January is a time for reflection and new beginnings. It’s an ideal month to reset and recharge, especially after the exhaustion that often comes with the holidays. What better way to do this than to escape to a luxurious and relaxing oasis? After all, it might be exactly what you need to stay committed to those 2017 New Year’s resolutions.
To help, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with over a million incredible places to stay, hand-picked some of the most luxurious destination spas around the globe. From a safari spa in the wilds of Africa to a peaceful retreat in the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, these destinations will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on 2017!
Marrakech, Morocco
Find yourself transported back to the glory of ancient Marrakech – an enchanted city where time has been suspended. It is a city in a grip of imagination of a thousand-year-old carnival with fortunetellers making their way through the labyrinth of minarets. The Royal Mansour Marrakech combines that old Moroccan charm with luxurious contemporary design and turned it into an architectural marvel with 53 rooms, or riads, in their own term. The property features a 2,500-square-metre space on three levels that is devoted to traditional bathing ritual and wellbeing.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Nestled in the heart of a scenic 3,000-hectare reserve and surrounded by waterfalls and rivers, is the Karkloof Safari Spa. Featuring an award-winning spa, this property offers eleven spa treatments which are exclusively designed by experts in the field. Spoil yourself in one of the 17 luxurious treatment rooms overlooking breathtaking views of the stunning natural surroundings. While you’re there, don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime private safari tour where you can spot zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife in the reserve.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia needs no introduction. Away from the bustling commercialized beaches and city centre is the Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa by L’OCCITANE. Located within lush tropical greenery overlooking the terraced paddy fields in Ubud, the uplands of Bali, this luxurious spa retreat is the first resort to bring luxury to Ubud’s serenity and spirituality. The Mango Tree Spa, literally perched on top of mango trees at the property offers six exclusive treatment rooms spread across this stunning destination.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad is the perfect luxury spa destination. There’s nothing better than laying back and relax in a five-star wellness hotel like The Alpina Gstaad with breathtaking views of the majestic Swiss Alps. The Six Senses spa at the property offers 60 different treatments including fitness classes, flotation and salt rooms to help improve your wellness. If you’re serious about getting fit in the New Year, you can even have one of their in-house experts to analyze your health and fitness level and provide you with lifestyle and nutritional advice and design a personalized fitness and wellness program.
Dhulikhel, Nepal
The Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel is a luxurious holistic lifestyle retreat, drawing on ancient Himalayan knowledge and philosophy of care for nature and for one’s self. Set in magnificent natural surroundings in the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and inspired by a blend of Vedic Philosophy and Buddhist Medicine, the property offers a place in to contemplate, learn and explore the connectedness between mind, body, and earth. Guided by an extensive panel of in-house ayurvedic doctor and naturopathy expert, meditation, yoga and astrologer masters, Hindu priest and visiting monk, you are guaranteed to be back as a completely renewed person.
Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles is blessed with over 300 sunny days a year and a beautiful coastline. Along the Pacific Coast lies the beautiful Terranea Oceanfront Resort where you will learn what true relaxation and comfort feel like. Spanning over 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space with 25 treatment rooms, The Spa at Terranea Oceanfront Resort embraces the natural beauty and energy of its Southern California charm. If you enjoy outdoor workouts, the resort also offers several yoga classes where you will be serenaded by the sound of gently crashing waves while getting into your Vinyasa Flow.
Albir, Spain
The Sha Wellness Clinic is a luxurious spa complex that enjoys stunning panoramic views of the Costa Blanca coastline and countryside. Alongside stylish modern suites, each with a private terrace, the clinic boasts over 6,000 square meters of facilities. Each one is dedicated to improving health and well-being, with treatments including anti-aging, weight loss, beauty, and detox. The restaurant offers healthy food and cookinh classes, whilst water sports and horse riding are popular local activities.
Photos: Booking.com