Whether it’s a tropical paradise, a forest hideaway, a lake cabin or an iconic hotel resort, here’s my ultimate bucket-list spa destinations. Some I’ve been lucky enough to visit, some are on my to-do list and others I’m just happy to dream about…
1) The Datai Langkawi (Malaysia)
Credit: The Datai Langkawi
Romanic. Tranquil. Magical.
I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy several trips to this Malaysian paradise. The Datai Langkawi is a luxurious destination resort nestled in the heart of the rainforest and one of the world’s most stunning hideaways. Spa treatments here involve relaxing on a treatment bed in the pristine surroundings of a 10 million-year-old rainforest where you lap up the sounds of the Andaman sea alongside the sights and smells of this ancient rainforest. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this resort offers pretty much everything your heart could desire. And no, I’m not on commission. Unfortunately.
2) Monart (Ireland)
Credit: Monart
Irish. Luxury. Escape.
Many of you will be familiar with the joys of Monart. Or ‘monART’ as the locals in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford call it! This five-star adult-only destination spa was recently named in the top 3 spa resorts in the world by travel bible Conde Nast and has consistently won awards for best spa in Ireland over the years.
3) Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa (Germany)
Historic. Elegant. Traditional.
Baden-Baden not only gave us WAG’s showcasing some dodgy 2006 World Cup fashion, it’s also one of the worlds most famous spa towns. Brenners (part of the exclusive Oetker Collection hotel group) is located in Germany’s Black Forest in Southwestern Germany near the French border and is said to be one of the most advanced spas in the world. Like all good spa resorts, it’s about much more than the rejuvenating treatments, this is a luxurious resort that offers a lot more to do after your award-winning massage or facial. Lush parkland, vintage car shows, concert halls and glamorous casinos are just some of the popular past-times.
4) Sha Wellness Clinic (Spain)
Credit: She Wellness Clinic
Picturesque. Personalised. Detox.
Located at Sierra Helada natural park on the shores of the Med this picturesque, almost futuristic, wellness location is for those looking for a serious ‘wellness’ retreat that offers the full 360 package from fitness, diet, rejuvenation and spa treatments. I get the impression if you’re looking for despacito and a mojito at 2am you won’t find them here. Perusing the online reviews it seems the Sha resort excels in detox programs, weight management and natural therapies whilst offering the slickest, contemporary residences. They mean business here.
5) Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand
Credit: The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok Thailand.
Opulent. Vibrant. Iconic.
The stuff of legends, this is the iconic Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok and probably one of the most wish-listed hotels in the world. Thailand’s colourful capital offers vibrancy like no other and this 140-year-old hugely famous hotel offers the ultimate blend of chic style and traditional comfort. There’s an endless list of spa treatments on offer but the Oriental is most famous for its signature rituals such as its old-fashioned traditional Thai massages. Celeb spotting a must.