When it comes to spa treatments, does it matter if it’s a hot-stone massage in an overwater villa with marine life teeming below or a soak in a hot tub on the 116th floor of a skyscraper? In fact, it does.
Across Asia and the Pacific, these spas harness the energy of their natural surroundings and use locally sourced island botanicals to provide each guest with a luxe experience. This could be a traditional massage or a new-age take on rejuvenation — think cocktail bar inside a spa.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Make Spa Memories in the Maldives
An integrated resort centered on natural healing in the Fari Islands, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands rests atop a gleaming turquoise lagoon that teems with marine life.
Overwater villas encircle the ring-shaped spa, symbolizing the circle of island life. A long wooden walkway leads to the spa’s entrance. Upon entering, guests can choose from an array of bespoke treatments.
The bamboo massage uses heated bamboo sticks to knead muscles, and the Maldivian Signature Rejuvenation applies coconuts to a full-body massage. Or try the Bamford Signature Journey, a specially curated treatment that combines shiatsu and Swedish techniques and a wave-like massage following the ocean’s rhythm.
Ancient Tradition Meets Modern Rejuvenation in Langkawi
Marble floors and walls and wooden massage beds define the Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Langkawi. Despite its contemporary decor, massage techniques are infused with ancient healing methods that are brought to life by Langkawi’s tropical botanicals — massages and herbal baths use natural ingredients from the island.
There’s the three-hour Heritage Malaya, which includes a body scrub, body wrap and traditional massage and finishes with a bath. For an utterly indulgent experience, the eight-hour Awakening Treatment starts with meditation and proceeds with exfoliation, body wrap, massage and an herbal bath with tea and light snacks, followed by a facial and then a hand and foot spa.
Experience Island Bliss in Bali
The sleek W Bali – Seminyak sticks to its hip vibe at the AWAY Spa, which seamlessly blends LED lights and pops of color with a golden sand setting. The experience starts with a hot-stone bath and a soak in the plunge pool — and perhaps a puff of oxygen in the decompression lounge.
Most guests opt for the traditional Balinese massage, which comprises a hot stone massage, stretching and foot reflexology. For something more interactive, try a private meditation session at the beachfront Escape Cabana. And sojourn with a drink at the Chill Bar on one of the many comfy white-linen beds, basking in the sunlight seeping in from glass panels above.
Book Heavenly Spa Treatments in Malaysia
Nestled in this oceanfront resort centered on wellness, the Heavenly Spa at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is just as it sounds. A stone-lined walkway with dark-wood pillars leads to treatment rooms with colorful tiled walls and private overwater villas with spa beds that look out to the Andaman Sea.
Choose from a variety of facials, bathing rituals and massages drawn from Malay, Indonesian, ayurvedic, Turkish or Swedish techniques. A popular choice is the two-hour Heaven treatment, a traditional Malay massage and a “body latte” — coffee body scrub, milk and honey body wrap, and scalp massage. Wash off in the adults-only spa pool.
Sweeping City Views with Your Spa Treatment in Hong Kong
While Hong Kong is not the typical island retreat that comes to mind, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong’s 116th-floor spa with harbor views certainly conjures serenity. The spa’s oval, marble-clad waiting room with a cream and chocolate color scheme exudes timeless luxury.
And indeed, the treatments are pampering. The Radiance Facial works on revitalizing tired skin and combines a jade stone eye treatment. Massage therapists use traditional techniques, including acupressure and kneading, to relieve tension. Or book the spa suite and enjoy a treatment in the clouds followed by a three-course meal.
Be Laid-Back in Bora Bora
The Iridium Spa occupies its own island within The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort’s sprawling private Lagoonarium in the South Pacific. Tahitian medicinal plants play a central role in treatments that range from a traditional Taurumi massage with monoi oil to balneotherapy, a water-jet massage that alternates shooting and toning waters with essential oils.
The spa area brings the outdoors in with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that look out to greenery. The private wellness area comes with suites with outdoor plunge pools, so have a post-massage dip under blue skies and palm trees. For a classic spa experience, book the candlelight massage in the beachfront gazebo.
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