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COMO Shambhala Estate is a residential health retreat with luxury villa-style accommodations near Ubud, Bali. This ‘Retreat for Change’ occupies an extraordinary 23-acre location on a jungle-covered riverbank known for The Source, a natural spring locally revered for its healing properties. As a place to relax and improve individual wellbeing, the Estate takes a personalised approach to health. The Estate’s Resident experts include a Yoga Master, Ayurvedic Doctor, Nutritionist and teachers in Tai’Chi, Qigong and other martial arts, all of whom work together to create purposeful healing programmes. State-of-the-art wellness facilities include a Vitality pool using water from The Source, private treatment areas beside the River Ayung, indoor and outdoor gyms, a climbing wall, yoga pavilion and Pilates studio.

This holistic, 360-degree approach is supported by sophisticated nutritional menus from COMO Shambhala Cuisine, as well as outdoor activities, the Estate providing specialist guides for mountain biking, hiking, climbing, whitewater rafting and local sightseeing. The dramatic accommodation in villas and suites is suited to couples, independent travellers, groups and families seeking a peaceful holiday focused on wellness. The design, by architect Cheong Yew-Kwan, incorporates much of the Indonesian style, with natural roofs and stone, while all suites and villas have private pools.

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Thailand is commonly regarded as one of the most tourist friendly holiday destinations. From indulging in delicious Thai cuisine, sprawling by the local nightlife, shopping in the bustling city of Bangkok to soaking up the sun in the tropical sceneries of Phuket, Thailand is the obvious choice for many when it comes to picking the perfect holiday getaway. And while a Thailand holiday promises a new experience every time, a trip to this exotic country is obviously never complete without getting a thorough head soothing pampering in a luxurious spa.Be it unwinding through an aromatherapy session or indulging in a laidback fusion of Ayurvedic and European massages, here are the best spas in Thailand that will give you the most memorable treatments, peaceful retreats and perfect rejuvenation.

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I AM … …

A global fitness expert and celebrity trainer whose clients have included Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds, Zac Effron and many more. My signature workout, the 321 Training Method and my 12 week postpartum program 321 Baby Bulge Be Gone, are two of the the workouts I have used to get Halle Berry and Jessica Alba back into shape. I work on set and in my clients homes, speak at conferences, hold teacher training classes and retreats worldwide giving everyone access to my workout and my nutrition plan that gets my stars red carpet ready.

I LOVE TO TRAVEL …

I grew up traveling. My parents are originally from India and I was born in Germany. My brother was born in Africa where my parents lived briefly before settling down in Canada. I moved to Los Angeles at 21 and spend some of my time there and my home base of Vancouver Canada. I own property in the Bahamas where I ultimately want to build a beach home. I love to meet new people from various countries. I love history with an equal passion and the fact I can travel to spread the word globally about fitness is a great perk with my chosen career.

Maintaining health and fitness when traveling…

The most difficult part when traveling is maintaining my strength training program. I am a big believer in training with weights and my signature 321 Training Method workout is based around strength training. I find it easier to fit in my cardio and my core workouts along with body weigh training but it is tougher to include weighted resistance on the road. To keep my cardio program going which will help keep a level of fitness, I enjoy sightseeing by foot. I bring along a pedometer to track the miles. I always wear some comfortable sport shoes or walking sandals, that way I can fit in a last minute park workout or jog home from a meeting. To keep the basics in, I will perform sit-ups, pushups, pull ups in a park or fit in a local class or activity in the city I am in. For example if I am in Austria, there are a lot of great hiking to be done. In London I go to a local studio for dance classes. In India I love to participate in a yoga class. When in the Bahamas, I jog early in the morning on the beach. Everywhere offers a unique experience and makes exercise fun !

I was approached, a few years ago, by the Hotel Jagdhof to hold a retreat. I had already begun to have retreats in the Bahamas and this was a great fit. Being originally from Germany I am able to speak the language which helped me communicate with some of the retreat attendees. It was a success! The next one will be in October. My attendees are given the same tools I give to my A list clientele to looking and feeling fit. With my retreat program “8 weeks to your Hollywood Body” I teach them about building healthy habits one week at a time. This includes daily 321 group classes, a personal consultation on their exercise and nutrition program, cooking classes, yoga classes, hikes, spa treatments and a surprise empowering event. My 321 philosophy connects a healthy body, to healthy mind to a healthy spirit so you can be at your personal best and keep your edge as you age. At 51 and having worked in Hollywood for over 20 years, I know what it takes to get myself and my stars in shape and stay in shape.

A good starting place for beginners…

A good starting place for any beginner would be fitting in 30 minutes a day at least 4 days a week. It can even be as simple as a walking program, being consistent is the key.

Motivated to prioritize fitness and incorporate it in daily life…

I have always been active starting with a childhood growing up doing competitive gymnastics. Once that ended at 18, I began dancing as a hobby. I cheered for the NFL team, the LA Raiders, for 10 years. During this time I also entered fitness contests. Being active and doing what I love to do has kept me wanting to train. I also know how important it is to keep fit for the right reasons. My Indian background has several known genetic traits such as heart disease and diabetes so it is essential I keep exercising and eating right as my life depends on it.

Some exemplary hotels that promote fitness and health well?

