12 Indulgent Destination Spas To Visit In 2016

For an All-in-One Experience

The Shilla

Seoul, Korea

ocated at the foot of Mount Namsan, The Shilla Seoul can be likened to an institution of the city. With 464 well-appointment rooms and suites under its roof, it has been the hotel-of choice for many world dignitaries and celebrities since it opened in 1979. Korean design elements, both modern and traditional, can be seen throughout to echo the property’s elegant, yet luxurious aesthetic foundation. Your options are endless here: Luxuriate in its indoor and outdoor pools; tee-off at its mini-golf range; get some retail therapy at The Shilla Duty Free just minutes from the hotel; or book yourself The Beauty Lift Treatment at The Guerlain Spa. Developed to minimise signs of ageing and improve skin firmness and elasticity, this treatment focuses on intense toning massage strokes to stretch and relax tense facial muscles for a resculpted mien.

Visit shilla.net/seoul/index.do

For a Hill-Top Getaway

Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa

India

Perched amongst the lush forests of India’s Western Ghats, this newly opened property is ideal for exploring India’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscape, thanks to its proximity to historical treasures including the iconic Mahabaleshwar and Panchganga temples. Must-try highlights at the impressive spa include the Hammam scrub with exfoliation and the Vichy Scrub Therapy. Plus, an elevation of over 1,400m means the climate here is comfortably cool all year round.

Visit lemeridienmahabaleshwar.com/

For a Restorative Skin Treat

The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Hong Kong

This luxury spa, famed for being one of Hong Kong’s most premier addresses, has expanded its service menu to include Natura Bissé facials. As one of the first cosmetic brands to discover the anti-wrinkle properties of peptides in the ’70s, Natura Bissé products also contain high concentrations of active ingredients to deliver immediate results. Perfect for urban dwellers, try the Perfect Ten Diamond Life Infusion Facial. Comprising 10 essential treatment steps, and using luxurious diamond-infused salves, skin’s optimal activity is restored, instantly reviving tired skin and plumping fine lines for a well-rested glow.

Visit mandarinoriental.com/landmark

For Island Hopping

Casa de La Flora

Phuket, Thailand

Situated about an hour from Phuket International Airport, on the pristine Khao Lak coastline, Casa de La Flora is the ideal location for a luxurious beach hideout. Not only will you have your very own private pool within the sprawling villas, the expert staff also plan excellent routes for island hopping—great for adventure seekers looking to discover hidden spots.

Visit designhotels.com/casa-de-la-flora

For a Perfect Respite in the City

Lotte Hotel

Seoul, Korea

Located in the heart of bustling Myeongdong, Lotte Hotel is ideal for exploring the vibrant city of Seoul, while providing you with an ideal place to recharge your batteries. And what better way to experience Seoul than with a trip to the Sulwhasoo Spa located on its fourth floor? With a comprehensive menu comprising face and body treatments, book yourself the Ginseng Full Story since body treatments are not available in Singapore. Rooted in traditional Korean medicine, this treatment uses warm compress to loosen stiff muscles as the ginseng-infused products energise skin.

Visit lottehotel.com/seoul/en/facility.asp

For a Definitive Entertainment Destination

The St. Regis Mumbai

India

Expect nothing less than uncompromising quality and service from the moment you enter The St. Regis Mumbai’s premises. Decked out in lavish, modern touches, India’s tallest hotel tower gives you access to the city’s best commercial district. But, with four speciality restaurants serving up international cuisines and the country’s highest (and swankiest) bar and nightclub under its roof, why would you want to leave its premises? To cap it all, there’s Iridium Spa that provides a much-needed respite for the weary. Book yourself the Iridium Signature Massage, which uses a blend of rose and immortelle oils combined with customisable techniques and pressure, you’ll emerge recharged with silky soft skin.

Visit stregismumbai.com

For Improved Mental Clarity

Six Senses Laamu

Maldives

For those looking to detox their mind and instill a sense of peace, Six Senses Laamu has the answer with the launch of its Mind Fitness programme. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, you’ll be in the good hands of in-house wellness experts as you pick up specialised breathing and meditation techniques. Heavily rooted in Ayurvedic healing practices, this three-night programme will help improve circulation and boost oxygenation of the mind, while reducing anxiety and insomnia for a renewed you.

