Spas
Nothing offers pure escapism like a spa vacation. You’ve picked your favorites and we’re here to tell you what to look for at these A-list spas.
-- Nicole Al per
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TOP 10 U.S.
1 CANYON RANCH, TUCSON, ARIZONA
A haven of Native American-inspired healing, this lush desert retreat just introduced the circular Spirit Lodge with a ceremonial steam bath. A world-class Aquatic Center, Watsu pools, and the Life Enhancement Center add to its appeal. New on the menu: a line of powerful “Canyon Ranch Your Transformation” spa products. (800) 742-9000, canyonranch.com
2 LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT , AUSTIN, TEXAS
At this dreamy Texas spa, healing antioxidants flow during the new signature Chardonnay Wine Therapy treatment, which uses Olavie’s specialized Le Vin line made from grape-seed extract. (800) 847-5637, lakeaustin.com
3 THE SPA AT JW MARRIOTT CAMELBACK INN, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
Indulge in treatments inspired by the techniques and nature-based ingredients of indigenous Native American cultures at this Sonoran Desert spa. (800) 582-2169, camelbackinn.com
4 SPA GRANDE AT GRAND WAILEA RESORT HOTEL & SPA, MAUI
The Grand Salon at this Hawaii favorite has had a face-lift. In addition, the fitness center pumped up its offerings with $500,000 in renovations. Try the new Hawaiian Diamonds Massage, which uses a lunar-infused herbal powder. (800) 232-4604, grandwailea.com
5 THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI
This tri-level spa overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline is now the only Florida spa with a Mobil Five Star rating. For an exotic escape, try the new Thai Herbal Compress. (305) 913-8332, mandarinoriental.com
6 SPA LA COSTA AT LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
It’s nestled among 400 lush garden acres; hit the spa courtyard for social spa-going with friends. To feel like a star, get a new look at celebrity hair stylist Billy Yamaguchi’s salon. (800) 854-5000, lacosta.com
7 SPA SOLAGE AT SOLAGE CALISTOGA RESORT , NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
This whimsical and gorgeous geothermal wine-country newcomer stands apart with a walk-up Mud Bar where your “mud-tender” custom blends a mineral-rich body cocktail. (866) 942-7442, solagecalistoga.com
8 THE GREENHOUSE, ARLINGTON, TEXAS (TIE)
Devoted to women since 1965, this Texas spa features delicious cuisine and inventive health programs. The “Bring a Friend” promotion offers $1,000 off each guest’s bill when you bring a friend who’s new to the spa. (817) 640-4000, thegreenhousespa.net
8 SPA OJAI AT OJAI VALLEY INN & SPA, CALIFORNIA (TIE)
With a 31,000-square-foot spa village, this quintessential California celebrity retreat has added a new hacienda-style Artist’s Cottage & Apothecary where guests can learn everything from silk-scarf painting to how to create a unique blend of healing essential oils. (888) 697-8780, ojairesort.com
10 SANCTUARY CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN RESORT AND SPA, PARADISE VALLEY, ARIZONA
Relax in the meditation garden or next to the reflecting pond after an Asian-inspired treatment at this Southwestern gem. New to Sanctuary Spa: the results-oriented Skin Authority products and the speedy 30-minute resurfacing facial. (800) 245-2051, sanctuaryoncamelback.com
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TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL
1 THE SPA AT LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO, A ROSEWOOD RESORT, LOS CABOS, MEXICO
A new numero uno for the list, this Baja desert gem is spa perfection. Whitewashed walls set a soothing backdrop for indulgent Yonka treatments and healing remedies such as the Spiritual Chilam Ritual. Added this year: private instructional couples massages taught in your flower- and candle-bedecked suite. (888) 767-3966, lasventanas.com
2 WILLOW STREAM THE SPA AT FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS, ALBERTA, CANADA
For peak spa indulgence with alpine-inspired treatments, head to “The Castle in the Rockies,” smack-dab in the heart of Banff National Park. (800) 404-1772, fairmont.com/banffsprings
3 SPA AT BRENNER’S PARK-HOTEL & SPA, BADEN-BADEN, GERMANY
With equal focus on medical and beauty treatments, this Black Forest retreat takes top marks for its luminous white treatment rooms and therapies heralding from around the globe. 011-49-7221-9000, brenners.com
4 SENSE, A ROSEWOOD SPA AT LITTLE DIX BAY, VIRGIN GORDA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
At this open-air oasis overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel, spa guests can now enjoy a new spa menu served at the patio cafe tables beside the bi-level infinity pool. New classes include “Poolates” and chair yoga. (888) 767-3966, littledixbay.com
5 BANYAN TREE SPA PHUKET, THAILAND
Slip into Thai-inspired bliss with the new Gentleman’s Getaway designed to address a man’s body: first a footbath, then a gentleman’s facial, followed by his choice of massage. (800) 591-0439, banyantreespa.com
6 ORIENTAL SPA AT ORIENTAL BANGKOK, THAILAND
A $1.2 million refurbishment has made this elaborate riverfront Thai-style spa an even more ideal oasis amid the Bangkok buzz. 011-66-2659-9000, mandarinoriental.com/Bangkok
7 CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE CLARENS-MONTREAUX, SWITZERLAND
On the shores of Lake Geneva overlooking the Alps, this architectural haven features a medical center with 60 medical consultants to treat your whole body and mind. 011-41-21-989-33-11, laprairie.ch
8 MANDARA SPA AT THE MARRIOTT ARUBA OCEAN CLUB, PALM BEACH, ARUBA
With a Balinese-style interior design, this is Mandara Spa’s first location in the Caribbean. Four VIP couple treatment rooms sport extra large Jacuzzi baths or Vichy Showers. 011-297-520-6750, mandaraspa.com
9 SPA AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI AT JIMBARAN BAY, BALI, INDONESIA
For heaven on earth, head to this sea-inspired spa’s new treatment venue, the Water Valley, a Balinese open-air pavilion above a garden waterfall that overlooks the ocean. (800) 819-5053, fourseasons.com/bali
10 PENINSULA SPA BY ESPA , HONG KONG, CHINA
At this city sanctuary, be sure not to miss the Thermal Suite’s harbor-view sauna, the peppermint vapor Crystal Steam Room, the snail-shaped Experience Shower, or the infrared marble Ice Fountain. (866) 382-8388, peninsula.com/hong_kong
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FOR A HANDY COMPILATION LIST OF THE RANKINGS AND TO CHECK OUT THE EDITORS’ CHOICES, SEE
“PLATINUM LIST” | |
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