International Wellness Spas

 

Ananda
Ananda offers a yogic detox program that incorporates traditional yogic cleansing techniques to help remove toxins.

 

Today’s luxury travelers are looking for more than just a comfortable place to lay their heads. They are also in search of destinations that include a variety of sports activities, fine dining, and, perhaps most sought-after, rejuvenation. Enter, the spa. While traditional treatments such as massages and facials are still standard, an increasing number of savvy spa-goers are looking for options to improve their overall well being through unique programs and regimens created to help them feel better inside and out. Here, we share a few standout spas offering unique ways to wellness.

A staple in the wellness spa sector, Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, CA, has been offering visitors a comprehensive approach to overall wellness since its inception in 1940. Integrating a weeklong program of exercise for both body and mind, visitors return year after year to get experience customized experiences. Now the spa has teamed up with technology company SelfOptima to offer the “WellO” guest engagement platform, which gives health assessments, progress charting, ways to stay in touch with the spa’s experts and peer social networking online, designed to keep people connected to the spa, after departure, and to their health regime.

Cavallo Point
Cavallo Point offers guests stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Contemporary King Suites.

All rooms, referred to as casitas, are unique in design. The two largest are the two-bedroom villas suites, which include two bathrooms, a living room, a wet bar and a dining area. Most rooms have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, and is suggested you request one of these rooms specifically when making reservations. Contact Tere Ochoa, spa director ([email protected]).

Well-known for attracting the attention of visitors looking to experience the wonders of wine country, Cavallo Point Lodge, located in Sausalito, just outside of San Francisco offers the best of all worlds. In addition to customized winery tours in nearby Napa and Sonoma, the hotel also hosts a monthly Drink and Dine event, during which a local winemaker or brewer pairs chosen selections with dinner courses prepared by Executive Chef Justin Everett. After indulging in decadent food and drinks, guests will want to visit the 11,00-square-foot, 11-treatment-room Healing Arts Center & Spa, where they can partake in an integrative medicine consultation with Dr. Brad Jacobs, resident medical director. Dr. Jacobs combines the best of modern medicine with traditional healing practices to help guest achieve optimum wellness and tailors to the individual needs of each guest, addressing a variety of concerns, including chronic health issues. Integrative medicine practices and executive workshops and retreats are also offered. The spa recommends booking services at least two weeks in, especially for weekend consultations. Contact Jenny Helling, spa director (jenny.cavallopoint.com; 415-339-4765). 

Rancho La Puerta
Rancho La Puerta stays true to its Mexican roots throughout the property, including the suites, which are referred to as casitas..

The most luxurious rooms are the Contemporary King Suites, which have views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and Historic Suites with city views. It is recommended to book at least two months in advance, especially May through October. Contact Allison Seghesio, travel agent reservations specialist ([email protected] or 888-651-2003).

Spanning the globe, Dubai is arguably one of the most desirable destinations of 2012, and what better reason to encourage clients to visit than to encourage them to rejuvenate both the body and the soul. Madinat Jumeirah is home to Talise Spa, a 26-treatment-room haven that includes two VIP Couples’ rooms, private men’s and women’s changing rooms, sauna and steam room facilities, a hot and cold plunge pool and a communal outdoor swimming pool. In addition to traditional treatments (the Muscle De-Stress Massage is a favorite among jet-lagged travelers), the spa offers Prevention assessments, which are comprehensive programs “designed for individuals who want to take active preventative steps to ensure their body is in the best health.” The programs focus on daily lifestyle concerns, such as weight, diet and other digestive issues, as well as stress, metabolism and hormone imbalances. The programs involve diagnostic tests, yoga classes, and an on-going, customized treatment program. The spa also offers a children’s program, which takes an in-depth look at hereditary factors that may affect the child’s health, including growth issues, metabolism problems, and deficiency issues. To set up an assessment, contact Ioan Bogdan, spa director ([email protected]; 971-4-366-6818).

The property comprises two boutiques hotels, Mina A’Salam and Al Madinat Jumeirah, as well as 29 traditional Arabic summerhouses, referred to as Dar Al Masyaf. All rooms have balconies, some overlooking the gardens and some with a view of the Arabian Gulf. Contact Margaret Paul, general manager, for reservations ([email protected]; 971-4366-6999).

Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Ananda is a destination spa that was once the residence of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. It is “dedicated to today’s traveler, who is looking for innovative ways to restore and rejuvenate his energies.” The most popular wellness services are the signature all-inclusive wellness packages, which range from five-21 nights. Favorites among guests are the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation program, Detox and Yogic Detox program and the Weight Management program. Each of these programs is completely tailor-made to suit each individual’s goals while taking into account their physical and mental conditions. A special 20 percent discount offer is available for single occupancy rates for stays up until March 31 on wellness packages. This discount is applicable on both published rates and travel agent rates. Spa slots should be pre-scheduled to ensure availability. Contact Colin Hall, corporate head of spa operations or ([email protected]) Ritu Srivastava, spa manager ([email protected]).

Because the entire guest experience at Ananda is based around health and wellness, all accommodations at the resort embrace the spa ambience, but the Premium Valley View rooms are the most sought after, as they are located on the 5th and 6th floors, providing guests with a panoramic view of Rishikesh Valley and the Ganges River. Contact Jaideep Anand, general manager ([email protected]).