Many hotels include gyms now, some are exceptional and some are mediocre but with the growing awareness and tourism business, newer hotels almost always include a full size gym. The Four Seasons hotels almost always have gyms, pools and spas. The Jagdhof spa hotel is exemplary with their fitness and spa experiences. Even on a recent trip to Gurgaon in India I was able to workout in a wonderful gym at the Marriott.

Improvements a hotel should make?

Including exercise clothing guests can use if they have forgotten, including in-room dvds. A trainer on staff can help keeping guests motivated.

My Favourite Hotels & Resorts

I love holding my retreats at this luxury spa hotel which is located in the beautiful scenic Austrian alps. My favorite things about this hotel is the award winning gourmet restaurants, breakfast buffet, their fine wine cellar, the nearby hiking, incredible spa treatments and beautiful scenery.www.hotel-jagdhof.at

For a State of the Art Wellness center I love the brand new DNA Integrative Medicine and Wellness Center on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Combining science with a top notch medical team and a holistic approach that calls for a harmonization of mind, body and spirit to achieve optimal balance in life. Healthy aging is the goal when you come to the center where individual lifestyle plans are created and you are guided on a healing journey through proper food, movement, sleep, stress modification and more. www.dnahealthcorp.com

One of my favorite hotels, incredibly romantic and located on the pink sands of Harbour Island in the out islands of the Bahamas is the Pink Sands Resort Hotel. Afternoon cocktails and sunbathing in front of the ocean front cottages is followed by a delicious bahama mama and tasty conch fritters from the Blue bar.www.pinksandsresort.com

When in India I often need to find some peace and tranquility to restore balance in my mind, body and spirit. Dr Mathai’s International Holistic Health Center Soukya, located in Bangalore, is the perfect place to detox and destress. I love everything about the place, especially the world famous Ayurveda treatments, the twice daily yoga, and the tasty healthy satvik meals. After only 2 days I leave feeling rested , rejuvenated, balanced and younger! www.soukya.com

When I stay in LA California, I have to be by the beach, that’s why Shutters on the Beach is my preferred home away from home. A Luxury Santa Monica Hotel. I love its close proximity to the beach, literally right at your doorstep where there are many fun activities to participate in such as jogging along the path, bike riding or taking a sunset stroll. It has a laid back beach house feel which I love and rooms and suites look out at the ocean.www.shuttersonthebeach.com

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Jane Egginton picks three of Europe’s standouts.

SHA Spa in Spain
‘How are you today?’ asks the pretty girl behind reception of SHA spa as we enter the gleaming reception. Putin’s wife stayed here the previous week, with rather more glamorous recent visitors including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. Nearby Benidorm where Brits flood in daily for all-inclusive holidays in the sun is a world away.

My best friend and I had loaded our suitcases with books, magazines and even our laptops, imagining we might get bored, but our days were varied and full. We became obsessed with our schedule, poring over it’s every detail. Every morning at 8am we walked to the beach or the lighthouse before breakfast. We went to talks on nutrition, had lessons in macrobiotic cooking and even took part in a tea ceremony. Early evening, it was yoga, tai chi or meditation. This was interspersed with daily massage, flotarium sessions, and acupuncture. The evening saw dancing classes, or a showing of a film – on Chinese healing, perhaps, or something more mainstream such as Super Size Me in the library.

That afternoon, as we take a long walk along the beach of Altea, not a million miles from Benidorm, with smiling Eliza from guest relations, we realise we don’t really know what macrobiotic food is. Eliza tells us enthusiastically how she has changed her diet as a result of working at SHA, even giving up yoghurt, which is practically a Bulgarian national dish. We are surprised to hear that tomatoes, for example, are not macrobiotic and learn that daikon, a Japanese vegetable that absorbs fat and is full of minerals is very important in macrobiotic cooking.

I am enthralled by our afternoon cookery lesson. Not, I have to say, by the recipe of stir-fried vegetables with smoked mint, but by our teacher, Pablo Montaro Fernández the head chef who is, well –divine. Pablo has his own vegetarian restaurant in Alicante but admits it is a challenge to create menus that are both gastronomic and healthy. Also, with menus effectively decided by ‘Doctor Ken’, he has limited scope for creativity.

Dr. Ken’s suggestion to eat local, seasonal foods according to the environment you are in makes sense to me. So, for example, only eat tropical fruit when you are in the tropics. The majority of people come to SHA for weight loss, to detox, de-stress and to give up smoking. According to Ken, one of the most important thing we can do is detox from sugar and butter – even if you don’t eat much of them, they are in so many foods already.

An impressive team of professionals from macrobiotic consultants and genetic experts to aestheticians and psychiatrists, all in starched white coats, dart around the pristine building. Michio Kushi, the world’s leading expert on macrobiotics is Director of natural medicine here. SHA is justly proud of offering a dynamic programme that fully integrates ancient Oriental medicine with the best in modern Western medicine. This is what, in my mind, makes SHA pioneering, and one of the few genuinely holistic spas in the world.

SHA is a Healing Hotel which has properties all over the world.

Lefay, Lake Garda

In Italy, I stay in Lefay Resort and Spa. Surrounded by 11 acres of woodland and olive groves in a natural park overlooking Lake Garda, is a rare thing: a truly holistic spa. The credentials of this superb resort are high. Many of the dedicated therapists have been at Lefay since it opened in 2008 and a Michelin starred chef has devised the menu using seasonal fresh produce from the Mediterranean diet. The resort has won a string of awards and it is the first wellness resort in southern Europe to obtain the prestigious Green Globe Award.

