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Treat yourself to a wellness weekend


4 min read
9 February 2022
Type of trip
Wellness escapes
Luxury trips

Travel may broaden the mind, but what about the body and spirit? Today, an increasing number of spa hotels offer guests personalised wellness experiences. Whether it’s steaming your stresses away in a Swiss sauna or floating in a heated infinity pool with a view, we've compiled some of the best spa hotels from around the world.

The Peninsula in Bangkok, Thailand

The Peninsula in Bangkok

Perched on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river, this grand spa hotel pleases all the senses. The decadent guest rooms are a visual delight, while the spa aromatherapy treatments and vibrational sound techniques will leave you completely rejuvenated. If you've had your fill of solitude reclining in one of the 12 poolside salas – or pavilions – The Peninsula also has monthly self-care experiences guided by a host of wellness experts.

Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa in Hévíz, Hungary

Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa in Hévíz

Situated just a 20-minute walk from the world's largest swimmable thermal lake, Lake Hévíz, and screened by 17 hectares of forest, you're bound to find tranquillity at Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa. The hotel draws its wellness inspiration from the ancient lake at its doorstep. Indulge in a variety of mud-based beauty therapies, experience the healing potential of the mind-body focused Ayurveda treatments, or simply step into the hotel’s thermal hot tub and feel your cares float away.

Jumeirah Al Qasr – Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE

Jumeirah Al Qasr – Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai

The phrase 'oasis in the desert' is thrown around a lot in the Middle East, but few other words can describe the aquatic opulence of the Jumeirah Al Qasr. Designed to look like a Sheikh’s summer palace, every bedroom in this ornate, classically furnished hotel overlooks the Persian Gulf. The hotel grounds, inspired by traditional Islamic gardens, feature an elaborate network of canals, perfect for wandering along. The Talise Spa continues the water theme, with overwater treatment rooms that offer a personalised set of treatments catering to the mind, body and soul.

Prezident Luxury Spa & Wellness Hotel in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Prezident Luxury Spa & Wellness Hotel in Karlovy Vary

The thermal springs of Karlovy Vary have long attracted travellers to this riverside spa town. Overlooking the Teplá river that winds its way through the centre is the Prezident Luxury Spa & Wellness Hotel, known for its luxurious wellness experiences on offer. Hotel facilities include saunas, steam rooms, floating immersion chambers, vitamin-rich facials and an indoor pool supplied with water from the Dead Sea. Just a stone's throw away from Karlovy Vary Airport, the hotel is easy to reach via taxi.

The Alpina Gstaad in Gstaad, Switzerland

The Alpina Gstaad in Gstaad

Nestled amid the soaring, snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps is The Alpina Gstaad, a unique luxury hotel that combines Swiss chalet-style living with the feel of a modern art gallery. Every corner of this elegant stay is a feast for the eyes, but the Six Senses Spa is what draws bliss-seeking travellers here. A grotto-like room houses a 25-metre long indoor pool, surrounded by jacuzzis and private relaxation nooks. There's also an outdoor pool gazing out towards the mountains, plus a variety of wellness offerings such as massages, spiritual healing sessions and beauty treatments. The lakeside town of Thun is just an hour away by car – but if you really feel like treating yourself, the hotel does transfers by helicopter or limousine on request.