This type of award isn’t handed out lightly, and the five-star Asia Gardens, set two kilometres from the beach in the north of Benidorm, boasts plenty of reasons why it was chosen among so many candidates for the honour: there’s the lush tropical gardens, the Asian-style rooms with stunning views over the Costa Blanca – Spain’s ‘white coast’ – and the Sierra Cortina mountains, the sumptuous facilities with their state-of-the-art green technology. The list of luxury goes on and on, and includes four different restaurants where original flavours of Asia blend in a delicious harmony with traditional Mediterranean and international cuisine.

The hotel is a benchmark for quality, a space of calm and tranquillity inspired by Asian style with distinct Balinese influence in the lakes and waterfalls, abundant flowers and verdant gardens – and all set within an extensive pine wood.


The spacious modern rooms include all the latest technology and are divided into eight categories according to size, views and location. They include family suites which are ideal to spend a few days if you have small children. 



The facilities include seven pools – vast lagoons of blue reflecting the exotic greenery – two of which are heated and open year round. There’s also a kids’ club, jogging tracks, cycling, diving and all sorts of other services and activities. But it’s the spa itself of which the hotel is most proud, and the different massage and beauty treatments on offer, particularly the Thai massage, which is one of its major attractions. And of course, this corner of holistic indulgence is one of the reasons why the hotel has been chosen by Conde Nast as the ‘most excellent luxury spa hotel’.

Source: Hello Magazine

Nestled on a private quay between the working harbour of Cape Town’s bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the serenity of an international yacht marina, Cape Grace is a welcoming and gracious sanctuary of tradition, sophistication and contemporary comfort.

Their refashioned look juxtaposes modern with period, rare with everyday and a sense of spontaneity with the handcrafted, personal care that the hotel would like to be known for. Interiors combine engaging artifacts and original antiques with a rich tapestry of local history, infused with artistic renditions of the exceptional botanical kingdom that surrounds you as a guest there.

Loyalty to their guests is paramount at Cape Grace: This is reflected in the luxurious spaciousness of guests’ rooms; the diverse spectrum of amenities and extra services, and in their constant quest to deliver unsurpassed service standards that are equally proficient and warmly individual.

Providing a tantalizing experience that melds modern luxury with traditional Cape culture, each of the hotel’s 121 individually custom-decorated guest rooms and suites brings the charm of Cape Town to life. A truly elegant and luxurious way to experience Cape Town and all it has to offer and a great gateway to discover The Cape.

Also, when it comes to dining experiences does Cape Grace live up to the high expectations.

Signal, the restaurant at Cape Grace, provides fusion of culinary indulgence influenced by the classics and unmistakable hints of South African flavour, bringing you cuisine that’s fresh and creative. Set in a sophisticated yet unhurried atmosphere, service is warm and intuitive while innovative menus are complemented by premium local wine selections.

Signal’s progressive food concept encourages guests to dine wherever they choose within the hotel, whether it’s champagne & oysters on the pool terrace overlooking the yacht marina, or an unhurried degustation meal paired with superb wines in your suite. In addition, Food and Beverage Liaisons customise guests’ gastronomic needs by tailor-making gourmet experiences.

Do have a go at their Tasting Menu when there too.

Finally, and for sheer indulgence to mind and body, enjoy the African-inspired treatments and relax and rejuvenate at their top floor Spa. The Spa at Cape Grace invites guests to indulge in a number of pampering treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate. Superb facilities set in stylish surrounds are complimented by highly skilled staff and a menu of innovative treatments inspired by the African continent to ensure clients leave with their well-being restored.

Sweeping views of Table Mountain, the city and the yacht marina add another impressive element to the sensory experience.

Whether a weary business executive in need of stress relief or a leisure traveller wishing to enhance their holiday experience, the magnificently situated top floor spa is a welcome and restful retreat. Any one of the African-inspired treatments that use locally harvested products and ancient methods are undoubtedly a superb way to make the most of one’s Cape Grace stay.

