Spa Resorts Around the World

1. Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi is a vacation idea for anyone who is looking for a place where the architecture is anything but ordinary. Meera Spa is built on stilts over the blue lagoon and lets you, quite literally, escape from the worries of daily life. Guests are accommodated in over-water bungalows connected to the island via three piers, and some are accessible only by boat.

Roof sundecks, floating sundeck and open-air private bathrooms with plush tubs make it easy to continue relaxing after your visit to the spa. Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives

2. Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, white sandy beaches, rich heritage and spectacular sunsets, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto redefines barefoot luxury.

Overlooking Danzante Bay and the Sea of Cortez, this idyllic oasis offers exceptional accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and an array of facilities creating a slice of tropical heaven.

Relax next to one of the five spectacular swimming pools, and enjoy pampering treatments at the Sabila Spa, which has deluxe wet areas, saunas, soaking spa tubs, and a cold-water plunge pool.

Accommodations ranging from deluxe suites and bungalows to ultra-luxurious penthouses boast fully equipped kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, comfortable en-suite bedrooms and huge balconies with stunning ocean views.

The Presidential Penthouse is opulence at its best, accommodating up to 10 people with a private butler to take care of every need.

Mouthwatering cuisine can be enjoyed at three restaurants: for a casual buffet-style feast of Mediterranean, American and Mexican fare, head to the Market Restaurant. Casa Mia offers light meals, salads and sandwiches, while Danzante Fine Dining promises an intimate evening with superb cuisine and fine wines in an elegant locale. Map

3. Badrutt's Palace, Switzerland

Plan a relaxing spa getaway to St. Moritz in Switzerland and rejuvenate at a five star European wellness center at Badrutt's Palace. The treatment center has 10 elegant treatment rooms named after Alpine flowers. There is a beautiful garden where guests can relax before and after a treatment. The wellness center has a Sauna (Ladies only), Mixed Sauna, Ice Room, Mist Room, Aroma Steam Room, Salt Steam Room, Massage Shower and a Rain Shower. Facilities include a Hair Spa, Solarium and a Pedi Spa. For the ultimate indulgence, book one of the specialty spa suites. Suite Veronica has a spacious steam bath and a double whirlpool, two treatment beds and a Lounge Chair for two that enable treatments on the spot. Map

4. El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Costa Rica

Embedded in Costa Rica’s Central Volcanic Valley and flanked by Juan Castro Blanco and Poas Volcano National Parks, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is an eco-friendly retreat surrounded by the swirling mists of a private cloud forest reserve, teeming with birds and wildlife.

Escencia Spa offers an array of pampering treatments, hot stone massages and body wraps. The spa is designed in harmony with nature and features a unique room designed to channel the life energy of the forest.

Beautifully appointed wooden cabins are comfortably furnished with contemporary décor and boast deluxe amenities. High ceilings and large bay windows create a wonderful feeling of spaciousness and invite the views in to create a luxurious cocoon surrounded by nature.

Dining is unforgettable at Ventanas Restaurant, where an open-sided dining room offers a dramatic setting for an unrivalled farm-to-table dining experience.

Savor an exotic menu of Costa Rican cuisine conjured with an array of delicious regional ingredients, accompanied by a selection of world-class vintages. Located in an area that is famous for its incredible landscape, the lodge gives guests access to exciting activities and outdoor adventures - take exhilarating canopy tours in the dense rainforest or go on a horseback tour to see the volcano. Map

5. Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Santorini, Greece

The Andronis Concept Wellness Resort in Santorini occupies one of the most beautiful and inviting locations on this utterly romantic island. The resort comprises 28 stunning pool suites and villas, most of which offer unforgettable sunset views out over the Aegean Sea. The sheer beauty of the location will take your breath away and the elegance and luxury of the suites and villas will take your wellness vacation to the next level. The resort is dedicated to holistic wellness practices which will relax and rejuvenate both body and mind. When you are not cooling off in your private pool you can join various wellness activities including hiking, yoga and fitness classes or a variety of spa treatments.

Andronis Concept Wellness Resort, Epar Od, Firon-Ias, Thira 847 00, Greece, +30 2286 036738

6. Palacio del Inka, Cusco, Peru

The Palacio del Inka is located in the heart of Cusco, where it offers visitors a taste of traditional Peruvian wellness regimes in an historic luxury setting. The beautiful boutique hotel has been sympathetically restored to offer modern luxury while retaining the colonial heritage of the building. Expect rich and vibrant colors, comfortable beds and luxury linens. The Andres Spirit Spa offers a wide range of spa treatments including face and body treatments and massages. There is a large hydrotherapy pool and a thermal circuit which includes Dry Sauna, Turkish Bath and Spanish Showers. You can also burn off some kilojoules at the fitness center.

Palacio del Inka, Santa Domingo 259, Cusco, 08002, Peru, +51 84 231961

7. The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland

The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland has been a famous golfing destination for 100 years. Recently however, it is also developing a great reputation as a center for wellness, rest and relaxation. Guests can choose from a range of luxurious guest rooms and suites, all of which provide a welcoming cocoon where you can relax after a busy day on the fairways. To add another element of pampering to your stay you can enjoy the facilities of the Spa which include a large heated swimming pool, a gym, 20 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and a healthy Spa Café. Special wellness packages are available to those in need of rest and rejuvenation.

The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland, PH3 1NF, + 44 1764 290 118

8. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas

The fabulous Lakehouse Spa at the Lake Austin Spa Resort is waiting to welcome you to a relaxing and tranquil wellness experience on the edge of Lake Austin in Texas Hill Country. From the moment you step over the threshold of the resort you will be surrounded by a distinctive calming ambiance which extends throughout the resort. The guestrooms are beautifully appointed in soothing pastels and provide a wonderful home-from-home atmosphere. The spa offers a variety of both ancient and thoroughly modern wellness treatments including massage and hydro therapy. Those who prefer a more active break can enjoy water sports, wine cruises and private boat charters.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, 1705 S. Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732, 800 847 5637