Lefay Dolomiti, a modern sustainable luxury wellness resort in the Italian Dolomites is set in a national park with world-class skiing and hiking outside its doors, plus a 50k sq ft spa (one of the largest in the Alps) with an innovative approach that blends Classical Chinese Medicine with Western scientific research, and a culinary program to compliment the spa, as well as the hotel’s natural setting. The resort’s sustainable design and practices have earned it Green Globe certification and other accolades. Ideal for active/wellness vacations with hiking and skiing outside its door, and family friendly as well. Don't miss the glass-walled sauna overlooking the alps, Sir.J didn't.
The first Lefay Resort, set in the hills above gorgeous Lake Garda, is also in a national park. Lefay Garda offers the “Lefay Spa Method” which is a 3- or 5-day experience that starts with a meeting with a doctor to prescribe treatments, teas, saunas and other experiences targeted to your own health. There is a panel of eastern and western doctors who have developed the programming at the resorts, and the spas are extensive. With four different areas (based on Chinese medicine, for different “moods” with different temperature saunas and pools), a fun experience of spa discovery. J.MAK himself approves.
The Tschuggen Grand in the Swiss Alps has a spa with award-winning design by Mario Botta that includes a series of skylights (pictured left) to bring in natural light. The hotel is also fully sustainable and features a great wellness program called Moving Mountains with activities to take you into the Alps with activities like torch-lit evening hikes and sledding. The spa has a meandering pool with different areas of different temperatures (including an indoor-outdoor aspect), which pe.PR experienced last week.
NIHI SUMBA's super-unique “Spa Safari” experience involves a hike (or drive) through rice paddies to its spa treehouse-like pavilion with plunge pool and open-air treatments where guests experience a half day of pampering and lunch. Their motto is “the edge of wilderness” and they strive to maintain that feeling in all the resort does. It’s set on the still-very-native Sumba Island with little development beyond local tribal communities. Just ask CRO.ME, who got to experience it on her honeymoon.
The Spa at Canaves Oia Suites is set in the oldest part of the Canaves Collection, the original 17th century wine cave that birthed the whole collection. This is the cave that the family inherited and sparked the idea of creating a luxury hotel in Oia, where none had existed yet. The spa is not expansive, or extensive in terms of treatments, but in an unforgettable setting for relaxation.
You might know that Saint James Paris is the only chateau-hotel in Paris surrounded by its own gardens. When the hotel completed its total redesign in Spring 2022, it reopened with gorgeous new interiors by hot French Designer Laura Gonzalez, including a new indoor pool with skylights and custom plaster sculptural works along the walls. Set in the posh 16th Arr., where the wealthy Parisians live, the Saint James and its spa offer a respite of calm from the city. The spa is a partnership with famed French beauty brand, Guerlain, like the spa in its sister hotel Relais Christine on the Left Bank.
Charming Parisian hotel Relais Christine in the Left Bank, recently announced a new signature treatment in its Spa Guerlain, which is set in a 13th century former abbey space on the hotel's first floor with limestone walls and vaulted ceiling. A very atmospheric space for a spa and one of only 2 Guerlain spas outside of Paris' famed Guerlain institute (the other is at sister hotel, Saint James Paris).
For the third year in a row, Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como's Spa was recognized as Italy’s Best Hotel Spa by the World Spa Awards™.
Located in the historic Villa Roccabruna, the Spa reopened this year with a new face: six treatment rooms including two private Spa Suites, a zen garden, a redesigned wet area overlooking the lake with a whirlpool, ice pool, saline bath experience showers, Finnish sauna and steam bath.
In addition, the largest floating infinity pool, designed by the Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, is perfect for relaxing while being lulled by the gentle waves of the lake, admiring the breathtaking view.
Take in a NYE show (then hit the spa the next morning, like D.BER!) at Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden in Old Town Palma, Mallorca. The hotel is hosting an exclusive NYE event with a variety show inspired by Broadway musical films, which will take guests on a journey through time from "Chicago" to the Blues Brothers. The celebration runs 7:30pm to 2:30am and includes an elegant dinner featuring Gillardeau oysters, Oscietra caviar, lobsters, scallops, prawns and delicious foie gras accompanied with extraordinary wines and champagnes.
Tickets to the exclusive event: