WOW! We just returned home from a beautiful vacation to Bora Bora and we stayed at the Hilton. It was the most beautiful resort we have ever stayed at. We stayed in the over water villa for five nights and have a blast! Everyone was friendly and made us feel at home. I could not have thought of a better place to spend our vacation. The food at the resort was okay and was over priced. But, we did not visit Bora Bora for the food!! The breakfast was really good though! We did go into town and ate at La Bounty and Bloody Mary’s. They were both great!!! We really enjoyed Bloody Mary’s. The food was wonderful!! We mostly stayed at the resort for the entire time and hung out either at the beach or on the swim dock at our room. The snorkeling was breath taking! We did the shark and ray feeding and it was amazing! I could not believe that we were swimming that close to the sharks and the sting rays! We did go to the spa for a day and the views were the best views at the resort. I had a wrap and it was the best treatment I have ever had. If you are looking for an amazing place to relax and see true beauty this is the place for you. We can not wait to visit again soon!

Suspended between crystal waters and limitless skies, the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa is nestled in an idyllic cove of white sand and majestic lava rock. Incomparable in its balance of authenticity and luxury, the Bora Bora Nui offers a unique combination of Polynesian tradition and sumptuous comfort, echoed through authentic artifacts, design, and landscaping.

Arrive at the Resort, built around a sacred and legendary lagoon, by private boat from Moto Muto, which is a 40 minute flight from Papeete International Airport (Tahiti).

The 120 luxury suites & villas at Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa are located on 16 acres of lush & terraced land overlooking a private cove of crystalline waters.

Guests may choose from the luxury of Hillside and Lagoon view, Beachfront or the amazing Over-water Villas & Suites. The indigenous feel of the property is delicately offset by the luxurious over-sized interiors of the suites and villas featuring Mahogany canopy beds, marble tiles, glass floor viewing panels (in the over-water villas) and precious Tapa cloths.

The importance of Motu Toopua within Polynesian mythology is echoed through the authentic artifacts, decorations and landscaping. The indigenous feel of the resort is delicately offset by the luxurious over-sized interiors of the suites & villas featuring marble tiles, exotic woods, and precious Tapa cloths.

Most accommodations are in virtually identical, 95-sq-m bungalows, 82 of them over-water, nine near the beach and 10 extending on pilings from the hillside. In addition, nine smaller, interconnecting lagoon view suites occupy a more hotel-like structure built into the side of the hill backing the property.

At the top of the line are two 135-sq-m royal over-water suites; these and the spa are the only elements here with views of Bora Bora. All bungalows have both living rooms with sofas and chairs and bedrooms with four-poster kings. The over-water models add large, teak-furnished decks with privacy screens.

Drawing inspiration from a rich island bounty and the abundance of the sea the resort’s four restaurants & lounges celebrate the unique flavours of Bora Bora. Embrace a sunset at Upa Upa Panoramic Bar overlooking the lagoon or unwind at the relaxed Ta Le Le Beach bar.

The Iriatai Panoramic Restaurant pairs indigenous local flavours and fine wines for a unique gourmet experience. From a room service breakfast served by canoe to your over-water villa to gourmet cuisine served by torchlight and guests ding bare-feet at the beach-side Tamure Beach Fare Grill, every meal is a feast for your senses. Tamure Beach Fare Grill also features a complimentary Polynesian show twice weekly which is not to be missed.

For those who choose to venture outside the lush resort grounds, there’s certainly no shortage of adventure to be found. From shark feeding and scuba diving to Jet Ski rides and sports fishing. Or take advantage of exclusive use of Motu Tapu, the resort’s own private isle for picnics and special events.

Guests can also work their muscles outdoors with free canoes, sailboats and snorkel gear or retire inside to the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Embracing the healing traditions of the Pacific, the spa’s exotic treatments use native ingredients such as coconut milk, ginger, fragrant tiare flowers, Tahitian grapefruit and aromatic vanilla beans. Tahitian monoi oil — a traditional island beauty secret made from pressed coconut and tiare oil for smooth skin, silky hair and protection from wind and water — is also used in many of the spa treatments.

The hilltop spa features a spectacular 360-degree view of Bora Bora’s famous Mt. Otemanu and the islands of Tahaa (the vanilla island) & Raiatea. The three open air treatment bungalows feature their own Jacuzzi for two and a full bathroom with shower.

The panoramic hilltop spa offers an array of spa treatments in private bungalows with their own jacuzzi. Taha’a vanilla, local honey, papaya, coconut milk, monoï oil and tropical flower essences in the treatments are brought to life by the skilled hands of the therapists.

