To help overcome the stresses and tensions brought about by global events over the past year, we have compiled our picks for the best spa openings and trends in 2021.
Coastal Spas
The ocean’s healing power provides a plethora of psychological and physical health benefits—essential minerals for healthy skin, the sound therapy of gently lapping waves or the release of endorphins from taking a dip in warm waters. These coastal spas take inspiration from the bountiful gifts the ocean provides.
Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
The Spa at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru has been on top of its game for years. Renowned for helping guests cultivate a more meaningful connection with themselves, this is the only hotel in the world set in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This year, The Spa at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru introduces AyurMa, a new concept to enrich the spa experience. It offers treatments including panchakarma—the famous Ayurveda detoxification—as well as moonlit massages and exciting aerial yoga. AyurMa takes its inspiration from the self-healing philosophy of Naturopathy. For a truly secluded retreat, nothing beats a sunset meditation on a Maldivian island.
King’s Mansion, Goa, Western India
The King’s Mansion is the hottest new luxury wellness spot, soon opening in Northern Goa. With a focus on immunity and healing through Ayurvedic medicine and innovative holistic practices, the King’s Mansion spa is the perfect retreat for those who want to be inspired in making long-lasting lifestyle changes they’ll bring home. The concept was developed by a world-renowned wellness consultancy that helped global brands like Clinique La Prairie and Four Seasons achieve their goals in luxury wellness. Evidence-based scientific collaboration and ancient heritage are intertwined perfectly for life-changing programmes ranging from 7-21 days. Inaugural treatments include detox, weight management, revitalisation, medical aesthetics, and sports science and movement.
Oku Kos, Greece
‘Blue Health’ is the latest scientific wellness trend. It studies the effect of water on our wellbeing and will inspire people to flock to the coast for some sea-based relaxation this year. To truly immerse yourself in the state of wellbeing that the ocean provides, look to Oku Kos. After its soft-launching last year, this venue will be fully operational come April. Oku Kos is located near the ruins of Asklepion, where an ancient hospital built as a temple to the god of healing once stood—this is where ancient treatments based on Hippocrates’ teachings originated, giving the wellness spaces at Oku historical heft. To wind down, you can enjoy the in-spa pool and hammam room, or the yoga and meditation pavilion right on the beach’s shore. One thing to look forward to is the weekly healing workshops by the beach with a visiting shaman.
Desert Spas
For spas, desert openings are the next hot trend with new luxury options popping up in the Middle East and Mexico this year.
Six Senses Shaharut, Israel
Located in Israel’s Negev desert, the highly-anticipated Six Senses Shaharut will be opening its doors to guests in June 2021. Focused on wellness and restoration, the new ‘Reconnect with Six Senses’ package is available to book now. At Shaharut, treatments are based upon local rituals. They include mindful walks along scenic desert trails, guided meditation sessions at sunrise, visits to the Neot Semedar Kibbutz community, and evenings gazing at the stars.
Paradero Todos Santos, Mexico
This February, Paradero Todos Santos, a luxurious 35-suite boutique property, opened its doors in the scenic Baja California Sur, Mexico. Thanks to its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, this unique location allows guests to enjoy five distinct microclimates. For those who truly appreciate the healing powers of nature, this property is a must-visit. From the desert and Sierra de la Laguna mountain range to the beaches of the Pacific coast, palm tree groves, and agricultural farmland, there’s more than enough to go around for adventure lovers.
City Spas
City life is often associated with the sort of stresses that demand a wellness balance. An increasing number of spa openings in capitals across the world are providing accessible wellbeing for residents as well as the best of both worlds for visitors looking for sightseeing and relaxation.
Six Senses New York, USA
The Big Apple may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of relaxation, but that may be about to change with Six Senses launching its inaugural North American spa in New York. Located in XI skyscraper and occupying ten floors, it offers a menu of classic Six Senses treatments alongside more contemporary science-driven treatments and therapies using cutting-edge technology.
The Woodward, Geneva, Switzerland
Despite the calming essence of Switzerland, living in a city can always become a little hectic. Thankfully, Oetker Collection will unveil their newest project on the shores of Lake Geneva this spring. The hotel finds itself in a beautiful building from the 1900s, redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon. Although its scenic location and superb Michelin-starred culinary offerings are worth the trip alone, the spa is the real draw. This 13,000 square foot wellness institute by Maison Guerlain features the longest indoor pool in Geneva and a range of thermal amenities like Swedish baths.
Fairmont Windsor Park, Surrey, United Kingdom
Fairmont Windsor Park benefits from being a quick escape from London. Despite Surrey being home to some of the country’s most impressive spa hotels such as Pennyhill Park and Beaverbrook, the Fairmont Group will be serving up some stiff competition with their multi-million pounds opening this spring. Competitive advantages from Fairmont’s substantial renovations include a 27,000 square foot spa, an outdoor vitality pool, full thermal suite, salt rooms, and Japanese foot baths.
For more information, please contact your PA at Insignia.
