Global Spa
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, The Peninsula Tokyo, Japan
The Peninsula Tokyo has just opened its new spa in collaboration with ESPA, with treatments drawn from Eastern and Western wellness and relaxation philosophies. Each of the eight treatment rooms offers private showers, natural light and the world’s first Clodagh Gemini fully automated treatment beds. Two exclusive treatments on offer include the Lighten and Brighten Face and Back Facial, which aims to improve skin texture and tone while addressing areas of tension; and the Keihatsu Enlightenment Massage. This massage involves specialised pressure, kneading and percussion methods to improve muscle condition while helping to promote the healthy flow of qi or energy. Until the end of this year, The Peninsula Tokyo is offering special room rates, extra benefits and a 50-minute spa treatment with every Pure Indulgence Experience package.
Phone +81 3 6270 2299 or visit www.peninsula.com
Timeless Spa, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
The spa and pool area at the luxurious Al Maha has just undergone a world-class refurbishment, to offer single and double massage rooms, hydrotherapy and rasool (desert herb and sand scrub) rooms, sauna and steam room, as well as indoor Jacuzzi and an ice-cold plunge pool. There is also state-of-the-art equipment for body sculpting. Al Maha’s spa and massage treatments can be combined with a diet programme and exercise regime to ensure an overall positive effect. Signature treatments, such as the Desert Aroma Massage, Four-Hands Body Treatment and Emirates Facial, feature the exclusive Timeless range of products, made from Arabian dates and frankincense.
Phone +971 4 303 4222 or visit www.al-maha.com
Taj Spa, Taj Tashi Thimphu, Bhutan
Designed in traditional architectural style, the spa at this new Taj property in Bhutan offers luxurious Indian and Bhutanese signature spa therapies and experiences that draw on the rich and ancient wellness traditions of both countries. Prayag and Sangam, the two elegantly designed treatment rooms, have a wooden and marble floor and hot-stone treatment tubs. The spa menu features a choice of signature experiences including a luxurious traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath, comforting back treatments, soothing deep tissue massages and an invigorating Indian treatment that includes a scrub, wrap and massage. Soma is a candelit aromatherapy massage for two with a bottle of champagne. Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the swimming pool, on the wooden deck and in the steam and sauna facilities.
Phone +975 2 336 699 or visit www.tajhotels.com
Anantara Spa, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
The astonishing Diamond Experience Ritual from Natura Bissé has become available for the first time in the United Arab Emirates at the acclaimed Anantara Spa. Blending Middle Eastern opulence with Asian elegance, this dynamic treatment works across the five senses to create perfect balance and synergy in body and mind. The journey to total harmony begins with Diamond Magnetic body exfoliation, a unique peel made from real diamond dust, iron and luminous mud to purify and cleanse the skin. This is followed by the luxury facial from the Natura Bissé Diamond Collection to smooth the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Very popular in Hollywood and extremely successful in Europe, America and the Far East, this ultimate spa ritual claims instantly visible results.
Phone +971 2 690 9000 or visit www.spa.anantara.com
The Barai, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Thailand
This eight-suite hotel and spa is the first of its kind in Thailand, providing an exclusive overnight or day spa for guests. The Barai combines ancient Thai traditions with world-class service and knowledge and its 18 private spa rooms each feature a private outdoor soaking pool, rain shower, Thai daybed enclave for traditional Thai treatments and relaxation, and a private change room and vanity. Three of the double rooms offer deluxe hydrotherapy treatments with the addition of a Vichy treatment room and steam room. The Tranquillity Court, enclosed by sheer walls with a tantalising view of the sea, has a unique swimming channel surrounded by a sand and stone court – a perfect location for contemplation, yoga and meditation.
Phone +66 3251 1234 or visit www.hyatt.com
Tried and Tested
Arajilla Ayurvedic Spa, Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island
Once you’ve been to Lord Howe, it’s a safe bet you’ll want to go back. Pristine, pure and so pretty, the island is like one big spa in itself with plenty of water features, such as the lagoon and Ned’s Beach. On my last visit – my fourth – I tested the Arajilla Ayurvedic Spa at the magnificent Arajilla Retreat, tucked away under banyan trees and kentia palms near Old Settlement Beach.
I booked in for the Dosha Abhyanga massage and made sure I was ready for it by doing a good two-hour walk up over the ridge beforehand. It ensured my calf muscles were tight, giving the therapist something to work on. No pain, no gain, right?
My therapist Kim started by asking me a few questions about age, health, sleep, appetite, regularity and how much I sweat, then shone a light into my eyes, checked my fingernails, tongue and felt my pulse. From this she determined the best therapy for me. Kim told me that ayurvedic treatments are carried out in silence, so I relaxed and shelved questions for later.
Her touch was rhythmic and strong and I felt the stress peel away with every stroke. She worked her magic on the front of my legs and stomach too, then finished off the session with a heavenly head massage. I practically floated back to my room before falling into a deep sleep. I woke refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle another walk on this island paradise.
Phone 1800 063 928 or visit www.arajilla.com.au
By Helen Hayes
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