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Spa Guide

Our Favourite Big-City Wellness Destinations

It’s no secret that the pandemic has completely upended the way we travel and altered what we are looking for in a vacation.

While we are thrilled to be able to return to our favourite cities around the world again and enjoy the hustle, bustle, and broad range of attractions they have to offer, we’re also more aware of our need for wellness-centric amenities that allow us to return from a big-city weekend feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

Featuring our favourite wellness-centric hotels in the world’s busiest and most beloved cities, below you’ll find a mix of tried-and-true, design-focused, and more out of the box picks for each destination. Whether you can steal away for an hour, the afternoon, or an entire weekend, these retreats are at hand to help you find the perfect respite during your next jam-packed itinerary.


London

Whether you just need to get away from it all for the night or you’re planning a big-city weekend here, London is home to an array of ultra-chic hotel spas, plus, some excellent day spas if you need your wellness in a hurry. The city also comprises nearly 50% green space, so you’re never far from a lush park or garden to unwind in. 

The endlessly awarded Lanesborough Club & Spa in Knightsbridge offers all the amenities you can dream of, featuring treatments from internationally recognised experts and lavish facilities. Agua at Sea Containers in South Bank houses an Instagram-worthy spa with highly-trained massage therapists that use products created from its spa garden to cater to a variety of needs, whether you’re an expecting mother or just need to destress. If you’re short on time, Aire Ancient Baths is ideal for a transportive day trip that can leave you feeling restored by the end of your lunch break. 

Paris

Ah, Paris. Whether you’re there for work, play, or a bit of both, it’s one of our favourite cities for a secret wellness escape. What’s not to love about a city which boasts both some of the best hotel spas and wine bars in the world? 

Two of Paris’ most iconic hotels, The Ritz and Hotel Plaza Athénée offer award-winning spa treatments that will help you get that French girl glow, featuring rituals from Biologique Recherche and Dior, respectively, in glamorous facilities no less. Relative newcomer, Nolinski Paris, also offers a breathtaking spa that’s geared towards those in need of jet-lag relief, an immunity boost, or an environmental detox from city life. We’ll take all three, please. 

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

New York

The city that never sleeps has to unwind at some point, and New York is home to some world-class wellness destinations. From five-star hotels in the middle of it all to more recent health-centric properties popping up in Brooklyn, there’s a place for everyone to enjoy whilst in the city that never sleeps.

The Plaza Hotel’s glamorous Guerlain outpost is considered the best hotel spa in New York, and will whisk you away to another world from its prestigious address in the middle of Manhattan.  The Greenwich Hotel’s incredibly gorgeous Shibui Spa offers Japanese-inspired wellness amenities when you need a break from modern life, including Onsen bathing rituals that date back to the 6th century. And if you really want a city getaway within the city, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers an organically inspired spa, plus, a rooftop pool that allows you to enjoy New York’s incredible skyline from the tranquility of your chaise lounge. 

Tokyo

Japan has a deep wellness history that those of us in the Western world are just recently beginning to tap into, and we love the collision of tradition and urbanism that can be found in its capital city. You’ll discover plenty of ancient healing methods that will inspire your own beauty and self-care routines at home, along with Tokyo’s amazing culinary and cocktail cultures.

It’s tough to beat an Aman property when it comes to wellness experiences, and it’s Tokyo outpost is no exception, featuring Japanese-inspired therapies with sweeping city views from the largest spa in the city. Park Hyatt Tokyo’s spa and fitness club offers Japanese and European-style treatments for every type of spa junkie, whilst the stunning Hoshinoya Hotel Tokyo offers an authentic ryokan experience in the heart of the city, complete with spa and bath halls featuring healing waters from nearby hot springs.

Rome

Rome has a deeply rooted wellness culture that can be traced back to ancient times – it’s nicknamed The Eternal City, after all. Though you may come for the history, food, vino, and nightlife, stay for the city’s rejuvenating spa and bath experiences that will have you departing fresh-faced and detoxed.

You’ll find everything from gua sha facelifts and massages inspired by the finest Italian ingredients at the storied Hotel Eden, along with a fabulous wellness-centric culinary program, to the Irene Forte Spa at the vibrant Hotel de la Ville –  just the place for aesthetes to experience authentic Mediterranean rejuvenation for mind, body, and spirit. Whilst the always-quirky Mama Shelter is perfect for a simple yet effective morning sweat session after a big night out at the hotel’s colourful new pool, steam room, and sauna facilities. 

