Simplexity travel management's guide to finding the best spa destinations compressed

Guide To Finding The Best Spa Destinations

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Contents "Introduction 3

Day Spa 4

Medicinal Spa 5

Relaxation Spa 6

Spiritual Spa 7

Thermal Spa 8

Summary 9

Can We Help? 10

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Guide to Finding The Best Spa Destinations

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"Introduction !"What is a spa? "A modern spa is synonymous with relaxation, pampering and luxury. It’s the perfect place to forget the stresses of a hectic schedule, treating your body to a plethora of traditional and innovative treatments that are guaranteed to reinvigorate both mind and body. "History "Dating back to Roman times, spas were originally dedicated to the idea of healing through water - typically based around thermal springs and mineral-rich pools. Modern spas aren’t so limited, offering a range of thermal, body, facial and massage treatments, while others have borrowed from eastern spiritual tradition to create an experience that is rewarding to both mind and soul, all set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful landscapes in on the planet. With locations as varied as the Seychelles, Italy, Dubai, Switzerland and London, there is sure to be a setting to suit the most discriminating of tastes. "Spa Types "The range of specialty spas is ever widening, growing to include medicinal and spiritual destinations while others focus on a range of traditional treatments."• Day Spa - Most spas offer a day spa facility, where instead of a range of treatments

supplied over several days, the client is given a specific treatment or short course of treatments over the course of a single day.

• Medicinal Spa - This spa type typically offers relaxation courses and treatments which are designed to have medical, as well as mental benefits. These can include the use of thermal and mineral-rich pools as well as aspects of physical exertion.

• Relaxation Spa - A relaxation spa is exactly that; a spa dedicated to relaxing the body and mind. The menu of treatments offered typically tend to focus on massage, facial and relaxation therapies, while the atmosphere is free of any stresses to ensure a therapeutic experience.

• Spiritual Spa - Based in eastern and spiritual tradition, spiritual spas offer therapies that are designed not only heal the body but also the soul. They come in a range of flavours, designed for those with a deep connection to the intangible.

• Thermal Spa - The modern thermal spa has a great deal in common with the original spas of bygone ages, but have also embraced modern thinking to include innovative and proven treatments to provide an all-encompassing therapeutic experience in some of the most awe-inspiring environments in the world. "

This guide will show a selection of the best examples of these diverse spa types, in addition to an array of the finest spas that offer the most relaxing spa experiences.

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Day Spa "The day spa is the refuge of the professional whose time is limited, but who still requires an intensely relaxing experience. The menu of treatments available at day spas are often more limited than the range on offer to longer-staying guests; instead the therapies are designed to be equally as effective in a more limited time frame. With time being the limiting factor, the following are a short selection of the most opulent day spas across the world. "The Bvlgari Day Spa, London "Nestled away in the heart of London’s Knightbridge district, the subtle opulence of the Bvlgari Hotel creates a cool and calming atmosphere for the hotel’s own Bvlgari Spa. The treatments on offer are set in a holistic programme that combines traditions from across Europe and Asia, creating an organic experience that can be customised to each guest’s specific needs. The spa also hosts a hair and beauty salon that caters to both men and women; a Hair & Beauty salon for her, and tailored Gentleman’s Grooming for him. "The Palace Downtown Dubai Spa, Dubai "Based in the heart of downtown Dubai, The Palace Hotel is a denouement of eastern culture and western culture. From the stunning architecture to the extravagant level of luxury, the Palace Hotel was specifically designed with elegance in mind. With Dubai’s growing reputation as a nexus of multinational business, the hotel spa provides a welcome haven for businessmen and businesswomen seeking some time to collect themselves. Offering proven therapies that are designed to entice all of the senses, the spa caters to both men and women - notable given the conservative nature of the Emirate. "Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall "Cornwall’s Scarlet Hotel operates a strict no-children policy, helping to ensure a relaxed and mature atmosphere in the hotel’s spa. ""

""The day spa’s packages include lunch and full use of its facilities, with the packages individually customised to suit personal preference. The therapies are split between individual and couples treatments, based on six separate elements: Air, Earth, Space, Wood, Fire and Water. Set in one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal regions, the Scarlet Hotel can provide a private retreat to the busy individual or couple. ""