I arrive at Lefay with high expectations but am still amazed that it ticks so many boxes. After an hour and a half drive from Verona airport (easily accessible from a string of destinations in Europe) I step into the exquisitely designed resort. The hotel is almost full but, with the ingeniously designed public spaces and the spa and restaurant reserved solely for hotel guests, it certainly doesn’t seem like it. Carved cleverly into the surrounding mountainside and looking directly over the still waters of Lake Garda where boats slide across the glassy surface, it feels like an exclusive citadel cradled by the landscape.

My husband and I borrow bikes from the hotel and embark on a daredevil 12-km slalom ride through pine forest to the next village for pizza and take a short taxi ride to the pretty coast. D H Lawrence wrote on a visit in 1912, ‘There are vineyards and olive woods and lemon gardens on the hill at the back. There is a lovely little square, where the Italians gossip and the fishermen pull up their boats, just near. Everything is too nice for words.’ We could not have agreed more.

Lefay is a member of the Healing Hotels of the world.

Longevity, Portugal

‘Longevity’ announces the sign in giant letters above the resort in the middle of the Monchique mountains in the Algarve. The resort in a remote rural area in the middle of a nature reserve 300 metres above sea level is a world away from the popular coast of the Algarve, but only 20 minutes drive. This unique wellness resort, where long life and water is on the menu, miraculously manages to roll back the clock.

Longevity, which is justly proud to be the first integrated luxury wellness resort in the Algarve, does not only offer anti ageing programmes but state of the art beauty treatments, slimming and detox. The spa is divided into three sections – medical, aesthetic and leisure where a team of highly experienced doctors are on hand to provide the consultations that begin all programmes.

‘We tried to bring nature inside,’ he tells me as he shows me around the spectacular, spacious resort. It has worked. Natural products, with 75% of the materials coming from Monchique itself, neutral colours and light flooding in from the floor to ceiling windows create a soothing, restful environment. The building blends so beautifully with the landscape outside that it is almost as if it has merged with the surrounding mountains.

Local guides who can recognise the flight of an eagle and the song of a nightingale can take you through this unexplored region. Learning about the plants and animals and even the mountain people themselves, guests can embark on walking, mountain biking through the Serra and canoeing on nearby Bravura Lake.

Longevity has an A classification for energy saving – the best you can get. Too often I go to self-proclaimed ‘eco’ hotels that are very proud of the way they treat the environment but pay scant regard to their staff. Longevity is different. Its holistic approach extends to its employees, with a café on site providing the same delicious food (for free) and magnificent mountain view that the guests are treated to.

The menu of treatments on offer at Longevity is a thick folder that is more like a book divided into Medical, Wellness and Relaxation, Beauty and Rejuvenation and Health and Longevity. This points to the thoroughness of approach from this wellness centre that is actually one of the world’s truly holistic spas. Sorely tempted by a ‘fountain of youth face ritual’, I plump instead for an ‘elixir of life’ massage, which may not have given me everlasting youth, but feels as if it’s shaved a few years off me.

After my massage, I sip my glass of hydrating ‘Chic’ water from the nearby springs, Caldas de Monchique. The pure water source ensures that the surrounding area is swathed in over 1000 plant species, including pine, eucalyptus, strawberry trees and rare rhododendron. I consider the fact that the therapeutic qualities of the waters here have been appreciated since Roman times, when Monchique was a spa town and after just a few days at Longevity really do feel ten years younger.

British Airways offers a frequent service to Faro from London City Airport throughout the year.

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The Farm is New Zealand’s luxury pride―a five-star lodge and golf course gorgeously perched atop 300-metre cliffs of stunning beige sandstone. Spa lovers, golfers, bird watchers, and nature adventurers will relish the magnificent 180-degree views of the emerald Pacific Ocean, and be invigorated by the breathtaking brilliance of 6,000 acres of rolling farmland and dramatic cliffs that make up Cape Kidnappers.

You can enjoy close-up views of Australasian gannets or takapu that have been nesting at Cape Kidnappers since the 1870’s. Sized midway between a sea gull and an albatross, gannets at the Cape have distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown, and constitute the world’s largest and most accessible mainland-based gannet colony.

What’s in the name Cape Kidnappers?
The name was derived from an incident on October 15, 1769 when Captain James Cook and the crew of the HMS Endeavour made a landfall on the headland. A group of canoes set out from the shore and gathered around the Endeavour. During this encounter, however, the local warriors seized one of the crew. The crew of the Endeavour opened fire, killing one of the assailants and allowed the captive to escape back to the ship. To mark the nearly successful abduction, Captain Cook named the headland “Cape Kidnappers”.

Among the Māori people of New Zealand, however, the cape is known as Mataupo Māui, which means the fish hook of Māui―the famous hero in Māori mythology. The story tells that the North Island of New Zealand is the world’s largest fish. Māui, using blood from his nose for bait, hauled the giant fish from the depths of the ocean. Look at a map of the North Island and you’ll find Wellington is the head, Cape Taranaki & East Cape are the fins, and Northland is the tail of the fish. The hook of land at Cape Kidnappers is supposed to be the hook that Māui used.

