Country +Townhouse Spa Directory 2014

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Sometimes you just have to fly to the other end of the earth...

Far Flung Flings

1 make the break H a l e k u l a n i , H o n o l u l u , H a w a i i

Without doubt, the coolest place on the planet for surfer dudes is Hawaii. The archipelago is as far flung as you can get in the North Pacific, the islands are the most remote land on Earth. Five hours from LA, Hollywood A-listers come here to play and Obama, who grew up here, always brings the family ‘back home’ every year. And no wonder, the beaches are divine, and cool surfers hang out all day waiting for the perfect ‘break’. The food here is as home-grown as it can be (avoiding all those food miles), with the freshest seafood and Japanese influences. Honolulu is where most visitors fly into, and some fly out to island-hop, but without doubt, the most glamorous place to stay is Halekulani. It’s right in the centre of Waikiki Beach. Don’t be put off by its size (453 rooms), chic Japanese families and well-dressed honeymooners set the tone and there’s a Loro Piana boutique within the grounds. At night, take a stroll

along the promenade, the wide beach is tranquil and romantic, and the lights from the high-rises twinkle in a chic Manhattan/Tokyo way – there’s nothing trashy here. It’s a peach of a five-star hotel, with welcoming, attentive, relaxing service, beautifully styled, fresh, modern rooms that ooze comfort and have the most sought-after views over the beach and towards the iconic cone-shaped volcano on the edge of town, Diamond Head. The spa opens onto the gardens and there’s an extensive treatment menu that covers Polynesian and Asian techniques, using local oils. The 80-minute facial is

pure indulgence. Nalani, born and bred on the main island of Oahu, cossets your feet and hands in warm masks to deeply moisturise and soothe, while she works on your face with products from the US beauty line Epicuren. It also includes steam and extraction before the application of a hydrating mask infused with rose. There’s no better way to relax and rehydrate after a long journey. Don’t miss The hotel’s swimming pool is inlaid with shimmering tiles depicting an orchid. A stunning centrepiece.Book it Doubles from £306. halekulani.com

90 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | August 2014

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3 jungle fever S p a M u k u l , n i c a r a g u a

Flanked by jungle and miles of pristine Pacific coast, Mukul – ‘secret’ in Mayan – is Nicaragua’s first super-luxury resort. The hilltop Spa Mukul’s six casitas were artfully designed by renowned spa guru Angel Vezina Stewart to be stunning self-contained spaces. No need to check in at reception. You’re escorted directly to your casita of choice, which comes with its own shower, steam room, changing room, relaxation area and al fresco pool. And it’s your own private sanctuary for a three-hour up to full-day pampering session. From the Asian-influenced Thai massage and Ayurvedic treatments to the Moorish-style hammam for body scrubs and traditional Mesoamerican lotions and potions, you’ll be tempted to work your way around the globe. Don’t miss Indulge in a healing crystal, light and aromatherapy treatment, including baths and massages. Book it Doubles from £325. mukulresort.com

2 rice, rice, baby T H e c H e d i c l u b T a n a H g a j a H , u b u d , b a l i

Immersed in culture-rich heritage and luscious countryside, this GHM-brand, 20-villa boutique retreat is surrounded by rice fields. Two heavenly private spa suites border these emerald paddies, open-sided for unobstructed views. Like other GHM spas, treatments are inspired by Eastern healing traditions and use pure, organic and sustainably sourced products. The Chedi Oriental Ritual offers a holistic head-to-toe indulgence, starting with a foot polish and a deliciously soothing Jade massage performed by two therapists. During the argan oil facial, the second therapist administers reflexology. Finally, there’s 20 luxuriant minutes to wallow in cedarwood and rose oils in the verandah’s sunken terrazzo bath. When dusk comes, the place is illuminated by lanterns and fireflies with a soundtrack of croaking frogs.Don’t miss The food highlights freshly picked herbs, edible flowers and vegetables from the organic garden.Book it From £220 per night, minimum four-night stay; inclusive of one-hour daily Balinese massage for two. ghmhotels.com

4 get stoned u M a p u n a k H a , b H u T a n

This is the spa with the best and most healing view in the world. No treatment or activity – anywhere – could beat the ‘om’ effect of just gazing through its floor-to-ceiling windows at the snow-peaked Himalayas and glacial river. Opt for a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath in a tub that overlooks the Punakha Valley and Mo Chu river. Fire-hot river rocks are placed crackling and steaming in a trough of water that feeds your bath with mineral-infused Himalayan H20. It works wonders on all those niggling pains from travelling over endlessly bumpy Bhutanese roads. There are occasional yoga retreats when groups take over the entire hotel – a mere ten suites – start pestering your yoga teacher now. Otherwise, simply loll, then feed on Bhutanese river greens soup and chicken with pomegranate. The nearest airport is four hours drive away in Paro, but urban life feels worlds away.Don’t miss If you’re feeling energetic, hike afterwards past fluorescent paddy fields to the Kam Sum temple or go river rafting. Book it Doubles from £340. comohotels.com

August 2014 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.CO.UK | 91