The Best Hotel Spas on the Planet

WHERE? Shanti Maurice, Mauritius

Set amid nearly two acres of unashamedly indulgent spa perfection, the Nira Spa at the Shanti Maurice in Mauritius is a tropical haven that needs to be experienced to be believed. With four distinctive spa stations – ‘The Holistic Bio Experience’, ‘The Indian Experience’, ‘The Oriental Experience’ and ‘The Fitness & Wellness Experience’ – there is an experience to meet all of your rejuvenation needs. And there are plenty of treatments and classes to choose from too: we love the  Hatha Yoga Session and the Tranquillity Face & Body Ritual in particular.

WHERE? One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

Set apart from the rest of the resort, this tranquil spa is encased by lush, manicured gardens, complete with private treatment villas and relaxation pavilions that boast dramatic ocean views. Here it’s all about the bespoke service, tailoring treatments to each individual. From a private couples’ spa experience, to lavish body rituals, this spa could not be more special.

WHERE? COMO Shambhala Estate Ubud, Bali

The COMO Shambhala Estate is not just a hotel – it’s a spa resort, through and through. Everything from dining to activities to the wellness programme has been designed with rejuvenation and wellbeing in mind. In addition to the resort’s comprehensive spa treatments, staff also belief that adventure and cultural discovery is a crucial part of the holistic approach. If you want a total recharge and refocus, this is the spa for you.

WHERE? Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand

From the meaning ‘eternal beauty’, Niranlada Spa is the perfect blend of traditional and advanced spa treatments. Begin your spa journey in the Water Therapy Suites where you’ll benefit from restorative heat treatments while sipping local lemongrass tea. Next you’ll choose from an extensive menu of treatments, think relaxing massages and invigorating hydrotherapy treatments. For the more adventurous or those with specific ailments, there is even a Medi-Spa where fully-trained doctors will take you through a full consultation and treatment plan.

WHERE? Sandy Lane, Barbados

In a league of its own, this marble-decked spa is the definition of grand, with opulent stairs leading you to the treatment rooms and water therapy areas. Treatments at Sandy Lane are derived from wellbeing traditions and philosophies from across the globe, drawing on Caribbean, North America and European influences. This makes for a truly immersive experience. But what makes this spa really special is their Rhassoul – an oriental steam room open to the sky, where you are covered from the neck down with pink kaolin clay. The room then uses its thermal features to leave the skin hydrated and refreshed. This unique experience is one of the only ones of its kind in the Caribbean – certainly something to write home about!

WHERE? Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

This stunning property boasts two spas: The Spa Retreat on the main island – which boasts a range of holistic therapies – and the Over Water Spa, which sits on stilts and has been lauded as the Most Innovative Spa by the Asia Spa Baccarat Spa Awards. Both offer the perfect setting to unwind; indulge in a relaxing Thai room, or with a massage in a glass-floored treatment room, where you can admire the underwater world without even getting wet. Choose from a range of specialised skincare lines here too, such as ELEMIS and Valmont. 

WHERE? The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand

This multi-award winning resort is hidden in 10 acres of spacious and lush tropical gardens, with private access to a secluded white sandy beach. And what better way to immerse yourself than on-site spa Pathways, which boasts its own massage oils (lavendar and sandalwood scents), a range of floating pool treatment pavilions, and an unrivalled location, where the sound of the Andaman Sea lapping the shore signal ultimate relaxation. 

WHERE? Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, Bali

Cocooned within tropical surroundings, wake up within your very own slice of paradise at this spectacular resort. Indulge at the award-winning Spa at Maya, nestled on the banks of the Petanu River and in the heart of a rainforest valley. The surroundings really enhance the sense of tranquillity here, as does the extensive treatment menu – from soothing massages to revitalising facials.

WHERE? Unico 20 87, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Relax in pure luxury at this all-inclusive paradise. The fully-equipped hydrotherapy spa exudes tranquillity and relaxation, and encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the calm nature of their surroundings. Opt for the Esencia Signature Massage, which involves two therapists working together to soothe tension and restore your zen, or try something different with the Volcanic Stones Massage – meant to balance the mind, body and soul.