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Medicinal Spa "The modern medicinal spa has a close connection to the inspiration behind the original spas. The courses of treatment are rooted in a holistic and therapeutic tradition that is designed to heal mind and body; to remove toxins and improve the bodily health of the participant. Drawing together tradition and modern innovative therapies, these facilities offer the best the world has to offer in terms of relaxation, healing and medically oriented beautification. "The Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich "Established in 1897 as a purpose-built centre for rest and relaxation, the Dolder Grand Hotel has undergone several rejuvenative redesigns during its lifetime. This has ensured that the hotel has remained at pace with modern trends, styles and methods in delivering a 5-star service. The hotel spa is furnished with several distinct treatment programmes, key amongst these is the Medical Wellness menu. Offering such treatments as somatic, cardiovascular and medical consultations alongside their caviar facials and range of luxurious detox treatments, the Dolder Grand Hotel caters to both body and soul. "Forte Village Resort, Sardinia "Seated a t the very hear t o f the Mediterranean, the Forte Village resort offers a range of entertainment services for visitors which can satisfy all tastes. In addition to a full range of spa facilities which includes massage, beauty and fitness ministrations, the Forte Village Resort Spa offers a wide range of medical spa treatments. The spa boasts its own doctor, and has worked in conjunction with the University

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""""of Milan to create a range of therapies which use seawater and sea salt to help in the treatment of stress and associated conditions. Alongside these innovative and proven therapies, Forte Village Resort Spa also offe r s a r a n g e o f re h a b i l i t a t i o n , orthopaedic and dermatological therapies to ensure that beauty reigns supreme.

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Relaxation Spa !"While it’s undeniably true that the minimum requirement of a spa is that it must be relaxing, some spas style themselves as tranquillity manifested. These spas don’t just provide treatments in order to relax their clients; every aspect of the spa experience has been designed to ensure serenity.Location plays a large part in the relaxation experience, with the following spas all making the best use of their settings to maximise the spa’s effect. "Le Meridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa "Situated on the edge of the Mediterranean outside Barcelona, Le Meridien Ra Beach Hotel promises luxury with a distinctly Catalan flavour. With direct access to the beach, award winning cuisine and a wealth of 5 star reviews, it doesn’t fail to impress even the most discerning visitor. Beyond the setting, the hotel itself has been built to take advantage of the region’s glorious sunshine, helping to maximise the spa’s therapeutic effects. Appropriately named the Explore Spa, it draws inspiration from many far-flung cultures, with Swedish, Swiss, Shiatsu, Thai, European and Indian derived treatments and massages. "Milan Bvlgari Hotel "The Milan Bvlgari hotel can be found on a private street, away from prying eyes and the s t resses o f the wor ld . As a meticulously renovated Milanese palazzo, the building merges classical Italian tradition and modern style for a luxuriously calming experience in the centre of a bustling city. The rooms and suites available at the Milan Bvlgari exude refinement and "

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quality, and a sense of space that is missing from most inner city hotels. The Bvlgari Spa promises to be a tranquil retreat for the mind and body, with most treatments being around 80 minutes long which helps reinforce the relaxing, luxuriant atmosphere. "Hotel Majestic Barriere, Cannes "The French Riviera has long been associated with relaxation, class and subtle luxury. The Hotel Majestic is a paragon of this riviera mentality. In a palatial hotel that overlooks the sea, guests are welcomed into a world of elegance and charm, the modern and stylish art deco style fitting the 5 star rating of the hotel.The spa at the Hotel Majestic Barriere has its own name and reputation, the Spa My Blend By Clarins operating within the hotel. The products used in each of the treatments have been designed and approved by Clarins, with a preference for scientifically proven over homeopathic


Spiritual Spa "The spiritual spa is a retreat for those who wish to care for their metaphysical wellbeing as much as their physical bodies. Utilising methods and treatments from all over the globe, spiritual spas draw from religious traditions and practices which see the soul as equally important as the body. So while these spas offer the standard treatments expected of any spa, they also cater for those with a deeper spiritual awareness. "Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Mexico "Perched at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, the hotel at Las Ventanas al Paraiso is a complex that offer a wide range of rooms, suites and villas to their discerning clientele, with views of both the ocean and gardens available. The hotel spa has an impressive range of treatments for both the spiritually inclined and the casual visitor. Treatments are available for adults and children, with the extra inclusion of a unique range of short 30 minute therapies. There is a menu solely devoted to expectant mothers which are individually customisable to fit the specific needs of women in each stage of their pregnancy. The impressive courses of treatment offered by the spa at Las Ventanas are overshadowed by the range of spiritually-focussed therapies. With menus inspired by the traditional thalasso therapies, aromatherapy, elemental journeys and wellness therapies which draw from local tradition, the spa at Las Ventanas al Paraiso promises a deeply spiritual experience. """"

