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Travel Picks: Top 10 spa destinations

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-11-08 09:10

Hydrotherapy, massages and ancient Thai healing practices are just a few of the spa treatments offered to luxury hotel guests around the world.

To help travelers looking for therapeutic relaxation, online hotel specialist website Hotels.com (www.hotels.com) offers its top 10 list of spa hotels.

1. Lyall Hotel and Spa in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne's only privately owned and operated five star hotel, the Lyall Hotel and Spa offers is situated in the heart of South Yarra, in close proximity to dozens of Melbourne's designer fashion stores and world-class restaurants. After a day of shopping, guests can unwind with a hydrotherapy session or Swedish-style massage in one of the spa's eight treatment rooms, set over three floors. The Spa's signature treatment is an Exotic Ancient DIY Rassoul, a must-try.

2. Grand Wailea - The Waldorf Astoria in Maui, Hawaii

Grand Wailea guests can indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment that unites Thalassotherapy with ancient eastern and Hawaiian philosophies. Spa Grande boasts a 4,600 sq. m (49,510 sq ft) palace of indulgence that offers over 100 different treatments, many of which incorporate Hawaiian-grown ingredients. Guests can indulge in the spa's Hydrotherapy Circuit which offers water therapies featuring five aromatic baths to soothe the mind, body and spirit. Alternatively, the signature therapy, Pala'au Journey includes a Lomi Lomi massage that is followed by a full body cocoon and a foot and scalp treatment that utilizes the healing plants of Hawaii.

3. Les Fermes de Marie le Lodge Park in Megeve, France

Famous for its golf and skiing, the town of Megeve, nestled in the French Alps, is vibrant in both winter and summer. With designer furniture, open fireplaces and rustic touches, Les Fermes de Marie Le Lodge Park is a wonderfully atmospheric hotel but the Pure Balance Spa is the real show piece of this hotel. After a day hitting the slopes or hiking through the Alps, guests can enjoy one of the exceptional treatments available such from tailored baths and massages to body scrubs.

4. Hyatt Regency in Hua Hin, Thailand

The Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is host to The Barai residential spa. Guests staying here can enjoy the lush, beachfront land and eight residential spa suites with 18 exotic treatment rooms, a tranquility court and pool for relaxation, yoga and meditation sessions. The Barai offers specialized treatments that combine ancient Thai healing practices with the best of western therapies, focused on the Thai belief of maintaining the vitality and balance of the four elements.

5. Dubai Marine Beach Resort in Dubai, UAE

A unique property with its own private beach, which offers sprawling landscapes and extensive recreational options. This five-star property also has an onsite Aroma Spa designed to soothe and pamper. Guests can choose from a diverse array of treatment options, ranging from holistic aromatherapy, reflexology, to detoxifying algae wraps. The Hot Stone Body Massage utilizes warm stones with essential oils to uplift and relax the body.

6. Le Sirenuse in Positano, Italy

This small but elegant spa hotel is run by the Sersale family and each of the 63 rooms feels like a home away from home. Beauty products from Linie d'Italie are presented to guests on arrival and the Aveda Concept Spa offers top range treatments such as the "Caribbean Therapy" body treatment which includes a body peel, wrap and massage.

7. Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, New Zealand

Millbrook Resort, situated in New Zealand's historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown, in the country's south island, has a backdrop of some of the world's most spectacular scenery. The Spa at Millbrook provides the complete range of therapeutic and beauty treatments for both men and women and includes everything from body polish treatments to specialized facials and stone massages. After their spa treatment, guests can also get a taste of contemporary New Zealand cuisine at The Millhouse, which offers a tantalizing menu, blending European concepts with locally sourced produce.

8. Blue Palace Resort & Spa in Crete, Greece

Crete, renowned for its natural beauty and diverse landscape, is Greece's largest island. With 106 swimming pools, five restaurants and a 2,000 sq. m (21,530 sq ft) spa, there is more than enough luxury to satisfy any traveler at the Blue Palace Resort & Spa. At the hotel's spa, guests can enjoy views of the Mediterranean while being treated to a hot-stone massage. The French specialty Thalgo is used at the resort and the very best of beauty treatments are on offer.

9. Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

For those seeking the ultimate spa treatment, the Rosewood Mayakoba is not to be missed. With a 1,500 sq m (16,150 sq ft) spa situated on its own private island, the Rosewood Spa features 12 treatment rooms and eight spa suites, as well as steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzi and a plunge pool. The treatment menu offers a full range of services including the signature Temazcal Ritual which is performed by a shaman trained in Mexican medicine. Guests wishing to rebalance the mind and body can indulge in Hot-Stone Therapy which releases stress through a relaxing massage using warm volcanic stones.

10. Ritz-Carlton in Berlin, Germany

La Prairie Spa at the Ritz- Carlton, Berlin provides a tranquil retreat for five star relaxation. Offering a complete range of services to cater for the body and the soul, guests can choose to rejuvenate with a simple treatment or indulge with one of the overnight spa packages available. La Prairie offers a wide choice of massages, including the Lomi Lomi Massage and the La Prairie Sea Energy Aroma Massage. The spa also has saunas, a Jacuzzi and an indoor pool to keep guests entertained.