Majestic World and Exquisite Comfort
The indigenous and unspoilt. The vast, awesome ranch. These are themes that highlight the Lodge at Cape Kidnappers, along with superb ornaments and furnishings, top of the line amenities, and the very best hospitality experience.

Ideal for honeymoons and romantic breakaways, the cluster of luxury lodge buildings at Cape Kidnappers are suggestive of a working farm. A marriage of river stone and weathered wood, the buildings combine rustic and textured materials with comfortable modern furniture.

Excellent for a family or group of friends travelling together, The Owner’s Cottage offers boutique hotel facilities with space for up to 8 guests. Unwind and enjoy 4 deluxe bedrooms with fireplaces, large bathrooms, walk-in closets, mini-bars, and private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Socialize in the large living room which has a stone fireplace, generously-sized open-plan kitchen and dining area. The Owner’s Cottage can be rented as a 2-bedroom or 4-bedroom house.

The common areas of the luxury lodge offer numerous welcoming and comfortable spaces. You may indulge in the heated infinity pool and jacuzzi or stretch out under the shady poolside cabana and enjoy a tipple from the mini-bar.

Guests can visit the spectacular Māori pa, a fortress site, right on the property. Te Awa and Craggy Range wineries in the Hawke’s Bay region and the Art Deco town of Napier offer delights farther afield.

Astonishing Golf Destination
Tom Doak, the legendary golf architect, designed the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course to naturally encompass the land around it. It was incredible that without moving any dirt, he created a golf course of amazing originality. As the land leans toward the sea along a series of ridges, every hole has a beautiful view of Hawke’s Bay. “What’s distinctive is that you get to the edge of the course and peer over cliffs. It takes your breath away. On the 6th and 15th holes, you have to navigate across a ravine to reach the greens. Miss and your ball will plunge into the ocean 200 metres below,” says George Burr, an American lawyer.

Currently ranked #33 on GOLF Magazine’s TOP 100 Courses in the Word, the par-71 golf course measures 7,119 yards (6,510 meters) and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Completed in 2004, New Zealand’s spectacular golf course at the Cape has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf.

Utmost Delight in Food & Wine
New Zealand’s fertile land produces fabulous and succulent food. Tim Pickering, head chef of The Farm, always aims to source his produce as locally as possible. With the Cape Kidnappers vegetable garden in place and its close proximity to the lodge, the chefs are able to create daily menus based on what is freshest, utilising many vegetables straight from the garden and offering the most seasonal produce to the guests.

The Farm chefs pride themselves on making as much as they can on site. Pastry Chef Korey Field makes everything from scratch at The Farm―from cereals, cookies, breads, jams, exquisite pastries to ice cream. His chocolate chip cookies are gaining legendary status, and the smell of melting chocolate wafting from the kitchen means Korey is making one of his wonderful desserts for the night’s dinner menu. Dinner menu changes nightly and features the finest New Zealand lamb and beef, as well as the best local produce and seafood.

Part of the luxury experience is enjoying a few glasses of wine―whether that be to complement your meal, to celebrate a special occasion, or simply to expand your wine knowledge by introducing you to the flavours of Hawke’s Bay wine country.

Pilgrimage to the Mecca of Food Lovers
Do not miss Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s deluxe food and wine event on August 17 to 19, 2012. Tetsuya is without doubt one of the world’s top chefs. His Sydney restaurant, Tetsuya’s, is a Mecca for food lovers. Tetsuya’s cuisine is unique, based on the Japanese philosophy of using natural seasonal flavours enhanced by Classic French technique.

Powerfully Refreshing: Mind & Body Healing
Along with lovely dining experience, The Farm lodge guests should not miss the fabulous spa. What better place to indulge in a much deserved “Me-Time” and soothing pampering in this wonderful haven, which boasts of calm, cocooning settings.

The Cape Kidnappers Spa is housed separately on the edge of a pine forest, atop the hillside, overlooking the Farm’s neo-rustic lodge, guest cottages, and golf course. The reception area and each treatment room provide guests with magical views across the sapphire Hawke’s Bay to snow-capped Mount Ruapehu on the far shore.

A staff of internationally trained and certified therapists offers the full complement of massage, body treatments, acupuncture and yoga, in addition to facials, nail and hair services. All spa treatments are 50-80 minutes in length, and the products used reflect both the international and local outlook of the resort owners: Comfort Zone from Italy, Evolution from New Zealand, and Casa Lavanda, a brand local to Hawkes Bay.

The massage menu includes Swedish, Deep, Sports and Pregnancy options, but the Earth Stone Massage deserves special mention. Here is a unique variation on classic massage therapy, a luxurious treatment using heated volcanic stones (gathered in thermally active NZ, naturally) placed on specific points to help the body relax and used to massage those tissues most in need of attention.

Ultra-indulgent body treatments World Travel Magazine highly recommends:
• The Geo Thermal Scrub and Mud Wrap, a detoxifying and nourishing body treatment, which combines a rejuvenating body scrub with the healing and re-mineralizing properties of a pure Rotorua Geo Thermal mud wrap.
• The Lavender Scrub and Massage, which begins with a soothing foot bath before locally grown lavender is hand-blended with sugar or salts to exfoliate the skin. After a steam shower, a relaxing full-body massage ensues.

An impressive complement of facial treatments again leans toward the local. With so many golfers passing through the resort, the Men’s Balancing Facial and Back Massage are immensely popular. Gender does not enter into the allures of the Sacred Nature Face and Body Ritual, a sensory journey of aromatic oils incorporated with a ritualized lymphatic body massage and organic anti-aging facial.

