If a spa reset is on your vacation wishlist, look no further. These spas offer regular menu favorites like massages and facials, but you will also find a slew of truly decadent offerings that relax and rejuvenate from head to toe. From New York City to London, we share a few of our favorite spas and treatments.
Shibui Spa
Destination: The Greenwich Hotel, New York City
Vibe: This Japanese-inspired spa with its own lap pool in the basement of the hotel, is low-key and dimly lit so expect to see no one but your spa therapist, not even the A-list celebs who frequent here.
Philosophy: The Shibui spa is actually a 252-year-old Japanese barn that was dismantled and rebuilt by hand. And like the Zen-like space, the spa and wellness menu incorporates ancient and modern treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese and Thai rituals, and uses natural, botanical products from Spain (Natural Bisse), Asia (In Fiore), and Italy (Pietro Simone) in treatments.
Signature Treatments: We love the Shibui x In Fiore 90-minute facial which uses the luxury botanical ‘Made in Japan’ collection. The experience starts with breathwork, followed by cleansing, exfoliation and a soothing, hydrating two-step masque sequence and facial massage.
Valmont Spa
Destination: Valmont Spa At The Carlyle
Vibe: A slice of Switzerland in an iconic New York hotel that feels more like a chic private residence with its Carrara marble and chandeliers.
Philosophy: The Carlyle’s spa by renowned Swiss skincare brand, Valmont, is legendary for its exclusive anti-aging treatments and signature “butterfly motion” technique.
Signature Treatment: “Only at the Carlyle” will you find this aptly named exclusive 120-minute, two-therapist, four-handed treatment. Includes a relaxing massage and OxyLight facial (with guasha), providing the ultimate head-to-toe treatment.
Golden Door Spa
Destination: Southern California
Vibe: Once behind the legendary golden doors, guests instantly unwind. And amidst the Japanese gardens and tranquil koi pond, begin to reconnect with themselves. Explaining why this spa has such a loyal cult-like following – one guest recently marked his 133rd visit.
Philosophy: Hollywood luminaries such as Elizabeth Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor were among the first to discover this iconic health retreat, which today specializes in mind-body-spiritual wellness. Most guests stay an entire week and follow a completely personalized, just-for-them program – from meals to one-on-one training, intensive yoga sessions and even spa treatments.
Signature Treatments: Before-the-sun-rises hikes are part of the DNA of this 600-acre retreat and a highlight. Make sure you also book in for the spa’s traditional body wraps – they use hot linens steeped in fresh-picked herbs from the resort’s own organic farm.
BodyHoliday
Destination: St. Lucia
Vibe: A relaxed beachfront Caribbean resort and spa with an emphasis on health and fitness from hardcore workout classes like spinning or Quadrathlon, a 13K mountain bike ride, 4k run and 100ft abseil down a cliff, to soulful yoga sessions and lots of green smoothies.
Philosophy: BodyHoliday started life in the 80s as a ‘wellness holiday’ so stressed out Wall Streeters could escape to paradise to enjoy spa treatments with a glass of wine over dinner. Today BodyHoliday’s core philosophy remains the same, except these days ultimate health and wellness is achieved by top-tier medical science programs such as BodyScience, where guests complete a health assessment, participate in non-invasive tests, and are then matched to proper exercise regimens and nutrition plans
Signature Treatments: There’s complimentary daily massages, but for a next-level experience head to the Ayurveda temple for the Pada Hasta, a hand, feet and relax points massage using warm oils that incorporates lymphatic drainage of the legs.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Destination: The Spa At Four Seasons Hotel London At Park Lane
Vibe: This rooftop spa feels world’s from London’s buzzy streets with its natural light pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows, and calming views of Hyde Park.
Philosophy: Shimmery with touches of white, silver, beige, and ivory, this nine-room spa is all about customization — from bespoke product lines (The Organic Pharmacy, Black Pearl, Margaret Dabbs) — to treatments. The personalized mantra continues post treatment as guests are guided to their own private relaxation pods.
Signature Treatment: We love the spa’s decadent Black Pearl 24k Golden Splendour, said to minimize signs of aging for both the face and body. Following a full-body exfoliation, you are cocooned in a 24-carat gold wrap with gold body oil, body butter, and given a pectin face mask.