"""The Alpina Gstaad, Switzerland "A relative newcomer to the international hotel market as it only opened in 2012, the Alpina Gstaad has established a robust reputation in a relatively short space of time. Hosting regular art exhibitions and a breathtaking setting, the hotel itself combines traditional alpine styling with refined luxury, well deserving of its 5 star rating. The Six Senses Spa at the hotel have incorporated their alpine spirit with Asian tradition in designing their spa menu, with a particular focus on spirituality and serenity. With treatment rooms including a flotation room, an eastern-inspired hammam, a room dedicated to oriental treatments and a cave room for couples therapy, the Alpina Gstaad has covered all bases in their desire to surpass expectations. The spa’s strong spiritual links are further exhibited by the array of educational seminars and talks on zen philosophy and relaxation methods, designed for those who want to improve their mental wellbeing. "

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Thermal Spa!"Thermal spa’s hark back to the origins of the modern spa tradition; places where people could go to be healed by nature. By soaking in mineral-rich pools and basking in thermal springs which provided natural heat , people found that they fe l t reinvigorated and restored, associating relaxation and healing with these natural wonders. "Thermal spas in the modern day still utilise these natural pools and springs as part of their therapeutic method, though they now incorporate other innovative treatments to guarantee a restorative experience. "The following spas have married traditional methods with modern therapies to achieve a truly soothing experience. ""Velassaru Resort, Maldives!"Perched over the waters of the luxurious Maldives, the Velassaru Resort offers visitors a chance to forget their daily lives and be absorbed by the serenity afforded by the setting. "The local waters form the basis for the spa’s range of treatments, with ingredients used in therapies being locally sourced and organically grown. "The resort offers a wide range of villas and bungalows on land and perched over the azure sea which provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat. ""Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Jordan!"As the name suggests, the Mövenpick Resort is situated on the shores of the Dead Sea, an enclosed sea which is famed for its high salt levels and restorative qualities. "O f f e r i n g r o o m s a n d s u i t e s w i t h breathtaking sea views, this resort is an ""

"""authentic oasis of calm and serenity for the perennially busy. "With access to the Dead Sea free for all, the resort’s Zara Spa incorporates elements of the Dead Sea into their range of therapies, employing a range of pool types with strictly controlled levels of Dead Sea salt to fit the requirements of any particular visitor. "In addition to a standard range of massages and beauty treatments, the Zara Spa also offer their signature treatment; the Black Mud Body Wrap, which uses the Dead Sea’s mineral rich black mud to provide a fully restorative experience. ""Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica!"Utilising the volcanic waters of the Arenal Volcano, this Costa Rican resort is unique in providing unparalleled luxury in its rainforest setting. "As a 5 star luxury resort, the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort stands out from its competitors by fully incorporating nature into the resort which provides a truly signature experience. "E n c a p s u l a t e d b y t h e s e e m i n g l y unrestricted jungle, the Grand Spa offers an indulgent spa experience which isolates visitors from the outside world through the subtle application of nature. "Aside from the full menu of treatments offered by the Grand Spa, the signature thermal therapies include volcanic mud wraps, thermal baths and wet treatments, each an organic addition to their already impressive treatment range. " ""

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Summary "For thousands of years, people worldwide have sought to escape the stresses and strains of their daily lives. The spa has grown from a naturally heated pool used by our ancestors to relax, into dedicated facilities in which every detail has been meticulously designed to promote relaxation, peace and serenity. "The examples above are a very short selection of some of the very best spas that are available to the discerning visitor, whether they choose to stay for an extended period or elect to arrive and leave on the same day. By using the quality of the spas listed here as a guide by which to measure other spas, it will become much easier to find the ideal spa destination based on the experience you want to have. Be it medicinal, spiritual or luxuriously administered relaxation, this guide will allow you to find the best spa destination for even the most refined of tastes. "The spa is a worldwide tradition for a very good reason, having endured when other traditions have been left in the past. It is because relaxation is a universal desire, and the perfect spa can guarantee it. ""

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"Can We Help? "If you would like to learn more about any of the spas and resorts mentioned in this guide, or would like any information on any spa destination of your choosing, contact Simplexity Travel today on 0203 535 9290"Alternatively, you can also contact us via email at [email protected]"We a re spec ia l i s t s i n l uxu ry t r ave l management, with a great deal of experience in all aspects of quality travel. We work hard to maintain close productive relationships with the world’s best destinations and travel providers, which allows us to offer a full and comprehensive service to our customers. "Contact us today to take the first step toward your luxury spa experience.

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