Click here to view the resort’s photo gallery.

So how do guests rate this Polynesian resort ?

TripAdvisor.com offers 41 guest reviews of which 26 are Excellent and 8 Very Good and only 3 fall in the Poor category.

Here are some of the guest comments made in recent times :

A couple from Dallas, Texas, USA headlines their review “Welcome to Paradise” and continues :

WOW! We just returned home from a beautiful vacation to Bora Bora and we stayed at the Hilton. It was the most beautiful resort we have ever stayed at. We stayed in the over water villa for five nights and have a blast! Everyone was friendly and made us feel at home. I could not have thought of a better place to spend our vacation. The food at the resort was okay and was over priced. But, we did not visit Bora Bora for the food!! The breakfast was really good though! We did go into town and ate at La Bounty and Bloody Mary’s. They were both great!!! We really enjoyed Bloody Mary’s. The food was wonderful!! We mostly stayed at the resort for the entire time and hung out either at the beach or on the swim dock at our room. The snorkeling was breath taking! We did the shark and ray feeding and it was amazing! I could not believe that we were swimming that close to the sharks and the sting rays! We did go to the spa for a day and the views were the best views at the resort. I had a wrap and it was the best treatment I have ever had. If you are looking for an amazing place to relax and see true beauty this is the place for you. We can not wait to visit again soon!

A couple from Bermuda was also impressed despite coming from one of Earth’s true paradises themselves :

This resort is absolutely amazing! If you are looking for a romantic vacation, and have money to spend (I spent $1100 per night for the over-water condos) this is a great place! Mind you, if you are single, you should probably not go to this resort because all you will see around yourself are honeymooners! We went there for vacation and my boyfriend (now husband) proposed to me there. Honestly, I can’t think of a better place for that! It’s very romantic and very beautiful, very relaxing. I really liked the infinity pool…the spa is at a lovely location too. (Mind you, I live in Bermuda which is paradise on earth, even then this resort and it’s location took my breath away!). The food is expensive and not great -- but that’s a standard in French Polynesia it seems. We went to Moorea and Tahiti besides Bora Bora and food was below average and overpriced everywhere.

The beaches aren’t great though -- so if you are looking for a beach vacation, somewhere else in the Caribbean might be more suitable!

Read the rest of TripAdvisor.com’s reviews here and the resort’s latest announcement here.

Finally have a look at this video from the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa :

And the address of the resort :

Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa

BP 502 Vaitape, Bora Bora, Polynesia (French) 98730

Tel: 689-60-3300   Fax: 689-60-3301

Rated among the top ten global thermal spa experiences in the world by Condé Nast Travel (2004-2007, 2009), and the only spa outside Europe to win this accolade, is the Polynesian Spa at the Lake Rotorua in New Zealand.

The Polynesian Spa is a true Day Spa and its thermal spa is world-class pampering in the heart of New Zealand’s premier thermal playground.

Polynesian Spa is a truly unique spa and thermal water bathing experience and is ideal for singles, families or couples.

Twenty-six authentic, hot mineral pools in four discreet areas welcome visitors to this all-seasons experience. Simply choose a bathing area to suit your requirements be that the much acclaimed Deluxe Lake Spa or the Adult Pools & Priest Spa, Private Pools, or even their Family Spa.

At the Lake Spa Retreat guests can treat themselves to an exfoliation, body polish, replenishment or massage and this day spa offers endless pampering at its Lake Spa Retreat.

Set amid native flora, the exclusive Lake Spa Retreat is an inviting relaxation haven, providing an array of enticing massage, spa and hydro therapies. All spa therapies include deluxe Lake Spa bathing. Completing this exclusive bathing and spa experience is a café, serving healthy light cuisine, and a spa essentials gift shop with desirable spa essentials.

Their Hydro Spa Therapies with their popular Aix Spa Massage gives visitors a chance to experience water based spa therapy with its fragrant coconut oil massage under jets of warm water.

For hungry or thirsty guests there is the Hot Springs Cafe which provides delicious and healthy cuisine and refreshments all day long.

So how do day visitors rate this Spa ?

Well an overwhelming number of the reviews on TripAdvisor.com are positive to very positive and here are some of the reasons :

A couple from California, USA headlines their review “Super Relaxing” and have this short to-the-point review :

My wife and I went here the morning before our flight out of Rotorua and we both got one of the mud polishes. What can I say, spectacular! The staff was very courteous and professional and the the thermal pools were a perfect way to relax before our flight. Loved it!