The Kiwi Knight & His Three Lodges
Great spa experience is a high point of the award-winning packages at The Farm, which is owned by the distinguished American billionaire and hedge fund legend Julian H. Robertson, Jr., who has made a big impression blending New Zealand tourism’s strengths in scenery, food, and wine.

Mr. Robertson owns two other luxury lodges in New Zealand: Kauri Cliffs Lodge in the Northland―a veranda-wrapped plantation house with adjoining guest cottages; and the modernist Matakauri Lodge in the ski and adventure sports Mecca of Queenstown. He also owns the Dry River Wines and Te Awa Winery, the latter a single estate vineyard nestled in the heart of the Gimblett Gravels wine growing region in Hawke’s Bay.

Now in his 80’s, he has passed the baton to his son, Julian Robertson Jr. III, known as Jay Robertson, managing director of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs Lodge, and Matakauri Lodge. Asked about the best thing that defines the three 5-star resorts he directs, Jay Robertson says: “The team. We are fortunate to have a group of people who are not only committed to the industry and to our family but to ensuring that every guest has the best possible experience while they are staying with us.”

Cape Kidnappers Spa manager Michele Cregger said: “It’s clear that a major part of our appeal is the extraordinary natural landscape of New Zealand. No one can take exclusive credit for that, and it’s an integral part of the experience at The Farm―in the spa, on the golf course, in the lodge, at cliff-top or down on the beaches. But it’s something we do work hard to protect and foster.”

Nature Walks to Capture Your Heart
Day by day at The Farm your inspiration will get deeper. Cape Kidnappers boasts some of the most amazing trails in the North Island. Walk to the 200-year old Kahikatea tree and commune with the undying spirit of life. Explore a variety of terrain―from moderate forest walks to ocean side hikes along the cliffs―and get a view of a huge diversity of native trees and plants along with birds and insects. Backpacks, blankets, picnics, directions or trail guides are always available on hand for hire by reservation.

Follow in the footsteps of Captain James Cook
Your journey to Cape Kidnappers is a way to pay homage to the British explorer and cartographer who, in three voyages, sailed thousands of miles across largely uncharted areas of the globe, during which he achieved the first European contact with the eastern coastline of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands, and the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand. Captain Cook mapped lands from New Zealand to Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean in greater detail and on a scale not previously achieved.

Travel to Cape Kidnappers and pursue your own quest. At The Farm you will know the Earth as most alive, where abundance is pulsating, infinitely available for you to tap. Harmony, which is the essence of New Zealand, will bring stillness to your soul and help you gain absolute clarity to your dreams. Gaining momentum, you can take the bold steps to explore the world of possibilities promised by your own vision of who you truly are and where you really want to be.

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The spas that are dotted around these exotic islands boast individual and natural packages which capture the essence of the Caribbean to pamper and invigorate visitors with local herbs and botanicals.

Travel writer and Caribbeanophile Judith Baker picks five of her favourites.

Half Moon, Jamaica
The first time I set foot on this larger than life, colourful island which hums with vitality, music and passion I knew this was going to be a life-long love affair. The second largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica has a big personality which is also one of the regions’ most lush, with the serene Blue Mountains as its backbone. Montego Bay is the island’s cultural hub which resonates with reggae, rum but also its own brand of relaxation. Here I found Half Moon, which has been one of Jamaica’s top resorts for 50 years and has perfected the art of unwinding in luxury. I was in regal company here, Prince Harry visited on his recent trip to Jamaica and the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne have also stayed at Half Moon.

Already pampered and treated like royalty by a butler in my private villa, I ventured to the resort’s Fern Tree Spa, which sits in over an acre and features both indoor and outdoor sanctuaries. I could have opted for one of the spa suites, where treatments are delivered in a private hotel room atmosphere, but I was keen to try a Bush Bath, a traditional Jamaican speciality. The Jamaican Bush Bath is enjoyed in large, hand carved outdoor bathtub. Based on a Jamaican tradition, the bush bath aids in cleansing and revitalisation while relaxing the mind and spirit. Freshly picked herbs, roots, leaves and fruit are steeped in hot water and added to a soothing bath – lowering myself into the Bath under the tropical sky I was immersed in the fragrance, romance and unique atmosphere of this sensational island in the sun.

Jungle Bay SPA DU SOLEIL Dominica
Dominica is the Nature Island of the Caribbean, home to mountains, waterfalls, lush rainforests and rushing rivers rather than the white beaches of other Caribbean islands. I learnt quickly that barefoot luxury are the keywords here, as the island rejoices in simple but beautiful and totally natural remedies and indulgences. Dominica is in itself a natural spa, with its bubbling warm waters with therapeutic qualities.

The Jungle Bay’s Spa du Soleil features five private, semi-open studios suspended along the cliff side overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. With its rustic atmosphere, the sounds of real tropical birds swooping overhead and the ocean surf below there was no easier place to relax. The spa treatments are inspired by ancient traditions and blend natural ingredients to bring the body into balance and harmony. The aromatherapy massage for lovers at the dedicated couples massage studio looked romantic, and as The island’s Waitukubuli has just been extended a foot pampering treatment after a long day of hiking was tempting, but I plumped to simply sink into the spa’s signature massage which uses a unique combination of Coconut oil, Castor oil and Bay essential oil.

