ROYAL SPA AT CORINTHIA
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Called the City of Healing Waters, Budapest has long been known as a spa and wellness destination. The Royal Spa at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest has been around since the 19th century and offers world-class, premier-pampering facility. The Spa is supplied with the waters from Széchenyi Baths, and the jewel of the facilities is undoubtably an ornate 15-meter pool. Along with the pool area, there are several relaxation areas, saunas, a steam bath, Jacuzzis, a fitness room, seven treatment rooms (with one designed for couples), and other treatment facilities such as Niagara bathtubs, tropical rain-showers, and mud and seaweed baths. Using luxurious ESPA products and treatments, there’s a range of serv- ices from results-driven facials to luxurious therapeutic body and massage treat- ments that target specific individual needs. The Aromatherapy Massage (50 min/€99) uses a blend of individually chosen oils designed for everything from a detoxifying to an immune-boosting experience. A personal consultation ensures you receive a treatment to help any specific needs you may have. Three different Thai massage options are available, including an Herbal Steam Thai Massage (60-90 min/€119-€135). Using steam heated, cotton-cloth- wrapped medicinal herbs over the aching and painful areas, the treatment relives any blockage, tension, or stiffness. www.corinthia.com/budapest
— Andrew Villagomez
THE THIEF SPA
OSLO, NORWAY
Entering the Thief Spa, located inside Oslo’s hottest new luxury boutique hotel, is like taking a trip around the world. The delights on offer, represent an international array of treatments, all set among the gentle tones of land and sea that mirror the unique Norwegian setting just steps from the Oslofjord. Want to go to Turkey? Visit the Hamam (50 min/$160), where in the earth-toned set- ting of this ritual bath you’ll move from a body scrub to an application of warm lather and soothing massage, finishing with hair washing and scalp massage. Morocco? The Rhassoul (30 min/$60) awaits you. Here you’ll be covered in organic mud from the Atlas Mountains, lying in the steam room as you first experience a salt scrub before your therapist slathers your body in the healing mud, finished by a wash in the tropical showers. (Note: for group fun, this treatment can be booked for up to 12 people). To take years off your appear- ance, try a Carita Diamond facial (90 min/$362), where your facial incorpo- rates the use a powder made from ground diamond. To insure all-over good feeling, the treatment includes feet as well for, literally, head-to-toe pampering. With a variety of massages (25-80 min/$84-$196) from hot stones to shiatsu, you can also go the more traditional route. For a truly transforming experience, we suggest the Voya Detox Wrap (135 min/$338), a body wrap with this unique product that uses Laminaria algae from the Atlantic for a moisturizing and detoxifying effect. You’ll unwind with a combination of body scrub, algae treatment, and scalp massage, followed by a soak in the bath and a facial mas- sage. Does it sound like pure indulgence? You’re at The Thief, where indul- gence is the daily fare. www.thethief.com/en/thief-spa
— Rich Rubin
Spa NH Madrid
MAJESTICSPA, MAJESTIC HOTEL
BARCELONA, SPAIN
Diamonds and chocolate are luxurious indulgencies, and at this Spanish spa they’re also vital weapons in the battle for beauty. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, grand, neo-classical Majestic Hotel opened in 1918 on Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona’s most prestigious avenue. On the hotel’s top floor, MajesticSpa is the only spa in Europe awarded the SpaExcellence seal of quality by American institution SpaQuality SLL. Its facilities include a hot and cold hydrotherapy zone with sauna, steam bath, sensations shower, and ice fountain, plus treatment areas and grooming stations. The adjacent rooftop swimming pool, terrace, and solarium feature a vibrant mosaic by American Artist Philip Stanton, and provide views of Barcelona’s most emblematic architectural landmarks including Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral. Treatments use effective and innovative products to repair and revive. If you’re determined to dazzle on Barcelona’s gay scene, Spa Director Eva Crespi suggests the Diamond Experience Rose Ritual (75 min/€159). This treatment by local Catalan brand Natura Bissé premiered exclusively at the 2015 Oscars, giving many Hollywood stars some added sparkle. It’s now one of MajesticSpa’s most in-demand treatments. “We assure that all of our treatments at MajesticSpa are a sensory journey for body, mind and spirit,” Eva explains. “The Diamond Experience Rose Ritual is a luxurious treatment with Damask rose and exquisite pink diamond powder that makes the skin more elastic and smooth, and also helps regain its beauty. Without a doubt, it is the most sensual and effective secret to beautiful skin.” After a gentle exfoliation, skin is nourished with a rich emulsion of Damask rose oil and diamond powder. With a radiant complexion, and a body that feels superstar smooth, toned, and hydrated, you’ll be ready to win your own Oscar (or maybe Felipe or Alejandro!). Ritual Xocoa Delicatessen (75 min/€159) is equally decadent. With triple moisturizing and antioxidant action, it alleviates tension, fatigue, and stress while stimulating your sens- es, and the chocolate aroma and silky smooth feel will leave you feeling invigorated and tasty enough to eat. www.hotelmajestic.es
— Stuart Haggas
NH COLLECTION EUROBUILDING
MADRID, SPAIN
At Spa NH Collection Eurobuilding, “urban oasis” is an understatement. This contemporary hotel that just received a multi-million dollar facelift has been blowing minds for its innovative tech features, including: inductive charging, projector TV in guest bathrooms, million LED lit lobby, etc., though the next- level spa has garnered equal, if not more, attention. The biggest hotel spa in Madrid (43,000 square feet) doesn’t lack in imagination, and it starts with NH Collection Eurobuilding’s fitness center, partnered with Club Metropolitan, a highbrow fitness chain in Spain. Gym rats will appreciate the bi-level gym that includes fitness classes, top (and sexy) trainers, and all the latest workout equipment, including cardio machines that flaunt hi-def screens for TV, music, and Internet with lightning-quick connection. Not everyone is going to the spa to hit the dumbbells, and the most alluring amenities are completely outdoors. The spa is home to a swimming pool with retractable roof, a sun terrace for laying out during the warmer months, and a separate artificial beach to mentally trans- port you to Ibiza. It’s the perfect spot to get fresh air and decompress post work- out and treatments. Guests also have access to the expansive water circuit ($22 per day), the only one of its kind in the city, that includes biothermal showers, Jacuzzi, bubble benches, saunas, a Turkish bath, Scottish shower, and pressure waterfalls, all of which help restore and rejuvenate. Rounding out the experience, the spa offers a boutique spa menu with two treatment rooms. My massage (50 min/$65) was the perfect way to end a day full of rigorous weight train- ing and lazy indulging, shaking off my jetlag blues and spoiling me senseless—Spanish style. www.nh-collection.com
— Jimmy Im
