A rustic Mexican hideaway and a luxury Thai retreat: The world's best spas of 2017 revealed
- The travel experts at Conde Nast Traveller have selected the world's best spas in their annual awards
- Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok took accolade for its city spa while Cyprus beach resort Anassa also won a gong
- Transformative treatments at an Indian hotel and a life changing programme in Italy were also highly praised
Travellers jaded by the over stimulation of modern life or just in need of a pick me up to banish the winter blues, may be unsure of where to book an escape to that will revive them.
But fortunately the winners of the Conde Nast Traveller Spa Awards 2017, in association with Healing Holidays, have been announced, featuring retreats to suit every type of serenity seeker in destinations including Italy, India and Thailand.
Among the world’s best spas, the experts have praised a Mexican beach resort that infuses Mayan rituals into its treatments as well as a German medical sanctuary which offers the latest high tech treatments and a glamorous Thai beach resort. MailOnline Travel has rounded up the winners.
Best bespoke retreats: Amanpuri, Thailand
Amanpuri is a stylish Thai retreat comprising several villas overlooking a coconut plantation or the Andaman sea
Serenity seekers can immerse themselves in the coastal glamour of Amanpuri, a luxury Phuket retreat which comprises a series of villas scattered among a coconut plantation and overlooking the Andaman sea.
With a focus on personalisation, guests’ programmes cover four themes - cleanse, mental awareness, fitness and weight, according to Conde Nast Traveller.
Treatments are diverse varying from kick-boxing to massage, silent therapy and sessions with a former Buddhist monk.
Best new hideaway: Yaan Wellness, Tulum
The rustic, ocean front resort has Beduoin tents and beach cabins to kick back in
Located in the wilds of Quintana Roo bush in Tulum, Yaan Wellness takes the crown for the best new hideaway.
The rustic, ocean front resort has Beduoin tents and beach cabins to kick back in and treatment styles come from local healers merging traditional herbal therapies with modern medicine.
Therapeutic waters come from the cenotes and there are Mayan tribal rituals and massages on offer too.
Best fitness regime: Rancho La Puerta, Mexico
Guests can let their eyes and feet wander over 4,000 acres of private grounds on morning hikes, Pilates, boxing and boot camp activities
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Koochuma and blessed with a spiritually-infused atmosphere this resort is described as the ‘oldest destination spa in North America'.
Guests can let their eyes and feet wander over 4,000 acres of private grounds on morning hikes, Pilates, boxing and boot camp activities.
There is also a gym, swimming pools, and a spa and meditation space for a full mind and body workout. Food served at the resort is delicious yet healthy.
Most consistent high performer: Anassa, Cyprus
Overlooking the Mediterranean sea this hideaway in far-flung Latchi, Cyprus, offers spa-goers a dreamy escape
Described by the travel experts as ‘dependable’ the Anassa is a dreamy beachside hideaway in Cyprus with great food, family-friendly accommodation and a top quality spa.
There are five-day programmes such as ones focusing on anti-ageing and fitness or invigorating thalassotherapy options to choose from.
The highlight is the newly introduced Anastasia Achilleos facial which leaves guest’s looking flawless and feeling regenerated.
Most life changing experience: Borgo Egnazia, Italy
Through a variety of soul nourishing treatments such as a sensory facial, music therapy, psycho-aromatherapy, a session with an Italian shamen and massage, guests are able to ‘reset their internal compass’
This luxury Puglia retreat offers more than just a blissful escape, according to the spa experts at Conde Nast Traveller.
Through a variety of soul nourishing treatments such as a sensory facial, music therapy, psycho-aromatherapy, a session with an Italian shaman and massage, guests are able to ‘reset their internal compass’.
For this reason, Borgo Egnazia was named as the world’s best spa for ‘the most life changing experience’.
Most effective Medi-Spa: Villa Stephanie at Brenners Park-Hotel, Germany
Guests can disable their WiFi and instead hook up to a high-tech medical programme with a team of cardiologists, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, opthalmologists and aesthetic dentists
Offering a remedy to modern life, Villa Stephanie at Brenners Park-Hotel in Baden-Baden provides world weary travellers with a healthy sanctuary to unplug.
Guests can disable their WiFi and instead hook up to a high-tech medical programme with a team of cardiologists, gynaecologists, physiotherapists, opthalmologists and aesthetic dentists. There’s even pig stem-cell rejuvenation therapies, according to the travel experts.
For anyone energised by activity rather than rest there is also kick boxing, yoga and mental training to stimulate spa goers during their stay.
Most outstanding city spa: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand
The waterside spa focuses on traditional treatments and indulgent pampering across 10 treatment rooms and a Garden Wing
The Mandarin Oriental is a Bangkok icon and has recently been revamped to mark its 140th birthday.
The waterside spa focuses on traditional treatments and indulgent pampering across 10 treatment rooms and a Garden Wing.
There are also yoga one-on-ones, signature rituals and digital detoxes to book on to.
Most transformative programme: Raas Devigarh, India
At the spa Denise Leicester, founder of Ila, has created ‘next generations bespoke treatments’ called Devi Blessings based on chakras and ancient healing
An intoxicating stay awaits at the palatial Rajasthan resort of Raas Devigarh which took the title of Most Transformative Programme.
At the spa Denise Leicester, founder of Ila, has created ‘next generations bespoke treatments’ called Devi Blessings based on chakras and ancient healing.
Treatments infuse traditional rituals and natural ingredients and there are yoga and meditation workouts to sample.
The full reviews can be seen online and in the Spa Guide 2017 which accompanies the March issue of Condé Nast Traveller, on sale now
Most watched News videos
- Moments after Audi R8 GT crashes after driving almost 200 mph
- Heart-breaking moment mother doesn't recognise son
- Driver causes three vehicle crash by braking suddenly on 70mph road
- CCTV footage records mother's trip that led to baby's death
- Loose Women: Farage rows with Saira Khan over US travel ban
- Piranhas munch away on bulls head ripping it to shreds
- Terrified wedding guests shot at by lone gunman during ceremony
- The Missing People's choir perform 'I Miss You' in 2014
- Raging zebra bites down on zookeepers hand then drags him
- Incredible moment mother KICKS her toddler daughter to safety
- Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid walk away from Brexit debate on GMB
- Video shows disturbing aftermath of fatal stabbing attack in LA
-
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: What travel ban? The Obamas visit...
-
Not so wholesome now! Ed Sheeran unveils his 60 elaborate...
-
A mother's worst nightmare: Woman trips over her outfit...
-
Life's a breeze: The Obamas take a carefree stroll with...
-
The Angels of Death: Inside the squalid brothels of...
-
'Is it a bunny?' British shoppers are mystified by...
-
That's rich! Bill Gates could become world's first...
-
Now Storm Doris is on the way! Freezing Britain faces 10...
-
'The worst day of my life': Heartbroken son films the...
-
Passenger films £250k supercar speeding at 200mph along a...
-
Hitler’s monsters: Faces of Nazi guards who helped...
-
Historic moment for Britain as the Brexit Bill is PASSED...
What's your view?
Be the first to comment...