Miami

Sleek buildings set amidst white sands and jewel-tone waters – what more could we want out of a big-city getaway? Miami is home to some pretty spectacular spa destinations for when you need a break from the pace (and traffic) of this city. 

Mandarin Oriental Miami combines the best spa therapies from cultures around the world to offer a comprehensive and downright delightful wellness experience. If you’re seeking something a bit more out of the box, look no further than the sublime Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Hotel Miami Beach, which is home to the largest hammam on the East Coast, plus a variety of restorative therapies inspired by the most effective ancient and modern practices. For fitness fans, Carillon Wellness Resort is the perfect place to get serious about your health through fitness, nutrition, and personalised wellness treatments while having plenty of fun along the way, for a long weekend – or more. 

Marrakech

The colourful city of Marrakech is a design lover’s paradise with plenty of inspiration at every corner. However, experiencing all the sights, sounds, smells, and splendour of this imperial city can leave you drained and overstimulated mid-getaway. The best hotels offer a reprieve from the high temperatures and city life with verdant gardens, sumptuously appointed suites, and state-of-the-art spa facilities rooted in Morocco’s rich wellness traditions.

Unwind in style at the opulent Royal Mansour Marrakech for an immersive, Moroccan style spa experience, complete with Moorish architecture at every turn and luxe hammams. Revel in the tranquility and luxuriously appointed facilities at La Mamounia’s spa and wellness centre or find solace at the elegant, 10-room Tarabel Marrakech, which is home to an idyllic spa that features thousand-year-old techniques and local skincare ingredients. 

Singapore

It’s easy to get swept away in the architecture and attractions Singapore has to offer, but this one-of-a-kind island-city state is also a secret haven for wellness enthusiasts looking to enjoy the best a ritzy city has to offer. Plus, there are plenty of lush walking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and pristine beaches to explore if you’re looking to get out in nature. 

There’s no such thing as over indulgence at The St. Regis Singapore, and its Remède Spa outpost boasts exclusive treatments and even lessons in the art of massage to keep your wellness kick going at home. Then there’s the iconic Raffles Singapore for a retreat in the middle of the city, and it’s home to a chic, newly renovated spa and wellness centre. However, if you’re looking for a true getaway from it all while being mere minutes away, Oasia Hotel Sentosa is the perfect pick, as it resides just off the main island and offers a stellar list of wellness-centric dining destinations, activities, and amenities beyond a luxurious spa. 

Los Angeles

Dare we say LA is the ultimate big-city wellness destination? Home to endless boutique fitness centres, organic cafés, and innovative therapies on every corner, La La Land is the perfect place to experience the vibrance of city life while finding excuses to prioritise your wellbeing along the way. Plus, you can’t beat a day of sun and surf to find some restoration. 

Experience a bygone era of Hollywood glamour at the fabulous Beverly Hills Hotel, which boasts a spa that will immerse you in globally inspired treatments and leave you emerging like a starlet. The Kelly Wearstler-designed Santa Monica Proper Hotel’s Surya Spa is the crown jewel of the property, offering an aesthetically pleasing place to find an Ayurvedic retreat in this beloved neighbourhood, while a weekend at The West Hollywood Edition will have you feeling red carpet-ready, thanks to a blend of technology-driven and traditional wellness therapies. 

Dubai

Dubai has an almost dizzying number of wellness institutions that can make it tough to nail down the perfect place to spend a weekend. Its standout properties offer incredibly designed facilities that offer impeccable views, indulgent treatments to get the restoration you need, and secluded spaces to get out in nature or take a plunge in the Persian Gulf.

One&Only Royal Mirage is a beachfront destination for wellness enthusiasts seeking authentic Arabian rituals and treatments that will continue to inspire long after the trip has come and gone. Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai is a perfect stay for those who want a mix of pampering and partying, although the decision to leave the gorgeously designed Ottoman- and Turkish-inspired spa facilities may prove difficult. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is the ultimate destination for spa enthusiasts who have seen it all, as you’ll find treatments and workshops to help you perfect your overall wellness regimen. 

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