Sit back Relax And Just Put Your Feet Up

Here are some of the best spas from around the globe

Yes, you asked, and here I shall deliver. Just a little list of the best spas across the planet. Sure, let’s go, I am ready.

In this era of top speed, high living and super efficiency, the luxury of time can easily slip right by - not forgotten but just out of reach. And so, the essence of what a spa truly means is once again reignited. As a reminder of how important soothing, wellbeing and taking care of body and mind is in trying times, and always really. 

For some, it means squeezing a hour or two into a busy day between meetings and rush hours, for others it’s an undivided journey complete with a retreat that lasts for as long as possible. Either way, or somewhere in between, the act of spa is where vitality and pep will always lie. The world has many of these retreats, havens if you will; some are in the middle of the busiest cities of the world and others on the edges of paradise far flung from civilization. 

Espa Life at The Corinthia, London (Whitehall Place, London, corinthia.com)

As far as holistic spas go, the Espa Life in the world’s capital has infused their wellness programs with alternative medicine and fitness in one integrated lifestyle mingle. Their belief that the spa and medical worlds need to hold hands is what inspired this very new approach. For instance the anti-aging facials and ‘Rush Hour Beauty’ have been specifically formulated for a quick pop in when time is scarce and is often combined with a jog or some ski rope. 

The inner city spa, designed by GA Design, has lambent light inviting guests to indulge in the privacy of the famous Corinthia Hotel. The spa serves as the perfect hideaway from the engrossing outside world - meaning cocoons, individual pods and fireplaces are suddenly on order during the precious moments to deeply relax before the city’s bustle continues. 

The Shibui Spa at Greenwich Hotel, New York (377 Greenwich Street, New York, thegreenwichhotel.com)

This Manhattan hotel and spa, owned by entrepreneur and actor Robert DeNiro, has the ability to completely shut you out of the world’s 24-hour city. Finding serenity and calm as you sink below the streets in Shibui is easy enough. 

The spa’s latest offering includes a lymphatic drainage massage. It involves stimulating and increasing the lymph circulation, as well as clearing blockages with lymph nodes and vessels throughout the whole body. And so a simple massage eliminates toxins and improves the immune system. In terms of signature treatments the spa offers a “Drunken Lotus'' with sake soaked cloths and then a massage is on order. 

Designed with low intimate lighting, woody browns and aqua blue-greens the Shibui spa feels just like the Japanese haven that it is. 

Ayasofya Hamam, Istanbul (Cankurtaran Mahallesi Bab-ı Hümayun Caddesi, 1, Sultanahmet, ayasofyahamami.com)

After a major renovation, the oldest hamam in the city, Ayasofya, has now reopened with its tradition perfectly unscathed but with injected modern touches expected from a spa. The Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam in the old city was built in 1556 AD at the request of the sultan’s wife Roxelana and is situated between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. 

With full body treatments that include steaming, bathing, scrubbing, massaging and a bubble treatment the hamam honors the old tradition of the ritual that accompanies every treatment. With men entering on one side, and ladies on the other in their separate areas the tradition continues. 

White marble from 400 years ago, traditional gold beakers and bowls scattered around the hamam and small skylights letting in the sunlight like tiny stars all amplify the ancient rites. 

Singita Lebombo Spa, Kruger Park (Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park, singita.com)

Award winning lodge, and spa, the Singita Lebombo Spa has taken its love for Africa, and all things local very seriously. The “Ndzi Lorhe Africa“ body ritual that includes a full body exfoliation, followed by a soothing body wrap and is finished with an Inkaba balancing full body massage is their specialty. Monkey oranges; heighten the massage since this dried fruit, from the calabash family, is used as a tool to release the body on its pressure points.

Located within the Kruger Park’s most exclusive lodge, Singita, the surrounding bush and contemporary décor by design house Cecile & Boyd’s only amplifies the luxurious experience. From wide-open rooms facing the water holes, to quiet relaxation spaces overlooking the koppies, lounging in soft, natural coloured furnishings has never been this good. 

Pontas Dos Ganchos Spa, Brazil  (Rua Eupídio Alves do Nascimento, 104, Ganchos de Fora Governador Celso Ramo Santa Catarina, pontadosganchos.com.br)

Tucked away in the southern part of Brazil, the Pontas Dos Ganchos Spa is for truly escaping to a sanctuary. The secluded stretch of beach, fringed by rainforests and tropical trees is the setting for this wellness center. 

The spa sets up tents on the edge of the ocean, with views of sunsets, islets and the bay. A perfect setting for the spa’s signature massage; a treatment using hot cinnamon oil and herbal poultices that is engineered for complete relaxation. 

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo (2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, mandarinoriental.com)

Above the clouds in the city of high rises and chaos, the Mandarin Oriental’s spa offers a glimpse into some kind of heaven. Combining ancient and contemporary techniques, all 37 floors up in the sky, the spa believes in rejuvenation above all. 

Their most dandy treatment is the deep-cleansing ritual that combines the anti-oxidising effects of Azuki beans with sea salt, sesame seeds, patchouli, vetiver, ginger and geranium. Followed by a relaxing oil massage that leaves the body moisturized, nourished and best of all - balanced.

The spa suites are designed for privacy and are referred to as private havens in the spa. And this comes complete with beds, steam showers and fantastic views of Mount Fuji in the distance. Perfection.