By Nikki Bayley
Holidays should be relaxing. But why not take it to another level and choose
a destination where you're guaranteed to leave feeling supremely soothed? Here's
a selection of some of our favourite spa hotels. Let the pampering commence!
You want: Romance and Relaxation
Try: The
Oberoi Mauritius. After visiting the island in 1897, the author Mark Twain
said, "God must have been inspired by Mauritius before creating Paradise..."
you'll experience that wonder and amazement at the beauty of nature when you
visit Turtle Bay on the Northwest coast of the island and stay at the Oberoi.
Enclosed within a protected marine park and wrapped around with a private 600m-long
white sand beach you'll find peace of mind in this tranquil spot of heaven on
earth. You'll stay in a luxury thatched pavilion with a king size four-poster
bed and a private gazebo made for romantic candlelit dining.
Must Have Treatment: The Paillasson Pure Indulgence at the
Banyan Spa is based on a traditional beauty ritual for Mauritian brides-to-be
using coconut oil and husk in a sensually scented scrub and massage.
You want: A spa break where you can take the kids…
Try: The
JW Marriott Resort & Spa Phuket. Enjoy the best of both worlds! Thanks
to the well-supervised Kids World club, which boasts plenty of fun activities,
you can leave your little ones and enjoy complete peace of mind when you take
time out to indulge yourself in the sumptuous Mandara Spa. The name ‘Manadara’
refers to an ancient Sanskrit quest to discover the precious elixir of eternal
youth. Whilst on Phuket you can enjoy fantastic water sports facilities, see
interesting colonial architecture and pick up great arts and crafts in the markets.
Must Have Treatment: Herbal steams are part of the Thai way
of life; the treatments began in temples centuries ago, a blend of herbs are
combined for their therapeutic benefit which you inhale whilst in the relaxing
steam room. Team with a traditional Thai massage for the ultimate rejuvenation
experience.
You want: To refresh your mind, body and spirit
Try: The
Maya Ubud in Bali. Set high in the mountains, overlooking rice fields, yet
just minutes away by foot from the cultural delights of Ubud, the Maya is a
perfect place to totally unwind and re-discover your spiritual side. Enjoy yoga
classes, trekking through the rice terraces and visiting ancient temples or
even discovering how to cook delicious Balinese dishes to wow your friends with
when you get home!
Must Have Treatment: The Balinese Boreh is a body scrub which
uses a paste made from potent spices including cloves and cinnamon. This treatment
was traditionally made by mothers who would treat their family after a day working
in the rice paddies! The spa rooms are open sided and based by the riverside
so you'll relax to the sound of flowing water and bird song.
You want: The Full Fantasy Island Experience
Try: The
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in the Maldives. Speed across azure seas by speedboat
to the private island of Emboodhu Finolhu for the ultimate paradise experience
at this lagoon-fringed slice of luxury. The palm-thatched villas here have their
own sun terraces and some are on stilts over the sea. Wander barefoot along
untouched beaches, or if you're feeling more energetic, try diving in the fish-filled
waters on the coral reef where you may even spot whales and dolphins!
Must Have Treatment: Cross stepping stones to visit the Jiva Grande Spa, the only authentically Indian spa outside India. Enjoy the royal Indian experience of Ayurveda treatments like the Shirodhara which connects and energises your chakras and restores vitality and clarity of mind.
Nikki Bayley is a freelance travel writer. She writes regularly for the
Daily Express and Sunday Mirror. Her favourite cities are San Sebastian, Mexico
City and San Francisco.