ONE AND ONLY OCEAN CLUB SPA Paradise island, The Bahamas
There are over 700 Bahamian islands, many of them uninhabited. The capital Nassau, on Great Providence Island, is glitzy and glamorous but a short hop from here found me in Paradise. Literally. Paradise Island is home to exclusive homes owned by the rich and famous, but also paradisiacal resorts such as the One & Only Ocean club, where I found my own personal oasis. The resort is one of the most elegant and sophisticated in the region, and was once the private estate of A&P heir Huntingdon Hartford II. It still has the air of an exclusive colonial manor, steeped in charm and character.

As I was being led by the therapist down to my spa treatment a tiny hummingbird led the way and hovered at a hibiscus blossom by the garden gate. The surreal moment was just a taste of the heaven to come. Under the shade of a white cabana, overlooking the pristine white sand and turquoise waters, rests an idyllic setting for the perfect massage in paradise while listening to the soothing sounds of ocean waves. Afterwards I enjoyed fresh tropical fruit and herbal tea presented in a Japanese style tea ceremony.

Spa Cove, Renaissance Island Aruba
One of the quirkiest things to do on Aruba is visit to the Aloe Vera museum. Aruba used to be the biggest Aloe Vera exporter in the world so it should be no surprise that this plant – now famous across the globe for its skin beneficial properties – should be feted here as the king of beauty ingredients. After watching this unassuming looking plant being prepared, oozed and bottled I discovered that the Arubans are equally meticulous its application. Spa treatments on the island are indulgent –the secluded Spa Cove offers the ultimate in tropical, open-air spa treatments like the Caribbean Morning Couples Package – with Swedish massage for two, bottle of champagne or four frozen cocktails and a fresh fruit platter. For singletons as I was on my visit, treatments range from cold stone massages to deep tissue massages and reflexology. Spa Cove is located on Aruba’s private Renaissance Island – available exclusively to the guests of the Renaissance Marina Hotel and the Renaissance Ocean Suites –a firm favourite with celebrities (among others, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes held a party there).

AWAY, W Hotel & Spa, Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
Vieques, a tiny island off the coast of Puerto Rico is the epitome of the old laid back ‘Caribbean as it used to be’ where you can still see the odd wild horse prance along the deserted beaches past colourful beach shacks. Here is where I came across the fabulous W hotel Vieques, which had just opened last year when I visited. In keeping with the W brand the resort is stylish and eco-friendly but is in perfect harmony with its unspoilt low rise tropical surroundings. ‘The Caribbean unwound’ is how the manager described it to me. Recycled woods, clean lines and open spaces add to its ambience and the spa, called simply AWAY, lives up to its name. Within seconds of entering the cool treatment room I was drifting away in a dream as my feet were attended to by an expert reflexologist and in a short time they were flip flop perfect. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean set to a soundtrack of breaking waves AWAY draws inspiration from the earth, wind and water, and the spa’s Zen design features soothing rivulets and little canals.

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She is regal. She is an imperial beauty inspired by the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire. And she sits like a pearl beckoning with an abundance of splendid treasures.

Live Like A Queen. The royal lady we are talking about is none other than the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray resort and spa located at the west crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, the celebrated man-made island in the shape of a palm tree. This goddess in all her grandeur once played host to the filming of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Transformed into an Indian palace and praised by actor Tom Cruise as having “a real elegance and beauty on camera”, this spectacular resort is famed for the movie’s impressive “black tie” scene. It is of the essence then that even Hollywood royalty cannot resist this sparkling marvel.

When you step into the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, her interior is draped with hand-painted frescoes, Turkish artworks and lavish murals that lend an air that is quite honestly out of this world. The ocean blue larger-than-life curtains reflected into a thousand images in the intricately cut mirror at the lobby entrance is a romantic prologue at the very tip of the manifold secrets that await you. In true fashion of its Stay Different brand promise, Guest Relations Executives will welcome you with their theatre-inspired uniforms offering traditional Turkish coffee and Turkish delights.

The door then opens to another realm of opulence. The 38 villas come in Four Bedrooms and Five Bedrooms making the perfect oasis for a family vacation. The Pool Villas, Beach Villas, Garden Villas and Royal Villas surround a grand lagoon pool at the same time giving you utmost privacy. The villas are perfect for a private retreat for those looking for a home away from home and a butler is always available at your beck and call. With direct access to a private beach, the Royal Residences is set in lush tropical gardens making it ideal for grand parties and private events.

For couples, one is spoilt for choice with the 405 elegant guest rooms at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. The one and only Grand Imperial Suite is the most glorious. It has a Turkish bath, showers, steam room and an oversized terrace with a breathtaking view of the island. Most importantly, the Imperial Floor offers an exclusive experience that is not offered to other guests. However, there are also a slew of other rooms that give the Imperial a run for its money. They range from the Superior Double and Deluxe King to the Junior Suite and Two Bedroom Suite. The rooms come with the most comfortable beds with plush cushions, flat screen television mounted on the walls designed classical style and pristine white bathrooms.

