Today's spa experience is about as far removed from the social, practical baths of Roman times as possible. Today it wouldn't be unusual to find spa enthusiasts immersing themselves in therapeutic wine, rather than drinking to each others' health!
There's no doubt that the Romans would be confused if they walked into a modern day spa. Today's spa experience is about as far removed from the social, practical baths of Roman times as possible. Today it wouldn't be unusual to find spa enthusiasts immersing themselves in therapeutic wine, rather than drinking to each others' health!
Here are six spas where the setting or the treatment will be a surprising and unforgettable experience.
Vinotherapie Spa Caudalie Marques De Riscal - Spain
Why not combine two luxurious passions - wine and spa? Bio-science meets grapeseed polyphenols to result in marvellous wine-inspired spa treatments at the Vinotherapie Spa Caudalie Marques de Riscal, located in northern Spain's Rioja Alavesa wine region. Soak in an oversized wine barrell while looking out to the inviting vineyards next to the spa: after all, vinotherapy isn's the only special thing about this space - it is also a design tiumph of architecture and design.
Renowned Canadian architects Frank Gehry and Yvew Collet teamed up to create an incredible facility. Perhaps the most noticeable feature is a truly stunning ruffled roofline, made of 30,000 square feet of titanium, but the interior is incredible too. Here, the colours reflect the distinct gold, pink and silver hues of the Rioja's oldest wines. Luxury and spa never tasted or smelled so good. Cheers!
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Spa Resort - Japan
If you've been to Japan, you'll know that some beverages, like tea and sake, have a special cultural significance. Teh Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Spa in Hakone, Japan, takes it to the next level. There is a traditional spa section for those looking for a typical experience, but if you're looking for something different. go to the non-traditional side of the spa. Here, you can immerse your body in a therapeutic bath filled with wine, tea or even sake - several times a day the 2.6 metre red wine bottle pours crimson-coloured (real!) red wine into one of the hot springs. Prefer a tea? A giant tea pot fills the bath with therapeutic green tea. Far from the norm,, this spa is fun, and kitschy at times, but also very relaxing. The facility is large and has plenty for everyone, including families. You may need to bring your own slice of lemon and sugar though!
Blue Lagoon Spa - Iceland
Chilling out in Iceland means bathing in Blue Lagoon's warm 38 degrees Celsius geothermal seawater. Rising from 2,000 meters below the earth's surface, the lagoon's six million litres of water are constantly circulating, refreshing completely every 40 hours. This isn't just any water though! The Blue Lagoon water is filled with anti-aging and healing properties; active ingredients include minerals, silica and algae. At the day spa enjoy a range of treatments from a silica wrap, lava deluxe exfoliation, algae based treatment or an in-water lagoon massage. Want to splurge and have more privacy? Reserve one of the six private bath and lounge rooms. You have an exclusive indoor lagoon pool, private change room and access to an Exclusive Lounge area. Located a short drive from Reykjavik, The Blue Lagoon is a must if you're going to Iceland.
Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay - Thailand
The sounds of a Thai gong welcome you at tge Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay in Kravi, Thailand. This incredible 6-star island resort is surrounded by lush tropical jungle facing the calm Andaman Sea. The Internationally renowned ESPA brand spa takes luxury to unprecedented pampering levels. Experience a meditation and blessing ceremony by a Buddhist monk, or participate in an innovative Full Moon Yoga session. Tea pairings are also a specialty here, and the many benefits of tea are customised to the treatment you receive. Indulge in everything from pink mud body wraps, cold stone facials, Oriental head massages or get kneaded with your loved one in their spacious and well-appointed private spa suite. This is tropical pampering at its finest.
Tschuggen Bergoase Spa - Switzerland
This massive luxury spa in Arosa, Switzerland, was designed by famed architect Mario Botta. His vision was to create a relaxing outdoor atmosphere incorporating the rugged Swiss Alps mountain terrain, natural light and using geometric structures to resemble vegetation and trees. The impressive 5,00 square metre soa structure has four floors of treatment rooms with some built underground and right into the mountainside. Your spa playground is indoors as well as outdoors with pools, steam rooms, fireplace lounge, rock grotto, Kniepp area, sun terraces, full medical wellness programs and two private spa suites for those who really want to indulge. This spa will get you ship shape in no time.
Oedo-Onsen Monogatari - Japan
We chose this spa because it is so very traditional and an oasis of tranquility in the heart of frenetic Tokyo. Here you can literally immerse yourself in traditional Japanese bath culture. Don your colourful - provided - yukata (kimono style robe) and start your journey towards relaxation by walking slowly through the shallow open-air foot bath. Here, you're surrounded by manicured Japanese style gardens. Need to smooth those scaly feet? Get a fish pedicure! Not for the ticklish, this is exactly as strange as it sounds: garra rufa fish nibble on your dead skin leaving you with silky smooth feet - and a great story to tell.
If it's all too tiring, just lie down on a bed of rocks at the stone spa and have a nap. If you like heat, be completely buried (except for your face) in hot sand. Go au naturel and join the locals in the hot springs (there are separate men's and women's areas). After your long day, perhaps enjoy one of many massage and aesthetic treatments available, before sampling some of the authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine at one of the on-site restaurants. This is what it's all about!
