Long gone are the days when spas were just for women only. Over the past few years, spas and spa resorts have greatly expanded their offerings to not only envelop guests’ mind, body and spirit, but also welcome couples—of any gender—to enjoy “all things wellness.”
Offering their own unique combination of ambience, services, amenities and products, these international luxury spa resorts will leave you and your partner rubbed, scrubbed, and rejuvenated!
Alderbrook Resort & Spa – Union, Washington
In Washington State, two hours from Seattle, the Alderbrook Resort & Spa combines the spectacular beauty of the Pacific Northwest with an amazing luxury spa experience.
The setting of this full-service spa, surrounded by the Olympic Mountains on the shores of the Hood Canal, a glacier-carved fjord, is enough to captivate the senses.
The wide variety of treatments includes luxurious hot oil scalp massages, marine algae, sea brine and aloe wraps, volcanic pumice scrubs and ginger renewal, and invigorating body scrubs combined with full body massages. You can also opt for a glycolic peel or aromatherapy indulgences. Head-to-toe Spirulina Splendor, Moor Wellness, and Soothing Summer are among the Alderbrook’s “Seasonal Experience” offerings.
Kirini Suites & Spa – Santorini, Greece
Nestled on a spectacular cliff in the village of Oia in Santorini, Kirini Suites & Spa attracts an international clientele seeking the finest, holistic health and wellness services and the ultimate in relaxation.
At A. SPA, choose from three elegant and serene suites—The Kalliste, Iris or Thalia—in which you’ll enjoy their signature rejuvenating and restorative facial and body treatments. Among them are the Chill Out massage, using clam shells with self-heating properties and cold-pressed avocado oil, the Apivita Signature combining traditional massage techniques like reflexology and shiatsu, the Aqua Vita Deep Hydration Treatment designed to replenish and prevent premature aging, and the St. Barth Softness Body Exfoliation with Caribbean Sea sand, coconut oil and fresh papaya, just to name a few.
CastaDiva Resort & Spa – Blevio, Italy
Perched on the shores of scenic Lake Como, just north of Milan, CastaDiva Resort & Spa provides guests with the ultimate in nourishing, restorative and sensory experiences. The distinctive setting melds with the historic 19th-century villas dotting the area, creating an intimate, romantic ambience at every turn.
Pamper your face with a Caviar Essence, Rose Infinity or Essential Man Facial. Revel in an apricot polish Skin Refining Scrub, or a chestnut, arnica, and menthol extract Light Legs Treatment. Or, heighten your tactile senses with a Crystals Chakra Balancing, Intensive Muscle Relief, or Calming Hot Stones Massage.
For the ultimate treat, choose one of their extraordinary “Water,” “Fire,” “Air,” or “Earth”-themed combination treatment experiences for couples.
Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Part of the Autograph Collection of the Marriot portfolio, the magnificent Hotel Punta Islita, set along the picturesque shores of Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica, is the ideal place to relax your body and soothe your soul.
Here, natural ingredients combined with ancient Chorotega healing wisdom—derived from a tribe of American Indians that inhabited this area during the time of the Spanish conquistadores—are the basis of the resort’s Casa Spa signature wellness treatments. Guests can enjoy everything from couple’s massages, to relaxing foot baths, facials and paraffin hand treatments, detoxifying body wraps, restorative men’s skin services and more in an unforgettable lush tropical setting.
Schloss Elmau – Elmau, Germany
Schloss Elmau— “Schloss,” a German castle or manor house, and “Elmau,” a nod to the town in the Bavarian Alps where it resides—has been family-owned for over a century, and represents a unique combination of history and culture.
Choose from multiple facilities and experiences at seven distinctive spas specifically tailored for adults, couples and families. The Badehause Spa Experience (for adults only) is touted as an oasis of perfect calm featuring a reception area with open fireplaces, tea lounges, 15 treatment rooms, a salon, steam baths and saunas, fresh and saltwater infinity pools, a cold plunge, and Pilates, Taiji, QiGong and Jivamukti Yoga.
The Oriental Hamam Spa focuses on ancient traditional Chinese medicine healing techniques. Here you’ll find both family and adults only areas, each with three different spas and pools. Steam baths, water tubs, dome rooms with hot stones, and a relaxing Oriental tea lounge round out the experience.
*And from our friends at Health & Fitness Travel, here are five more restorative, rejuvenating, and all around relaxing spas:
The Sports Performance Break – Palacio Estoril Sports & Performance, Portugal
Hitting an athletic plateau is demotivating and unbelievably common. On the sunny coast of Cascais, luxury 5-star resort Palacio Estoril offers sports enthusiasts an opportunity to overcome physical and mental barricades, enhancing performance and refining skill. Utilising treatments such as physiotherapy and Chinese medicine, guests benefit from improved posture and well-being. In addition to an array of fitness classes, the programme focusses on nutritional performance enhancement, providing all the tools necessary to achieve athletic goals.
Palacio Estoril Sports & Peformance
The Mediterranean Healthy Escape – Ayii Anargyri Healing, Cyprus
A boutique hotel amid a valley of mature trees in the village of Miliou, Cyprus, Ayii Anargyri promotes an idyllic location for a healthy healing escape. Restore well-being as you harness the time-tested, natural healing powers of the areas mineral-rich waters. Find profound calmness and tranquillity through hydrotherapy treatments, such as underwater massage, and treat ailments in the phlebology, kinesiotherapy, and rheumatology pools. The healing waters are also utilised in spa therapies like the indulgent mud therapy cocoons and massages.
The Detox and Pilates Break – Amatara Detox, Thailand
With stunning views out over Cape Panwa, Phuket, Amatara is an idyllic destination for a relaxing detox and Pilates retreat. Following a juice cleanse and healthy eating regime, achieve optimal well-being with treatments such as colonic hydrotherapy, coffee cleansing, manual lymphatic drainage, and detoxifying ayurvedic massages. Gain strength and flexibility with mat Pilates and private reformer Pilates in stunning surroundings. This healthy holiday will give you the chance to experience your most energised and most radiant self.
The Safari and Yoga Break – Karkloof Safari & Yoga, South Africa
Combining passions for yoga and nature, this wellness holiday takes you to one of the most exceptional and unspoilt areas of South Africa. During the Safari & Yoga programme at Karkloof Safari Spa, guests experience two game drives, observing wildlife such as giraffes, rhinoceros, and a plethora of bird species. With daily yoga classes, mountain biking, fishing, and guided hikes, finding your connection with nature and developing inner peace has never come more naturally.
The Short-haul Health Booster – Six Senses Kaplankaya De-stress & Reconnect, Turkey
Give your health a well-deserved boost this year as you enjoy a selection of indulgent spa treatments including massages and body wraps at Six Senses, Kaplankaya. Disengage from the stresses of daily life as you find your calm with sunrise yoga or a morning coastal walk, then work out your tensions in an invigorating personal training session. Whether it’s a quick break or an extended getaway, this Turkish stay is guaranteed to help you take a step back, finding clarity in the process.
Six Senses Kaplankaya De-Stress and Reconnect
For advice and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891