Joanna Booth reviews new spa treatments available around the world, from art deco style in New York to Indian Ocean indulgence
The Carlyle, US
Visitors to New York can retreat behind the legendary art deco façade and take a break from shopping and sightseeing at the new spa, which opened in October.
It’s inspired by 1940s Hollywood, with a dramatic monochrome colour scheme and lacquered wall panels. The Rosewood Sense spa collaborates with skincare range Sisley to offer a large spectrum of treatments using only natural plant extracts and essential oils.
SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain
Europe’s first macrobiotic spa also opened in October, in Alicante, on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the uber-luxurious SHA Wellness Clinic offers a combination of ancient therapies and advanced Western technology with a personalised diet plan.
The choice is vast, from shiatsu and acupuncture, to ozone therapy, laughter therapy and macrobiotic cooking classes. Guests can stay in one of the 93 stylish suites, and the one-week SHA essence programme costs from €4,210, including accommodation, food and treatments.
Los Jameos Playa, Spain
Guests at Seaside Hotels’ four-star Los Jameos Playa in Lanzarote can now retreat from the beach for a spot of indulgence at a new spa centre. Designed in grey basalt, the spa treatments rooms reflect the volcanic stone of the island.
Treatments are varied, with scrubs, peels and wraps using the Natura Bisse range, plus steam baths, saunas and massages.
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, Australia
If you like a little bit of history with your treatments, head to Daylesford, Victoria, Australia an area famed for its mineral springs.
The Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is the country’s oldest bathhouse, dating from 1895, and has just reopened after a £4 million project to refurbish its existing historic buildings and create three new public pools. There are more than 30 treatments on offer.
LykiaWorld and LinksGolf Antalya, Turkey
For those who prefer to mix activity and relaxation, the new LykiaWorld and LinksGolf Antalya in Turkey has plenty to offer.
As well as Ayurvedic and other spa treatments there’s yoga, Pilates, t’ai chi, qui gong and meditation. That’s before you’ve played golf on the links course, learnt acrobatics or dancing, or challenged another guest to archery, volleyball, badminton or water polo.
Karma Kandara, Bali
Bali’s new luxurious Karma Kandara resort opens the doors to its spa this month. Glass-fronted treatment rooms overlook the Indian Ocean from the clifftop.
You can choose from kelp rituals using locally grown seaweed, chakra-balancing crystal therapies or even celebrity favourites such as the intraceutical oxygen infusion facial, which reputedly keeps Madonna, Eva Longoria and Justin Timberlake smooth and wrinkle free.
There are bootcamps for the health conscious, or reiki, yoga or martini and manicure sessions for those who prefer a little relaxation.
Shimei Bay Beach Resort and Spa, China
Also opening this month is Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort and Spa. It’s set on three miles of sandy beach and is the first five-star resort to open in Wanning City on China’s Hainan Island.
The 3,700sq ft spa follows both Asian and European traditions, and after your treatment you can have your hair styled in the salon, shop in the spa boutique or dine in the spa bistro.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico
The new Banyan Tree resort on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, is due to open its spa in February 2009. Next to the world’s second largest coral reef, the resort is surrounded by mangrove and jungle.
The spa will feature signature Banyan Tree treatments such as the rainforest trail, a hydrothermal programme, plus a new package specially created for this spa, the Thai herbal detox. This includes a salt pot body massage, that boosts circulation, promotes healthy skin and relieves muscle tension.
Grand Hyatt Moscow Residences and Spa, Russia
Scheduled to open in March next year, the international boutique hotel Grand Hyatt Moscow Residences and Spa will feature not only the highest pool in Europe (on the 60th floor), but also a Russian banyan.
Guests who experience this fusion of a Turkish hammam and a Swedish sauna may be surprised to find that they are smeared with honey, adorned with wet banyan leaves and then gently tapped with branches to stimulate circulation.