A person from Oregon, USA calls it a “Great Place to Relax” and continues:

I booked the skin deep mini facial and the Aix Spa Massage. Two great spa treatments in the Lake Spa Retreat. With the treatments comes the use of the Lake Spa Retreat hot mineral pools. There are 4 pools each with increasing temperatures ranging from 36 degrees C to 42 degrees C. It is a fantastic way to relax and unwind. The staff were very efficient and friendly. Upon check in you get issued a robe and a locker key. There are plenty of towels in the locker room for use. The spa treatments were wonderful. Between treatments you can relax in the lounge and even have time for a soak in the pools. What a great way to spend the afternoon.

Read all TripAdvisor reviews on the Polynesian Spa here.

Finally view their gallery by clicking here or their videos from this Day Spa here.

Or have a look at this great video from the Spa :

Address :

Polynesian Spa

Lakefront, Hinemoa Street

Rotorua, New Zealand

Email: info@polynesianspa.co.nz

Web:  http://www.polynesianspa.co.nz/

Toll Free NZ only: 0508 765 977

International: +64 07 348 1328

Facsimile: +64 07 348 9486

Hotel Capo d’Orso is situated on the headland of the Gulf of Arzachena, with Cala Capra and Cala Selvaggia beaches on either side, and views across the sea to Baia Sardinia with the Costa Smeralda beyond and to the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera.

Located in the prestigious park of Cala Capra, overlooking the homonymous bay of the same name, in a pristine corner of Sardinia just 4 km from Palau and 40 km from Olbia. One of the most enchanting destinations on the island, facing the Archipelago of La Maddalena and the Costa Smeralda.

The Capo d’Orso hotel is approached via a private road terminating at the marina and the hotel. Steps lead through Mediterranean style gardens to the reception offering information about the hotel, the local area and excursions. Doors lead to the bar, restaurant and al fresco dining terraces and steps lead up to the accommodation, which is arranged in stepped terraces.

The exclusive Capo d’Orso Hotel has been skillfully designed to take advantage of its sheltered position. Capo d’Orso has a total of 64 rooms and recently refurbished Junior suites as well as 20 prestigious Junior suites (Executive/Cardinal) near the Thalasso & Spa Centre and a wonderful Presidential Suite. set above the reception, piano bar and restaurant terraces, which lead down to the pool and secluded rocky cove with sun decks and floating pontoons.

All the rooms have a furnished terrace or balcony, en suite shower room, air conditioning, telephone, Sky TV, minibar, safe, hairdryer, and adult bathrobes provided. The new prestigious Executive and Cardinal Junior suites are close to the Thalasso & Spa centre. Adult guests staying in Cardinal Junior and Presidential suites enjoy complimentary entrance to the centre (reservation required).

When is comes to culinary experiences Capo d’Orso has a lot to offer its guests too.

The main hotel restaurant ‘Il Paguro’ is renowned for the quality of its cuisine with fresh shellfish a speciality, its excellent service and friendly staff and comes with amazing views over the beach and marina.

There is an additional breakfast terrace and restaurant ‘Gli Olivastri’ offering guests an à la carte menu on shady terraces nestled amongst olive trees and juniper bushes which provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy a drink and an intimate al fresco dinner (open only in the high season). Alternatively, try the Pizzeria L’Approdo with its wood burning oven offers -- a perfect and a casual setting for an informal dinner.

The hotel enjoys a fascinating position in perfect harmony with the environment, set amidst lush natural vegetation, just a short distance from the most enticing, crystal sea on offer in Sardinia.

For the exclusive use of our guests, there are 5 wooden-deck solariums directly over the sea with beach mattress and beach towel service.

Two beaches, Cala Capra and Cala Selvaggia, to the sides of the hotel, one (Cala Capra) with loungers and beach towels included.

What is more, starting directly from the Hotel, daily departures from the small private port using hotel boats or the new rental inflatable, for excursions to the magic islands of the Archipelago or to the Costa Smeralda: “bathing in a new paradise each day”.

For guests who prefer to swim in saltwater but closer to the hotel try the seawater swimming pool which is nestled below with paths leading down to the rocks with sun decks and loungers arranged on the sea front. The suites, Thalasso & Spa centre, outdoor fitness area, pitch and putt golf course with 9 holes and practice area (tuition and club hire extra cost) are reached via paths through the pretty gardens, all enjoying superb sea views.

The Capo d’Orso has its own marina, with daily boat trips (extra cost) out to the neighbouring beautiful islands and to selected beaches along the Costa Smeralda. There is a secluded beach with a shaded grassy area leading to a second large swimming pool available for guests use.

