Serenity Redefined: The Crème de la Crème of Spa Experiences

The world is full of luxurious spa and wellness experiences, each offering something unique and indulgent. From the rugged beauty of Iceland to the tropical paradise of Bali, these top 8 spas offer a range of treatments, amenities, and settings that are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

This iconic spa is located in a lava field in the heart of Iceland and is known for its geothermal waters that are rich in minerals and said to have healing properties. The spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, as well as a sauna and steam room. For a day visit at Blue Lagoon, expect to spend anywhere from ISK 9 900, and if you’re feeling like it’s that type of day, you can enhance your experience with the signature In-Water Massage and Float Therapy treatments starting at ISK 19 900.

Other outstanding amenities include the exquisite dining spaces and luxury accommodation. Lava restaurant serves Icelandic culinary classics and Moss restaurant serves Michelin-starred gourmet innovations, all based on the finest, freshest local ingredients. Our seal on the top for this pick is their B Corp™ certification which essentially situates Blue Lagoon alongside businesses that abide by high standards of social and environmental accountability. But don’t take our word for it, go check them out yourself!

Ananda in the Himalayas, India

Our next luxury spa resort is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and offers a range of traditional Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, and meditation. The spa also features a range of Western-style treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. Oprah Winfrey has been quoted saying: “Going to Ananda is more like a pilgrimage than a visit.” Ananda has been recognized in 2019 and 2023 as the number one Destination Spa in the world.

This spiritual location, the birthplace of Ayurveda, Yoga and meditation, has attracted wellness seekers from around the world to Ananda on an annual pilgrimage. Ananda integrates traditional Ayurveda and holistic wellbeing with yoga and meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy organic cuisine to restore balance and harmonize energy. This kind of experience changes your life forever.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

*Photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton website*

The Ritz-Carlton is a 5-star hotel in Bali, which houses a luxurious beach spa resort located on the white sandy beaches of Nusa Dua and offering a range of treatments inspired by traditional Balinese healing techniques. The spa features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room totaling 14 treatment rooms including 4 spa villas. The Hydro-Vital pool has 5 hydrotherapy zones (Serenity, Reflex, Rejuvenation, De-Stress, and Relaxation zones) and it can improve your blood circulation, stimulating the lymphatic system and removing toxins. It is truly a beauty to view.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel group has grown synonymous with sustainability, evidenced by the recent exclusive event proudly hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, and dedicated to celebrating sustainable luxury in collaboration with BASMA, the fashion label founded by esteemed local designer Basma Abdel Hadi.

Aman Tokyo

Tokyo’s largest hotel spa is located in the heart of Tokyo and offers a range of traditional Japanese treatments, including shiatsu massages and natural hot spring baths. The spa also features a fitness center and a sauna. Aman Tokyo, with 84 guest suites, seamlessly blends the city’s vibrancy with an oasis of calm. Aman Spa spans two floors and an impressive 27,000 square feet.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views, creating a sense of serenity. The 30-meter heated indoor pool offers a unique swim-with-a-view experience. Aman Spa’s wellness assessment goes beyond the ordinary. Specialists provide personalized oriental diagnosis, body composition analysis, and postural assessment. It is wellness tailored just for you. The Spa Journey begins with a full-body scrub using camphor, kuromoji powder, and Japanese clay. Then, a 90-minute massage combines Shiatsu and Western techniques, leaving you blissfully relaxed. If you’re feeling funky, you can experience Misogi, a Shinto purification ritual using water to cleanse body and mind. It’s a transformative journey toward positive change. Guests have consistently praised Aman Spa’s sleek design and peaceful ambiance. It’s a sanctuary where time slows down.

Four Seasons, Bora Bora

Four Seasons, Bora Bora spa resort is located on a private island in the middle of the South Pacific and offers a range of treatments inspired by Polynesian healing techniques. This luxurious spa features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room. Recently, the Four Seasons Spa Resort Bora Bora introduced an Immersive Wellness Experience called Awaken. This retreat, held in partnership with Paper & Diamond, invites guests to connect with themselves and the stunning surroundings of French Polynesia through Guided Movement Classes, Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga, Sunset Catamaran Sound Bath Cruise, Balancing Your Chakras, Farm-to-Table Culinary Experience amidst other experiences.