How do recent visitors to this grand place rate the same ?

Overall, as expected, excellent to very good and only a few negatives in-between – full overview from TripAdvisor here.

Some of the guest opinions :

A couple from Dubai has Luxury as the keyword to what they say is the best stay ever at a hotel :

My husband says its the best place he has ever stayed. With 100 countries under his belt that is a compliment.

Beautiful exquisite hotel. The staff were very pleasant, friendly and eager to help.

Room: we stayed in the president suite, which was the size of a small apt. in some countries. It was one of those hotels you could just stay at and Not leave.

I’m sure all rooms had a wonderful view. Ours had a superb view of the marina.

Designed down to the last detail. Even the breakfast menu was creatively designed.

A bed that you’d sit on and want to lie in, lie in and then stay in as it was so comfortable.

I was a little disappointed with the breakfast buffet, it would have been nice to see more options on the buffet rather than to order everything.

The sauna / shower area was a little small and strange to see people waiting for massages as you sweat your way out of the sauna, a little more privacy would have been appreciated.

Luxury is the key word. So if your looking for budget this isn’t it. If you’re looking for an experience, where you are treated like royalty. Cape Grace is the place for you. That one place that for most of us we could only stay in once in a life time. Worth every penny, cent, fils.

Duncan Bramwell from London is also very positive and headlines his review with “Beyond Perfection – A complete privilege to stay” :

There are hotels, and then there are truly GREAT hotels! The Cape Grace brings the delight and joy back into staying in hotels. Elegant, discreet and “Graceful”; it was a complete privilege to stay! Make sure you visit the Bascule Bar on the quayside, sit outside and soak up the views of Table Mountain and watch the working harbour all around you. One of life’s “Must Do” treats!

Incredible, sincere staff, free wi-fi, best location in Cape Town’s Waterfront (which is just steps away). Can’t really ask for anything more!

One more reviewer from London also likes Cape Grace but does have, unlike most reviewers, some negatives to throw into the mix :

Stayed here twice in March. Hotel itself is nice but nothing super special. Location by the waterfront is decent but only if the waterfront (tourist and shops) is what you want – going along the coast or inland is spectacular so not sure location wise what the big draw of this hotel is. The service is very good and we found all the staff to be very helpful. There was an earlier comment about not being able to get front desk people to do more than check you in etc but we didn’t experience this, we found all the staff helpful and pleasant. The rooms (we had 2) were both very good – the only problem was the air conditioning that made both rooms reek of cigarette smoke. This was also mentioned in an earlier report and I’m afraid was the most disappointing aspect of the hotel. Both stays, on 2 different floors had exactly the same problem – you really couldn’t have the aircon on unless you were ok with this smell. The spa was ok – again the staff were lovely and the treatments were pretty good. The ambiance was a little lacking though. We only had breakfast in the restaurant – decent but nothing fab and the room lacked atmosphere and with no view not that appealing. The pool area was the most disappointing – the pool was tiny, the staff didn’t tend the empty beds (at any point in time there were loads of empty beds with rubbish on them …. empty water bottles, ashtrays etc….and it would be like this for literally hours). Ordering a drink at the pool took hours and the staff ignored the very many people that came that were NOT hotel guests (one couple came with their own beach towels and spent hours on their mobile phones joking about how they were at the Cape Grace pool for free). The restaurant which opens on to the pool is used for a lot of private functions – people at these functions use the pool terrace as spill over which again crowds out guests. Overall, I enjoyed the stay but don’t think this was really 5 star and definitely not as good as you can get in the Cape Town area.

Contact details:

West Quay Road
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa

[T] +27 21 410 7100
[T] +27 21 419 7622

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

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 :

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOJfcWaVjVM

Contact Details:

500 Brickell Key Drive

Miama, Florida  33131

United States

Phone: + 305 9138333

Fax: 305 9138337

For spa booking, click here