SOUTH AMERICA
AQLLA SPA AT SUMAQ MACHU PICCHU
MACHU PICCHU, PERU
One may not ordinarily consider a World Heritage Site a wondrous place for spa treatments, but within Sumaq Machu Picchu, the area’s sole luxury hotel, Aqlla Spa offers a serene underground enclave away from tourists and steep hiking trails. In the indigenous Quechua language, “aqlla” means “chosen one,” which defines the spa’s indulgent, locally inspired atmosphere. Ancient Incan sensory experiences abound, from hydrotherapy and fragrance, to soothing sounds and colors. The steam-sauna hut within the spa feels especially detoxifying, helping to boost circulation and purify skin. New to the treatment menu is a three-part quinoa facial (45 min/$55). It makes use of the “super grain” native to the Andes Mountains that’s found on most restaurant menus, but here is used as a facial ingredient for soft exfoliation to nourish, hydrate, and seal in nutrients. Peruvians exalt the earth’s natural wonders, so the Andean Stone (90 min/$110) massage uses stones from the surrounding mountains, “filled with the energy of the Andes,” to help realign your body and energy on a cellular level for a deeper sense of calm and well-being. Aqlla’s staff expertly target the tender legs and backs of travelers weary from the long trek to Machu Picchu. So consider the favorite El Aqlla Massage (90 min/$110) to indulge in three of the spa’s top treatments (including reflexology) in a single session. Then ease into the Jacuzzi for a relaxing, aromatic experience reflecting back on this magical corner of the world. www.machupicchuhotels-sumaq.com
—Kelsy Chauvin
NORTH AMERICA
WILLIOW STREAM SPA AT FAIRMONT EMPRESS
VICTORIA, CANADA
June 2017 saw a grand reopening brouhaha for Victoria’s iconic grand dame property. Completed in two phases, the $46 million restoration and modernization includes a stunning new lobby and restaurant/bar, updated 464 rooms, dramatic Fairmont Gold Lounge with a patio overlooking Victoria’s vibrant Inner Harbour, and, of course, reborn Willow Stream Spa. Local culture, surroundings, and therapies inform each Willow Stream location, and Vancouver Island’s lush nature and oceanfront serves as inspiration and ingredients within this two-floor, 11-room oasis. The Coastal Retreat (90 min/$175) balances sea and land through a seasalt scrub and mud wrap evoking earthy hiking trails, while a lavender massage draws from Victoria’s aromatic, gorgeous lavender fields. I opted for the ocean-centric Salish Sea Vitality (90 min/$175), which spotlights products from local company Seaflora, which utilizes ten different types of seaweed, ocean mud, and marine minerals in its line. My excellent, communicative therapist, Marion, explained every step and instruction clearly, while educating me on seaweed’s mineral-rich properties: it’s apparently as nourishing as mother’s milk, sans nipples. The Salish Sea Vitality commenced with a scrub and wrap, during which several sections of kelp were applied to my body. During the subsequent rinse, a large, rubbery kelp square was given to me as a washcloth, and the shower truly smelled of ocean and nori soon enough, which made me crave sushi. Afterward, it was on to the table for a massage with Sea Kelp Lotion and Seaweed Gel, which was perfectly soothing. Following the treatment, I was handed a bag containing the washclothsized kelp strip that I could refrigerate for up to a week and reactivate for several additional days’ worth of fucoidan and mineral benefits. www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/willow-stream
—Lawrence Ferber
Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Empress, Victoria
EFOREA SPA AT HILTON LOS CABOS
LOS CABOS, MEXICO
Los Cabos stands out from other Mexico beach destinations because it’s teeming with the most notable, luxury-drenched, five-star resorts. You can thank Hollywood since celebrities flock here in private jets (it’s only two hours away by flight), raising the stakes for accommodations, back-bending service, and amenities that spoil you. There are some prominent properties like Las Ventanas, The Resort at Pedregal, Esperanza, and One&Only. While Hilton Los Cabos does not necessarily fit into this pack, it feels close enough. In fact, considering it was originally intended to open as a Waldorf Astoria, it’s one of the better Hilton resorts in the world. If I could give all the reasons how Hilton Los Cabos exceeded my expectations, we’d be here a while, so I’ll focus on the spa, a true highlight, not just for the property but for Cabo in general. Eforea Spa debuted last summer after a multi-million renovation, and it’s a genuine destination spa. The 9,700square-foot, 15-treatment-room sanctuary is imaginative and luxurious. Guests will feel the magic as soon as they enter the alfresco spa entrance that honors local heritage, mirroring a Mexican-style patio with a “living vertical garden wall” (potted herbs are used in treatments), white jasmine, and floating chairs. In addition to a salon and movement studio, each separate men and women’s areas are part of the journey. The men’s facility included a beautifully tiled aromatherapy steam room, sauna and whirlpool in a very spacious, design-forward, chilled-out retreat. Connecting with its holistic vibe, most treatments focus on native rituals with local ingredients, though I opted for a Sports Massage (50 min/$130), which was performed with perfect pressure. The Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub (50 min/$135) used lemongrass so fresh I assume it was plucked straight from their vertical garden. The body scrub obviously exfoliates dead cells (it was mixed with bamboo), but it was the scent and feel of my body that made me avoid immediately getting in the ocean or pool afterward. The spa truly goes all the way for guests, who can make their own bath sea salts or receive a traditional Mayan blessing in the Zen garden. www.hiltonloscabos.com
