As temperatures drop this winter, nothing sounds better than a bit of pampering. And from the latest virtual reality spa experiences to natural remedies from the Thai jungle, why not consider experiencing 2018’s top wellness trends?
See below our pick of the finest winter wellness experiences to set you up for the year ahead.
Virtual Reality Facial above Barcelona’s skyline…
In this tech-dependent digital age, one of the biggest trends in the wellness industry is still technology. Spa technology has become increasingly sophisticated, this includes the 43 The Spa at Hotel Arts Barcelona who is offering a new dimension in beauty experience with its Mindful Touch facial at 43 The Spa.
Complemented by an immersive virtual reality video inspired by the concept of mindfulness, guests are mesmerised in a state of thoughtful awareness that helps them clear their mind from everyday stress, and into a space of beauty and tranquillity. The Mindful Touch is an innovative and trailblazing venture within the spa sector, in which the results of the 360º experience combines Natura Bissé’s effective facial with virtual reality, mindfulness and the power of touch.
With wrap around views of Barcelona city and the azure of the Mediterranean, 43 The Spa at Hotel Arts Barcelona is located on the 43rd floor and offers open air terraces offering panoramic views, eight fully equipped treatment suites, hydrotherapy pools, saunas and steam baths and extensive menu of treatments by the prestigious luxury Spanish skincare brand Natura Bissé. www.hotelartsbarcelona.com/en
Discover the antidote of Thailand’s jungle…
One of 2018’s biggest wellness trends is a move to shift our reliance on pharmaceuticals towards more natural remedies – and as a nod to this increasing trend, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is inviting guests to the depths of the Thai jungle for a natural detoxifying journey at the resort’s Wana Spa.
The resort’s holistic wellness approach relies on and harnesses the natural powers and exotic fragrances of Thailand. Guests are enticed into a blissful state of relaxation, using locally sourced herbs, natural combinations of fresh coconut, banana leaves, pure honey and fragrant aromatic oils designed to promote healing. Skilled therapists base their treatments on age-old local Thai techniques and offer a wonderfully restorative and therapeutic experience with a strong sense of location. www.phiphiislandvillage.com
Solitude and Spa Splendour…
A growing trend in the wellness industry, ‘wellness architecture’ is reshaping the luxury travel sector, providing spaces that are not only structurally beautiful, but also comfortable, functional and sustainable. The spa experience ideal for solitude seekers this winter, D-Resort Gocek in Turkey offers a solo hammam experience with all of the indulgence of the famous Turkish hammam and the added bonus of complete privacy.
Their completely private, white marbled hamman offers an ‘indulgence hamman ritual’ which is a total body experience that caresses the skin, revitalises the body and calms the mind. This traditional experience starts by a therapist deeply cleansing the skin with a Turkish towel mitt, followed by a full body foam massage and nourishing body mask with aromatic oils of Sweet Orange and Rose Geranium.
The hammam itself is stunning and made with the finest Turkish marble. The spa also has two private abachi wood saunas, a steam room and a vitality pool. One floor of the spa is dedicated to traditional, as well as Asian massages, and also has single treatment rooms. The spa only uses ESPA products and the ESPA trained therapists offer a full range of body and beauty treatments at the spa as well as massages on the secluded beach. www.dresortgocek.com
Treat yourself to a Royal worthy massage…
And for the ultimate over-indulgence this winter, designed to befit royalty of any Kingdom and proven to shift guests into a further state of relaxation is the Four Hand Royalty Massage at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s spa.
With a boom in healthy-ageing holidays to help maintain a youthful glow, The Four Hand Royalty Massage uses Arabic Musk Oil, which is not only used to treat wrinkles, but helps to calm the mind and provide relief from anxiety and stress. Performed by two therapists in synchronisation, this unique experience combines slow relaxing motions for deeper movements and to reach the target of the problem – which is the same effect as having two full massages. Guests will leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated to enjoy the comforts of their stunning, private villas that are truly fit for a king. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/middle-east/bahrain
A transformational travel experience….
Experiential Travel was so last year. 2018 is all about Transformational Travel. No longer just content to merely experience whale watching or paragliding – travellers now want to transform themselves on holiday.
A Moroccan Mecca for all things wellness, the glamourous Es Saadi Marrakech Resort has launched a new wellness weekend detox package for those looking for a powerful transformational wellness experience. With a three-day two-night itinerary, including ten carefully chosen spa treatments, full board of healthy, balanced and organic meals and unlimited access to the Palace Spa facilities and Oriental Thermae, it is truly an ideal healthy getaway.
Es Saadi’s wellness weekends offer a mixture of brand new treatments and traditional Moroccan therapies, all working together to provide the most holistic rejuvenation and relaxation. Es Saadi’s Oriental Thermae offers an array of dry or humid heat baths, combining the virtues of colour and music as well as Oriental fragrances. There is also yoga in the hotel’s lush and exotic gardens, and delectable, nutritious food in between treatments to ensure that guests receive the ultimate physical and mental rest.
Treatments take place in Es Saadi Palace’s expansive spa, which was the Winner of ‘Best Luxury Wellness Spa in Africa’ in the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards. Fully encompassing mindful wellness throughout, guests can meditate in the gardens surrounded by beautiful trees and plants, enjoy S.L.O.W. (sustainable, local, organic and wellness focused) food, relax in the stunning spa, and enjoy a manicure or pedicure in a private salon whilst taking in the views of the city. Prices start from £1,967 for the three-day wellness weekend Detox & Vitality Programme package, inclusive of room rate in the Es Saadi Palace. www.essaadi.com/en