L’Incantu is a fabulous open air Spa and Thalasso centre with hot and cold seawater spa pools, Turkish bath, and health and beauty cabins for massage and treatments.  There are also three multi-function seawater pools at different temperatures, 10 modern booths for Thalasso treatments, massages and beauty treatments.

Their Spa menu is also very unique and comprehensive with special packages on Thalasso Relaxing, Slimming and Toning Programmes, a 6 days care course on Vitality and Harmony and even a special “L’Oncanty Relax” programme for pregnant guests called “Expecting a Baby”.

Click here for their full Spa Menu.

To sense the beauty of this resort click here for their photo gallery.

So how do guests rate this place ?

Quite good to excellent overall with a total of 40 reviews out of 51 being rated within Excellent or Very Good but also with 5 & 3 respectively for Poor and Terrible !

Here are some of the comments made by visitors :

The Wright couple from Ireland called it “Paradise in Sardinia” and comments :

We booked 11 days with our little 2 and a half year old girl. Booked a junior suite. We had a lovely time. The hotel service is excellent. They remembered things from the night before at dinner (our daughters preference for butter over olive oil etc) and would always be one step ahead.

Dinner menu was fabulous. We were on half board and thought we would be bored of the menu, but it was changed regularly and they also had a daily set menu. The fish dishes were to die for. Tiramisu and Pistachio Creme Brulee were also highlights.

Breakfast was also excellent- Look out for the omelettes made by chef in front of you, with your choice of fillings. Excellent.

The location is secluded, so ideal for a quiet time away.

Beautiful little beach with free sunbeds for guests. Pool was too cold for a swim when we were there.

If the weather is bad, (We had about 5 cloudy/rainy days during our stay in May) there is not much to do at the hotel, so a rental car is advisable- but the island is so gorgeous that you would be mad to stay in the one place all day anyway.

Thalasso spa was in the same grounds but it is run separately and you need to pay for use of the spa pool. No kids allowed here either so its a peaceful place.

Ideal for couples or families with small kids. Older kids may get a bit bored.Cala De Lepre seemed to be better for older kids. Owned by the same group and only a couple of kms from Capo D’Orso Hotel.

The Campbell’s from Birmingham, UK also liked it but did have some negatives too :

We booked this hotel for our honeymoon. The setting was absolutely gorgeous and the alfresco breakfast area overlooking the pool and bay couldn’t be bettered. In fact breakfast was our favourite bit -- a great choice of foods which varied every day and a nice touch of having the menu giving notices, events, proverbs and menus for the evening.

Our room was pretty good too. It was private with its own terrace under a shady tree. It didn’t have a bath unfortunately.

The staff were very friendly and were always on hand with help and advice. When they found out it was our honeymoon, they left us a bottle of sparking wine and ’sardinian wedding ring’ with candles on our terrace table which was lovely. Every day a little cake or sweet would be delivered to our room with the weather forecast for the next day -- a nice touch.

We ate in the restaurant once and the food and setting was excellent. The staff took time to give us a beautiful table under a tree overlooking the sea and it really was pretty.

The downsides…

Its expensive. Far too expensive for what it delivers. The drinks, food and services are also expensive.

It was a bit too quiet and subdued for us. The bar had no atmosphere at all and there was nothing else to do in the evenings. We went into Palau a few times which was great -- there was a few great restaurants, bars and a nightmarket. But be warned.. There are absolutely no taxis to get back to the hotel. We tried to get one at about eleven pm and everyone said it was impossible! Luckily a very kind local gave us a lift back to the hotel.Things may have changed by now.

A beautiful place but in our opinion not quite worth the money (but then again Sardinia is an expensive place).

All 51 reviews from TripAdvisor.com can be read here.

And why not watch this very nice video from the resort -- see below for 6,50 mins of paradise.

Contact details:

Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & Spa
Cala Capra, 07020 Palau
Sardinia
Tel: 39 0789 702000
Email -- info@hotelcapodorso.com

The Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai is the most revered spa in the Middle East region apart from being the largest spa and benefits from a wonderful array of interlinking treatment facilities, all designed to create the perfect environment for a tranquil and enriching experience for its guests.

As a guest to Talise Spa, you will be treated in one of 26 unique rooms designed in island clusters – small, private oases amidst tropical landscapes. Its beautiful outdoor treatment tents further allows the guest to experience his/her’s chosen treatment in harmony with nature.

