Banyan Tree Spa, Phuket

By Lifestyle Editor Alaina Vieru

 
If you\'re after a once-in-a-lifetime, do before you die experience, Banyan Tree, Phuket is it. A perpetual fixture in ‘best of\' lists, Banyan Tree sensibly ignores changing spa trends and sticks to time honoured Asian traditions celebrating the human touch with natural herbs, spices and aromatic oils. Secluded, sensual and unashamedly indulgent, this place is the place to go for the full monty - the spa, hotel, food and charming staff are as good as it can possibly get.

 
Individual treatments start from around £90. Bed and breakfast for seven nights in a deluxe villa including flights and transfers start from £1,450pp from Kuoni.

 
Banyantreespa.com

Angsana Velavaru, Maldives

While this sister spa to the Banyan Tree takes a more modern approach, it still relies on good old fashioned touch, exotic oils, natural flowers and fruits for their award-winning treatments. Resting on an unspoilt atoll in the Maldives, many come to Angsana Velavaru for the diving and marine life, but we would find it very hard indeed to drag ourselves away from the villas which come with a private garden, indoor and outdoor shower, and pool.

 
Treatments start from around £30. Bed and breakfast for seven  nights in May 2009 including flights and transfers start from £1,690pp from Tropical Locations.

 
Angsana.com

Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa, Australia

The long-haul flight withstanding, this retreat in Queensland is a haven for green goddesses. Located near Daintree National Park, home of the world\'s oldest living tropical rainforest, this eco lodge harnesses the natural power of its surroundings. Sleep in the tree-house villas and indulge in traditional Aboriginal spa treatments using Daintree\'s own 100 per cent certified organic products made from natural native flora, earth and sea minerals.

 
Individual treatments start from around £35. Rates start from approximately £180 per night.

 
Daintree-ecolodge.com.au

Maia Luxury Resort and Spa, Seychelles

If you\'re looking for luxury without the pretence, then Maia is it. Located on one of the Seychelles most beautiful and untouched beaches, Maia\'s 30 private villas all feature private outdoor pools and even an outdoor bath for bathing under the stars. However, dress code is jeans, t-shirts and a smile. There is complimentary Hatha yoga, Shiatsu and Qi Gong (meant to help improve circulation) on offer every morning plus plenty of heavenly sounding treatments (Twenty Finger Massage, anyone?) using La Prairie products.

 
Individual treatments start from €60. Bed and breakfast for six nights in an Ocean View Villa including flights and transfers start at £3,877pp from ITC Classics.

 
Lhw.com, 00800 2888 8882  

Lime Spa, Desert Palm Hotel, Dubai

Dubai\'s décor isn\'t known for its restraint, which is what makes this cool, calm and collected spa so special. Located in Dubai\'s first boutique hotel, neutral tones mix with subtle Arabian influences resulting in chic, understated glamour. Bling lovers should not distress however, there\'s plenty of gold (such as the 24k enriched Goldmine facial). Also noteworthy are the Kunshu products used, which are 100 per cent halal certified, organic and often vegan.

 
Treatments start from around £35. Bed and breakfast for four nights in a Palm Suite including flights and transfers start from £790 per person from Elegant Resorts.

 
Desertpalm.ae

Ananda In The Himalayas, India

Talk about location, location, location. Not only is the Ananda itself immaculate and palatial, but the view of the Himalayas is worth a visit alone. A nurturing, pampering retreat that doesn\'t skimp on thoughtful touches, you\'ll be greeted with a cup of soothing tea each morning, have a candle lit for your bath each night (it heats the bath\'s fragrant essential oils) and climb into a bed heated by a hot water bottle. Along with Thai and Swedish massage there are also fantastic Ayurvedic treatments, body wraps and water therapy. One to try is the Ananda Royal Facial - fit for a queen, as that\'s exactly how you\'ll be treated.

 
The Ayurveda Programme in a Deluxe Palace View room for seven nights includes full board with Ananda Rejuvenation Spa Cuisine, flights and transfers, consultations with an Ayurvedic doctor, 13 prescribed Ayurvedic treatments, one spa treatment and three private yoga classes in addition to daily holistic fitness activities from £2400pp from Wellbeing Escapes (0845 602 6202).

Anandaspa.com

Chiva Som, Thailand

This is the place celebrities (Kate Moss and the Beckhams, to name but a few) go to when they want they want to be far from the maddening crowd. Perfect for detoxing or weight loss, Chiva Som uses scientific analysis mixed with alternative therapies for a holistic approach that will get you feeling squeaky clean both inside and out. Virtuous it may be, but it\'s far from boring thanks to the delicious, healthy food and lush tropical atmosphere.

 
A seven night stay with Ocean View Room including three meals per day, flights, private car transfers, choice of daily massage, health and wellness consultation, daily fitness and leisure activity programmes, use of water therapy suite and 12,060 Thai Baht credit to be redeemed against treatments from £3,755pp from Seasons In Style.

 
Chivasom.com

Le Sirenuse, Italy

Perched on the hillside of the Amalfi Coast, Le Sirenuse is the epitome of chic, old school glamour. A lovingly run family operation, Le Sirenuse has bags of charm and plenty of romance. The world-renowned architect Gae Aulenti designed the Aveda concept spa, which features such tempting options as the Face and Body Ritual (perfect for those who can\'t choose between a facial and massage) or the ridiculously indulgent Four Handed Massage. La dolce vita, indeed.

 
Individual treatments starting from €50. The Leading Hotels Of The World offers bed and breakfast in a Queen room at Le Sirenuse, Positano for €300 per night based on two sharing.

 
Lhw.com, 00800 2888 8882  

COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

This private island paradise is just a short jaunt from Miami and looks like it\'s straight from an exotic James Bond film shoot. White sandy beaches are the perfect backdrop to find your own private stretch of beach or take a yoga class from one of Shambhala\'s famed experts. This spa focuses on holistic treatments and whatever is your bag, baby - Shiatsu, Thai, Ayurveda, acupuncture or marine therapies - they do it. They also use an excellent range of products, including Dr Perricone, Dr Hauschka and Sundari.

 
Individual treatments start from around £85. Rejuvenation Escape with three nights in a garden view room, return transfers from Providenciales airport, all meals, bottle of champagne on arrival, group yoga and pilates classes and one COMO Shambhala massage from £895pp from Carrier.

 
Parrotcay.como.bz

Mii Amo, Arizona

Another spa perennially voted a favourite by spa goers is Mii Amo (meaning "journey"), a retreat nestled away in Sedona, Arizona, which is famed for its glowing red rock backdrop. Guests are guided on one of five personalised journeys (spiritual, healthy lifestyle, de-stress, anti-aging or Ayurvedic) using traditional Native American principles. The approach might be ancient, but the spa itself is modern and breathtaking, not to mention that amazing American customer service.

 
Three-night program excluding flights starts from around £1,251pp. Day and short package options also available.

 
Miiamo.com

 
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