From stress and anxiety to chronic pain, CBD oil has been making quite the name for itself over recent years thanks to its ability to help ease the symptoms of a road range of mental and physical health conditions. And so desirable have its natural calming, soothing and pain-relieving effects become that it’s now possible to find everything from luxury chocolates and beers to soaps and moisturisers infused with it.
A derivative of the Cannabis Sativa plant, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that is deemed both safe and legal for use in the UK, and because it doesn’t cause the ‘high’ that is often associated with illegal cannabis consumption, people of all ages are able to enjoy the benefits. In fact, now, there are even CBD gummies, sweets and lollipops for children to enjoy – under the guidance of both parents and a medical professional, of course.
Increasingly, it’s beginning to see that CBD oil has managed to infiltrate just about every area of our lives, with Kim Kardashian even throwing her friends a CBD-themed baby shower back in 2019 that was packed with pampering treatments and relaxing pursuits.
And now, your favourite luxury hotel might just have something up its sleeve when it comes to leveraging CBD to offer the ultimate relaxation experience, with some of the world’s most forward-thinking brands embracing the trend to deliver some of the very best wellness treatments through their opulent spas.
The Gstaad Palace Spa Hotel, Switzerland
The Gstaad Palace spa launched its unique and innovative signature spa journey experience last summer, in which CBD takes centre stage. Known as the Ritual ID spa experience, this soothing experience aims to calm and restore the skin using only the finest natural ingredients, and includes a decadent body scrub combining CBD oil, rose petals, lavender and dry hemp leaves followed by a relaxing 50-minute massage.
Of course, the picturesque surroundings of the spa play an integral role in the overall experience. Set amidst the rolling green hills and snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, this tranquil retreat allows you to fully unwind and reconnect with nature, and its 1,800-square-metre wellness space, which features nine treatment rooms, saunas, steam baths and a heated outdoor pool, overlooking the breath-taking mountain scenery, is the perfect place to destress from the pressures and strains of everyday life.
Anantara Bophut, Koh Samui, Thailand
The Anantara brand has long been known for its gorgeous luxury hotels and spas. More recently, its Thailand resorts – including the breath-taking Anantara Bophut in Koh Samui – began to offer three new cannabis-infused spa treatments, which combine traditional Thai massage techniques with CBD blended essential oils to leave guests feeling utterly relaxed and rejuvenated.
The Restful Slumber Journey, the Cannabis Stress Release Journey and the Head to Toe Calming Journey incorporate a CBD foot soak and a CBD-infused herbal compress ball, rounding things off with a CBD-infused tea, and unsurprisingly, the treatments have become some of the most popular on its extensive spa menu of Thai and western massages, facials and other wellness rituals.
You can find the same treatments at Anantara’s Bangkok and Chiang Mai resorts, so if you’re planning a longer trip around Thailand, then rest assured that you won’t have to travel far to find your next fix.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
As a city that never sleeps, stress-related insomnia is a common issue amongst the residents as Hong Kong, which is why opulent hotel brand Mandarin Oriental chose its Landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel and spa as the first to pioneer its luxurious CBD sleep therapy treatment.
This decadent 90-minute treatment works from the inside out, with guests starting with a soothing cup of CBD tea before their therapist applies various CBD-infused tinctures and oils to the skin. Then, specialist holistic massage techniques are used to target specific pressure points throughout the body in order to aid relaxation and help you to fall asleep more easily and rest more soundly when it comes to bedtime.
Cliveden House, Maidenhead, UK
The beautiful Cliveden House hotel in Maidenhead is set within sprawling and picturesque walled gardens and is everything a quintessentially English country hideaway should be.
Known for its rich 350-year history, during which it has hosted numerous members of royalty and the aristocracy as well as celebrities from around the world, it’s perhaps unsurprising that it was one of the first in the UK to adopt an innovative CBD spa treatment as part of its decadent spa weekend experiences.
The OTO Sleep Experience includes a personalised 90-minute massage using a series of lavish CBD-infused products and incorporates crystals, gentle music and soothing massage strokes to leave you feeling utterly renewed – but the experience doesn’t end once you leave the treatment room. Afterwards, you’ll be given your own sleep kit, complete with a relaxing pillow mist to help you drift off to sleep with effortless ease, as well as a private 60-minute sound healing or yoga session.
