema and private garden terrace. Visit resortragaz.ch/en
Clockwise from top: The fluid lines of the herbal steam room induce immediate relaxation; The swimming pool at Sangha by Octave; The Finnish sauna
SANGHA BY OCTAVE
Suzhou, China
Inspired by the Sanskrit word for “community”, the newly launched Sangha includes a holistic wellness sanctuary for guests seeking to escape hectic city life and reconnect with themselves in an immersive health and wellness programme. Built on the shores of the beautiful Yangcheng Lake, the sprawling 189,000sqm resort boasts a section called At One, with over 70 rooms and suites for guests seeking short-term wellness retreats. Choose from a repertoire of itineraries, ranging from a one-night Spa Taster to customised 15-day “healing journeys” or specialised medical treatments for specific ailments. All this is backed up by an international team of certified holistic wellness and medical experts, including nutritionists, TCM physicians, physiotherapists, and life coaches, who integrate various healing practices from Ayurveda, TCM and modern science, to relieve, restore and realign. Visit livingoctave.com
Opt to do yoga on the deck under the trees
LONDOLOZI
Mpumalanga (Lowveld) province, South Africa
Located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Londolozi has five camps offering luxury accommodations, 34,000 acres of the best Big Five game viewing in Africa, as well as a Healing House offering a range of therapeutic experiences including massages, Reiki and crystal healing. From the originally designed sacred geometry wallpaper to the steps marked with million-year-old crystals—each element has been carefully placed to create an oasis of calm energy. Noteworthy treatment rooms include the Southern Cross Room, which houses the biophony sound frequency machine to help regenerate and reboot the body, while the River Room features a floor-to-ceiling slab of pink Himalayan sea salt, as part of an infra-red sauna. To commune with the African wilderness and reconnect with nature, the daily yoga classes conducted on the Londolozi Yoga Deck are highly recommended—you’ll practise asanas in the midst of nyala, bushbuck and monkeys, while elephants move through the riverine bushveld below. Visit ashworthafrica.com
From top: Castle Hot Springs Resort is the perfect place to hide away for a few days; A canyon swimming hole
CASTLE HOT SPRINGS RESORT
Arizona, US
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Castle Hot Springs fuses its early 20th-century glamour with a pared-down, off-grid ethos that makes it the ideal hideaway. Its thermal springs have long attracted people seeking rest and healing, and are the hottest non-volcanic natural springs in the world, warmed in the mountains to 48.9 deg C. This allows minerals to dissolve in the water differently, which is the secret behind its therapeutic benefits. There are a few ways to enjoy the thermal water at this upscale desert retreat: Sink into your hot tub, dip into the main pool or go straight to the source at the canyon swimming holes. Another option is to have a spa treatment in a private cabana beside the hot springs. End each day with the ultimate all-star show—a mesmerising night sky. For yoga addicts, we highly recommend a starlight yoga session. Visit slh.com
Enjoy the unique experience of a massage on a train
THE BAMFORD HAYBARN SPA
The Belmond Royal Scotsman
The first spa car carriage aboard a Belmond luxury train, the Bamford Haybarn Spa on the Belmond Royal Scotsman is designed to pamper passengers travelling on overnight rail journeys through Scotland and Great Britain. Designed using sustainable wood from Scotland and the Cotswolds, the luxury spa has two relaxing single treatment rooms with windows looking out onto the beautiful Scottish countryside. The bespoke treatments feature products from British wellness brand, Bamford, which is known for its botanical skincare collections and holistic treatments featuring organic ingredients. Try the Bamford Bespoke Facial—a 55-minute ritual that rejuvenates skin. The treatment features facial reflexology, lymphatic drainage and ancient yogic breathing, and ends with a deep tissue back massage with hot stones. Visit belmond.com/royal-scotsman-train
WHAT TO PACK
Blend laidback style with comfort in these easy pieces.
1. Shirt, H&M Conscious
2. Sunglasses, Oliver Peoples
3. Loafer, COS
4. Belt bag, Etro
5. Bracelet, Swarovski
6. Pants, Club Monaco
PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL MARKOW