Talise Spa has a dedicated ladies and men’s area complete with:

• Deluxe double treatment rooms (26 stand alone and twin treatment rooms)
• Private personal training gymnasium
• Yoga studio
• Hot and cold plunge pool
• Sauna and steam rooms
• Showers
• Wet relaxation area
• International majlis and two ladies semi-private majlis staffed by women
• Separate ladies entrance
• Outdoor treatment tents
• Private personal training gymnasium
• Yoga studio
• International techniques from Chinese medicine to Thai and Balinese massage
• Magnolia restaurant serving health conscious cuisine
• Valet parking
• Spa restaurant
• Operated by the award-winning Jumeirah group

The Talise Spa Madinat Jumeirah Dubai prides itself with its expert therapists who will take the best therapies from the oldest cultures and combine with a selection of international techniques to treat each guest’s individual needs.

Be invigorated by the hot and cold plunge pools, relax in the saunas and steam rooms, or simply stroll in to the tranquil gardens adjoined by secluded waterways.

To complete your experience enjoy the delicious spa cuisine at their vegetarian Magnolia restaurant adjacent to the Spa.

Click here to review their comprehensive Spa Treatment menu which include Detoxifying Treatments, Facial Treatments, Bridal Rituals, Face and Body Add-ons, Body Massages and Hands and Feet Massages.

So how do visitors rate The Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah ? Well very positive overall !

Here are some reviews taken from TripAdvisor :

Catherine Sullivan from London, UK seriously called her experience “a WOW experience” and elaborates :

I happened across this spa through a friend’s recommendation who said it was the best spa in Dubai. I wasn’t left disappointed!

From the moment I arrived I felt I had stepped into a secret haven of lush green gardens surrounded by water. The staff were so attentive and couldn’t be more helpful. My Treatment was one of the best facials I have ever had; the therapist really seemed to take a genuine interest in my skin and lifestyle before telling me which treatment was best for me. And as for their yummy ginger tea…well I could have gone back every day if my budget would have allowed! I signed up for their loyalty programme which gives you a 30% discount as I live in Dubai. This will make it easier on my purse strings and will be a definite must to do every other month.

The Hubbards from Cheshire, UK also had a good spa experience and would go back:

The Spa was visually stunning, didn’t know they made Spa like this. So much attention to detail and yet very simple.

Both Therapist and receptionist were very knowledgeable and guided me throughout my experience, Everything was explained to me as I made a fuss at start,’as you do’. Would definitely go back. I just wish all Spa were as beautiful as this one , I felt like royalty in a unspoilt land. Thanks to all staff.

Contact details:

The Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah
Tel: +971 4 366 6818
Email: mj-talise@jumeirah.com

Set on the idyllic and otherwise uninhabited island of Kunfunadhoo in the Baa Atoll, The Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa was the first Robinson Crusoe style hideaway in the Maldives. Created by Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, the owners of the parent company Six Senses, whose vision was ‘intelligent luxury’, it has been designed to have minimal impact on the environment and is very much a luxury eco resort type of concept. The island’s natural beauty has certainly been retained.

From above, Soneva Fushi is hidden among the trees; thatched rooms are set apart, even bathrooms have a garden. Natural indigenous materials are used throughout, giving a simple, rustic-chic look (the stereo, TV, DVD player and other accessories are disguised behind coconut wood and water hyacinth). Add to the equation thoughtful personal touches and a dreamy spa for total rejuvenation, and this is eco-friendly luxury at its most memorable.

Now owned by Six Senses, it has collected almost every award going (Conde Nast Readers Award 2008, Tatler Top Spa 2007) -- and it’s not hard to see why.

This special island is designed to blend in with the environment. The construction of the resort itself, has been carried out with a minimal intervention to the island’s lush vegetation so that the guest feels the untouched beauty of this beautiful and larger-than-average Maldivian island.

In terms of accommodation Soneva Fushi offers just 65 accommodations, which capture the very essence of a luxurious castaway fantasy. The Jungle Reserve and the two Retreats offer the premier accommodation. Each villa opens to its very own stretch of white sand beach just a few steps away, whilst many of the villas also include Private Sea Water Swimming Pools. Each bathroom extends to a private garden, whilst utmost care is given to the environment.

Their much adhered to No News No Shoes ‘policy” very much underlines the extremely laid back and calm atmosphere of this tropic resort and guests are, despite the availability of PCs with Internet connection, very much encouraged to not bother with the happenings of the world.

Their Six Senses Spa is a must for spa lovers and offers a refreshing menu of holistic and traditional treatments conducted by highly skilled therapists using all-natural products.

The Soneva Fushi Spa offers a truly wide range of treatments including but not limited to Facial Therapy, Bath Rituals, Ayurvedic Treatments, Hand & Foot Therapies, In-Villa Treatments and not least their range of Soneva Fushi Signature Treatments.