These experiences at the resort encapsulate the essence of Bora Bora, as captured by Photographer Sadry Ghacir in his collaboration with the resort, resulting in the artistic project *Tamari’i. Four Seasons, Bora Bora resort was named Best Luxury Hotel Worldwide by Luxury Travel Advisor. In more recent development, the entire Four Seasons in Bora Bora is now available for a whole-island buyout at $2.7 million per week. You can now finally host your 246 friends to that week-long vacation.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Opened in 1993 and recognized as the first Hotel Spa in Thailand, The Oriental Spa is rated 5-star by Forbes Travel Guide. This luxurious spa is located in the heart of Bangkok and offers a range of treatments inspired by traditional Thai healing techniques. The spa features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room.

Discover the transformative power of MOTR, short for Movement On The Roller, an innovative exercise device that will revolutionize your workout. Explore the perfect introduction to Muay Thai or Thai Boxing, by combining a 60-minute Thai Boxing class with a 90-minute Muay Thai massage. Release your inner fighter with this treatment and unleash your next level of accomplishment.

The Spa at the Four Seasons, Maui

*Photo credit: The Four Seasons, Maui website*

Nestled on the pristine shores of Wailea, Maui, the Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maui beckons discerning travelers seeking a harmonious blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and Hawaiian authenticity. With its breathtaking ocean views, lush tropical gardens, and world-class treatments, this spa is a sanctuary where high-net-worth individuals go to escape the demands of modern life. Whether you're immersing yourself in wellness or embracing inner balance, the spa offers a curated menu of treatments that cater to your unique needs. From massages to facials, body scrubs to wraps, and salon services, every experience is designed to cocoon you in luxury.

Notably, the Next|Health Longevity Protocol, exclusively designed by Dr. Darshan Shah, optimizes your body's natural healing mechanisms. This four-session journey incorporates cutting-edge therapies like Ozone, Stem Cells, Exosomes, and NAD+. The spa recently expanded its Mālama Hawai’i program with the introduction of the Blue ʻĀina guest experience. This initiative aligns with the resort's commitment to sustainability and community engagement, inviting guests to participate in coastal cleanups and cultural activities. Additionally, the spa launched the Wellness Series, centered around physical and spiritual practices that foster personal growth. This innovative approach sets the Four Seasons Maui apart, appealing to wellness-minded guests.

The spa's intimate size ensures a personalized touch. Friendly staff members greet you by name, anticipating your preferences. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply seeking solace, they create an environment where you feel like an honored guest. After your treatment, savor a glass of sparkling wine, basking in the afterglow of relaxation. The spa seamlessly blends luxury with genuine warmth, making it a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

The Spa at the Waldorf Astoria, Las Vegas

*Photo credit: The Waldorf Astoria website*

This luxurious spa is the true definition of escape; located in the heart of Las Vegas and offering a range of treatments inspired by traditional Chinese healing techniques. The spa features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room. Your experience is customized. Therapists analyze your unique characteristics and aesthetic expectations, ensuring a balance of physical and emotional revitalization. The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas has made a splash with its poolside spa menu. As summer officially kicks off, guests can now indulge in treatments while soaking in the Vegas heat.

The spa offers world-renowned treatments for face, hair, and body, transforming your visit into a luxurious and personal escape. Here’s what you can expect: a seductive retreat high above the Las Vegas Strip, Vitality pool treatments, with ice fountains, and the Laconium room with temperature-controlled tepidarium chair. Our favorite space is the Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and tailored fitness programs. Yoga classes in the spacious studio overlook the pool deck and city. The view is what accentuates the escape dimension within the city but without.

These luxury spas offer a range of treatments, amenities, and settings that are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Whether you're looking for traditional healing techniques, Western-style treatments, or a mix of both, these spas have something to offer. So, if you're looking for a luxurious spa experience, consider visiting one of these top spas.