For Your Eyes Only
Flat out and face down, it's just not enough to have a brilliant massage these days - a new generation of spas around the world are taking treatments out of the candlelit box and into some seriously spectacular surroundings. Fans of 'spas with a view' insist nature heals on a whole new level. And if eyes are the window to the soul, these six retreats - from the Himalayas to the seashore - treat the body while soothing the spirit.
Jungle lovers will appreciate the Spa at the Four Seasons Tented Camp, outside Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, a labour of love from uber-architect Bill Bensley, who continues to perfect the intimate spa long after its much-anticipated opening in January.
A winding dirt path meanders through lush bamboo forest to reveal two treatment pavilions, open air but entirely private, nestled under thatched roofs and among soaring foliage. Get in the pampered camper mood with a dunk in the barrel-shaped bathtub built for two then sink into a cushioned bed for the spa's signature Mahout Recovery Treatment, a double treat of heated compresses filled with turmeric, tamarind, camphor and wild lime plus an all-over body rub with essential oils such as ylang-ylang and sandalwood.
After dark, light from the dancing fireflies guides rested guests back to their luxury canvas-covered accommodation.
Perched along the mist-covered Yang Ming Mountain, 45 minutes outside Taipei, Villa 32 boasts a sublime setting straight out of a Chinese landscape painting, while its easy access and complete privacy have made it a popular escape for Hong Kong's rich and famous. Sulphur hot springs produce the mineral-rich curative waters that fill multiple indoor and outdoor thermal baths. Prodigious amounts of icy Evian keep overnight guests and day-trippers from overheating.
Spa treatments start with a particularly strong, methodical foot massage, administered in sight of the stunning view. The therapists' extensive training with a qi-gong master brings scientific precision to the Chinese Meridian massages, while the heated massage table warms bodies between pre- and post-treatment plunges.
Climbing to an even higher elevation, Ananda in the Himalayas, outside Rishikesh, is India's most luxurious ayurveda retreat. Days spent lounging by the pool are interrupted only for gentle yoga, nature walks and individually designed treatment programmes that revolve around each person's dosa, or ayurvedic body type. Delicious, calorie-conscious meals may be taken outdoors on the wooden deck, shaded by treetops that occasionally yield curious monkeys.
The views over the Ganges River valley to the snow-capped mountains, best soaked up while steaming out muscle kinks in the glass-panelled sauna, make this spa feel close to heaven.
At the other end of the natural spectrum, Koh Samui's Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa takes full advantage of its palm-fringed spot on that island's sun-kissed southern shore. Built into the rocky seaside cliffs, Kamalaya's multi-level spa feels like a collection of designer tree-houses
The views alone from the 11 treatment rooms would be enough to restore most energy-depleted urban dwellers. The signature Lotus Realm treatment kicks off three indulgent hours with a gentle exfoliation using sweet-smelling lotus seeds, followed by a lotus-blossom wrap that cocoons while waves break across the South China Sea. Before heading home, polish up with an extraordinary outdoor manicure-pedicure.
Europe's take on scenic spas updates the classic vineyard tour with treatments called vinotherapie, which incorporate the antioxidant qualities of grapes. These are 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in protecting against ageing. Surrounded by idyllic French vineyards 20 minutes outside Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie is a delicious afterthought from the owners of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, who have created a skincare range (favoured by Madonna) and an extensive spa menu from the by-products of their award-winning wines.
A natural water source 540 metres below the spa provides it with its ground-heated Jacuzzi, but it's the wine-filled bath that draws raves from celebrity guests such as fashion designer John Galliano.
Dine on pan-fried foie gras or roast duck tart with chutney and just-picked grapes at the spa's restaurant, which has two Michelin stars, then opt for a merlot wrap, sauvignon massage, or a crushed cabernet body scrub in one of the rustic, log cabins that give the resort a summer camp vibe, with a decidedly adult twist.
The United States has its own share of natural wonders and one new five-star property, Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, boasts stunning views of the Mojave Desert's 500-year-old red-dust-covered hills. The resort offers full casino amenities, but those in need of a breath of fresh air after scoring (or not) at the tables can escape up some of the country's best hiking trails just outside the door. Or, go for an On The Rocks river-stone massage that brings the best of the spa's natural surroundings to bear on sore backs while relieving betting stress. Though the 30,000-square-foot spa offers 25 treatment rooms and cutting-edge fitness facilities, outdoor enthusiasts can take their kneading amid the awe-inspiring scenery with its surreal desert views, or book a private meditation session in the crimson mountains.
Getting there
The Four Seasons Tented Camp
Treatments: $500-$1,400.
Villa 32
Treatments: $580-$1,000.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Treatments: $300-$1,500.
Kamalaya
Treatments: $120-$580.
Les Sources de Caudalie
Treatments: $500-$1,275.
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa
Japan Airlines plus major US carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, Northwest and United fly daily to Las Vegas' McCarran Airport. From the airport, it's a 25-minute drive to the resort. Call 1 866 767 7773, or visit redrockstation.com.
Treatments: $600-$1,800.
