A spa holiday is considered the ultimate ‘escape’ from the everyday stresses of life and one of the best ways to rejuvenate even in the midst of a global pandemic. Here, we look at some of the most popular spas that will accommodate our needs according to our personality type – from nature lovers and forest bathers to luxury seekers and romantics.
For health seekers
- Talaso Strunjan, Slovenia
Slovenia is a land of healthy water. Its thermal and mineral springs are a source of health and well-being. The renowned Slovenian health resort and thalasso-therapeutic centre is located in a protected landscape park on the Slovenian coast. With as much as 2,300 hours of sunshine per year, Talaso Strunjan offers numerous opportunities for both relaxing and active holidays, and of course the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean sea water, climate, mud, and salt. www.slovenia.info/en
- Two Bunch Palms, Greater Palm Springs
Palm trees, mountain views and hot springs draw millions of visitors to Greater Palm Springs each year, and are ideal for travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity. Perfect for those that value sustainable travel experiences and soaking in natural mineral waters, Two Bunch Palms is a luxe property and one of the first carbon-neutral resorts in the United States running entirely on solar power. visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
For treatments inspired by nature
- Rush Creek Spa, Yosemite Tuolumne County
Located in Yosemite National Park, Rush Creek’s Wellness programme is welcoming a brand new indoor/outdoor spa filled with experiences and treatments inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite. Imagine Yosemite’s magnificent waterfalls, granite formations, glaciers, river rocks smoothed by the rushing river waters, hot springs, fragrant wildflowers and the stirring sounds of wildlife, all bundled up into one beautiful spa experience overlooking the park. The expansive new 5,000 sq ft spa is available for day use with a multitude of ‘a la carte’ treatments also available and tailored to restore energy and treat weary hikers limbs, including the innovative Warm Waterfall Rejuvenation Station inspired by an experience the Spa Director had in nearby Carlon Falls, a favourite hike amongst the locals. www.visittuolumne.com
- Get pampered with plants at Pure Skin Spa, Seattle
Travellers looking for organic treatments only, Pure Skin Spa in Seattle will help guests attain and maintain their healthiest and most beautiful self. The botanical sanctuary offers the finest organic skin, body and beauty treatments whilst using the latest technology in skincare and organic beauty products. Pure Skin Spa aims to remind visitors to appreciate the world around them whilst acknowledging the healing properties of plants. visitseattle.org
- Yosemite Health Spa
After a vigorous day of exploring Yosemite National Park, nothing beats a little self-care in the form of a relaxing massage, a refreshing facial or a sultry sauna. For a one-of-a-kind spa experience, visit the Yosemite Health Spa at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort. This unique wellness centre features an oxygen-fed stainless steel tub, locally made herbal steep baths, a hot rocks sauna, a range of massage therapies and yoga workshops. With its own garden deck overlooking the valley below, the serene, natural feel of the place makes it a great social yet calm.www.yosemite.com
For the romantics
- Vale Resort Spa, Vale of Glamorgan, UK
Named Wales’ Best Resort Spa for two of years in a row at the annual World Spa Awards and featured several times inside the Lonely Planet’s first Wellness Escapes guide, the Vale Spa oozes well being and relaxation. With 19 treatment rooms and five bespoke relaxation zones, it is a perfect place for a romantic break for two. The resort’s spa and leisure facilities include a 20-metre pool, whirlpool bath, steam room and sauna with prices starting from £85 pp including a tour of spa facilities. www.visitthevale.com/
For those wanting to try something new
- Saraku Sand Bath Hall – Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan
The only natural sand bath in the world, the Saraku Sand Bath Hall on the thermal island of Kyushu is the perfect place to indulge in a new wellness experience. Visitors will be enveloped in warm sand infused with natural coastal hot spring water. A study from Kagoshima University’s medical faculty proved that sand bathing is effective at curing nerve pains, backaches and broken bones. www.visit-kyushu.com/en
For forest-bathers
Zaborin – Hokkaido, Japan
Surrounded by a birch forest in the Hanazono woods of Hokkaido, Zaborin is a modern ryokan consisting of 15 villas. Unlike other ryokans, where communal bathing facilities are the highlight, Zaborin offers guests private hot spring baths. Upon arrival, visitors watch a tea master expertly prepare a complimentary cup of matcha and in the ryokan, meals prepared with locally sourced vegetables and seafood, making for the ultimate escape. www.japan.travel/en
For the ultimate escape
- The Shingo Onsen – Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Legend has it that an injured eagle was found in a local hot spring nursing a wound, which was soon healed in the waters. The Shingo Onsen sources its water from the same spring, which claims to aid with muscle pain, poor circulation and other ailments. Tucked away in an idyllic mountain location, it’s as magical as its mythical history. visithachinohe.com/en
- Shirahone Onsen – Nagano Prefecture, Three Star Road, Japan
Tucked away in Japan’s Northern Alps, Shirahone Onsen is a 600 year old onsen town. Thanks to the combination of minerals mixing into the hot waters, the springs turn into a creamy white colour, giving the spring its name – ‘Shirahone Onsen’ translates to ‘white bone hot spring’. There is one public bath in Sharahone Onsen, with many local ryokan opening their baths to visitors. www.mitsuboshi-kaidou.com
- Wakura Onsen – Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
People have been bathing at Wakura Onsen for over 1,200 years. Locals say the hot springs’ undersea source – a rarity in Japan – was discovered when a farmer and his wife noticed a heron trying to repair its injured leg in the warm water. This easily accessible hot spring town near the base of the Noto Peninsula boasts 26 lodgings options, 11 of which are large hot-spring hotels, and many baths have views of the sea. www.ishikawatravel.jp/en
- Asha Urban Baths, Sacramento
Asha Urban Baths offers guests a full relaxing treatment featuring saltwater pools, rain showers, a sauna, full-body massages and an adjoining yoga studio. The concept of the spa is a modern take on an ancient ritual practised in countries such as Japan, Korea, Russia and Turkey. Most areas are co-ed with swimsuits required. Melodic meditation music plays in the background as guests settle into the steam room and the cedar-lined sauna that heats up to 200 degrees. After heating up guests can enjoy cooling off by plunging into a cold bath held at 62 degrees. Those wanting a more relaxing cool down can ease themselves into the 12-by-15-foot warm pool. www.visitsacramento.com
- The Scandinave Spa, Whistler
For long-haul travellers, skiers and snowboarders the Scandinave Spa hydrotherapy offers an effective way of releasing tensions in both the mind and body. The cycle of hot-cold-relax is proven to both energise and rest the body, improving blood circulation and activating the lymphatic system to help detoxification. Hot cycles take place in eucalyptus steam rooms, outdoor hot baths, Finnish wood-burning saunas or dry saunas. The spa also hosts a Nordic waterfall, rain showers and cold plunges. After taking a plunge, relax beside an outdoor firepit, or in one of the solariums. www.whistler.com
