There’s more to a spa break than simply finding the nearest posh hotel; in fact, around the world there exist spa traditions set to pamper you silly, in surroundings that will leave you breathless. Discover our top-tip wellbeing destinations for unforgettable escapism.
High altitude treatments in the Alps
The Alps offer a perfect trinity of outdoor adventure, exquisite wellness retreats, and refined apres-ski nights. Spend days exploring powder-soft landscapes, dazzlingly white, cross-country skiing your way through the valleys and peaks. Alpine hotels are pillars of wellness; their spas are vast, with a dazzling array of treatments and all saunas of all kinds. Sink into herby steam baths, dip into warm pools, all accompanied by incredible views over dramatic alpine landscapes. Nothing quite beats slipping into a bubbling hot tub with mountains stretching as far as the eye can see…
Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia: where wellness is a tradition
It’s a fact that the sun is good for you. So forget the grey skies and changeable weather; go further afield and discover the wellness traditions of Southeast Asia. Oh, and the golden palm-fringed beaches, incredible food and vibrant culture – that all counts too. Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are the places for a total detox, with resorts catering to travellers in need of total relaxation. Picture it; a couple’s massage on the beach, the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves. In the spas, a holistic approach is steeped in ancient traditions and techniques; take the Thai massage for example, or the gentle, restorative movements of yoga. Inner zen awaits!
Indulge in Ischia’s thermal waters
Capri’s big sister Ischia is a wellness escape like no other; bubbling thermal waters mark the island as a unique spa escape, caused by volcanic activity typical of the region. Discover them in a landscape of typical Italian beauty, where azure waters meet gentle island life. The Poseidon Gardens and the Negombo Thermal Park fit perfectly into this landscape, offering a series of thermal pools surrounded by greenery and dotted with spa centres that will pamper you and your partner with regenerative treatments. If you’re after something wilder, more untamed, don’t miss Sorgeto. Thermal waters push through cliffs and crags to the sea, creating natural baths to sink into on the rocky beaches of southern Ischia.
