For the May edition of Spirited Travels, our food and travel writer Esther Lim suggests some spa getaways and resort escapades for a relaxing good time.
Has work been getting to you? If you’re looking to rest, rejuvenate and recharge, maybe it’s time for a quick holiday! If that sounds like something like you desperately need, here’s a wee list of spa getaways, resort escapades, and other relaxing-sounding destinations you may want to consider for your next trip.
- Hotel Eden :: Rome, Italy
- Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park :: London, United Kingdom
- St. Regis Goa Resort :: Goa, India
- Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas :: Mauritius
- Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort :: Phuket, Thailand
- Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok :: Lombok, Indonesia
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Homm Saranam Baturiti :: Bali, Indonesia
Hotel Eden, Rome :: Rome, Italy
You may know Rome for its awe-inspiring ancient ruins, beautiful classical architecture and some of the most amazing food that Italy has to offer, but it’s also home to some of the most lavish hotels that will pamper you to the nines. Such as Hotel Eden, run by luxury hotel operator Dorchester Collection. One good reason to put up here if you’re looking to relax? The Eden Spa here has tied up with Swiss luxury skincare brand Valmont to offer exclusive spa packages that aid relaxation and rejuvenation. The signature Valmont 120-minute ‘La Grande Bellezza’ face and body treatment, for example, uses a special butterfly massage technique that’s sure to hit all the right spots. You’ll be all set to explore the city anew after such indulgent treatment.
Hotel Eden | Via Ludovisi, 49, 00187 Roma RM, Italy (Google Maps link) | Check-in time: 3pm; check-out time: 12pm | www.dorchestercollection.com/en/rome/hotel-eden/ | +39 06 478121
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park :: London, United Kingdom
Speaking of luxurious wellness experiences, The Spa at London’s Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park also offers a dazzling array of spa ministrations designed to set you in the most relaxed of moods. There’s an advanced sub-zero cryotherapy facial treatment offered in partnership with award-winning British natural cosmetic brand OSKIA, as well as another in collaboration with Biologique Recherche that refreshes your skin using both massage and electrotherapy techniques. Another tie-up with renowned Swiss medical clinic lets you sign up for nutritional consultations and holistic health workshops. Then there’s award-winning fitness and nutrition member’s club BodySpace, which is also on hand for any kind of fitness and wellness services you might need. You’ll definitely step out of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park feeling really good about yourself.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park | 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, United Kingdom (Google Maps link) | Check-in time: 3pm; check-out time: 12pm | www.mandarinoriental.com/en/london/hyde-park/ | +44 20 7235 2000
The St. Regis Goa Resort :: Goa, India
For a different kind of relaxation, head to The St. Regis Goa Resort. Nestled between the gently-flowing Sal River and the Arabian Sea in South Goa, this idyllic seaside sanctuary is perfect for those who love the sand and surf as well as the green of nature. Here guests can not only frolic on the white sands of its palm-lined tropical beaches, but also luxuriate among the lily-dappled lagoons, an orchid nursery bursting with over 100 orchid varieties, or a nearby estuary flourishing with indigenous flora and fauna. Nature lovers will also appreciate the resort’s green initiatives, which range from composting and sewage treatment facilities, and solar hot water geysers to supply hot water to guest rooms, to an on-site organic vegetable garden for the resort’s chefs and bartenders to tap on for a true farm-to-table experience.
The St. Regis Goa Resort | Mobor, Cavelossim, Goa, 403731, India (Google Maps link) | Check-in time: 4pm; check-out time: 11am | www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/goixr-the-st-regis-goa-resort/overview/ | +91 832 662 1234
Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas :: Mauritius
For another unparalleled resort luxury getaway experience, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas, located along Le Chaland beach on the southeast coast of the island nation, offers a restful time for families and couples looking for privacy. The resort’s newly-renovated luxury two- and four-bedroom pool villas each come with a swimming pool, grassy lawn and shaded deck perfect for idle lounging and lazy picnic lunches. And when you’re fully rested? Dive into activities such guided forest walks or snorkelling trips, or head out to nearby Mahébourg where you can soak into the rich history and culture of the country’s original capital.
Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas | Blue Bay Marine Park, Le Chaland MU, Plaine Magnien 51510, Mauritius (Google Maps link) | Check-in time: 2pm; check-out time: 12pm | www.anantara.com/en/iko-mauritius | +230 651 5000
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort :: Phuket, Thailand
And nearer to home? One of the largest and most popular beachfront resorts on Phuket was recently rebranded and reopened as Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort, giving us a great reason to yet again revisit one of our favourite resort islands in the region. Positioned on spectacular Karon Beach facing the Andaman Sea, this whopping property offers 662 rooms and suites of different types, along with all manner of facilities to suit any kind of recreational need. Pick from three swimming pools to lounge at, relax at the spa, or work up a sweat at the fitness centre and outdoor tennis courts. A kid’s club – complete with a full range of activities for youngsters as well as babysitting services – means you can find your own stress-free private time to unwind.
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort | 333 Patak Rd, Tambon Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand (Google Maps link) | Check-in time: 3pm; check-out time: 12pm | all.accor.com/hotel/C1D6/index.en.shtml | +66 7639 6433
Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok :: Lombok, Indonesia
If you’ve not heard of Lombok, that’s likely because the Indonesian tourist island tends to be overshadowed by its larger – and far more popular cousin – Bali. But Lombok is finally coming into its own especially since reopening to the world after the pandemic, its premium seafront resorts are again attracting those who hankering for unspoiled nature and clean beaches. One of those is Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok, which underwent an extensive renovation during the pandemic period and reopened to refreshed amenities as well as spanking new luxurious hillside villas. With its large lagoon pool complete with a swim-up bar, fitness centre, spa and multiple dining options, you may not even need to venture out to experience the rest of Lomobok and its Sasak culture (though you should).
Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok | Raya Pandanan, Dusun Pandanan, Desa, Sekotong Bar., Kec. Sekotong, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83000, Indonesia (Google Maps link) | Check-in time: 2pm; check-out time: 12pm | www.wyndhamsundancerlombok.com| +66 7639 6433
Homm Saranam Baturiti :: Bali, Indonesia
And of course, there’s always Bali. There’s no shortage of choice on this Indonesian resort island when it comes to a restful escapade, but Homm Saranam Baturiti takes you away from Bali’s generally more boisterous tourist stretches and plonks you right in the fresh air of Bali’s serene central highlands. Surrounded by lush natural landscapes at the foot of Bali’s picturesque Bedugul mountains, the charming mountain resort accords you the perfect refuge to hide away and meditate, but its comfortable and well-equipped facilities – and activities such as cooking classes or traditional craft workshops, as well as organic farm-to-table dining experiences – may prove to be major distractions.
Homm Saranam Baturiti | Jl. Baturiti – Mekarsari, Baturiti, Kec. Baturiti, Bedugul, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia (Google Maps link) | Check-out time: 12pm | www.hommhotels.com/hotels/homm-saranam-baturiti| +62 368 2301000
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