THE VENUS SPA at CuisinArt has 16 treatment rooms. Seen here is the balcony of a Couples Suite.

THE VENUS SPA at CuisinArt has 16 treatment rooms. Seen here is the balcony of a Couples Suite.

Travelers headed to the Caribbean have countless options when it comes to spa destinations, but we say foodies are in for a special treat as well at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla.

The resort is popular among honeymooners, who prefer the privacy of the Beachfront Junior Suites, as well as multigenerational families that have an inclination for the spacious Beachfront Two Bedroom Suites with views of Rendezvous Bay. Meanwhile, Deluxe Beachfront Junior Suites have an additional solarium off the master bath, and Beachfront One Bedroom Suites offer 1,800 square feet of space with a separate full living room, full bath and a large balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

For larger groups, the resort’s Beachfront and Garden Villas have their own courtyard entrance, living and dining areas, full kitchens, master suites and solariums, as well as additional courtyard guest suites.

Spa therapists at Seven Stars specialize in a variety of massage techniques designed to improve circulation, detoxify the body and release tension.

Spa therapists at Seven Stars specialize in a variety of massage techniques designed to improve circulation, detoxify the body and release tension. 

So, what’s all the new foodie fuss about? CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is home to the first and only Hydroponic Farm at a resort and grows most of the fresh fruits, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs used in all four of the property’s restaurants and bars as well as the Venus Spa.

Hydroponics is the science of growing plants in water. Executive Chef Jasper Schneider and his culinary team use ingredients from the farm to create the dishes served across the property, including Le Bistro at Santorini, Tokyo Bay, Café Mediterraneo and Italia. Private beach dinners can also be arranged for Villa guests.

For guests in search of an exclusive VIP dining experience, the Chef’s Table, served in a private room at Le Bistro, offers a multi-course menu that combines Chef Schneider’s inspiration with the freshest ingredients harvested that same day. All courses are paired with wines specially selected from the resort’s wine cellar. 

Note: Chef’s Table is held on Wednesdays and has limited seating, so we recommend guests reserve a spot at the time of booking. Contact Ena Boasman-Hodge ([email protected]), chef concierge, Clefs D’Or.

The Venus Spa, spread across 27,000 square feet, has 16 treatment rooms, including Couples and VIP suites with outdoor terraces and showers, wet rooms, massage and facial rooms and a Men’s Club Room. The most requested treatments here are The Anguillian Massage and Caribbean Warm Stone Massage, but, we say, spa-goers should opt for one of the several treatments and products inspired by the herbs grown onsite. The spa’s “fresh scrub bar” is made with ingredients harvested daily and guests can choose a specially formulated sea salt or sugar scrub combined with their choice of fresh lavender, lemongrass, rosemary or mint.

Other treatments include the Caribbean Sea Salt Glow, which uses a blend of Italian olive oil and marine salts, infused with essential flower oils and fresh seaweed to deeply cleanse and promote anti-aging, while the Hydra Dew Facial uses amino acid palmitoyl proline, B vitamins and minerals to help combat fine lines and rehydrate skin.

In addition to the unique treatments and amenities offered, Venus Spa also recently welcomed its new spa director, Catherine Phillips. She holds a holistic health practitioner certificate and is trained in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Her previous roles include director of spa and regional advisory council leader at St. Kitts Marriot Resort, as well as spa operations supervisor at The Spa at Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma. Phillips is also an avid volunteer, and plays active roles in the American Cancer Society, “Look Good Feel Better Program” and the Women’s Wellness Conference, among others.

Phillips’ experience as a wellness professional spans more than 20 years, and using her background in spa, salon, hospitality, holistic health, fitness and customer service, she plans to elevate the space by adding new and improved treatments using on-site Hydroponic plants.

To schedule an appointment, guests can contact Phillips directly at 011-264-498-2000 before or during their stay.

Venus Spa also has a customized Healing Waters Pool with built-in lounges and soothing hydrotherapy jets. Here, guests can soak in warm nutrient- and mineral-enriched salt water known for its healing properties, or opt for other water treatments such as an Aqua Massage or Aqua Reflexology.

Guests can also visit the Spa Boutique, which offers a selection of clothing and accessories, as well as cosmetics, skin-care products, body and nail treatments from Repechage, Rusk and OPI among others.

Looking for VIP services? Requests can be sent to the Director of Sales and Marketing Angelique Peterson ([email protected]). Meanwhile, Stephane Zaharia ([email protected]), vice president and general manager of CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa also welcomes contact from agents sending VIP clients to the resort.

Seven Stars Resort & Spa

Surrounded by white-sand beaches and the Princess Alexandra National Park marine preserve in Turks and Caicos, Seven Stars Resort & Spa (formerly Seven Stars Resort) has a newly expanded spa, which now offers a refreshed menu of treatments and services focused on health and wellness.

Accommodations range from junior, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, but we hear the Ocean Front One-Bedroom Suites are a favorite among guests as they provide the best views of the water.

Now, back to the spa. The facility has six treatment rooms, including two new couples massage rooms, a multi-station manicure and pedicure suite and a relaxation area. Guests can also opt for a massage at one of the spa’s new outdoor cabanas, situated on west deck of the property overlooking Grace Bay Beach.

Hint: Guests, who are traveling with children and are looking for a bit of “me time” at the spa can take advantage of the resort’s complimentary kid’s club, babysitting services and activity programs. 

