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Travel the World, One Spa at a Time

By Claire Heginbotham | Published on January 24, 2024

When you need a break from your everyday routine, there's nothing like escaping to a luxurious spa for some well-deserved relaxation. Whether that spa is a sanctuary tucked away in a big city, a much-needed complement to your hotel stay or even a wellness-oriented escape, a spa getaway is always a good idea.

From clifftop retreats to rejuvenating beachside vacations, here are some of the best spa destinations worldwide. I've included some extra unique spots that I've personally tested out. You can treat yourself to a spa day during your travels or plan a retreat before or after you set sail on a cruise vacation. Just pack your bags and get ready to experience some of the most heavenly pampering imaginable!

Discover The Spa That Suits You

If you're new to this whole spa getaway thing or find the sheer number of options overwhelming, don't fret. Spa experiences can be tailored to suit your needs. Chances are you've already heard of the two most popular types of spa: a resort/hotel spa and a day spa. They're pretty similar — the only difference is that a resort spa might offer fewer amenities than a day spa, and a day spa will not have accommodation on the premises. Many people go to these relaxation havens for a quick 30- or 60-minute spa treatment. Most day spas also offer group experiences for things like bachelor and bachelorette parties, honeymoons and special date nights.

Vitality Spa Indoor Pool — Vitality Spa indoor pool onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Open-air hot tubs are one of life's biggest pleasures.

These types of spas are simple and perfect for some pampering followed by a dip in a hot tub or a little time in a steam room — but they're just the beginning of what's possible in the world of spa getaways.

Stay spas are where the real relaxation begins. As their name implies, a stay spa hosts guests for one or more nights and offers relaxation-related activities and rejuvenating spa treatments during the day. You can think of stay spas in three categories: health, holistic or pampering. The first cateogry of spas is geared toward fitness and wellness. These spas are designed for peace and quiet. They include mild physical yoga or Pilates classes, a fitness center, healthy detoxifying meals and mental rejuvenation through meditation. A holistic spa builds on the health spa concept with a centuries-old belief that wellness comes from the mind, body and soul. A pampering spa, on the other hand, is all about your comfort. This means that if you want to eat Oreos and sip a glass of bubbly while getting a pedicure, go for it! The focus is on fulfilling your every wish, and the menu often includes several treatment options.

Finally, there are the best spas in the world: destination spas! Destination spas can focus on a specific location, such as the dazzling Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland, or the destination may be the resort or healing retreat you stay at.

Iceland Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa — Geothermal Spa

The Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland is famous for its rejuvenating waters.

As you travel, give yourself the TLC you deserve at the best spas in the world. We'll explore what there is to find in capital cities, along mountain ranges, near natural hot springs and beyond.

There's something so exotic about receiving luxurious spa treatments in the desert. The stark surroundings, the heat of the beating sun and the rich smells of aromatic oils is the true Dubai experience.

Spiritual Spa Experiences In India & The Middle East

Panoramic landscape of great Himalayas mountain range during an autumn morning from Kausani also known as 'Switzerland of India' a hill station in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, India

The Himalayas offer incredible scenic views from every vantage point.

Cruise to India for the ultimate relaxing spa experience. When you think of India, you may imagine the hustle and bustle of street markets filled with vendors selling local crafts, freshly ground spices and street food. You might even imagine the impressive sprawling city skyline of India's capital, Mumbai. India is a cultural and spiritual mecca as well, and it's dotted with gorgeous temples, palaces and state-of-the-art spas.

Head to the Himalayas on your relaxing getaway, where you'll find some of the world's tallest mountain peaks. You'll discover peaceful spa resorts with stunning views and plenty of nature-related outdoor activities. The ever-reliable JW Marriott Walnut Grove Resort and Spa, for example, sits at the foot of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. As a guest, you get access to your own private steam chamber, eastern and western beauty treatments and the wafting perfume of luxury essential oils. I personally enjoy a stroll between pampering sessions. Happily, there are many wooded trails nearby for you to explore.

View from the Ridge Shimla. Shimla is capital city of Himchal Pradesh, state of India

Shimla was once the summer capital of British India.