Visit sixsenses.com/resorts/laamu/destination

For an Urban Sanctuary

Grand Hyatt Seoul

Korea

Whether you’re visiting Seoul for business or pleasure, Grand Hyatt Seoul provides the ideal respite from it all. The outdoor pool offers panoramic views of the city; and, come winter, it is transformed into a skating rink, making it a crowd favourite. That’s not all: The Spa Grand Hyatt Seoul also offers weary travellers a restful enclave to unwind. If frequent flying has made your skin dull and pasty, try the Blue Diamond Facial Program. Using Omorovicza’s Blue Diamond products, your skin is soothed and hydrated with essential minerals. In addition to this, Diamond Peptides also improve cell oxygenation, while supporting cell renewal for smoother, more luminous skin.

Visit seoul.grand.hyatt.com

For A Cultural Adventure

Alila Solo

Central Java, Indonesia

Tucked in the heart of the city, Alila Solo is your gateway to the cultural heart of Java, giving you access to ancient temples that date back to the 8th century. Beauty fiends will love Spa Alila’s signature healing treatments that combine Asian techniques with age-old recipes. Using fresh, locally grown ingredients like cucumber, aloe vera, lemongrass and ginger, you will be refreshed and rejuvenated from top to toe. Once refreshed and rejuvenated, you can opt for some spiritual nourishment and visit the breath-taking Borobudur Temple, which is just a couple of hours away.

Visit alilahotels.com/solo

For Jet-lag Relief

Bodhi J

Perth, Australia

Nestled in the Northern suburbs of Perth, a visit to Bodhi J feels more like visiting a close friend’s home. Book yourself the Sodashi Pure Radiance Facial, which uses pure plant essence and ethically sourced essential oils tailored to your skin’s requirements. Skin is prepped and intensely replenished, thanks to the use of acupressure techniques to press in antioxidant-rich macadamia and avocado oils. Puffiness is instantly reduced and skin regains a soft glow. For those in search of a more holistic approach, Bodhi J also offers Reiki, Vinyasa Yoga and Chakra-balancing treatments.

Visit bodhij.com.au

For an East-Meets-West Affair

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Bangkok, Thailand

Walking into Thailand’s first Le SPA with L’Occitane, it is hard to believe that the bustling streets of Sukhumvit are just nine floors below. All decked in polished wood and bouquets of little blooms, this soothing sanctuary blends the best of traditional Thai wellness philosophies with French elegance and cosmetology, a sensibility that reflects what Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit prides itself upon. If zoning out is what you want, try the Golden Siamese massage that fuses several Thai techniques to release tension on a much deeper level with an oil massage and stretching, complemented with a hand and foot wrap and the indulgent application of gold leaves on the face, said to boost oxygen levels. All massages are performed by skilled Thai therapists who are intuitive and incredibly effective, so be prepared to have all your knots firmly kneaded away in gentle slow-mo. You can even select your preferred pillow and duvet to ensure you are at your most comfortable through the Sofitel My Bed concept, which is also offered in-spa.

Visit sofitel-bangkok-sukhumvit.com/

For a Unique Aqua Healing Experience

AYANA Resort & Spa

Bali, Indonesia

Situated atop cliffs overlooking the ocean along the Jimbaran coast, unforgettable sunsets are just one of the perks in this luxe spa resort with its 78 private pool villas. Don’t forget to book yourself a treatment (or two) at the Spa on The Rocks, which consists of two standalone spa villas that are surrounded by the sea. Its signature treatment includes Lava Me Tender, which uses natural volcanic lava to invigorate skin with essential minerals and vitamins to restore radiance and elasticity to skin. Then, indulge your body further with a drink at the property’s iconic Rock Bar before gorging on a gastronomic feast at one of its world-class restaurants.

Visit ayanaresort.com

For more of the BAZAAR Spa Awards 2016, click here.

By Joyce Cheo