Top on the list is delectable cuisine that satisfies the palate as well. The award-winning Al Nafoorah is famed for its grilled veal fillet prepared using an authentic Lebanese method. The Ottoman Afternoon Tea at the Sultan Lounge is also delightful to set a relaxing disposition for the day. For a treat before bedtime, a visit to the Voda Bar is a must. This bar is dressed in white and bathed in cooling azure lights giving a soothing ambience that further please the senses with chill out tunes and deep house music played by the resident deejay on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

An Imperial Touch Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is home to the Talise Ottoman Spa, one of the biggest spas in the Middle East. This spa was awarded the prestigious title of United Arab Emirates’ Leading Spa Resort 2011 by The World Travel Awards. It is reminiscent of fair maidens serenading in the olden days in a palace where your journey of wellbeing is centered on the art of ancient healing. Nestled within the heart of this palatial spa is the Talise Hammam, the most well-liked amongst guests. The Hammam or Turkish Bath is a blend of Roman tradition with Moslem requirement and the Talise Hammam is a tribute to the vast majority of hammams which were built during the Ottoman Empire. First, you don a pestemal, a cotton wrap in the warm room and savor the gentle heat from the goebektas, a low marble platform that softens your skin and relax your muscles. Next, you rinse off with water and prepare for the Hammam ritual.

The lavish hour-long Royal Ottoman cleanses your skin with a body polish that uses the kese mitt or more popularly known as an exfoliating washcloth. A foam massage using hand-made olive oil soap follows, coupled with shampooing your hair and conditioning. A facial cleansing and a cream masque soothing your body complete the ritual. The other Hammam rituals include the Traditional Turkish, refreshing Foam Massage and Turkish Scrub. At the Hammam, guests can also enjoy aromatic tea with Turkish delight, figs or dates at the lounges, majlis or outdoor pavilions. The Hammam at the Talise Ottoman Spa is designed for men only, ladies only and a couples section is available too.

Alternatively, newly weds and honeymooners can opt for the Talise Couples Spa which is the signature “spa within a spa”, an entire floor dedicated to couples. This VIP section is located on the Mezzanine floor, both romantic and exclusive. Another beautiful environment for a spa treatment is the outdoor Thai-style pavilions that are surrounded by lush gardens and float above waterways. This serene outdoor sanctuary is reserved for Thai massages. Other massages that can be conducted in the indoor treatment rooms include the Sultan’s and Aromatherapy suitable for ladies and Indian Head Massage and Sports Massage for men. The indulgent Caviar Age Defying Facial and Vitamin C Facial are highly recommended for women while the unique Gentleman’s Facial is catered specially for men.

There is an array of specially designed rooms to enhance your idyllic retreat at the spa. The Hydrotherapy Room uses an age-old tradition that is naturally healing, stimulates circulation, soothes pain and revitalizes the skin. The Snow Ice Room kept at four degrees Celsius is cooling, a contrast to the desert temperature in Dubai. There is even a Cold Jacuzzi which is used to keep the heat away. The Adventure Shower is especially popular with men with its multiple jets and an overhead rain shower that provide excellent rejuvenation. After their spa treatment, guests head to the Ixir Spa Cafe which offers a concoction of spa-friendly whole food meals, vegetarian dishes and diet friendly cuisine. The detox salad and smoothies are invigorating delicacies.

With such majestic enchantment to capture your imagination and a beautiful assortment of gifts to shower upon you at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, it is indeed a chance to live like royalty. So the next time you are in the land where mystery and desert tales preside, check in to this luxurious palace. The grande dame might set your standards so high up; she will whip you into a true connoisseur who only stays with the very best. 

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One indulges in the finer things in life that escape from the list of daily desires. It is not just the unique location, the extra ordinary history and the serene environment that makes a destination remarkable. A spa offers the guest an opportunity to experience bliss that would otherwise be absent from the daily persuit of life.

The beauty of Bali is reflected in its old and new, natural and man made. Be it the Balinese arts and craft that trace their roots back to the late 13th century Majapathi Kingdom or the craftsmen practicing their painting, wood & stone carving and weaving skills handed down through the generations. Be it the Balinese dancers in rich costumes with intricately choreographed hand-face-eye movement as part of their religious expression or the ancient Balinese Hindu temples preserved and worshipped in this predominently muslim country. Be it the infusion of Dutch-Indian-Chinese cultures ever present in the architecture, food and lifestyle or the splendid sunsets viewed from gorgeous beaches, they all captivate the heart, and collectively make us forget home.

Bali has evolved as an international holiday destination over the years largely because of its rich culture, gracious locals and beautiful beaches that pull people from all over the world towards itself. The tourist numbers have grown through the decades despite the deadly bombings in Bali, the global flu epidemics, earthquakes and the various financial crisis that threatened the country’s stability. Not surprisingly, the natural and human wonders of Bali prevailed as compared to other similar destinations such as Sharm el-Sheikh that took a much longer time to regain their credibility with the globe trotter.

The appeal of any location multiples when accommodations and the accessories (read spa, jacuzzi, private beach, Michelin star restaurant … the list is endless) that go with it are world class, offer a level of comfort and luxury that pampers and indulges. The itinerary of the globe trotter should cater to and take care of the mind, body and soul. While arts and crafts sooth the eyes and mind, the indulgence in spa treatments sooth the body and soul. Admiring and appreciating the centuries old art is one thing, being covered in herbal clay while trained therapists kneed and stretch the muscles of the aching body is something quite rewarding at a much different level.

