Spas

The Best Luxury Spa Resorts in the World

From top medical spas in Switzerland and Germany to serene Hawaiian escapes, we’ve rounded up the best luxury spa resorts around the world.

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The spa pool at the Miraval in Arizona is a stunning desert oasis

There’s nothing more relaxing and revitalizing than a visit to a luxury destination spa. Centered around improving one’s physical and mental well-being, destination spas are incredible places to reset your body and mind. This is achieved through a combination of world-class spa treatments, classes, yoga, and meditative practices taught by renowned instructors; eating healthy and organic foods; and grounding oneself in nature. 

Destination spas offer a wide range of activities and learning opportunities that promote mindfulness and overall wellness. Physical activities typically include walks, hikes, and fitness classes. There’s also a strong focus on relaxation through meditation classes, restorative yoga, and workshops. And, of course, these resorts have some of the best spas in the world and offer an incredible array of unique treatments. You will leave feeling like the best version of yourself after experiencing all that these five premier destination spas have to offer. 

Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort

Lanai, Hawaii

Sensei Lanai’s lobby has gorgeous natural light and is filled with lush foliage

Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort, is an exquisite adults-only spa destination on the secluded Hawaiian island of Lanai. Here, you will experience complete relaxation by focusing on “The Sensei Way” — movement, nourishment, and rest. Private wellness consultations, fitness classes, meditation courses, as well as adventurous activities in nature will enhance your mind-body-spirit connection. The therapeutic massages and bodywork will help relieve you of any tension you may be experiencing, especially after the incredible yoga courses or a long hike. Nourish your body with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the island at the Sensei by Nobu.

Lomi Lomi Massage

The spa offers various massages and bodywork to promote healing and ease. Our favorite is the Lomi Lomi massage, which is a combination of different massage practices that have been passed down many generations. The intention is to trigger the body’s natural healing processes and release toxins, therefore invigorating the immune system. Not only is it incredibly relaxing and restorative, but it is also a beautiful way to also experience Hawaiian culture.

Miraval Resort and Spa

Tucson, Arizona

The spa deck at Miraval Resort and Spa looks over the vast landscape

Sitting on 400 acres of striking desert mountains on the outskirts of Tucson, Miraval Resort and Spa is a picturesque retreat designed to make guests feel balanced, at ease, and engaged in every moment. The Miraval experience allows you to unplug — it is a digital-free environment — and it encourages you to connect with the other guests, with nature, and, most importantly, with yourself. 

Miraval is known for its incredible hiking, challenging yoga courses, exclusive spa treatments, team-building activities, and delicious restaurant, Cactus Flower. While the menu changes daily, the restaurant utilizes seasonal local ingredients primarily grown in the property’s organic gardens. Each of the accommodations — ranging from casita-style rooms to villas — are incredibly chic, many with gorgeous views of the vast desert. 

Nàga 

One of Miraval’s exclusive treatments, Nàga, is a practice created by Thai massage masters. In this treatment, skillful therapists use strands of vibrantly colored silk suspended from the ceiling as extensions of their bodies. With it, they nimbly suspend themselves, wrapping and stretching your body as they practice a unique version of a traditional Thai massage. You’ll undoubtedly leave feeling restored and relieved of unwelcome tension in the body.

Bürgenstock Alpine Spa Resort 

Obbürgen, Switzerland

The Bürgenstock Alpine Spa Pool has an unbeatable view

Perched on a mountaintop with a panoramic view of Lake Lucerne, Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa boasts a sleek, modern design that contrasts with the timeless natural beauty surrounding it. It houses seven restaurants — each is a unique culinary delight — and three bars. With myriad activities to choose from, your days will be full of unforgettable experiences and incredible spa treatments. For example, you can start your day with a hike, or paddleboard on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Lucerne. Additionally, the Spa Garden looking over Lake Pilatus and the Alps is the perfect setting for an afternoon yoga class. The Alpine Spa has five pools, including an infinity-edge outdoor pool that looks as though it blends into the vast lake surrounding the resort. The 13 treatment rooms have chic wood and neutral accents, each with a breathtaking view. 

Dr. Barbara Sturm Facials 

The Alpine Spa offers six types of facials using products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, a widely renowned German aesthetics doctor. The Brightening Facial uses non-abrasive exfoliating products to brighten uneven and dull complexions for a lasting glow, while the Clarifying Facial is specifically for acne-prone skin. The Super Anti-Aging Facial includes microneedling to help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function and reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines. Also on the menu is a targeted Men’s Facial, Darker Skin Tones Facial, and, lastly, a Signature Glow Facial. 

Lanserhof Tegernsee

Waakirchen, Germany

Lanserhof Tegernsee was designed by award-winning architect Christoph Ingenhoven

Lanserhof Tegernsee is a sanctuary built on the basis of tranquility and holistic healing. The architecture is a spectacular, modern design bordered by lush nature. Much more than just a spa, Lanserhof Tegernsee’s in-house doctors use advanced technology to diagnose and treat the body, mind, and spirit. Above all, the goals of this retreat are to detox, rest, and achieve absolute wellness. 

The practices of Lanserhof Tegernsee are based on the idea that well-being cannot exist without a completely functioning digestive system. Therefore, meals include foods that are easily digestible, with a bounty of antioxidants, vitamins, and trace minerals. Treatments unique to Lanserhof Tegernsee include its sleep therapies, stress management, and burnout prevention, as well as hypnotherapy, to name a few. Lanserhof Tegernsee is as futuristic as it gets, and although it has relaxing, traditional spa treatments like most, it is far more advanced in its ability to change lives by getting to the root of your health. 

The Mayr Method

Unlike most wellness spas, Lanserhof Tegernsee tailors treatments to your specific needs using high-tech therapies and modern medicine. These treatments are based on the works of Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr, an Austrian physician. The Mayr Method is an eating plan founded on the principle of improving your gut health to promote your overall health. This can also include periods of fasting and the elimination of foods that your body does not digest well. 

Canyon Ranch Lenox

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Bellefontaine Mansion became the second Canyon Ranch location in 1989 and has a rich history dating back to 1897 when it was first built as a private home, seminary, and boarding school

Dedicated to helping you achieve wellness in every facet of your life, Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires is the epitome of healthy living. With daily activities such as group hikes, yoga, and wellness courses, your expertly designed itinerary will enhance your life even after you’ve left the ranch by helping you create a healthy routine that you can take with you. For example, you will leave with a roster of healthy recipes after taking a cooking class taught by Canyon Ranch’s skilled chef. There are plenty of activities nearby, and the spa has many treatments available to soothe your fatigued muscles after hiking the Appalachian Trail or taking a challenging yoga class. Looking for pure relaxation and results? The facials use advanced age-defying techniques that will leave you looking refreshed and younger. 

Detox

Canyon Ranch provides you with the tools you need to create a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Each day is full of activities that challenge your body and elevate your mind and spirit. The food is award-winning, delicious, and wholesome, featuring organic ingredients sourced from local farms. Additionally, Canyon Ranch is an alcohol-free environment, allowing you to detox and feel reinvigorated. 

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