Click here to view their entire Spa Menu and here for their Special Spa Packages currently available.

Not heard enough yet -- click here for an online gallery of the resort and its spa.

So how do guests and visitors of Soneva Fushi rate this resort ?

Here are some guest reviews to consider :

A couple from Chicago, US had these praises for Fushi :

ps. make sure you buy a meal package as this allows you to eat at any restaurant with no surcharges.

A couple from London had these experiences to share with us :

My husband and I stayed at Soneva Fushi for 10 nights as part of our honeymoon in Dec 2008…..After a very long flight to Male we were greeted at the airport by a representative of the resort. We were taken to their comfortable lounge where we were given a lovely tropical drink and some food.

We then took a 25 minute sea plane to a raft in the middle of the beautiful Indian ocean and we were picked up by a boat to be taken to the island. We met our personal butler Majid on the boat and we were given more refreshments and told about the island. When we finally arrived at the Island we were given a tour and shown to our villa which was an upgrade as we were on honeymoon…

The villa was beautiful…very spacious bedroom and dressing room and the bathroom had a beautiful waterfall and an outdoor rain shower. The villa opened up straight onto the beach and we had a beautiful view of the ocean.

All the staff were incredibly friendly and our butler went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable. My husband told one of the waiter’s that I am a vegetarian and I was pleasantly surprised that every night when we went to dinner this was remembered by whoever served us.

As part of our honeymoon package we were also treated to a free 1 hour massage each which was absolute bliss and a free dinner at the Fresh in the Garden restaurant with a free glass of champagne and a cocktail. The chef had designed a special 3 course dinner for us…After dinner we went up to the observatory where we were able to gaze at the stars under a beautiful clear night.

Overall this was an amazing experience and the most romantic and perfect honeymoon. My husband and I have never been so relaxed before and we were sad to leave what I can only describe as paradise.

We would both thoroughly recommend this resort and we hope to go back again one day.

More reviews here.  And if that is not enough to make you want to book right away then check out the below videos.

 

 

Contact details:

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses
Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Tel: +960 660 0304, Fax: +960 660 0374
E-mail: reservations-fushi@sixsenses.com

The Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa is surrounded by the natural beauty of Bali’s jewel-like Seminyak coast, and is very much a true luxury retreat just a few steps from the rolling Indian Ocean and the Seminyak Village. Start your day with an adventure to an island temple, a hike to the top of a volcano, or a stroll through local handicraft markets. Return to unwind in your spacious sea view suite just in time for sunset.

Anantara’s 59 luxurious suites feature expansive, free-flowing living spaces,  with Balinese-inspired décor, floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows and large balconies with terrazzo tubs for two and views of the sparkling ocean. The penthouse, with two en suite bedrooms, dining room and outdoor lounge, offers an untold sense of space, comfort and luxury that you will find difficult to ever leave. Ease into the serene beauty of your luxurious accommodation, ideal for a honeymoon Bali resort getaway.

When it comes to their acclaimed Spa, The Anantara Spa Bali has a lot to offer, including but not limited to personal terrazzo showers or bath, an iPod connection allowing the guest to choose his own music during treatment and post-treatment and an option to customize the treatment and packages to one’s own exact needs.

The Spa is also known for its usage of fine oils and elixirs which they claim only use the finest and freshest indigenous ingredients and which are very nutrient-rich and luxuriously aromatic. Traditional beauty essences such as sandalwood, ylang ylang, patchouli, mandarin, lavender, lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, bergamot and natural ingredients such as Bali coffee beans, natural volcanic pumice, sweet woods, powdered spices, yoghurt, carrots and cucumbers are harnessed to deliver radiance, relaxation and a sense of well-being in all our treatments.

Wet your appetite on this amazing Spa by visiting their online gallery here.

For an overview of their Signature Treatments click here and for their comprehensive Spa Menu, which includes Fruit Facial Rituals, do click here for an overview.

What guests have to say about this Resort & Spa :

A couple from Spain :

Great swimming pool area, FABULOUS spa (Thanks for the treatments girls!), and lots of activities to offer so you’re never bored. One suggestion, try the Thai Cuisine cooking class with chef Nan. We cooked a complete menu, and we enjoyed a fantastic dinner afterwards.

A couple from Ontario, Canada :

The resort had its own yoga master in house which was really great for us as we have always wanted to try yoga. We took two yoga classes right on the beach with him and loved it. A great way to start the day. The breakfast is really nice, with a huge selection of fresh things, fruit, breads and cold cuts. They make lattés and cappuccinos for you and have fresh squeezed juice. They also bring you hot food like omelets and waffles.

