LETTER FROM THE EDITORFrom the time of Julius Caesar, the spa concept was born. Two thousand years later, we have such an abundance of spas and health retreats to choose from all over the world. Each new spa aims to top the next. And the sky is the limit. In sensory indulgent settings, luxurious resorts offer antidotes to our daily grind from massage, facials and meditation to yoga, spiritual rejuvenation and complete lifestyle overhaul. We dedicate this entire issue of Getaway to Spas. By no means is this an exhaustive list of our Edge favourites – just a handful of celebrated, unusual or decadent spas around the globe. Internationally, we differentiate by Destination Spa, New Age Spa, Resort Spa and Urban Spa. Closer to home, we list the Top Ten Favourite Edge Spas on Australian soil. Ultimately, choosing which spa to spend your holiday is very personal and should be based upon your primary goal – whether it be to simply relax and unwind or fundamentally alter your food and exercise routine to create a whole new outlook on life. In honour of our December Spa Issue, Orion Expedition Cruises is offering Executive Edge clients a $150 massage voucher upon booking select Orion cruises. See Cruise News for further details on their generous offer. Next month, we’re off to Africa to bring you the most lux, the most exotic, the most extraordinary safaris available on the market today. We hope that whatever spa suits your fancy, it will serve as a catalyst to begin living your life in the healthiest manner possible. Sincerely, Kimberly Rosbe |
IN THIS ISSUE |
FEATURESpas
Submerged Tropical fish of electric rainbow colours envelope me deep in the glowing neon blue ocean depths. I’m surrounded by divine silence amidst this spectacular marine tranquillity and breathtaking kaleidoscope show. No, surprisingly, I’m not scuba diving – I’m lying on a pillow-soft treatment table receiving a heavenly massage. Walking down the long wooden pier at Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives towards three structures built on stilts, the Aquum Spa’s mystical philosophy repeated in my mind like a whisper, “Come out of where you have been, Come out of what you know, Come out of your shell.” At the end of the pier I find all the expected luxuries of a 6* properties’ spa including an incredible 360 degree water view from the upstairs waiting area. But an underwater spa? Huvafen Fushi boasted it has built the first underwater spa in the world. This lure was, in fact, the primary reason for my long pilgrimage to this island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Please, I thought. An underwater spa. Is that even possible?? After soaking up the rays on the glorious semi-enclosed deck starring off into the endless turquoise blue water as I wait for my masseuse, I descend a steep stairwell dimly illuminated by tiny floor lights to guide my way. At the bottom I emerge into a room completely submerged underwater. Five walls of glass – including a glass floor – and decadent cushioned white surroundings. Best of all, there are fish and coral everywhere. Imagine a plush version of the underwater viewing tanks at a world-class aquarium complete with your own personal masseuse. I sink into the most comfortable treatment table I’ve ever experienced, the lights dim and the private marine show begins. The massage was the just the icing on the cake.