—Jimmy Im
BANYAN TREE MAYAKOBA
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
At our couples’ massage at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, my husband and I oohed and aahed in harmony. The technique and timing of our therapists was uncannily synchronized. When I first met my therapist, I was skeptical. She was petite and elegant, and I like it hard and rough. But here in Playa del Carmen, a short flight from New York, I found a rara avis that eludes many of the top spas in the West: a therapist with a deep knowledge of pressure points. The Banyan Tree Spa has successfully built a reputation for offering consistent and exquisite spa treatments. All therapists are accredited by Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand and Bintan, Indonesia. Here at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, there’s no question that the brand’s mission is to create a “Sanctuary for the Senses.” Before our massage treatment, we took a journey through eight different hydrothermal therapies in the Rainforest Trail, a private guided sauna experience that is so luxurious you almost feel bad not sharing it. Pro tip: ask for extended time on the Rainforest Trail in order to go back to your favorite stations at your leisure. There’s plenty of space, so don’t hesitate to experience it with a group of friends. For the ultimate luxury getaway, book a Spa Sanctuary Villa, starting at $1,399 per night. This bespoke experience includes unlimited spa treatments. Treatment menu items include Ayurvedic, Balinese, lomi lomi, sports therapy, and Thai classic massages. Though it is unlikely you’ll want to leave your private villa (did I mention that you have your own private outdoor infinity pool and Jacuzzi?). The Mayakoba resort also offers a range of activities and culinary experiences. Taste the fresh catch of the day at the Sands Beach Club or go for a guided Kayak tour through the lagoon. Call the front desk anytime for a complimentary golf-cart ride to the beach, gym, or any other room in the resort. Back at our private villa, my husband and I ordered a bubble bath in our outdoor tub, and let any final worries soak away. Only the nosiest spider monkeys heard our whispered secrets. www.banyantree.com/en/em-mexico-mayakoba
—Allister Chang
Jungle Spa Imanta Resorts, Punta De Mita
JUNGLE SPA AT IMANTA RESORTS
PUNTA DE MITA, MEXICO
Owner Juan Mario Sahagun was so captivated by the pristine coastline along Mexico’s western shores that he lept from his panga (small boat) and swam to shore to further explore what would eventually become Imanta Resorts. The lush, 250-acre jungle retreat is now one of Riviera Nayarit’s most luxurious and coveted getaways, boasting private suites and casas including Casona Jaguar, a 10,000-square-foot showstopper with three bedrooms, private pool, and ocean views. The pampering begins upon arrival with fresh tropical juices and a presentation where guests can choose from handcrafted and organic soaps such as avocado-herb or lavender and oats that are then cut to order and replenished throughout your stay. Days can be filled exploring the private oasis or venturing into nearby Sayulita for a surf lesson and freshly made tacos, but be sure to allow ample time to experience Imanta’s Jungle Spa. Ensconced amid the secluded palms, a concrete and gypsum path imprinted with local foliage such as banana and heliconia leaves reveals open-air treatment rooms. Signature wrap treatments include Birds of Paradise (85 min/$360), which begins with an exfoliation followed by a 30-minute massage and finally a wrap that features locally grown mint and aloe vera. Tarzan’s Facial (85 min/$150) was developed specifically for men and combines deep cleansing and clarifying properties and also includes a foot massage. Standard fare massages; Hot Stone (85 min/$240), Deep Tissue (55 min/$190), Swedish (55 min/$160) are elevated with the use of essential oils and the intoxicating open-air environment. Be sure to allow enough time for a plunge in the outdoor suite’s soaking tub, carved from a single granite boulder. The pink-tinged rocks appear throughout the property and pave the way to other amenities, such as the “Observatorio,” where you can sip mezcal margaritas and take in the sunset. www.imantaresorts.com
—Matthew Wexler
USA
WELLNESS WISDOM
BENICIA, CALIFORNIA
