Step into sanctuary: the global hotel spas at the top of the relaxation game

Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora 

French Polynesia

Built on the edge of a turquoise lagoon and flanked by tropical groves, the spa at Four Seasons Bora Bora couldn’t be more perfectly poised. But fear not, it doesn’t rely on looks alone to impress – its treatments are as luxurious as its surroundings. Scrubs are infused with Tahitian black pearls, masks are made from organic algae harvested from the ocean’s waters, and therapists are internationally trained. While most treatments can be performed in guest bungalows, the spa’s spacious Kahaia suite, with its outdoor terrace, soaking bath and views over Mount Otemanu, is hard to beat.

• Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is open daily from 10am to 7.30pm. Call the spa directly on +1 689 603 130

Sense Spa at Rosewood

Mayakoba , Mexico 

Hidden by the tropical jungle, Sense lies on its own island, secluded from the rest of the resort. Here, guests discover how ancient Mayan culture harnessed natural elements to achieve overall wellbeing and balance. The exclusive, award-winning spa features 12 luxurious lagoon-side treatment rooms and eight private spa suites. Authentic treatments include the acclaimed Temazcal Ritual, a purifying steam bath based on traditional Mayan healing methods to purify, cure, and revitalise. Prepare to invigorate the mind, body and soul.

• Sense is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Call the spa directly on +52 984 875 8000

The Chedi Spa at The Chedi Andermatt

Switzerland 

• The Chedi Spa is open from 9am to 8pm. Call the spa directly on +41 41 888 74 77

RemÈde Spa at the  St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

Puerto Rico  

It only opened in 2010, but Remède Spa’s flawless service and beachfront location ranks it with the best of them. Performed in thatched-roof cabanas near the ocean, treatments are tailored to individual needs using ingredients indigenous to the nearby El Yunque National Forest. A standout treatment has to be awarded to the signature Queen Loiza wrap, which incorporates 24-carat gold dust to boost collagen production. Radiance is on the way.   

• Remède spa is open daily from 10am to 7pm. Call the spa directly on +1 787 809 8019

Six Senses Spa Zighy Bay 

Oman
It’s no secret that Six Senses excels at the modern eco-luxe combo. Here, you enter a refuge for mind and body, a retreat from the busy hubbub of daily life and a haven for the calm and relaxed soul. The spa features nine treatment rooms, combines innovative and ancient holistic treatments, from a vigorous Indian head massage (which involves drenching the hair in coconut oil then wrapping it in hot towels, and also irons out the creases of your brain) to an Arabian facial that combines figs, almond powder and honey. Our soul approves.  

• Six Senses Spa Zighy Bay is open from 9am to 9pm. Call the spa directly on +968 2673 5555

Aman Spa at The  Connaught 
London 

This urban wellness retreat – the first Aman spa built outside an Aman resort – proves that even a bustling city hotel can be home to an award-winning spa. Therapists in the five low-lit treatment rooms pair diverse techniques from across the world with organic ingredients like sage, cedar, and lemongrass. Being a popular business hotel, there’s a separate spa menu for fatigued travellers, aimed at reducing jet lag and stimulating circulation. Great shout.

• Aman spa is open from 9am to 9pm. Call the spa directly on +44 20 7499 7070

Talise Spa at Burj Al Arab 

Dubai 
Labelled the perfect escape, Talise Spa is perched 150 metres above the Arabian Gulf and is truly the ultimate destination to luxuriate and relax. Using the world’s most luxurious products (think La Prairie and Aromatherapy Associates) to leave you utterly pampered. Bathed in natural light, Talise Spa offers a sanctuary for guests to indulge in an extensive menu of pampering treatments – from facials and organic body wraps to chakra-balancing hot-stone massages. Leave the world behind and reconnect with your inner self.  

• Talise Spa is open daily from 6am to 10pm, treatments can be reserved from 9.15am to 9pm. Call the spa directly on +971 4 301 7365

One&Only Cape Town

South Africa

Nestled on a private island in the heart of the resort lies an exclusive spa retreat. Surrounded by water and lush vegetation, One&Only spa offers tailored holistic experiences and embraces local African influences mixed with contemporary design to create a modern spa. Twelve private treatment rooms boast high-pitched roofs flooded with natural light and, of course, outstanding service that comes with staying in a One&Only property.

• One&Only Spa Cape Town, open daily from 8am to 8pm. Call the spa directly on +27 21 431 5810

The Oriental Spa  at Mandarin Oriental 

Bangkok, Thailand
Housed in a century-old Thai teak-wood property, guests enjoy a scenic arrival to the spa from the hotel, travelling across the Chao Phraya River via private boat. The must-try experience? The Oriental Signature treatment combines European and Thai massage techniques and is an all-round sensory experience, with herbal compresses containing lemongrass, turmeric and ginger. Book us in, please.    

• The Oriental Spa is open daily from 9am to 10pm. Call the spa directly on +66 2 659 9000, extension 7440

Photos: Supplied and Instagram @ fsborabora @thechediandermatt @mo_bangkok @oocapetown