DHEVA SPA AND WELLNESS CENTRE, CHIANG MAI by Bridget McNulty
A holiday massage is always a treat, but what if it could be more than that? What if it could contribute to your ongoing wellbeing, long after you’ve left the spa? Bridget McNulty discovers the power of Ayurveda at the Dheva Spa, at the Dhara Dhevi Hotel in Chiang Mai ... read more


SHANTI ANANDA MAURICE by Nikki Werner
Book yourself into this tropical island retreat and discover why the ancient practices of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta offer holistic healing and balancing for the soul, leaving one with an island holiday experience and a zest for life that continues long after you arrive home ... read more


MATAKAURI LODGE SPA by Stephanie Stephens
In a spectacularly beautiful country made justifiably famous by such iconic films as The Lord of the Rings, the higher-end ‘lodge’ category of accommodation has come into its own. New Zealand’s South Island paradise of Lake Wakatipu, framed by The Remarkables mountains, is home to one special lodge - and one organic spa - that have carved out a singular niche, using products that are 100 percent organic or natural, from local Kiwi sources ... read more


RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT & SPA by Denise Hummel
The weather is perfect, the zip code is coveted around the world, and it's one of the places to be seen in California. Add to this, 40 acres of lush grounds and canyon trails, 18 tennis courts, a new 10,000 square foot spa, golf at nearby country clubs, and two heated pools, this resort has it all. Uniquely designed, the property uses earth-tone stucco walls, clay tile roofs, glazed tile-bordered fireplaces, and plantation-shuttered windows to give it the feel of a California Hacienda, though at times I felt like I could be in Tuscany or the south of Spain ... read more

LUXURY

 

DESTINATION SPAS

Whether you choose an urban sanctuary in a boutique hotel, or a state-of-the-art health spa, an African bush spa at a luxurious safari lodge or even a private island spa, the option to indulge in the wellness experience for a few serene, stress-free days is an increasingly obvious choice for travellers.

Havens of luxury, offering absolute comfort, privacy and serenity, Destination Spas offer wonderfully romantic escapes and relaxing holidays. But some offer more than just a glorious spa – they become destinations in themselves, as their settings are spectacular and they can be used as a base to explore the area.

Should you have suggestions for our research or ideas that you feel may be relevant to other travellers, please send us a note to ideas@justtheplanet.com

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