Kenneth Goh's Guide To The Best Spas In The Region
BAZAAR's Editor-in-Chief shares his top regional destinations for a spot of R&R
Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Danang, Vietnam
It takes a lot to wow seasoned beach-goers and island-hoppers who love lush, exotic escapes. But trust us on this one: The Intercontinental Danang is luxe par excellence. Nestled in the hills of the famous Son Tra Peninsula, just a short drive from three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this iconic, 200-bedroom luxury resort designed by Bill Bensley features exclusive beachfront villas with private pools.
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Savour fine cuisine at La Maison 1888 by the three- Michelin starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire; relax in exquisite suites offering panoramic ocean views; or unwind at the award-winning HARNN heritage spa. Its 150-minute “Journey of the Oriental herbs” ritual uses essential oils, power anti-oxidants and comprises an acupressure massage along the Meridian line to stimulate the “qi.” Combining a foot scrub and bath, body scrub, massage, jade facial and detoxifying tea, this is as close as you can get to Nirvana.
Visit intercontinental.com/danang
Hoshinoya Karuizawa
Nagano, Japan
This quaint mountainside resort (just 90 minutes out of Tokyo by bullet train) sits on a hillside with its own unique eco system and temperatures that are 5 to 10 degrees lower than the rest of Japan. The brown wooden buildings that dot this charming village look straight out of Hansel and Gretel—the dark wood, log cabin-like Harunire Terrace clusters some of the prettiest local craft shops and well-known eateries, including one of the best tempura and soba restaurants in Japan.
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The trickle of running water urges you to take your time as you make your way upstream to Hoshinoya Karuizawa. Situated across acres of lush vegetation and terraced waterways, this luxury resort has its own private onsen, meditation bath and river-facing spa with the renowned “Haku” oil massage that uses sake and rice to lull you to a blissful slumber. Add to this the must-have set-breakfasts and evening omakase meals made of local produce and specialities of the season, and you have a Zen-oasis like no other.
Visit hoshinoyakaruizawa.com/en/
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Langkawi, Malaysia
Ease your muscles with a traditional Urut Melayu massage. It is an ancient way to relieve tension and ease stress with long, rhythmic strokes and indigenous oils. A soothing plant-based poultice is applied to aching muscles to relieve soreness and inflammation, releasing feel-good endorphins for calming hectic minds. Or try Biorhythms treatment, an ionising energy scrub, mud wrap, marma-point body and face massage, and über-restorative kundalini back treatment are all aimed at restoring and revitalising the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
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Besides, what could be better than enjoying panoramic views of the Andaman Sea while indulging in an exotic spa treatment?
Visit fourseasons.com/langkawi
Heritage Suites Hotel
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Give your kids a little treat under the stars. Head to the Heritage Adventures Luxury Tented Camp at Siem Reap. This luxury resort set in the wilds of Cambodia offers an array of cool activities for all the family.
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During your stay you will be able to take an exciting quad bike ride through the countryside, enjoy a helicopter ride over Angkor Wat, or take a trek to the Khulen waterfalls to discover hidden temples. On your return, enjoy perfect butler service, cocktails by the campfire and yummy canapés as you watch the sun set over the majestic Lake Tonle Sap.
Visit heritagesuiteshotel.com