Go beyond your usual seafaring journey and indulge yourself by paying a visit to these top 5 sea-side spa escapes, selected from all over the world for their exotic locales, picturesque views, and unrivalled attention to health and wellness.
1 | Amanzoe Resort Spa
Porto Heli, Peloponnese, Greece
Clinching the top spot in Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe 2016 list, this historic region is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and archaeological sites, harking back to a glorious millennia-old past. A short ten-minute drive from the town of Porto Heli, the Amanzoe Resort is a modern hilltop Acropolis overlooking the Agean Sea. Surrounded by olive groves and serene garden courtyards, Amanzoe’s 2,850 sqm Spa presents a peaceful retreat inspired by the healing philosophies of Hippocrates, fusing fitness (pilates, yoga), massages, diet and gymnastics with natural products and treatments.
One must-try treatment is the revitalising Watsu aquatic therapy session, a form of water shiatsu that relieves stress and supports muscle rehabilitation. With other wellness retreats and beauty treatments led by a dedicated team of experts, guests can also access facilities such as two tennis courts, a 25m pool with terrace and a small outdoor amphitheatre. If further exploration is on the agenda, head to the isles of Spetses and Hydra nearby, or delve into the heritage of the classical Olympic Games in ancient Olympia.
2 | North Island Resort Spa
Seychelles
Nestled in the heart of the Seychelles, this luxury private island resort offers a fantastic spa that touts an Edenic, yet authentic approach to wellness, one that arouses the senses and rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. Step off your journey and experience the spa’s famous “barefoot ritual,” designed to soothe away the weariness of travel. Slip into “Island mode” as you take in the granite peaks, luminous white beaches and lush greenery that surrounds this exquisite haven.
A full menu of treatments is available either at the Spa (which we recommend for its stunning views over the sparkling ocean down below), or in the privacy of one of the resort’s 11 large villas. Using Thalgo marine spa cosmetics, created from the sea, as well as natural herbal ingredients from the island in its signature massage treatments, the immaculate service of the Spa’s dedicated professionals will provide the ultimate sensory experience. For the more adventurous, fishing and diving opportunities are also available.
At just a short helicopter ride away from the main island of Mahé, Ile du Nord (North Island) is a destination to visit for those planning an Indian Ocean sojourn.
3 | SHA Wellness Clinic
Albir, Spain
Voted Europe’s Best Destination Spa 2017 by Condé Nast Johansens, the SHA Wellness Clinic is certainly a celebrity favourite, playing host to the likes of Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell and Donna Air. This world-renowned Spa spans an expansive 6,000 sqm worth of facilities designed to improve and prolong the well-being of guests through the combination of antique Oriental disciplines and modern Western techniques.
Besides admiring the peaceful Costa Blanca coastline below, sink into deep relaxation at the Spa’s hydrotherapy area with therapeutic pools and massage areas, surrounded by a tranquil Zen-garden. Focus on balancing body, mind and spirit with a range of health programs such as Detox, Weight loss, Anti-stress and Anti-tobacco. Complimented with SHA’s signature beauty treatments, cooking classes, medical consultations and fitness activities, the benefits of health and wellness come together in to perfect a deeply enriched soul.
4 | Wellness Tree House by Bodyism
Amilla Fushi Resort, Maldives
The picture-perfect islands of the Maldives are the ultimate ocean lover’s delight. In the Baa Atoll, located just a short seaplane journey from Malé, crystal-clear aquamarine waters give way to a scintillating showcase of wonderful marine diversity. It is here that both physical and spiritual well-being reign as the axioms of Amilla Fushi’s desire to revive the mind and promote blissful relaxation.
Perched amongst the treetops, the one-bedroom Wellness Tree House by Bodyism at Amilla fuses fitness with relaxation with its very own spa wellness suite and cantilevered infinity pool looking out over the tree canopy. This sleekly designed retreat features a menu of personal wellness consultations, 50-minute spa treatments, fitness and wellness activities overseen by the Bodyism team, yoga and meditation sessions, as well as specially-prepared healthy meals.
Various water sports options are also available, including a unique “Blue Hole” feature where guests can swim through an underwater tunnel of coral surrounded by marine wildlife, without having to venture away from the resort. We highly recommend trying the Hanifaru Bay trip for those who are there during the manta ray season from June to October.
5 | AWAY Spa, W Bali Seminyak
Bali, Indonesia
Located at the W-Bali on the island’s southwest corner, this fabulously trendy spa promises a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city streets, with a unique 24-hour operating time perfect for the busy urbanite. Wind down after a day at the beach or at the end of a night out with a diverse selection of body and beauty treatments designed for both men and women, including mums-to-be. From rare and exotic Balinese treatments to a range of facilities like wet and dry treatment areas, vitality baths and jet pools, guests are bound to emerge refreshed and rejuvenated from their time at AWAY.
Do also try the Spa’s first beachfront cabana experience, held in two sessions: The Escape Cabana from 10am to 6pm and Midnight Delight. Incorporating stunning ocean views, stretching exercise, tailored treatments and private meditation, this beachfront escape leaves the body in a heightened state of relaxation.
Words by Olivia Lock.
From: Yacht Style #38.
