The Coolest Spas in the World

Start saving your frequent-flier miles, because these aren't your grandma's resorts. We've been buffed, primed, and polished across the globe (hard work, we know) in order to bring you a curated list of getaways that you'd actually want to spend your vacay days on. Not to worry, staycationers—we've included at-home treatments, too.

Reflection, Arch, Water feature, Majorelle blue, Swimming pool, Garden, Reflecting pool, Tourist attraction, Landscaping, Resort town,

(Image credit: Archives)

By Joy Hernon

published 23 July 2014

in Features

Dior Institut at Es Saadi Gardens & Resorts in Marrakech, Morocco

Check it out: Though it's handily close to the city's legendary bazaars, this palace retreat is nestled in the kind of lush gardens you'd expect from a Moroccan paradise and boasts views of the Atlas Mountains. Outfitted in artisanal rugs, intricately carved furniture, and opulent silk, the sweet suites feel majorly exotic.

Signature treatment: Make like a princess and bask in the traditional hammams at the palace spa, or head to the new Dior Institut for an updated antiaging treatment, like the Intense Youthfulness facial ($334), where no expense is spared as polished sapphire dust buffs away dead cells to reveal glowing skin. Decadent, no?

Product, Liquid, Metal, Beige, Cylinder, Cosmetics, Silver, Glass bottle, Lens, Bottle,

DIY: Dior L'Or de Vie La Crème, $350; Dior L'Or de Vie Le Sérum, $395.

Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach in St. Lucia

Wood, Thatching, Hut, Woody plant, Rural area, Village, Roof, Outdoor structure, Jungle, Shack,

Check it out: The Amerindians worshipped this area centuries ago. Today its turquoise seas and volcanic landforms play backdrop for rustic tree houses. The eco-friendly spa uses indigenous ingredients like lime and sulfur, while the background sounds of tree frogs, waterfalls, and running streams chill you out, big-time.

Signature treatment: Following the property's minimal-waste efforts, the lava shell massage ($150) pairs local, heated shells with delicious scented and medicinal oils that are glided across tired and sore muscles. Total win-win.

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(Image credit: Archives)

DIY: Herb Pharm Arnica Oil, $13.

Laucala Island Spa at Laucala on Laucala Island, Fiji

Coastal and oceanic landforms, Thatching, Ocean, Azure, Sea, Aqua, Resort, Turquoise, Coast, Tropics,

Check it out: Ever wish you were invited to a private island? Red Bull cofounder Dietrich Mateschitz has officially opened his own personal oasis to the public, giving a whole new meaning to "exclusive."

Signature treatment: Traditional Fijian flowers and fruits are infused into various "rituals" offered at the spa, but we especially love that guests can pick their own native spices and herbs on-site to craft a DIY essential-oil blend.

Petal, Purple, Leaf, Colorfulness, Violet, Magenta, Lavender, Peach, Cut flowers, Artificial flower,

DIY: Organic Fiji Lavender Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, $10.

Thereme Vals Spa at Hotel Therme Vals in Vals, Switzerland

Blue, Mountain range, Stairs, Aqua, Turquoise, Azure, Winter, Slope, Electric blue, Teal,

Check it out: Architect Peter Zumthor's sleek, modern design, strategically built over natural springs in Graubünden Canton (think storybook Heidi's hangout), is basically sensory overload, in a good way. The quarry-like quartz structure houses therapeutic thermal baths that are worth the pruny fingers.

Signature treatment: Try the Water Massage ($118), which takes place in a 95-degree pool and combines Shiatsu techniques with the healing benefits—improved circulation and joint-pain relief—of warm mineral water. Afterward, take a hike (yeah, right) or, say, how about a nap?

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DIY: Salin de Biosel Pur SPA Scrub, $80; Salin de Biosel Bio Yang Thalassa massage oil, $92.

Iridium Spa at the St. Regis in Le Morne Peninsula, Mauritius

Blue, Architecture, Majorelle blue, Arch, Decoration, Symmetry, Ornament,

Check it out: After an exhilarating day of kite surfing in the Indian Ocean, kick up your feet here. Just off the southeast coast of Africa and home to a Michelin-star-winning chef, this spot is all about high-end beach bumming.

Signature treatment: Release toxins with the Kite Surfer's Respite ($200), by indulging in an Epsom-salt-, coconut-, and mango-infused bath followed by a muscle-stretching sesh.

Beverage can, Aluminum can, Drinkware, Tin can, Liquid, Logo, Aqua, Azure, Drink, Cylinder,

(Image credit: Archives)

DIY: Valmont L'Elixir des Glaciers Votre Visage lifting anti-aging cream, $530; Valmont Just Time Perfection, $195.

The Spa at Be Tulum in Tulum, Mexico

Property, Real estate, House, Roof, Home, Garden, Shade, Backyard, Yard, Courtyard,

Check it out: The laid-back beach town's most luxe hotel just opened an über-eco-chic spa surrounded by the lush canopy of the emerald jungle. Bonus: The pool, a true rarity in Tulum, is stunning.

Signature treatment: Try an ancient body-cleansing technique in the Ancestral Maya Sobada ($240) that uses native plants and abdominal massage to aid with circulation.