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| Ananda Spa |
Condé Nast Traveller Magazine had just released its awards
for the top spas in the world for 21012. These awards come from the 10th annual
Readers' Spa Awards. Last autumn the magazine asked its readers to tell us
where they would most like to go to relax, detox and improve their well-being.
The readers nominated their favourites, from urban day spas to hotel spas,
exotic retreats to medical wellness centres.
The choices were rated according to various criteria, including
ambience/design, body treatments, cuisine and service. The results were theb collated
by Market Management, an independent market-research company, which then
calculated an average score for each spa, out of a possible 100.
1. Ananda Spa, Ananda in the Himalayas
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| Ananda Spa |
Ananda is in the far north of India near Rishikesh, the birthplace
of yoga and The Beatles' interest in transcendental meditation. It is. Its
location, setting - in manicured grounds overlooking the powerfully snaking Ganges - and its unfailingly kind and gentle staff give
it a special healing energy. Its
programme of yoga, Ayurveda and Vedanta is as emotionally uplifting as it is
physically effective. It would be impossible to go for a week and not leave
feeling on top of the world.
Rating out of 100: 96.67
2. Six Senses Spa, Evason Ma'In Hot Springs
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| Six Senses Spa |
This spa is built beneath a natural hot-spring waterfall
near the Dead Sea, 264 metres below sea level.
In the stark Jordanian desert, the resort itself feels like a secluded oasis,
offering the ideal conditions in which to relax.It was the body treatments that
stood out at Evason Ma'In Hot Springs. The spa utilises the natural properties of
the mineral-rich waters in its therapies, which include scrubs, wraps, massage
and facials.
Rating out of 100: 96.44
Six Senses Spa, Evason Ma'in Hot Springs, Madaba,
Ma'In, Jordan
(00 962 5 324 5500;
3. The Mekong Spa, La
Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang
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| The Mekong Spa |
The Mekong Spa is located in Laos'
charming ancient city of Luang Prabang.
The facials, using organic Jurlique products, were highly regarded. As well as
two specifically designed for men, they include anti-ageing, aromatherapy,
sunburn relief and tired-eye treatments. Exhausted travellers should try the
'Jet-lag Delight' body massage to relieve the symptoms and aches and pains of
flying. And all guests can make use of the herbal steam bath to for a deep and thorough
cleanse.
Rating out of 100: 96.30
4. ESPA Riga
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| ESPA |
Design is important at ESPA Riga. The spa takes on the
properties of the elements fire and water, illustrated in a mosaic of black
crystal and a spectacular light sculpture. Treatments, too, take inspiration
from the elements, and incorporate techniques from Chinese, Indian, European
and Balinese concepts. A number of ESPA treatments have been designed to combat
the effects of cold weather on skin - essential in Latvia - using amber stone from the
Baltics.
Rating out of 100: 95.98
ESPA Riga,
4a Baznīcas Street, Riga, Latvia
(00 371 67715222;
5. The Spa, Coworth
Park, Berkshire
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| The Spa |
Eco-sensitivity is at the heart of the spa at Coworth Park. The building is designed to allow
as much natural light to flood in as possible, and the materials used to build
it are locally sourced. Guests who wish to go organic can choose treatments
using Dr Alkaitis products; treatments using Carol Joy London, Kerstin Florian
and Aromatherapy Associates products are also on the menu. The Spatisserie
serves healthy, light meals and afternoon tea.
Rating out of 100: 95.94
6. Verdura Spa, Verdura Golf &Spa Resort
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| Verdura Spa |
As well as golf-related exercise, guests at Verdura Spa can
also indulge in therapies based on anti-ageing, detoxing, fitness and
thalassotherapy. Treatments use ingredients from Sicily, such as olive oil, seaweed, mud and
seawater. Of particular note are the four thalassotherapy pools; the warm
waters encourage circulation and improve look and condition of skin. Readers
were also impressed by the amenities - indoor swimming pool, spa bar, large
hammam, sauna, hair and beauty centre - and the products used.
Rating out of 100: 95.73
7. The Spa by ESPA, One&Only Reethi Rah
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| The Spa |
It's all about sun, glorious sun in this Indian
Ocean archipelago, and guests at the One&Only Reethi Rah are
encouraged to enjoy it safely. A Sun Spa Esthederm service prepares guests for
exposure; treatment includes exfoliation, application of suncream throughout
the day and a soothing after-sun treatment. Spa treatments take influence from
Ayurvedic medicine and traditional therapies from South-East
Asia. But, while you enjoyed the treatments, you were most
impressed with the luxurious accommodation. Hardly surprising given the
uninterrupted sea views from each of the beachfront rooms and the inviting
water above which the stilted villas stand.
Rating out of 100: 95.65
The Spa by ESPA, One&Only Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
(00 960 664 8800;
8. Banyan Tree Spa, Banyan Tree Ringha, Tibet
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| Banyan Tree Spa |
The Banyan Tree Spa in the Himalayas
has seductive rich-red décor, detailed carvings and unique local artefacts. Accommodation
is in traditional Tibetan farmhouses, which have been reassembled along the
valley. Treatments are inspired by the local Himalayan healers of royal houses
and monasteries; the spa's signature treatment, Ringha Relief, is based on the
Chinese Five Elements philosophy. It encompasses a combination of yoga, Chinese
Tui Na (a massage to help energy flow through the body), Himalayan Gui Shi
hot-stone therapy; an exfoliating Indonesian spice wrap, and a
jasmine-green-tea bath to help soothe and relax aching muscles. All treatments
begin with a footbath and 30 minutes of 'calm time'.
Rating out of 100: 95.48
9. The Blue Spa, Carlisle
Bay
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| The Blue Spa |
Carlisle
Bay's Blue Spa has an
individual approach. The spa menu features a range of body treatments, massages
(hot-stone, Swedish, deep-tissue) and facials using Natura Bissé products.
Teenagers can enjoy specially designed facials and massages for younger skin;
and manicures, pedicures, hair styling and waxing are available for all. Yoga
and Pilates classes take place four times a week on the pavilion in the
gardens. After relaxing at the spa, try a ginger and cinnamon elixir from the
juice bar.
Rating out of 100: 95.32
10. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
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| The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat |
Banjaran Hotsprings rated highly for its facials, such as
the anti-ageing treatment that uses Black Cohosh to plump and repair skin, and
the detoxing cranberry facial. Chinese medicines - acupuncture, cupping, Gua
Sha (a scraping method) - and Ayurvedic treatments also feature widely on the
spa menu, and guests can try traditional Malaysian 'spa journeys'. The Ramuan
Journey starts with a massage, followed by a hibiscus scrub and body wrap.
Cleansing treatments are then applied before the Mandi Bunga, a traditional
bath.
Rating out of 100: 95.13
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, 1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3,
Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
(00 60 5 210 7839;
www.thebanjaran.com)
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