Seven Stars’ expanded menu of spa services focuses on overall wellness and soothing of both mind and body, and each of the spa’s therapists specialize in a variety of massage techniques designed to improve circulation, detoxify the body and release tension. We hear that The Deep Tissue Massage is popular among guests, along with the Seven Stars Signature candle massage, which includes fragrant soy candles melted into an essential oil massage lotion.

Spa-goers interested in medical treatments can opt for Reflexology, a detoxifying seaweed wrap, or Advanced body therapy, which includes a series of massages that heal and restore the body’s needs. Anti-aging treatments are also available and include two facials: Optimizer, designed to firm and lift the skin using a series of micropeels, moisturizers and a firming mask; and Vital-Élastine, aimed at eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and promoting a healthy complexion, hydration and nutrition. The spa also has a new Custom Package, which provides the opportunity to design a personalized program of services and treatments based on individual preferences.

The Spa at Seven Stars uses products by Yonka, a French brand, and guests can purchase the line of essential oils and other amenities at the spa’s newly expanded retail space.

Good to know: Children under the age of 16 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

To book an appointment, contact Orla O’Boyle ([email protected]), spa director.

For visitors, who prefer to take an active approach to wellness, the resort also offers guided yoga classes, a 24-hour gym, tennis courts and complimentary watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling along Grace Bay Beach. Looking to get active, but want to stay dry? Guests can ask for bikes at the resort to explore the island.

Tip: The resort offers a Heart of The Islands Tour and Cave Exploration with a boat trip to two nearby islands, and a land excursion to North and Middle Caicos visiting historic sites, caves, a flamingo pond and beaches. Contact Alden Durham ([email protected]), the head concierge, to book a tour during your stay.

In addition to the recently expanded spa offerings, Seven Stars Resort & Spa also updated the menus at its two restaurants, Seven and The Deck. New dishes are created using freshly prepared seafood, steak and produce. Guests can also request to have a meal prepared in-suite by the resort’s personal chef.

Executive Chef Edwin Gallardo also offers a five-course tasting menu at Seven Restaurant & Bar, along with wine pairings designed to accentuate the flavors of each dish. Visitors interested in taking their culinary experience to the next level can also participate in one of the weekly on-property mixology workshops. Led by mixologist Nicolò Fiammarelli, the workshop focuses on the Seven Signature Margarita.

Travel agents looking to make reservations for VIP clients can contact General Manager Ken Patterson ([email protected]) directly.

THE AWAY SPA at W Retreat and Spa, Vieques Island has 10 treatment rooms, a manicure/pedicure facility and a hair salon.

THE AWAY SPA at W Retreat and Spa, Vieques Island has 10 treatment rooms, a manicure/pedicure facility and a hair salon.

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island

Ocean-front accommodations, panoramic views and a tranquil spa can all be found at W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island. Here, guests can appreciate the Puerto Rican sunrises, sunsets, white sands, and be pampered in between at The Away Spa, designed with both relaxation and rejuvenation in mind.

The facility comprises 10 treatment rooms (some with sea views), private outdoor showers, a manicure/pedicure facility and a hair salon. Services include over 30 treatments in body therapy, facials, hair styling, nail care, waxing and fitness, all provided in a Zen-inspired environment with a focus on earth, wind and water.

We hear the Away Signature Massage is a favorite among visitors and can be booked as either a 50- or 80-minute session. Designed to detoxify the body, spa mixologists blend a special potion of oils to suit individual treatment needs, and then apply the latest massage techniques. Looking for a hydrating facial? The 50-minute Away Signature Facial is also a popular choice and is meant to hydrate and soothe skin to adjust the individual’s unique complexion.

For lovers of all-natural remedies, the Papaya & Pineapple scrub is a combination of papaya, pineapple, and finely crushed grape seeds (sounds good enough to eat!). Rich in vitamin A and alpha-hydroxy acids, the scrub naturally breaks down inactive proteins in the skin to improve elasticity and reveal a healthy complexion.

Tip: When booking a massage, ask for Pamela Gonzalez.

Away Spa uses Sue Devitt, Osea and Natura Bisse products throughout its menu, as well as custom-made amenities created using local plants and mineral ingredients. For instance, Café Con Coco body scrub is made from Puerto Rican Coffee grounds, sea salts and coconut shavings. Spa-goers also have their choice of a variety of spa lifestyle lines, including Moroccan Oil, Love + Toast, Poetic License and Tokyo Milk.

Relaxation at W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island doesn’t end after leaving Away Spa. Guests looking for total tranquility can opt to stay in the resort’s Wow Ocean Front Retreat, offering 1,400 square feet of space with a private balcony, patio, panoramic views and direct access to the beach.

When it’s time to get out and explore after a full day of rejuvenation, guests can choose from a range of activities offered onsite at either of the property’s two private beaches, or throughout the surrounding area. Horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing can all be arranged. Other unique experiences include mangrove tours through the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge and moonlight excursions to Bio Bay.

Nice Touch: The resort is pet-friendly and provides a “Pets Are Welcome (PAW)” program for guests visiting with a furry friend. The PAW program includes a custom W pet bed, food and water bowl with floor mat, pet-in-room door sign and special treat at turndown.

The luxury travel advisor liaison here is Rafael Montalvo ([email protected]), who can also connect you with onsite contacts.