The Quick Escape

September 12, 2014 posted by Stephanie in Lust List

Barai Suites at the Hyatt Regency in Hua Hin, Thailand

It’s that time of the year when the long vacations are over and the BER months are rapidly becoming BLUR months. Things pick up pace so quickly and I find it quite hectic to juggle all the social events, work commitments and family life. Sometimes you just want to hit pause, relax, take a breather and escape. The problem is finding the time. A good Spa weekend getaway during this crazy season is definitely something to lust over for. 

Based on Agoda.com’s recently released list of 2014’s Best Hotel Spas Around the World, here are some that we’ve fallen for. All of them are extremely accessible from Manila and perfect for a quick weekend. Or why not call in sick and escape for the day to the Deverana Spa at the Dusit Thani which proudly made it to the global list! Shh… we won’t tell!

 Happy lusting!

 Love and light, Stephanie

Hotel name: Dusit Thani Manila, Philippines

Spa Name: Devarana Spa

Details: In Manila’s buzzing Makati business and shopping district, Devarana Spa offers six beautiful therapy rooms, five types of spa treatments, and several packages to suit every need. Guests score the Pampering Programme highly, which offers body scrubs, jet lag recovery treatment, and a half day steam, bath, exfoliation, and reflexology massage. Relaxing water treatments, mud and algae wraps, or fruit peel body scrubs are available to ensure that guests leave relaxed and ready to take on the world.

Customers say: “Although staff surely meets and greets hundreds of people every day, they seemed to care about you as an individual. All services we used (including spa and pool) were flawless.” – Torben, Sweden

Hotel name: Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia

Spa name: Spa on the Rocks

Details: There is no better view for enjoying a spa treatment than being perched atop craggy boulders of the Ayana Resort with sweeping views into the Indian Ocean. Perhaps a hot shell or deep tissue massage is what the doctor ordered, or opt for a tingly boreh body masque to get things started. Connect with the past by enjoying the lulur body scrub, once reserved for Javanese princesses. They also have packages that focus on stress relief, post-wedding rejuvenation, or seawater thalassotherapy.

Customers say: “The hotel and service was amazing!The spa really does warrant its award winning status too.” – Margaret, UK

Hotel name: The Barai Suites and Spa at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Thailand

Spa name: The Barai Spa

Details: The award-winning Barai Spa was designed by noted Thai architect and designer Lek Bunnag. It offers 18 treatment rooms spread across 18,500 sq.m of lush beachfront property. Treatments are based around the four elements of earth/air/water/fire and aim to release stress, restore balance, invite beauty, and increase energy. Guests can spoil themselves with aloe vera healing wraps, mud and oil facial treatments, and even custom designed rituals for teens, gentlemen, and expectant mothers.

Customers say: “The spa is mind blowing. The location adjacent to the beach is ideal for taking early morning and late afternoon strolls.” – Raymond, UK

Hotel name: Banyan Tree, Bangkok, Thailand

Spa name: Banyan Tree Spa

Details: If one needs a break from the buzz of Bangkok, the Banyan Tree Spa provides an oasis among the skyscrapers. Its well-deserved reputation stems from its emphasis on Eastern therapies focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony. Choose from a wide selection of herbal enhancers, masks and scrubs, to his + her rejuvenation packages, to full-day treatments that include delicious Thai cuisine. If you have time, definitely try the tropical rain mist, a signature Banyan Tree combination of rain shower and steam bath.

Customers say: “Banyan Tree maintains its luxurious touch, excellent service (the spa and gallery employees I spoke to were obviously very happy in their jobs and empowerment by Banyan Tree). Happy staff, happy guests.” – Lenca, Singapore

Hotel name: Equarius Hotel at Resort World Sentosa, Singapore

Spa name: ESPA at Resort World Sentosa

Details: Sprawling across 10,000 sq.m, ESPA Spa is known for having Singapore’s first authentic Turkish Hammam, a cousin of the Roman bath which focuses on water instead of ambient steam. Guests can spend time in soothing vitality pools, a forest onsen, saunas, steam rooms, and more. Book a private garden or beach villa suite for a signature treatment such as body balancing, hot stone, and detox programs. Other facilities include personal trainers, nutritional advice, and an ultra-relaxing sleep zone to let the treatments really sink in while you recuperate.

Customers say: “The pool access room is very nice, excellent room service and the best spa that I have ever been to.” – Qiaoling, Singapore

Hotel name: The Peninsula, Hong Kong

Spa name: The Peninsula Spa

Details: When visitors to Hong Kong want a treat, they need not look further than the renowned Peninsula Spa. Offering 14 treatment rooms with amazing views over the iconic Victoria Harbour, the richly decorated spa offers personalized consultations give guests the ultimate in bespoke service. A full menu of massage styles is available, including deep tissue, Swedish, Thai, and Balinese, while steam rooms, saunas, and aromatherapy showers complete the package. Unique tailored half-day “spa journeys” offer treatments including detox, anti-cellulite, de-stress, and bride- and mother-to-be. High praise has been given for the Four Hands Synchronised Massage that sees two masseurs work in tandem for the ultimate rejuvenating experience.

Customers say: “Great service throughout the hotel…attention to detail made such an impression. The spa facility was amazing.” – Jodi, Australia

Hotel name: MGM Macau

Spa name: Six Senses Spa

Details: In the world’s largest gambling center (seven times larger than Vegas), it’s not surprising that there’s a need for a world-class spa. Combining Asian therapies with Six Senses’ fitness and beauty treatments, experienced therapists provide Chinese treatments like Shiatsu or Tuina, and Thai, Swedish, and Balinese massage styles. A full suite of facial therapies, scrubs, wraps, acupressure, and aromatherapy are on the menu, plus Reiki and fitness consultations. Guests rave about the flotation pool, with a 27% salt level, and even a snow room, which cools the body and gives skin a wonderful tingly feeling.

Customers say: “Close to Macau’s historic district. The spa was great, a really relaxing atmosphere.” – Kim, USA