At night they have a Thai restaurant and the food was really superb and not badly priced for the quality. We did eat out two nights near the hotel but the food was not very good compared to the resort.

There is an amazing sun set bar on the rooftop with giant lounge style seats to watch the sunset. We went up there almost every night to watch the sunset and visit with other guests.

The resort also has its own spa where we each had a couples massage together. The room was very relaxing and the therapists were excellent. It was our first Balinese massage and I would highly recommend trying one.

I give this resort a 10 out of 10 and we will be back again next year for sure!

Find more reviews of The Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali here.

Watch live video from this Resort and Spa with this video :

Contact details of the Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali:

Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura)
Seminyak, Bali,  Indonesia

Tel:   +62 361 737773  

Fax:  + 62 361 737772

seminyak@anantara.com

Nestled in 14 acres of beautifully luxuriant tropical gardens, this picturesque low-rise hideaway resort has a beachfront location on the sunrise shore of the Gulf of Thailand and offers a uniquely Thai experience.

Their Spa is an invitation to awaken to exotic treatments, soothing soaks and a signature treatment. Experience the ancient healing traditions of the East fused with the latest in contemporary holistic therapies the Anantara Spa, set within gardens and the lagoon surrounding Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Modeled to seamlessly complement your beach-side stay, the treatment rooms overlook private courtyard gardens while rainshowers out-of-doors suspend you in lush greenery.

 Designed to be a garden spa and set amidst the beachside resort’s lagoon pools and bounteous tropical foliage, the Anantara Spa at Anantara Resort Hua Hin was created by award-winning landscape architect Bill Bensley. Each of the Spa’s seven suites is set in its own individual garden courtyard with dual alfresco ‘rain’ showers suspended in bronze cages modelled on traditional Thai artifacts.

From ancient Ayurvedic massage therapy and dosha-balancing colour therapy steam baths to body butter skin nourishing and hydrating facials that use ancient Thai herbal recipes, the menu at the renowned Anantara Spa Hua Hin has the perfect rejuvenating ritual for every body – and soul.

 Their Spa menu is comprehensive and offers a wide range of packages to sophisticated Bath & Steam Rituals, Elemis Treatments to Body Treatments to entire Spa Journeys which can take up to 7 days to complete.

If the above does not inspire have a look at their Photo Gallery here.

Some guest Reviews :

A Honeymooner’s experience of the Spa at Hua Hin Anantara:

Oh nearly forgot to mention the Spa… we had a ‘honeymooners special’ couples bath/massage – worked out at about £60 /4000 THB for 2 hours – floral bath/whole body massage & Indian Head Massage! beautiful!( This was a discounted price offered to us after a few days by the concierge – we could easily have booked a treatment independently at a much higher price directly at the Spa- which we nearly did!- so I would say hold out a while before booking any treatments & they will approach you with a ’special offer’ if the Spa is quiet.

Another guest’s remark :

We tried the spa, their signature package was the wine scrub.. I think that’s what its called. The spa facility is beautiful and the staffs are very professional. We are already talking about our next visit there.

More reviews of the Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa here.

Contact details:

Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa

43/1 Phetkasem Beach Road

Hua Hin 77110

Thailand

Tel: +60 (0) 3252 0250

Fax: +60 (0) 3252 0259

Email: huahin@anantara.com

Two of the spa’s spacious, split-level Mandarin Suites include a personal multi-jet tub and oversized shower, two are custom-designed for Thai massage and two are especially designed for couples wishing to share their experience.

Large, luxurious treatment suites (perfect for couples massage) overlook Biscayne Bay. A small, beautiful movement studio is decorated with large, egg-like sculptures that inspire meditative calm. Classes include yoga, Pilates, bellydancing and tai chi. A full fitness studio is on a separate floor.

When it comes to their range of treatments they use phrases such as Journeys, Life Dance and Rituals -- click here to review all their treatments.

The Spa also offers a wide range of Spa Programmes which you can get an overview of by clicking here -- and their renowned Thai Massage menu can be viewed here.

Finally, their current special offers and Spa treatment deals are many and well worth a visit -- click here to get the latest.

Here is an overview of their facilities :

Facilities at the Spa:

• 17 treatment rooms, featuring six stunning suites, located on the top floor of the spa, which offer the most indulgent spa experience with picturesque views overlooking the waterfront
• Pilates studio, Yoga classes, Little Yoga, Tai Chi, belly dancing and personal training available
• Separate male and female sauna and steam rooms
• Fully-equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment
• Manicure and pedicure facilities
• Outdoor massages for singles and couples performed in private cabanas at Oasis Beach Club.

