Resort to These: 5 Paradise Spas
From the thermal resort in Austria to an ocean idyll in Seychelles, we bring you five photogenic spas that are sure to feel like heaven on earth.
Set amidst soaring mountains and azure waters, these spas are probably the closest you’ll get to experiencing paradise. They might be off the grid but we think the service and breathtaking views are worth every bit the hassle of flight transfers.
Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives
Accessible by a traditional boat known as a dhoni, this spa has six massage cabins and two Orchidée Villas, the latter a collaboration with Guerlain. Those familiar with the resort but not the spa should take note that the spa is off on its own island, which is unsurprising for the Maldives. So even at the secluded Cheval Blanc, on Noonu Atoll, you can achieve new levels of privacy and peace of mind here.
Amangiri
The resort known as Amangiri is legendary; it is rated 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and earns a 9 out of 10 score at Mrandmrssmith. The spa offers something truly exotic for Asian travelers: Navajo and Hopi treatments and the splendour of the American Southwest. Spanning 25,000 sq ft, the spa offers massages, scrubs, wraps and flotation therapy in its many pavilions, rooms and terraces.
This Canyon Point Utah resort is set in the midst of stunning desert topography, as you can see here.
Aqua Dome
This thermal resort in Austria has more than five themed sauna rooms. Shown here is the aptly named The Barn Sauna, designed to look like an old-fashioned stable with its wooden beams and lamps. No horsey smells here though, just essential oils (infused in the hay!) and a comfortingly warm environment.
The Aqua Dome boasts 12 pools, including river basins, basin pools and even activity pools, which give you an Instagramable view of the Ötztal Alps.
With a view like that, what else can you do but lounge around the whole day? The resort is in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for 2015, if such accolades matter to you.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
They call this an island refuge. We’re not refuting that claim. The Seychelles are already one of the most isolated places on earth and have only been occupied by humans since 1770, with no indigenous peoples. As such, it is one of the rare places that you can easily visit that is also relatively untouched by human activity. 
One of the highlights on the menu at the Four Seasons spa here is the Starlight Massage. It is administered on the rooftop after sunset and, while the tight knots in your muscles are skilfully kneaded away, you soak in the sounds of the Indian Ocean and the night breeze.
Four Seasons Resort, Seychelles
Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
This resort, located in Brescia (northwest Italy), scores full marks from TripAdvisor and a quick Google search reveals under 150,000 results. In short, it is amazing and not that many people know about it. Besides pools and sauna rooms, the spa has two relaxation rooms, including the Sunset Relaxation Area, shown here (above).
You’ll find this resort on Lake Garda (that’s Lago di Garda in english) in an 11-hectare natural park surrounded by hills and olive trees.
A version of this story, written by Pearlyn Tham, was first published in L’Officiel Singapore.
