If you’d like to know the secrets behind how celebrities recharge, our list of wellness assessments, massages and specialised treatments is exactly what you need to be reading right now.
In the heart of the Swiss mountains, you’ll be taught by one of the most globally recognised yoga teachers while being treated to sensational views of the alps and Lake Lucerne. The seven-day spiritual retreat (above) will see you enjoying mudra and bandha meditation sessions. The Zen temple has been built with 100 per cent natural materials and Katie Holmes and Nicole Kidman are rumoured to have attended the retreat.
Menu highlight: The wellness escape is divided into three-and-a-half hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. In between, there will be teachings as well as chanting of mantras and kirtans from the yoga and Tantra traditions.
The Baglioni Spa (above) has been called a hidden gem in the heart of Kensington. It is in the five-star Baglioni Hotel and has three female and male steam rooms. The opulent facility is known for its specialised jet lag treatments and singer Christina Aguilera is said to make a point to visit the spa whenever she is in town. The spa often has specials, so plan your treatment ahead of time and you may get a massive discount.
Menu highlight: Besides the popular jet lag treatment, Baglioni Spa is also well known for its bride-to-be and mother-to-be packages.
The Ranch creates a sanctuary that allows guests to transform their lives and develop their sense of personal awareness. The rules are strict and the “no options” policy includes rules like no cellphones and no Wi-Fi. Patrick Dempsey has visited the facility and activities include a mandatory morning hike, daily fitness classes and a strict diet. It is a total detox from life and the owners say guests will leave understanding their purpose.
Menu highlight: If you don’t have a full week to spare, then The Ranch 4.0 is the second-best option. It squeezes all the activities into eight-hour days which still ensure the best results.
This lavish Japanese day spa in Midtown Manhattan has a fan in Victoria Beckham. Famous for its unusual facials and luxury massages, it is the Geisha Facial that gets the most talk. Therapists use bird poop (nightingale droppings to be precise) to rejuvenate the skin. Getting an appointment at this trendy spot can be difficult, so if you’re planning on going to New York, make a booking way in advance.
Menu highlight: While Victoria Beckham apparently loves the skin softening effects from the Geisha Facial, the Coffee Break Mud Wrap is also ranked as a rejuvenation must.
Mexico is a favourite holiday destination for the rich and famous and The Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort’s Spa Oasis has seen A-Listers including George Clooney, John Travolta and Drew Barrymore regularly visit. Besides the incredible scenery that surrounds you at every turn, this spa is renowned for giving guests the privacy they need. From full body massages to specialised facials and even customised packages, The Hilton Los Cabos is the “it” spa to visit.
Menu highlight: If you’re going to be in Mexico, you might as well take advantage, right? The Hilton Los Cabos is known for its full and half-day packages which include a variety of treatments to make sure your body gets a full overhaul. Go on, treat yourself.
Located in the heart of The Mother City, The Table Bay is an urban oasis that attracts global superstars. Nelson Mandela helped open the hotel and since then stars, including Kylie Minogue, Charlize Theron and Snoop Dog have all been guests. The Camelot Spa at the hotel has a reputation for its Swedish massages. An extra special touch is the fact that the spa is located on the rooftop of the hotel, giving guests an incredible view of the city.
Menu highlight: The spa’s motto is to provide “innovative” treatments, and wellness assessments coupled with the hydro bath are certainly a must add to your itinerary.
Gaia means spirit of mother earth and co-owner and actress Olivia Newton-John makes sure that the 10-hectare site is extravagance at its best. Gaia embraces a choice philosophy and this means that you won’t be made to do anything you don’t feel like doing. “We give our guests a place to really surrender and ground themselves, by reconnecting back with Mother Earth and the spirit of intuition,” says general manager Gregg Cave.
Menu highlight: A remedial massage with well-known therapist Tim Acklin is a must. The beauty of the Gaia programme also lies with the focus add-ons, which allow guests to choose between prioritising diet, mental health and detox elements.
In 2016 alone, Ayana Resort and Spa won over 30 awards across the globe, recognising the resort not only for its facilities but also for its luxury and attention to detail. Located on top of Jimbaran Bay, this picturesque resort and spa is the perfect place for your ultimate relaxation journey. Beauty pageants often send contestants to the resort prior to the main show and, according to reports, Claire Danes has enjoyed the key attraction: Bali’s only aquatonic sea water jet pool. Known for its therapeutic effects, the two-hour treatment is highly sought after by guests.
Menu highlight: Ayana has not one but four signature treatments on the menu which include the hot shell massage, Ayana fusion healing journey, seven chakra dhara and lava stone reflexology. Note: They’re all incredible!
Translated, Chiva-Som means haven of life and this oasis on the Hua Hin coast of Thailand is just a three-hour drive from Bangkok International Airport. The VIP facility attracts the likes of Hugh Grant, Elle Macpherson and Kate Moss. Specialising in detoxing, the wellness resort has a customised spa diet where the chefs prepare low-calorie options that specifically cleanse and detox the body. The focus is on harmony between the mind, body and spirit and all packages include elements of these.
Menu highlight: The holistic health facilities at Chiva-Som allow for a diagnosis of all your needs, with a special focus on fertility.
Situated at the Himalayan foothills in Northern India, Ananda overlooks the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the Ganges river valley. Uma Thurman and Ricky Martin have visited Ananda, which is known for its seven-night Yogic Detox programme. Guests are spoilt for choice and, prior to visiting, should explain their wellness goals. Experts at Ananda will then assess visitors and help decide on which package to take.
Menu highlight: If you’re embarking on a spiritual journey, then the Dhyana Self Realization seven-night stay is highly recommended. It helps to create spiritual and emotional awareness through daily meditation sessions.
This story first appeared on silverkris.com
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