If pampering and views alone aren't enough for you to truly let go, Wildflower Hall in Shimla is a great alternative. It has all the cultural and historical significance you need to stimulate your mind. This hotel was once the home of Lord Kitchener, commander in chief of the British Army, and the entire surrounding area was British India's summer capital in the mid-1800s. Wildflower Hall has all the bells and whistles of a five-star spa, including an open-air whirlpool hot tub with a magnificent view of the Himalayas.

Vitality Spa Luxury Facial — Woman Receiving a Luxurious Facial

Himalayan spas are all about tapping into inner balance.

While pampering in the Himalayas is a one-of-a-kind experience, you can also find plenty of health and holistic spas dedicated to wellness in the region. The Ananda Spa overlooks the spiritual town of Rishikesh. Paired with the green Sal forests, the entire locality feels like it's wrapped in a cozy blanket of zen. Ananda combines Ayurveda, Yogi and Vedanta teachings, ensuring you get the best of India. Their spiritual balance, chronic ailments and fitness packages are extremely popular. Ananda was ranked the top destination spa by Condé Nast Traveler in 2019 and 2020.

One of India's most famous landmarks is the Taj Mahal, a stunning white-marble mausoleum. And while staying the night might be out of the question, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai might have the grandeur you're looking for when you cruise to this region. It's one of India's first luxury hotels and has hosted kings, dignitaries and celebrities. Its Vita spa combines the very best of Ayurvedic treatments with unique Indian treatments, such as silk glove exfoliation. It's well worth a visit if you're in the area!

Aerial view of the Dubai skyline in front of a colorful sunset. Dubai

The sun sets in the distance behind Dubai's city skyline.

If you're cruising or traveling through India, you'll likely stop in Dubai. Luckily, Dubai has plenty of world-class spas, such as the spectacular Talise spa and the sprawling Amara spa. But sometimes, you want to feel the dunes between your toes. One of the best ways to do that is to hop in a 4x4 and drive to the Al Maha Resort and Spa to discover the ancient wisdom of the traditional Bedouin peoples and other Arabian cultures. Perfectly remote, Al Maha has every luxury you'd want, including honeyed fruits, rich oils and talented local therapists. Each of the five massage rooms has a dune view — as does almost every room in the entire resort. Amenities include hydrotherapy Rasul treatment rooms, ice plunge pools, dry saunas and steam rooms, a gymnasium and a traditional hammam. There's something so exotic about receiving luxurious spa treatments in the desert. The stark surroundings, the heat of the beating sun and the rich smells of aromatic oils is the true Dubai experience.

Dubai free happy woman enjoying sunset, relaxing at the luxury poolside. Girl at travel spa resort pool. Summer luxury vacation

There's nothing quite like watching a desert sunset after a day of pampering.

Relax By The Ocean Waves In Asia

Let the waves wash away your worries — it's a timeless saying with real wisdom. And one I've always listened to. I believe that you're practically obligated to indulge in a nearby spa while on vacation to any beach destination. I've never once regretted it.

Mt. Fuji and Enoshima from Zushi Beach in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Mt. Fuji towers behind Enoshima Island on clear autumn days.

Japan has a wealth of spas that rely on thousands of natural hot springs pushing through the earth. No matter where you go on your spa vacation, you'll find a unique sort of hydrotherapy through these mineral-rich waters. Looking for bucket-list experiences? Take a cue from the local monkeys and try an onsen bath in the snow!

Spas throughout Asia are well known for their value for money, excellent treatments and powerful east-meets-west wellness ideology. When you visit Thailand on a cruise, you'll find plenty of spa resorts dedicated to rejuvenation from the inside out. On the island of Phuket, the Anantara Mai Khao Resort adds to the rejuvenation experience and gets guests to sweat out the stress of the modern world with morning Muay Thai on the beach. It's an inclusive resort with villas that surround a sparkling lagoon and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. I don't know if it's the stunning setting or the talented therapists, but the massages here are simply melt-worthy.

Appealing Hammock between bizarre Trees , Haad Rin , Koh Pangang

Koh Phangan is an island paradise of note.

