The 10 best super spas in Asia

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This was published 7 years ago

The 10 best super spas in Asia

By Sheriden Rhodes
Updated
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1 BANYAN TREE, PHUKET

The flagship resort spa for Banyan Tree, world-wide operator of 70 spas, set the benchmark for Asian spas when it opened in 1994. Handpicked therapists undergo 300 hours of training in Banyan Tree's spa academies delivering treatments in 14 private therapy pavilions sprinkled with orchids with a soothing backdrop of flowing water. Wellness junkies can stay in one of the resort's spa sanctuary villas which come with unlimited spa treatments. See www.banyantreespa.com/phuket

2 KAMALAYA, KOH SAMUI

This much-lauded wellness retreat's clifftop wellness centre offers acupuncture, Chinese medicine, naturopathy and seductive Ayurvedic spa treatments to boot. Set on a hillside overlooking a private beach, Kamalaya's holistic spa includes a herbal steam cavern, plunge pools, infrared sauna, colonic rooms, yoga pavilion, the Shakti fitness centre and more. Don't miss a Thai massage in an open air yoga sala as the sun sinks into the ocean. See www.kamalaya.com

3 ROYAL KIRANA SPA, UBUD

Designed by Lek Bunnag and Bill Bensley, the 18,000 square metre Royal Kirana Spa is set within verdant landscaped gardens with views of jungle covered mountains. A contemporary spin has been placed on ancient techniques delivered by expertly trained therapists in two-storey treatment villas. Afterwards relax in your own private Jacuzzi, pool and herbal steam sauna or take sanctuary in the sublime Spa Garden with its stone lined pools, fountains and lush tropical foliage. See www.royalkirana.com

4 THE GEO SPA, FOUR SEASONS LANGKAWI

The magnificent Moorish inspired Geo Spa offers bespoke natural treatments by ila that tap into the native Langkawi environment. Wedged dramatically between the tranquil Andaman Sea and a soaring limestone cliff, the spa's private pavilions, appear to float atop a romantic reflecting pool. Try the Taksu Kasih, a 90-minute rhythmic massage harmonised with hypnotic Asian music. See www.fourseasons.com/langkawi/spa

See: Langkawi - south-east Asia's overlooked paradise

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5 AMATARA, PHUKET

This phenomenal 2000 square metre destination spa is the island's most comprehensive wellness centre where expert therapists, led by ex Chiva Som alumni, deliver everything from chi nei tsang healing abdominal massage, detox therapies through to naturopathy overlooking the Andaman Sea. Amatara's signature Thai Hamman – a marathon three-hour treatment – will leave you feeling reborn. Child minding available. See www.amataraphuket.com

See: A relaxation resort with kids - it can be done

6 THE NAM HAI, HOI AN

On Vietnam's iconic China Beach, the spa at this multi-award winning resort (soon to become a Four Seasons) offers eight indoor-outdoor villas surrounding a serene lotus pond. Described by Jeremy Clarkson as "the world's most astonishing spa", the menu melds aromatherapy, Ayurveda, and herbal traditions. Each treatment starts with an oil-infused milk foot soak, and ends with guests floating out the door. www.ghmhotels.com/en/nam-hai/spa-wellness

See: The three-minute guide to Hoi An

7 SPA AT AYANA, BALI

Suspended spectacularly on a limestone bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the five-hectare Thalasso facility includes one of the world's largest Aquatonic pools as well as hydrotherapy treatments, massage rooms, luxurious spa villas and suites. The 650-square-metre seawater pool feels like a traditional Balinese water palace, with underwater jets, waterfalls, aqua beds, hydromassage stations and bubbling pools massaging every part of the body. www.ayanaresort.com/en/spa/spa-on-the-rocks

See: Traveller's full review: Ayana Resort and Spa, Bali

8 THE SPA BY ESPA, ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, MALDIVES

The impressive ESPA at the gob-smacking One&Only Reethi Rah offers eight thatched treatment rooms overlooking the azure Indian Ocean. Customised treatments are based on Ayurvedic traditions, delivered with a modern twist. There are swirling vitality pools, crystal steam rooms, saunas, stimulating ice fountains and two amorous over-water couple treatment suites. Don't miss the incredible Bastien Gonzalez pedicure; your feet will love you. See www.oneandonlyresorts.com/one-and-only-reethi-rah-maldives

See: Traveller's full review: This resort will ruin you

9 SIX SENSES, NINH VAN BAY

Set in tropical jungle at the foot of a mountainside, the spa at the newly refurbished Six Senses Ninh Van Bay offers traditional Vietnamese therapies, customised detox programs, Chinese acupuncture, oxygen facials and more. Guests enter the award-winning eco spa by stepping across huge stone slabs scattered on a pond. Spa villas meanwhile cling to rocks, interspersed in the jungle, and are connected by footbridges. See www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ninh-van-bay/spa

10 THE PENINSULA, HONG KONG

Arrive early and take advantage of all that's on offer at this luxury, candle-lit spa with 14 private treatment rooms, Roman inspired pool and views of Victoria Harbour through panoramic windows. There are European, Asian, and Ayurvedic treatments, steam rooms, rainforest showers, a specially crafted sauna and a traditional tea lounge. See hongkong.peninsula.com/en/spa-wellness

See: Why Hong Kong's Peninsula hotel is worth splashing out for

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