My Bucket List of the World’s Ultimate Luxury Spa Destinations

I’ve been researching. Planning the next great escapade for travel abroad. In the midst of this wonderful distraction I came across listings of the world’s most luxurious destinations.

So I asked myself…”if money didn’t matter, where would I go for the ultimate spa experience?

Here’s my curated super-short list of top spa destinations with their locations, the services offered and an inkling of how many rupees these lavish experiences will cost you.

ARO HA WELLNESS RETREAT, Glenorchy, New Zealand

In Te Reo, ‘aro ha’ translates to “in the presence of divine breath.” Breath is a foundational practice of life and we use it as an entry point into the mysticism of the present

Aro Ha website

I could do this.

Waking to the beautiful chimes of a Tibetan bowl, I’ll begin my day watching the sunrise over the New Zealand mountains from the yoga studio.

After a perfectly balanced and nourishing breakfast, I then explore the subalpine trails, immersing myself in the transformative power of nature. Mindfulness practices will be interwoven throughout my day as I partake in carefully curated activities; from cooking classes to functional strength training.

Then, I unwind in the infrared sauna before my daily massage.

Aro Ha offers “Revive & Thrive” and “Awaken Your Warrior” 6-8 day retreats beginning at $4500 per person.

CHIVA-SOM INTERNATIONAL HEALTH RESORT, Thailand

Hidden away among acres of lush tropical gardens in Hua Hin, and just two hours by road from Bangkok, Chiva-Som is spa perfection. Asia boasts many of the most posh health spas in the world but this spa’s aim is to deliver long-term health benefits by changing the way you live.

Guests follow a fluid schedule advised by the experts who customize a balance of treatments and relaxation. Think Tai Chi at sunrise, followed by a nice stretch, with kickboxing, Pilates, yoga and meditation all on the list.

Chiva-Som boasts an extensive range of spa and alternative treatments. As well as the range of massages and facials, there are colonic irrigation therapies and flotation, scrubs, body polishes, iridology and seaweed treatments, milk baths and acupuncture.

Treatments cover everything from chakra balancing to physiotherapy. Stays range from 3 to 10 days and cost from $2500 to $10,000 per person.

SIX SENSES KAPLANKAYA, Turkey

Across the bay from Bodrum, Turkey ( a place I love!) you’ll find this company’s flagship spa experience Experts with international credentials and practitioners guide guests on sleep and nutrition, movement and mindfulness.

You won’t find facilities like this anywhere else: from the Alchemy Bar and vast hydrothermal areas to the Watsu pool, hammams, meditation cave, beauty salon, and state-of-the-art fitness and sports facilities.

This spa offers wonderful dining experiences and lavish accommodations with transcendent ocean views.

Aegean, Mediterranean and Pan-Asian influenced sustainable cuisine, featuring the best and freshest of Turkish flavors.

Their “Eat With Six Senses” approach features freshly harvested vegetables, seafood, and specialty ingredients from artisan producers and a seasonally inspired gourmet cuisine. Pricing varies dramatically according to accommodations as there are three-four and five bedroom residences in addition to singles and couples suites. For reference plan on $1000 per day for a single with a lovely view.

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