As they say, if you don’t love yourself, you can’t love anyone else. So why not show yourself some appreciation for all of the hard work you do? You take good care of yourself, look out for others, and meet your deadlines; you deserve a dose of self-love. One lovely idea is to explore spa pampering that goes well beyond the traditional massage or facial. After all, love is a many splendored thing, but so are you. If you are looking for some ideas on how to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day, here are the eight most luxurious spa treatments from around the world to spark your imagination.
Photo: Jumeirah/Facebook
The Most Luxurious Spa Treatments to Treat Yourself to Around the World
1. Eight-handed massage, The Spa of the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, Mauritius
Travel to this tiny island nation off the east coast of Madagascar can be brutal, but once there, seekers of luxury won’t be disappointed. The “Let it go” is an indulgence found few other places in the world. This signature treatment takes place in an overwater villa and originates in Ayurvedic philosophy, aimed to balance the body’s energy and relax the mind. The hands of four highly trained therapists work in synchronicity, like a “dancer’s choreography,” on the body to release stress, emotional weight, and leave the recipient with a sense of total rejuvenation.
Cost: $750 (60 minutes), $1,050 (90 minutes)
2. The perfect 10 spa experience, Spa Montage, Beverly Hills, California
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Meant to get celebrities red-carpet-ready, for those who don’t have such fame it’s just face-the-world ready. The “perfect 10” combines 10 treatments in one day, including a 90 minute body-firming detox treatment of dry brushing and an algae wrap; a 60-minute Swedish massage; a “Beverly Hills” manicure and pedicure, both of which include hot stone massages and a dusting of 24-karat gold; and an L. Raphael “Royal C” treatment, a technologically advanced facial using concentrated oxygen and Vitamin C to “reduce protein fiber damage while enhancing collagen production.” Lucky partakers then head to the Kim Vō Salon for a haircut, color, and blowout. Not limited to just spa treatments, this experience also includes a reserved spa cabana for rest and dips in the mineral wellness pool between treatments, a full lunch, and snacks of pressed juice and fruit, champagne and crudités.
Cost: $5000
3. Ancient Mexican Remedies, The One and Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico
Inspired by traditional indigenous medicine and healing ceremonies, the journey of this one-of-a-kind treatment begins with a smoke bath of copal and aromatic herbs and a purifying foot wash. A sea salt and desert herb exfoliation follows, helping to soften and oxygenate skin. A warm medicinal herb body wrap is then applied and accompanied by a deep massage, then facial cleansing and moisturization. The final leg ends with a kick of strong tea made of cactus root to help the body absorb the benefits of the treatments.
Cost: $675 (180 minutes)
4. The world’s most luxurious spa experience, Talise Ottoman Spa, Dubai, UAE
Photo: Jumeirah/Facebook
This spa at the five-star Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel overlooking Palm Jumeirah boasts a bevy of awards for its pampering skills, from Hotel Spa of the Year 2018 to World’s Best Resort Spa. There’s no scrimping here, and “the world’s most luxurious spa experience” is true to its name. Meant to be enjoyed by two, the experience takes place in a private spa suite and features an Arabian gold hammam, 24-karat gold mask, a skin-softening rose bath, and a “Diamond and Rose” body ritual consisting of an exfoliating massage followed by oils and skin conditioners for velvety soft, younger-looking skin. Because this level of pampering can’t be rushed, it includes a complimentary one-night stay, a caviar and champagne lunch, and spa gifts to go.
Cost: $6800
5. Abhyanga/Shirodhara, Clinique La Prairie, Clarens, Switzerland
La Prairie operates celebrated spas around the globe, so why not head straight to the source? Once there, guests find plenty of luxurious choices, including this classic, eastern combination. The Abhyanga massage uses warm, organic sesame oil and long sweeping strokes to soothe the body, ending with a focused head massage. The addition of the traditional Shirodhara treatment ups the bliss level: It’s a continuous stream of warm sesame oil poured across the forehead and scalp to promote rest. It is said to be particularly good for those who have trouble sleeping.
Cost: $550 (120 minutes)
6. Ultimate Radiance Aesthetic Facial, Peninsula Spa, Hong Kong, China
Photo: The Peninsula Hong Kong/Facebook
A non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasonic waves to stimulate new collagen in the deepest layers of the skin, this facial has nearly immediate results. Without disrupting the skin’s surface, in ways that invasive treatments such as surgery or botox can, this facial reduces wrinkles and combats signs of aging by tightening the skin. Four treatments per week for the first month are recommended, followed by monthly maintenance. A good option for those looking for a luxurious treatment, a big change, and no side effects.
Cost: $875
7. The Ultimate Indulgence Facial, Peninsula Spa, Beverly Hills, California
Not be outdone by anywhere else in the world, Beverly Hills certainly offers up the most in the luxury spa treatment category. This interesting option is science-based: the six-in-one treatment takes advantage of technology to do a lot of work, in just a little time. Diamond-tip microdermabrasion resurfaces the skin, sloughing away dead cells for a dewy glow. Skin is then blasted with oxygen to promote firming, followed by radio-frequency therapy to assist oxygen supply, LED light and color therapy to balance the complexion, air massage to rid the skin of potential toxins, and, finally, electroporation to expose the skin to electricity to improve its capacity to absorb all this good stuff.
Cost: $1500 (120 minutes)
8. Desert Dream, The Spa at Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
Photo: Aman Resorts/Facebook
Taking the usual spa treatment to another level, this expansion of consciousness includes flotation therapy. This treatment begins in a pool of warm water, with gentle cranial sacral therapy and reflexology, before leaving you alone in darkness, left to float untouched in weightless oblivion. A steam shower revives the body before a relaxing aromatherapy massage, ending with a short Crystal Sound bath to enliven all the senses.
Cost: $475 (135 minutes) 