In the mood for some well-deserved pampering? Here are six spectacular spa experiences you must try.
1. Spa experiences in Hotel Jagdhof, Neustift, Austria
Nestled in the Austrian mountains, just outside of Innsbruck, the five-star Spa Hotel Jagdhof is designed in Alpine style, and well deserving of its induction to the Relais & Châteaux portfolio – a collection of unique boutique hotels and gourmet restaurant experiences around the world. Summer brings lush greenery and hiking trails, while winter boasts skiing and snow activities. Either choice provides relaxation in their charming themed JSpa, which boasts three-thousand square meters of pools, relaxation and twenty different spa experiences. The hotel rooms and suites offer Tyrolean luxury where the personal character of the owners, the Pfurtscheller Family really shines through. Fantastic locally flavored cuisine tops off the experience curated lovingly by owners Christina and Amir, who will personally make sure your vacation is top class, leaving you admiring their passion for the good life.
Image Courtesy of Relais & Châteaux Jagdhof
Don’t miss:
The Private Spa Suite is a unique treat for privacy, a honeymoon or special birthday in spa experiences. Boasting an exclusive private sauna, steam room, hammocks, lounge beds, bubble bath and more. Book a session with a massage, and relax and spa in solace with a hand prepared body scrub before being joined by your masseuses for the ultimate in spa exclusivity. It’s the bathroom you wish you had at home.
2. Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Georgia, USA
Just ninety minutes drive east of Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll discover the perfect antidote to city life at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds resort. It’s nestled along thirty acres of Lake Oconee shore front, making it immediately unique from other Ritz-Carlton properties, yet with all the trusted amenities you’d expect. This tranquil setting is perfect for rest & relaxation, with a variety of activities on and off the water, a stunning lakefront infinity pool, and the Linger Longer Steakhouse, where, as the name suggests, time passes slowly. A major draw is the huge spa complex which features a variety of relaxation rooms, an impressive indoor pool, The Gents Den (resembling a classic barbershop) and a wide variety of custom spa treatments, administered in a country lodge-like setting. It’s easy to see why singer Carrie Underwood chose this setting for her wedding vows.
Image Courtesy of Darren Darnborough
Don’t miss:
The unique Vichy Shower hydrotherapy treatment, used during a massage or body scrub. Multiple showers gently and warmly rain on the full length of the body during the session, giving extra cause to simply succumb to rejuvenation.
3. Terme Di Saturnia, Tuscany, Italy
First thoughts of Tuscany usually conjure images of lush, green, rolling hills, accented by lines of tall elegant cypress trees and sunsets for miles — and that’s not wrong — but add in natural, healing hot springs to the equation and you pretty much have the definition of idyllic. That’s what you’ll find at Terme Di Saturnia’s Hotel & Spa, situated in the southern part of the Tuscan region.
The hotel itself is an elegant blend of classic stone architecture, with bright, modern and refreshing rooms, where daytime activities include soaking in one of the many thermal pools or fountains (either private to the hotel or the public thermal park). At night, enjoy Michelin-starred locally sourced and organic dining al fresco. While the sulfuric smell from the thermal baths may be off-putting at first, you soon get used to it and are reminded of the benefits you’re giving your body.
Image Courtesy of Terme Di Saturnia
Don’t miss:
The Hot Spring Park at Saturnia, a complex of four hot spring pools, waterfalls, jacuzzis, and watercourses of warm and cold water. Naturally heated to 37°C (99°F), unwind for hours, then replenish healthily at the neighboring Spa Cafe.
4. Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, Charlevoix, Canada
This property is simply majestic, with its grand Châteauesque style, looming over the banks of St Lawrence River, north of Quebec. The French styling is continued throughout the impressive five-star accommodations and award-winning restaurants. The Moment Spa on site offers a variety of traditional services and was recently awarded “Best Luxury Hotel Spa Regional Winner” at the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards. With the use of indoor and outdoor pools with some treatments, you can definitely while away an afternoon in bliss.
Image Courtesy of Darren Darnborough
Don’t miss:
A winter visit to Le Manoir Richelieu is a must for Spa experiences- the hotel looks chocolate-box stunning with fresh snow accenting the architecture. With world-class skiing nearby at Le Massif, a well-deserved massage and dip in the outdoor heated pools, or ice-skating in the grounds will have you feeling all types of festive.
5. Hotel & Spa Iadera, Zadar, Croatia
On the Adriatic coast of Croatia, sits the luxury Hotel & Spa Iadera. This expansive and modern hotel resort by Falkensteiner has aquatic accents throughout its design, and the fresh, yet colorful rooms horseshoe over the central courtyard out to the panoramic sea-view. There are plenty of different areas to choose from to soak up the sun, ranging several pools to private beaches and lounge areas, but the central jewel is the Acquapura Spa.
As the largest spa complex in Croatia, at over six-thousand square meters, it’s easy to get lost in the various forms of rejuvenation: indoor/outdoor Thalasso (seawater) pools, an infinity pool, Turkish Hammam, secluded garden with whirlpool, Finnish sauna, brine steam bath, panoramic earth sauna, cold-water canal, Kneipp therapy, and of course a host of massage and pampering services. The dark stone and ambient lighting in many rooms offer a uniquely refined spa experiences against the airy backdrop of the resort. One visit is not enough, so stay for at least the weekend to try everything out.
Image Courtesy of Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences
Don’t miss:
Catching an incredible Dalmatian sunset as you swim between the indoor and outdoor pool, which offers a view and serenity that really is as magical as it comes.
6. Sparkling Hill Resort, Okanagan,
What do you get when you cross a luxury spa resort, atop a granite bluff overlooking a lake, with three-and-a-half million Swarovski crystals? Sparkling Hill Resort in Lake Okanagan, Canada is the answer. Perched two hours north of the Washington state border, this modern, almost futuristic hotel offers epic views of the surrounding landscape, and a well-being retreat hailed as one of the most unique in the world for spa experiences.
Mr. Gernot Langes-Swarovski, patriarch of the famous crystal family, dreamed up the concept of abundant crystal placement in all corners of the resort, from the guest rooms to the saunas and spa, giving elegance and sparkle to your wellness retreat. Complemented by the natural local beauty and hiking or skiing opportunities, and farm-to-table cuisine in their PeakFine restaurant, this spectacular spa rounds up our list.
Image Courtesy of Darren Darnborough
Don’t miss:
The 40,000 sq. ft Kur Spa, with seven uniquely themed Steam Rooms and Saunas, offers novel variety to your wellness routine, with, of course, different Swarovski installations in each.
Written by DLX contributor Darren Darnborough.