Traveling is an excellent, enriching, and greatly educational experience that I continue to receive graciously. At the same time, it can be tiring and stressful, and anyone who often travels for work knows this.

Taking care of oneself is important; whether you are at home or on the road!

How I do this, is by staying in hotels that have a Spa, whenever possible.  At the very least, to have a deep soaking tub in my room or suite is a welcomed bonus!

Based on my 10+ years in travel, I’ve rounded up the top five best hotel spa experiences I’ve had to date. Surely there are other fabulous spas out there, and I plan to discover as many as possible while I’m alive! 🙂

 

#1 – Rosewood Mayakoba – Mexico

Located in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the staff at Sense Spa at Rosewood Mayakoba have finessed what it means “to be of service” in the highest and best way possible. Every staff member I encountered was helpful, smiling, relaxed, and genuinely supportive.

The atmosphere lends itself to the tranquility of the surrounding jungle, and whether you are inside or out, the Mayan culture is infused into all amenities.

There are multiple places to relax; steam room, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools are inside, and if you prefer some sun, enjoy the outdoor pool surrounded by lush foliage. Or, there are two lounging areas – inside and out.

My treatments were unique to the locale and top-notch! I returned twice in one stay to receive a longer treatment with the same therapist.

If you love creative and unique therapies steeped in tradition, while being immersed in nature, visit Sense Spa at Rosewood Mayakoba.

To learn more, click here: Rosewood Mayakoba, Sense Spa

 

#2 – Gili Lankanfushi – Maldives

Do you love the ocean? Do you love to swim with the fishes? If yes, you will love Meera Spa at Gili Lankanfushi!
There aren’t many words to explain how special this spa is – mainly because it’s the most serene environment I’ve ever experienced for a spa locale.

Like the over-water villas of the resort, the spa is perched above the lagoon floor, and treatment rooms are spread out on either side of the reception desk, giving you outstanding views in EVERY direction.
If you are receiving a massage, expect to have a view of the fishes while you are face-down on the massage table. There are windows to the water below, and after watching the fishes for about five minutes, I happily fall asleep every time.
There are no formal men’s or women’s locker rooms, and you won’t need them.
Simply arrive a few minutes before your treatment, enjoy a fresh cold towel with a glass of infused water, and you will be whisked away shortly to your treatment.

After your treatment, enjoy watching the waves in the distance, or watch as stingrays and turtles swim by in the lower or upper lounge areas. This is quite peaceful if you ask me!

Learn more here: Meera Spa at Gili Lankanfushi

 

#3 – Four Seasons des Bergues – Geneva, Switzerland

I might be biased, but what I remember most about the Spa Mont Blanc at the Four Seasons des Bergues, was the steam room. That’s it. It was hands-down the best steam room I’ve ever enjoyed. I felt like I was transported to another world; with the scent of eucalyptus filling the air, the star-like lit ceiling that changed colors, and comfortable temperature, I was in heaven.

Need a quick respite from the city? I recommend the Mont Blanc Spa if only to visit the steam room!
(The hotel is great too!)

Learn more here: Mont Blanc Spa at Four Seasons des Bergues

 

#4 – Cavallo Point – Sausalito, CA

The Healing Arts Center & Spa at Cavallo Point is exactly that. It is a center, focused on your healing, and if you take advantage of a soak in the meditation pool, you will leave feeling renewed.

Set amongst Eucalyptus and Pine Trees, the center is inviting and nurturing and feels like a warm, cozy home.
My first time there (yes, I’ve been twice), I had the best 50-minute massage, ever. I find it tough to relax in a short massage, but my therapist was excellent and put me to sleep almost instantly.

On my return, I soaked in the meditation pool even though it was quite chilly out, and did not want to leave!
The staff is just as warm and welcoming, and if you need a snack between treatments, there is a small Tea Bar near the entrance serving light refreshments.

Typically about a 45-minute drive from San Francisco, if you need to feel grounded, give yourself a break and head to Cavallo Point!

Learn more here: The Healing Arts Center & Spa at Cavallo Point

 

#5 – Burj Al Arab – Dubai, UAE

If you want to feel pampered, celebrated, and enriched, head to Talise Spa at the Burj Al Arab.
Located on the 18th floor, there was no expense spared to ensure your senses would be indulged.
Before my treatment, I had a tour that lasted about ten minutes, because the Spa is that large.

In respect of the customs and culture, there are separate pools and lounging areas for both men and women, and also a unisex pool with seating area, to enjoy before and after your treatments. From the 18th floor, you have a quite a view of the city and the Gulf!

Many of the treatment rooms have windows so one may enjoy the views, at least if you’re face up on the table. 😉

I had one massage treatment, and while it was short, the therapist was exceptional. I would return just to enjoy the amenities.

Learn more here: Talise Spa at Burj Al Arab

Even though these are the only spas that made it into my top five, there are more that have left me with great memories. A spa experience is deeply personal, so be sure to acknowledge what is important to you, and what you need to feel pampered before choosing a spa for your respite.

What are your favorite places to Spa? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time, thanks for reading and Happy Travels! 🙂