The spas in Bali, more often than not, become standards for other locations to follow. The bar is set, and raised, ever so often that other destinations simply play catch up to the beautifully crafted world class spas that call Bali home.

Bali spas proffer an incredible number of spa treatments tha4 suits just about everyone. World Travel Magazine reviews two exotic spas of Bali that are a perfect blend of being chic, sumptuous and sophisticated.

First on the list of ‘must visit’ spas in Bali is the elegant Alila Villas Soori. Alila have three luxury properties in Indonesia, of which Alila Villas Soori and Alila Villas Uluwatu are located in Bali. Alila Villas Soori offers its guests various boutique villa formats with private pools, award winning architecture, sea & padi field views and world class facilities. The resort is a relaxing, stylish and blissful paradise setting for beachfront living.

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The concept of the spa at Alila Villas Soori is envisioned as a sanctuary, a soothing cocoon tucked under a water body. The most unique element of the spa is the transitional lighting within all spaces, from outside with total sunlight, to the foyer and relaxation areas with diminishing natural light and finally to the total controlled darkness of the treatment rooms. The first time visitors to Spa Alila are always taken on a private tour to the treatment area, yoga classroom, fitness center and spa boutique for a closer look at the natural products that are specially designed for Spa Alila.

A typical treatment starts off with a private consultation where the guest are served signature ice lemongrass, honey and ginger tea accompanied with the warm smiles of the spa therapists. Once the massage therapy commences, the guests are escorted into the wet treatment room exiting the dry treatment suite and passing under a sky light which acts like a transition point between rooms incorporating some of Earth’s stimulating elements.

Spa Alila use exclusive ingredients in their spa treatments, some sourced from local villagers. For instance virgin coconut oil and sweet almond oil are sourced locally in East Bali where fresh coconut is shredded and cold pressed to make coconut milk. The milk is fermented, separated and filtered free of chemicals without using high-heat treatment.

The massage therapies in Spa Alila, as in any other good spa resort, are based on individual need that range from pampering, pleasure, health, wellness, spiritual journey and fitness. The massage therapies are a combination of Asian and Western therapy techniques including deep tissue, relaxing, nurturing and a special pregnancy massage for expectant mothers.

Therapeutic Massage is a ninety minute treatment of Spa Alila which performs a complete body awakening experience with a combination of therapeutic massage techniques using fluent strokes of different depths and intensity. Long Balinese strokes improve lymphatic drainage and circulation. Swedish deep tissue techniques work into muscles to relieve tension and stiffness. Acupressure points are used for specific stimulation while Thai movements add elements of stretching to increase mobility. A note to the reader, I dose$ off around twenty minutes into the massage (so much for the awakening experience!), relaxed and in deep sleep.

Feel tension dissolve with the seventy five minute Balinese Massage. This ancient Balinese healing therapy combines gentle stretching, long therapeutic strokes and skin rolling to relieve muscle pain. Palm and thumb pressure techniques are also applied to unravel the deepest stress and improve blood flow.

An oasis of serenity surrounded by nature, the Estate defines the pinnacle of residential health retreat combining holistic wellness with exceptional villa accommodation. From rooms, suites, residences to villas, the Estate caters to a variety of moods, views and spirit. Located near a spiritual enclave of jungle, river and sun-rich clearings just north of Ubud, the Estate makes one forget that Bali’s beauty is not restricted just 4o the beaches.

The Estate’s wellness retreat has an extensive range of therapies and a list of specialists to choose from. It does take a while to appreciate the depth and extent of their wellness and fitness menu. Thai, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Swedish, Dead Sea… these were just the varieties of massage therapies on offer and we hadn’t even touched their fitness, spiritual and psychological section yet. For instance, they have a fitness package that drops you into the enormous caldera and ascend the 700m high volcanic cone of Mount Batur, by torchlight, to witness sunrise over the crater and its lake, with Mount Agung looming in the background. Be back in time for breakfast and a yoga session.e3C/p>

When in Bali, do what the ancient Balinese royalty have done, enjoy a luxurious Javanese Royal Lulur Bath. A two hour production, this luxury bath is bound to pamper you enough to want it as a day starter, every day. Perfect for tired skin, lulur is the ultimate luxurious beauty ritual from the Royal Palaces of central Java. The soothing process begins with an Indonesian Massage and then an aromatic spice body scrub precedes the application of cooling yogurt and a relaxing flower-filled bath. The treatment concludes with a relaxing application of body lotion to hydrate the skin.

Another great treatment on offer is the Warm Muscle Wrap. Using the traditional medicine of Bali, Warm Muscle Wrap is believed to relieve tense muscles and minor rheumatic conditions. Hand crushed rice is blended with warming spices to create a stimulating rub. This Balinese Boreh, a traditional herbal scrub, offers an all-over deep heat experience and concludes with a Taksu Massage. The massage therapy is ideal for helping aching bodies after exercise, or an early morning walk on a volcano, and wonderful for breaking-down cellulite.

When on a vacation to a destination resort, one winds down and distances oneself from the stress inducing tasks. One indulges in the finer things in life that escape from the list of daily desires. It is not just the unique location, the extra ordinary history and the serene environment that makes a destination remarkable. A spa offers the guest an opportunity to experience bliss that would otherwise be absent from the daily persuit of life. The spas in Alila Villas Suri and Como Shambala Estate fill this void perfectly.

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