Serenity Now: Spa Cultures From Around The Globe

Serenity Now: Spa Cultures From Around The Globe

Whether taken in a cosmopolitan metropole or a remote island retreat, a spa treatment can lift your body and soul in the blink of an eye. From jettisoning jetlag with magnesium wraps, to
realigning chakras or indulging in a bespoke post-golf treatment, Design Hotels™ handpicks inspirational hotel spa cultures from all four corners of the world.

El Secreto, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Accessible only by private boat and located amidst the lush and natural beauty of a largely undiscovered region, the 13-villa El Secreto resort is the epitome of splendid isolation. To reflect the serenity of its setting the hotel's spa Ikal, meaning -spirit' in Maya, focuses on reconnecting guests with nature. The traditional Mayaninspired
treatments make use of the island's natural bounty, incorporating local fruit, spices, bamboo and essential oils, while sea shells take center stage in Ikal's signature Hot Shell Massage. www.designhotels.com/elsecreto

QT Sydney, Australia
Created to overcome the rigors of crisscrossing time zones at 30,000 feet, spaQ's newly launched Jetlag Recovery treatment sees magnesium play the hero in an energy-enhancing, stress-reducing, mineral replenishing spa sojourn. Fighting fatigue at every turn, a full-body brushing reboots circulation, while a muscle melting massage and hot stone rituals make the stress of travel a distant memory in the luxurious surrounds of the 200-room QT Sydney. A remineralizing magnesium wrap followed by invigorating foot therapy using native essential oils such as menthol and eucalyptus bid the final adieu to jetlag.
www.designhotels.com/qtsydney

The Naka Phuket, Thailand
Perched on a hillside 30 meters above the sparkling Andaman Sea and surrounded by forest, the 94 glass-built villas that make up The Naka Phuket are firmly entrenched in nature. Accordingly, the hotel's rooftop NAPA spa follows the Buddhist principles of natural healing, with a focus on herbal medicines and traditional Thai therapies. Alongside the comprehensive menu of treatments designed to restore harmony between mind, body and spirit, guests at the NAPA spa can choose a tailor-made therapy based on the four elements of wind, earth,
fire and water.
www.designhotels.com/the-naka-phuket

The Vine, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Madeira's celebrated vineyards provide the inspiration for both the aesthetics and spa philosophy of 79-room The Vine, from the warm red tones of the guest areas to the polyphenol-charged vinotherapy treatment menu at The Vine Spa. The spa's signature Red Wine Divine Bath therapy pays homage to the entire wine-making process, combining hydrotherapy with grape vine leaf extract and the pulp and juice from red grapes. Rounded off with a luxurious massage, The Vine Spa's signature treatment leaves guests revitalised and refreshed.
www.designhotels.com/the-vine

Argentario Golf Resort & Spa, Porto Ercole, Italy
Located in a verdant valley in Tuscany's Monte Argentario Peninsula, the 73-room Argentario Golf Resort & Spa is a mecca for avid golfers and spa aficionados alike looking for a distinctive, environmentally sustainable luxury experience. Encapsulating the best of both worlds, the hotel's Espace Spa has launched a bespoke relaxation package for golfers. Guests can work on their handicap on the 18-hole BioAgriCert golf course before heading to the spa for a deep tissue massage and a customized facial treatment resulting in skin as smooth as your swing.
www.designhotels.com/argentario

Bohemia Suites & Spa, Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria

Set in a secluded beachfront spot amidst the volcanic beauty of Gran Canaria, the 67-room Bohemia Suites & Spa is perfectly placed for kickstarting a detox in style. The hotel's Siam Spa has curated a fully inclusive detox package incorporating dawn yoga, therapeutic lymphatic drainage, and a personalized Body Feng Shui treatment. To nourish body as well as soul, award-winning chef Xavier Franquet has created a complementary detox menu using organic, locally sourced ingredients.
www.designhotels.com/bohemia-suites-and-spa

THE THIEF, Oslo, Norway
Although the simplistic aesthetics of THIEF SPA are inspired by the rugged beauty of the Norwegian landscape, its spa menu is unapologetically international – -stealing' the best elements of spa cultures from around the globe and bringing them home to Oslo. The 800 sqm space within 116-room THE THIEF features a pool, sauna, steam room, and six treatment rooms, as well as a fully-equipped gym. The awardwinning THIEF SPA offers a diverse range of unisex treatments, incorporating elements from Turkish
hammam, Moroccan rhassoul and German Aufguss rituals.
www.designhotels.com/the-thief