If you’re visiting the charming Bay Area town of Benicia (which, by the way, you should), be sure and stop in lovely Wellness Wisdom for a series of treatments ranging from massage to acupuncture to more unique sessions. Step into this small day spa which celebrates 20 years of destressing this year, right on Benicia’s main drag, and you’ll be transported to a world of serenity. Spend a few minutes in the tranquil lobby under the benevolent eye of a placid Buddha. Then head to the earth-toned treatment rooms for one of their many facials ($75-135) or a Stress Release massage, which combines Swedish, Acupressure, and deep-tissue techniques (90 min/105). You might want to experience the hot stone therapy (90 min/135), which uses these rocks to send heat deep into your tired muscles. With an acupuncturist on staff, Wellness Wisdom offers this meridian-stimulating treatment for healing ($100), but if you want something even more unconventional, experience an acutonics (sound therapy) treatment (60 min/$85). This unique journey uses tuning forks, placed at specific points on the body, to send the sound wave vibrations deep into your body, clearing your chakras and balancing your meridians in quintessentially Northern California spirit. www.wellnesswisdom.us
—Rich Rubin
Ciel Spa at SLS Beverly Hills
CIEL SPA AT SLS BEVERLY HILLS
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA
The recently revamped Ciel Spa at SLS Beverly Hills was the first full-service hotel spa in LA to offer facials and anti-aging treatments featuring Bioloqique Recherche. The cult skincare line’s aestheticians are intensely trained to assess the skin before recommending a treatment, to ensure the skin is healthier and more balanced after every facial. They get results using a combination of quick pulsing finger strokes, plus therapeutic devices like cleansing brushes and ice therapy. Philippe Starck designed the new spa in almost all white, with a minimal look and comfortable couches throughout. Although there is a shower and steam room in the separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, the changing areas are laughably small, so it’s not a place you’d want to hang out. But guests come for the treatments, not the locker rooms, and there is a peaceful co-ed lounge area surrounded by billowy white curtains where you can relax with teas and munchies between treatments. In addition to top-notch custom facials (starting at $200, with an express refresher for $130), and massage (starting at $185), they also offer treatments tailored to LA’s celebrity culture. For about $500 per session, guests can receive IV nutrient therapy specifically designed to boost immunity, offer hangover relief, support weight loss, or anti-aging, delivered by on-staff nurses. You can also saturate your body with oxygen, reduce inflammation and promote wound healing by slipping into their Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (60 min/$250) for a rejuvenating nap. SLS is close to everything in LA, so whether you’re there for a romantic dinner and couple’s massage, or to splurge on an entire red carpet ready package, this trendy spa has you covered www.cielspabeverlyhills.com
—Paul Horne
TOMOKO
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA
As Beverly Hills spas compete for greater size and over-the-top luxury, there is a tiny jewel in the crown of LA spas that’s outshining them all. Tomoko Japanese spa is so understated you could easily miss the entrance on bustling Beverly Drive, but I knew it was special the moment I stepped inside. The receptionist smiled warmly, greeted me by name and suggested I slip into their traditional Japanese sandals, adding with a whisper “Don’t worry about your shoes, we’ll take care of everything.” She led me to a comfortable lounge where I sat by the fireplace while she served tea, lemon water, and impeccably placed chocolates. A few minutes later my therapist escorted me to a large private suite with massage bed, sitting area. and shower. I sipped tea during the 15-minute detox foot soak and reflexology massage which begins every treatment, then moved to the table for the Tomoko massage, which included elements of Swedish and Thai Massage plus stretching (60 min/$210 + 15 minute foot soak). Afterward, the therapist suggested I shower and relax in the suite, before heading back to the lounge, where the bliss continued with ginger tea, cold peppermint water, a Thai coconut-jelly skewer, and the creamiest mochi I’ve ever tasted. Every single design element has been considered, down to the tiny embedded light in the check presenter, which illuminated when I opened it so I could read the bill in the dimly lit room. There are only four large suites and no shared locker room, so at no point during my visit did I ever come into contact with another client, which is probably why this place is a celebrity fave. They also offer a series of couples’ massages starting at $630 for two, and even the option to have sushi from nearby Sugarfish waiting for you after your treatment. Every spa manager in LA should send their staff here for a treatment, because Tomoko is the best of the best—a master class in how to deliver a luxury spa experience. www.tomokospa.com
—Paul Horne
