There’s never a wrong time to indulge in a little bit of spa time, but rather than keep that relaxing time to a weekend break, why not let yourself go fully with a week or two of pure R and R in one of the world’s most decadent spa hotels? Book yourself into one of these for the ultimate in luxurious pampering.
Mondrian Doha, Qatar
The hotel: Gold mosaic walls, soaring columns and a 24-carat gold lift lend Mondrian Doha a seriously theatrical feel. Head-turning for all the right reasons, this Qatari gem draws an unapologetically ritzy crowd, while Rise, the psychedelic bar on the 27th floor, is the spot to see and be seen. Dine on rock shrimp tempura and sweet, sticky wagyu steak at Morimoto or go all out with a Middle Eastern banquet at lantern-lit Walima. Then it’s back to the room for a long soak in the colossal tub.The spa: An epic example of new-age glam, ESPA Mondrian Doha is the perfect antidote to Qatar’s stifling desert heat. The therapy list blends age-old traditions with avant-garde techniques, offering everything from tech-driven facials to holistic healing rituals, along with Turkish hammam experiences performed in a glistening mosaic chamber. Post-treatment, hit the Finnish sauna or doze in one of the egg-shaped wicker chairs suspended from the ceiling.
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L’Albereta, Lombardy, Italy
The resort: L’Albereta is set within the rolling vineyards of the Franciacorta region, famed for its sparkling wines. The 19th-century villa with its vine-clad walls, antique frescoes, sculpture gardens and top-notch restaurants, is a haven for foodies and spa connoisseurs alike. It’s also the perfect starting point for those wanting to explore northern Italy, with Lake Garda, Milan and Verona all in easy reach. The spa: One of the best luxury hotel spas in Italy, the Espace Chenot is 21,000sq ft of pure vitality and wellness. Fans of Henri Chenot and his “Biontology” method flock here to bring the body back to peak form. With a team of beauticians, dieticians, osteopaths and doctors on hand, you’ll be prescribed more than just a relaxing massage. From hard-core detox programmes to treatments dedicated to sleep issues, there’s something for every ailment.
Constance Ephelia, Seychelles
The resort: With access to some of the best snorkelling on the island and the mountains of the Morne Seychellois National Park providing a dramatic backdrop, this resort, though large, still provides that highly sought after desert-island-hideaway feel. Following a collaboration with Eat Yourself Fit author Rosanna Davison, more health-conscious guests can sample guilt-free fare, with dishes identified by characteristics rather than cuisine, such as low calorie, energy boosting, sleep enhancing and muscle building.The spa: Dedicated spa-goers can book one of Ephelia’s hillside villas, built among the island’s famed granitic rocks. Coming complete with pool, private outdoor double treatment room and seriously incredible views, they make for a completely relaxing escape. The Spa Village itself is a haven of tranquillity, with a large hydrotherapy pool at its centre leading off to thatched-roof treatment rooms.
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Almyra, Paphos, Cyprus
The hotel: Despite its proximity to the buzzy town centre and relatively boutique proportions compared to sprawling all-inclusive resorts, there is a pervading sense of space at the Almyra thanks to its white-rendered walls, huge windows and lush landscaping. It’s also ideal for spagoers with children. However, for all its family appeal, this design hotel continues to offer a sophisticated blend of therapies and relaxation.The spa: As if salty sea air and wafts of sun-baked rosemary aren’t restorative enough, the Almyra spa is an adults-only haven, complete with pool and small healthy bar and restaurant Eauzone to offer something for even the most discerning spa aficionado. It features holistic therapies from cult British brand Ila Apothecary, age-defying facials using QMS Medicosmetics and detoxifying top-to-toe pampering by therapists trained by Cypriot-born Anastasia Achilleos, the stealth aesthetician who treats many celebs.
Song Saa Koh Rong, Cambodia
The resort: This heart-soaring stay has a beauty all of its own and comes with laudable eco credentials to boot. The thatched villas are cool and calm in equal measure, each with its own private deck and dipping pool. There’s more to do here than sprawl out on the sand – although, given the allure of the beaches, no one could blame you for doing exactly that. But guests can also join activities such as Buddhist blessing ceremonies or take a moonlit dip with bioluminescent plankton. Angelina Jolie and Beyonce are said to be fans.The spa: Taking place in a number of little niches hidden within the jungle surrounds, and drawing inspiration from the Buddhist practice of metta bhavana, treatments aim to balance the mind, body and soul. Committed spa-goers should plump for the five-day Revive retreat, a spiritually led wellness splurge involving all manner of healing rituals, hot-poultice massages and guided meditation sittings. If you’re a yogi in the making, fine-tune your sun salutations in a mood-boosting early morning session.