Some reviews of the Spa :

Anitra Brown of About.com :

This is a lovely 15,000 square foot spa spread over three floors, with 17 treatment rooms. It uses Asian materials like bamboo and rice paper to achieve a calming atmosphere and has great visual details, like an orange zinnia twirling in a black fountain. Large, luxurious treatment suites (perfect for couples massage) overlook Biscayne Bay. A small, beautiful movement studio is decorated with large, egg-like sculptures that inspire meditative calm. Classes include yoga, Pilates, bellydancing and tai chi. A full fitness studio is on a separate floor.

George Monkhouse reports this from his visit :

Located on the illustrious South Beach, the Art Deco second home of the stars, the Mandarin Oriental is special. The award-winning spa, a sanctuary with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Biscayne Bay, blends exotic textures of bamboo, rice paper and glass to bring to tropical side of life in to aid your relaxation of body and mind. The speciality here is on the overall treatment, time permitting: the ‘Welcome’ will ascertain appropriate treatments; ‘Purify’ is to cleanse the body in a number of ways; ‘Nurture’ is with either fresh algae or oshadi body wrap; ‘Balance’ offers face cleanse, Indian scalp massage, shirodhara, hot stones or pouring of warm oil over the body prior to any style of full body massage; and ‘Bliss’ culminates the treatment with Ayurvedic tea and an aromatherapy bath.

A TimesOnline reporter digs deep into this spa and reports :

USP Fifteen thousand square feet of luxury, offering restorative treatments based upon the ancient traditions of Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai cultures. The spa is renowned for the Kundalini Journey, an innovative treatment exclusive to Mandarin Oriental, Miami; it combines stone therapy, advanced massage techniques and aromatherapy, to achieve a greater level of physical and mental relaxation.

Before I entered my treatment room, the therapist stopped me and quietly said, “When you enter the room it is going to look very different to what you have seen before.” My immediate thought was, “hmmm, how?”. I was pleasantly surprised or, to put it precisely, I was taken aback. The spacious room was candle lit with dim blue surround lighting and had steps that led up to a bath area. Fuchsia Orchid petals adorned the floor and soft Tibetan music filled the atmosphere. I felt distant from the world outside the room -- I had, in spa speak, “travelled beyond”.

Read the full review here.

Check out the video from the Hotel which includes features from their Spa :

Contact Details:

500 Brickell Key Drive

Miama, Florida  33131

United States

Phone: + 305 9138333

Fax: 305 9138337

For spa booking, click here

Furthermore the attention to detail is very high and every guest is made feeling special and unique with the aim of having every guest leaving the spa feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.

The range of treatment and services are as mentioned very comprehensive and includes Facials, Stone Therapy, hair & nail spa, hydrotherapy, waxing, body treatments and the thermae experience and even pregnancy treatments.

Finally, the spa also offers a range of wedding packages and 1-2-3 day packages which offer great value.

Recently the well known celebrity and singer James Blunt stayed at the resort and he had the following  comments about the Spa :

The highlight of the holiday for Imogen and my wife Kerry was a morning in the world-famous Retreat Spa, recently voted the best in Europe.

They enjoyed a full thermae experience, featuring a range of hot and cold baths before a gentle massage and a drink by the tranquil pool.

In conclusion this Spa is very much an all-round spa which offers a wide range of services and treatments for the most critical guest and with its unique location overlooking The Mediterranean from high above and its proximity to the Goddess of Aphrodite’s birth place, this spa is well worth a visit.

 Special Features of The Retreat Spa :

• The Retreat Spa with 24 treatment rooms
• Heated outdoor pool
• Outdoor hydropool
• Thermae featuring hammam, Roman heat rooms, sauna and relaxing outdoor courtyard with Kneipp pool
• Juice and healthy snack bar
• Gym
• Exercise studio
• Personal training

Here are some guest reviews to consider as well :

A UK Traveler has these comments on The Retreat Spa :

The Spa facility was very nice with a broad range of massages and treatments available, our crew enjoyed an hour-long session through different heat/sauna/steam rooms and finished in the Turkish Bath – extremely relaxing!

You can read more guest reviews here.

The below video will serve as an excellent appetizer so check it out:

Contact Details of The Retreat Spa at Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus :

Address : Aphrodite Avenue 1, 8072 Kouklia, Cyprus

Telephone number :    +357 26 828100

Fax Number : +357 26 828101

URL

Email : spareservations@aphroditehills.com

For Reservations to The Retreat Spa pls click here.

For latest in offers for The Retreat Spa click here