Destination Spas:Aquum Spa – Huvafen Fushi, MaldivesBoasting the world’s first underwater spa, Lime Spa has 6 over-water treatment rooms, each with its own glass floor. Lime Spa fittingly and deliciously incorporates all lime elements in your treatments from steaming lime mineral poultice exfoliation to a conditioning lime hair mask. Pure lime bliss. www.huvafenfushi.com Chiva-som – Hua Hin, Thailand
Probably the most famous destination spa, Chiva-Som still remains at the forefront of revolutionary spa philosophy promoting a healthier way of life through blending traditional and contemporary therapies, exercises and classes. This is the place to get a new lease on life in the most regimented or relaxed way. The food alone is inspirational – produce from the resort’s own organic garden and prepared by Thai international master chefs. www.chivasom.com Ananda Spa – Himalayas, IndiaYour husband a prospective climber of Mount Everest? Just tell him, “Meet me at the bottom dear.” Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the very region that gave birth to Ayurveda, is India’s only lifestyle destination spa. Combine their traditional Indian sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda while breathing in the fresh mountain air and drinking clear Himalayan spring water overlooking the holy River Ganges. www.anandaspa.com Blue Lagoon – Iceland
Brave the cold and you are in for a real treat. Ever wonder why Eskimos have such flawless skin? Perhaps it’s the geothermal conglomeration of salt, silica and algae offered in their native extreme environment in Iceland. Submerge in Blue Lagoon’s steamy water and experience a world of healing power, wellness and beauty. www.bluelagoon.is Amansara – Angkor, Cambodia
Spaing at Amansara can be a deeply religious experience. In the “Spiritual Cleansing’ ritual, monks chant as your spirit is purified with water blessings. To absorb the full effect of your surroundings, take the ten minute daily trek to the vast ruins and temples of Angkor – fascinating stone carvings that represent the culmination of five centuries of Khmer civilisation. The spa itself provides a tranquil refuge room featuring glass walls overlooking a reflection pool backed by a 43 meter Angkor-inspired sandstone bas relief. www.amanresorts.com New Age Spas:
Camp Psyc – Parker Palm Springs Hotel, CaliforniaThis gorgeous new age spa opened last year catering to LAers who loved the idea of a yoga and fitness retreat, but didn’t want to take it all too seriously. Their manifesto sums up the spa’s philosophy, “We believe in the American country club experience, mixed doubles, a long steam and a stiff cocktail.” Set in 5 acres of perfectly manicured Palm Springs grounds in the middle of the mountain-ringed desert, Camp Psyc offers 4 day ‘camps for adults’ mixing salsa and pole-dancing with yoga and pilates. Their spa provides Hollywood-style treatments like the Rock Star Rub Down and the Foot Fetish Pedicure in groovy modern seventies-designed interiors. Not a shock that Teri Hatcher and Brad and Angelina are fans. www.theparkerpalmsprings.com Red Mountain Spa – St. George, UtahDetox is the new spa buzzword. People are turning to spas not only to indulge and relax, but also to lose weight, stop smoking/drinking, de-stress and generally detox. Amidst magnificent views of the surrounding red rocks and canyons Utah is famous for, Sagestone Spa is modern design meets soothing desert setting and is all about DETOX. Sagestone Signature Treatments craft Arizona desert botanicals with mineral rich Utah muds, clays and salts to achieve indigenous pampering experiences. For the really committed detoxers, Red Mountain Spa dedicates 14 weeks each year to a program in which guests supplement body treatments and exercise with amino-acid-rich smoothies. www.redmountainspa.com Hilton d’Evian Les Bains – Les Bains, FranceThe ultra groovy and modern Buddha Spa, just opened, uses 100% natural petrochemical free Buddhattitude range with Tibetan Ayurvedic Skin Care line formulated for each dosha. Craving the treatment once you return home – the products will soon be available online at www.buddha-bar.com The Farm at San Benito – Batangas, Philippines
Nominated for the Best Alternative Health Centre by the Spa Asia Crystal Awards, The Farm accommodates all budgets. Considered one of the premier centres for education and health in Asia, The Farm takes a total approach to promoting a healthier lifestyle. Their team of experts from numerous healing modalities includes medical doctors, massage and bodywork therapists, living food chefs, fitness consultants, colonic therapists, meditation teachers and organic gardeners to assist you on your journey to healing and total health. www.thefarm.com.ph The Standard – Miami Beach, FloridaThe point of this Miami Beach Spa is social – not to get away but, instead, to get together. This truly innovative, modern and very sexy spa exceeds even Miami Beach’s version of shock therapy. Picture a claw foot bathtub sitting steps away from the beach promenade – and YOU in it slathered in coloured clay applied by a friend who soaks in the totally exposed outdoor tub right next to you! Welcome to The Standard Spa located smack on the edge of Island Avenue where water treatments are available indoor or out. Please leave your modesty at the door. www.standardhotel.com Resort Spas:
Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa –
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EDGE GOLD LISTTop 10 Australian Spas
EDGE TRAVEL |
| © Kimberly Rosbe 2007 | |
