Our in-house hotel expert, Yasmin Fahr, shares her bi-monthly picks for newsworthy hotels to keep on your radar. This week we focus on the best hotel spas in the world to pamper yourself.
From ice rooms filled with snow in Zurich to frolicking with toy goats on a vineyard near Bordeaux, these hotels have something for every type of spa goer.
Dolder Grand Spa, Zurich For a historic hillside retreat
Before or after you visit Verbier, stop by for a relaxing spa weekend at this quiet and secluded hotel just outside the centre of Zurich. Between forests and a golf course and perched on a hill above Lake Zurich, The Dolder Grand majestically overlooks Zurich. Looking up, the hotel is a notable feature, looking palatial in its surroundings. Fun fact: Where the original 1889 building and the 2008 extension join is called The Kiss.
The spa is the main draw with a steam room, dry sauna and cold room to boost circulation—they take the traditional cold room to the next level by filling it with actual snow and icicles (don’t forget to wear your slippers inside). Sit in stone-filled bathtubs for a sense of weightlessness or take a dip in the outdoor whirlpools overlooking the Swiss Alps. Rooms are modern and outfitted with all the necessary amenities, while still maintaining an old-world charm. Stay here.
Les Sources de Caudalie For wine lovers
If the idea of taking a stroll among grape vines, relaxing in a natural warm spring water and then enjoying fantastic wine and actual farm-to-table cuisine is your idea of an ideal vacation, then this is the place for you. Located on the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, the hotel and spa offers a holiday respite in true French style. The property is serious about being eco-friendly with the building made out of recycled material, a focus on biodiversity for their vineyards and the spa drawing and recycling spring water—plus, the rooms are stocked with all-natural Caudalie products that are paraben free. The property specializes in experiences ranging from more typical activities like tennis, hiking, personal training, yoga and cooking classes to wine tours and workshops with the vineyard winemakers and idyllic boat rides into Bordeaux. Did we mention that there are toy goats and chickens on the farm? The newest offering is the Bain de Foret, which offers an immersive experience in the forest to reset overstimulated nerves of city dwellers. To say that wellness and the enjoyment of life is a priority there, would be an understatement. Stay here
Borgo Egnazia For the romantic, ocean lover
With architecture that resembles a typical Apulian town, it’s hard not to feel like you’re lost in a fantasy world at this beautiful resort. A collection of villas in a village-like arrangement, this modern day castle effortlessly blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary luxury, decorated in cream and taupe hues with limestone walls.
Rooms are designed in a rustic style with lots of white linen and local, straw-coloured decor. The spacious balconies and roof decks are perfect for watching the sunsets, and some rooms come with small kitchenettes to really make you feel at home. The spa, however, is where you will really want to spend most of your time. Vair takes a holistic approach to their treatments with the main focus being to create a happier and healthier version of you—something that’s hard to argue with. Be prepared to be pampered and rejuvenated.
Top tip: Bring trainers and your gym kit for beautiful morning jogs. Stay here
Rancho La Puerta For the bohemian, nature lover
Set on 4,000 acres of nature reserve, guests of Rancho La Puerto may stay in luxe accommodations—think fireplaces and garden patios— yet it’s the immersive experience that really draws people there. First opening in 1940, the center focused on wellness before it became a buzzword. Serving three farm-to-table meals a day, 50+ choices of fitness classes, hiking trails and tree and flower-lined walkways on property, there is an endless amount of ways to take care of yourself. Rather than signing up for a set program, you can design your own retreat here with a group of friends or solo. The spa itself offers treatments from across different disciplines and uses medicinal and aromatic herbs from their organic gardens. Try the mountain sage hot stone massage that uses sage oil to detoxify and cleanse the body or the 5 Elements body treatment that focuses on restoring and moving Chi in the body, starting with dry brushing to prepare you for the aromatherapy that follows. Stay here
Eau Palm Beach For the fun-loving spa goer
The Spa at Eau Palm Beach feels like an adult playground meets a blissful sanctuary. The experience begins with a glass of Champagne in the reception area, followed by setting an intention for your spa journey in the wishing well. The spa itself spans 42,000 square feet and includes a private garden full of comfortable lounge beds and little nooks to rest and sip on cocktails. The playful nature of the spa, seen in the forms of little rubber ducks and sparkly cupcakes, sets the tone for a relaxing and happy day. Something that’s easily experienced on the hanging chairs suspended over reflecting pools so that you can dip your toes in the water while sitting comfortably in your robe, gently swaying side to side. The hotel itself offers top quality service with rooms decorated in bright blue and yellow colors, maintaining an upbeat feeling throughout the property. The lanai terrace suites, located on the ground floor facing the ocean, are worth the splurge as they include full service setups for the room’s outdoor lounge beds, so you can have your own private beach experience.
Find more travel recommendations from Yasmin, take a look at LokaPack.
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