Spa-tastic Caribbean
Share
Heading to the Caribbean and fancy a bit of pampering? Fear not, this is one area of the world that has well and truly woken up to the joys of everything from healing mud to caviar facials.
If the legendary Sandy Lane on Barbados is a benchmark for the rest of the Caribbean, then spas are an important jewel in the crown. The resort has just refurbished and unsurprisingly has made its spa even more spa-tastic. There’s a new Rhassoul Bath where guests can enjoy a herbal steam bath while their body is covered in healing mud, not to mention a new calming koi pond. Those in search of the ultimate in beauty treatments will love the new bespoke treatment range from French ‘haute couture’ spa concept, Anne Sémonin. Think Liquid Gold Facials using pure extract from apricot kernel.
Six Senses Spas have made their first foray into the Caribbean at Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic. The focus is on holistic wellness, rejuvenation and beauty treatments to balance the senses. A signature ‘Sensory Spa Journey’ begins with a four hands massage (two therapists).
On Grenada, there’s a new spa at the Calabash Hotel & Villas , while the all-inclusive LaSource continues to offer all guests over the age of 16 a different spa treatment each day of their stay.
The award winning Venus Spa at CuisinArt Resort on Anguilla has just tripled in size with 16 state-of-the-art treatment rooms including wet rooms, lavish massage and facial rooms, a new Thalasso pool where spa-goers can soak in a heat nutrient and mineral rich salt water, and a new relaxation room with fabulous views over the Caribbean Sea. Many products from the resorts hydroponic farm are used in treatments. An exclusive Men’s Club Room gives men a bit more privacy and the chance for a Hot Towel Shave.
Perched on a stunning seaside cliff, the new Sense Spa at Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands is sure to wow. With opening and closing rituals, longer treatments, abundant use of indigenous ingredients such as Virgin Gorda honey, goat milk and Neem leaf, who could resist? Think outdoor relaxation spaces, treatment cottages and spa pools overlooking Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Over in the Bahamas, Kamalame Cay now has a very private little spa about the ocean at the end of a wooden jetty. Guests are surrounded by the ocean during treatments. At the other end of the spa spectrum is the One&Only Ocean Club Spa on Paradise Island which has eight grand Balinese-style treatment villas.
Old-school Curtain Bluff on Antigua has opened a striking two-storey spa on the water’s edge including a cliff-edged infinity hot tub. Staff are all Pevonia Botanica trained therapists working under Novie Jones, previously of Babington House Cowshed spa in Somerset. The Caviar and Champagne Massage is a must and involves a massage with caviar and essential oils after which champagne is poured over the body – apparently very relaxing.
The sensual Spa Maison at Cap Maison in St Lucia which opened last summer (2008) appeals to those looking for an intimate, low-key spa. With just three treatment rooms with natural lighting and outdoor showers, there is also a manicure and pedicure suite and a hair salon, a verandah for post treatment relaxation and a St Lucian herbal garden to provide natural products for the spa’s range of herbal treatments. All guests will be offered a complementary 30-minute welcome massage in the spa, in the privacy of their suite or on the cliff edge overlooking the resort’s secluded beach.
The world-renowned COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos is the perfect refuge from everyday life. A sanctuary dedicated to renewing the body and rebalancing energies, its airy weathered pine pavilions are the setting for treatments, yoga and Pilates.
Over on Aruba, aloe has been grown since 1840 and from 1890 the island began to back skin care products from the aloe vera. It’s no surprise then that the signature treatment at Larimar Spa at the Radisson Aruba is an aloe vera and rum massage.
The French Caribbean is as on the ball as ever with spas. Guanahani and Isle St Barts have some of the best spas in the Caribbean. Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa in Martinique offers a spa in partnership with Guerlain. Balneotherapy, hydrotherapy, treatment packs, massages, body pampering and hammam baths are all available. La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa in Guadeloupe offers sauna, hammam, massage and hydrotherapy.
If it’s meditation you crave, head to Caneel Bay in the US Virgin Islands, where a ‘Self Centre’ offers meditation, yoga, holistic treatments and astrology. And if you want a bit of celebrity glamour thrown in too, Carlisle Bay in Antigua features Maya Fiennes (sister in law to Ralph), and her unique Kunalini yoga and meditation classes.
Average customer rating
awaiting 5 vote(s)...
Email
Book online
Why Register?