Koh Phangan, most famous for its raucous full-moon parties, is just an overland trip to the other side of Thailand and a quick boat ride away. This area is also home to some of Thailand's most respected yoga spas. The Sanctuary where "the jungle meets the ocean" is my favorite of them all. Along with a strong focus on yoga, their programs are related to detoxing, cleansing, meditation and boosting your overall health through nature. In between your classes, you're free to indulge in the all-natural vegan spa café or just lay out on the beach. When I visited, I spent afternoons snorkeling to see the abundant marine life and coral. The post-snorkel cooling aloe and cucumber body rub certainly helped curb any sunburn!

And you couldn't mention an oceanside spa without considering the stunning luxury spa experience onboard a world-class cruise ship. The Vitality℠ Spa & Fitness centers found on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Royal Amplified vessels are second to none. At these spas, you'll find plenty of beauty treatments, bathing rituals and relaxing spaces for you to spend your days at sea.

A Spa Retreat From City Life

The Carlyle Hotel in New York is where city luxury awaits.

If you're in a major city for a few days prior to departure and looking for things to do before a cruise or flight out, or if you're looking for a place to unwind while your ship is docked in port, you can make a spa vacation happen. Most cities have their fair share of day spas — you just have to know where to look. Hotel or resort spas are often a safe bet, with many hotel offerings being renowned as the world's best spas.

Westin Hotels by Marriott are an excellent place to start if you're looking for pampering, as they are located in several different cities. All Westin hotels are dedicated to helping their guests "sleep well, eat well, and move well." And while all Marriott hotels have excellent spas, Westin takes things up a notch with their branded Heavenly Spa. In Westin's own words, "We believe that much of the value of the spa experience comes not only from the facilities, treatments, and products but from having the time and space for silence, separation from technology, and personal reflection and contemplation." Now that's a belief I can get behind!

When searching for spas near you, try to pinpoint exactly what kind of treatment you're craving and go from there. Looking for world-class skin care regimens? Check out Carlyle Hotel's Valmont Spa in New York. Interested in trying a rare heated lava shell deep-tissue massage? Primrose Hill Cowshed Spa in London has you covered.

Find Ultimate Rejuvenation In Europe

Italy is the ultimate destination to open up your emotional, physical and spiritual self. Because who hasn't found rejuvenation in a good Italian pizza?

Winter Panorama Ski Slope Snowy Rock Italian Alps Selva Di Val Gardena Italian Dolomites

South Tyrol has stunning views of the massive Dolomites Alps.

My love of mozzarella aside, Italy, like many European destinations, has some excellent spas you can visit before or after your cruise through Europe. The Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort in South Tyrol has some of the best wellness retreats. A typical spa package ranges from four to six days and includes a generous number of treatments. They combine spa services such as mud sculpting with hydrotherapy, fitness classes, acupuncture, heart rate vibration measurements, forest bathing and more. If you want to continue the pampering, a 20-minute drive will take you to the city of Merano, which is known for its healing bathing rituals.

sunbathing bed in a luxury pool hotel with stunning ocean views SHA Wellness Clinic resort — unbathing bed in a luxury pool hotel with stunning ocean views SHA Wellness Clinic resort

SHA Wellness Clinic's sparkling white sunbeds are a perfect complement to its crystal-clear pool.

Nearby in Spain is the famous SHA Wellness Clinic, a top medical spa in Europe. Their Detox program has helped many a guest reset and achieve their physical and mental goals, interspersed with relaxing moments by the outdoor pool. This type of spa retreat, where modern medicine meets naturotherapy, is popular throughout Europe, and you'll find many destination spas offering their unique wellness brand. Lanserhof Tegernsee in Germany, for example, treats guests with everything from bioimpedance to detox baths.

Travel To The Spa Of Your Dreams

If you're looking for a luxurious experience that will take your breath away, consider one of the world's best spas. From day spas to the best cruise ship spas, there's something for everyone when it comes to pampering yourself.

Written By
CLAIRE HEGINBOTHAM

Claire Heginbotham is a professional copywriter and adventure traveler. Over the last five years, she's published work with Royal Caribbean, Gaijinpot, Kuroko Tours, and many more. She's traveled to hundreds of bespoke Asian destinations where the unknown flourishes.

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