Chances are “the weather outside is frightful” in your corner of the world, much like everywhere else in the northern hemisphere. What to do, what to do? Well, what one usually does in situations such as these: dream of a place where the weather is sunny all year round, where you have absolutely zero worries, and where you can simply abandon yourself at the hands of someone who can simply pamper you round the clock. Basically, what you need, sister, is one long, expensive, fully indulgent spa day. Or, at least one such day. Luxury spas abound throughout the vast expanse of the United States, but how do you know which one to choose? How can you tell which spas are actually worth their hefty price tags and which will basically get you ripped off? Obviously, there is no foul-proof method here, but what you can do is trust travelers such as yourself, in search of utter comfort, reviewers and online spa gurus. Such as ourselves. Read on, for a brief overview of the three best spas in all of the world.
The Golden Door, Escondido, CA
Since Deborah Szekely, founder of the Golden Door franchise, first opened the doors of this lavish destination in SoCal, tourists have literally never stopped pouring in. The location is remote and secluded, and the beautiful, Asian-inspired building complex lies tucked away from view in a green nook of San Diego County with plenty of vegetation. The architecture of the place was largely inspired by traditional Honjin inns, as was the entire facility, as well as the amenities it offers. It is located on 377 acres of land, only five miles away from Escondido. It boasts no fewer than nine treatment rooms, an herbal wrap area, a tub for hydrotherapy, a sauna, a steam and, of course, a hot tub. If you stay the night, you will be put up in one of the forty luxurious guest rooms. On the premises you can enjoy hiking, or simply explore the grounds, decorated with a koi fish pond, Japanese gardens and an antiques collection that is actually worth millions!
The Malliouhana Spa, Anguilla
The history of the Malliouhana does not reach as far back into the past as that of the Golden Door. However, the hotel and spa opened nearly thirty years ago is awe-inspiring when it comes to luxury and comfort standards. The setting is impeccable. The hotel is perched atop a cliff by the ocean, covered in lush greenery. The ample suites are furbished with rattan furniture and marble-clad bathrooms. The spa makes no exception to the overall luxurious atmosphere: it covers no less than 15,000 square feet, has a staff of 25 and offers such varied opportunities for relaxation as one-to-one basketball with a personal trainer, Ocean Oasis massage with marine mud. The hotel actually has three specially dedicated spa suites, which make this an ideal location for hen spa party breaks. Fly your BFFs over to Anguilla and enjoy five individual treatment rooms, an outdoor treatment area, a Jacuzzi with a view to the ocean, goodies from the spa boutique or intense training at the gym—whatever floats your boat goes in Anguilla.
The Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai, HI
If tranquility is the tune you’d like to hear playing in the background to your pampering respite, then choose the Hualalai Four Seasons resort. It’s brand new, has jaw-dropping beautiful views from all suites, polished floors, and traditionally Hawaiian artifacts to decorate the premises. It even has a pond pool (The King’s Pond), complete with all sorts of species of fish and two manta rays you can have fun with, while feeding them. Obviously, the ubiquitous infinity pool could not be absent from this setting, nor could the Water of Life garden, the whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and cold plunges. Facials and body treatments are utterly exotic, with products made entirely from organic, locally harvested produce (sea salt and macadamia nuts are two of the main ingredients). Ah, to dream of luxury…
