From the tranquil solitude of a lemon-scented steam room to the sigh-inducing bliss of an Argan oil massage, a day of spa treatments can restore calmness to both body and mind. But for those looking for extra levels of indulgence, Europe’s finest hotel spas provide something truly special. Offering the most luxurious ways imaginable to achieve a state of inner-calm, these 5 stunning spas combine lavish surroundings with a range of truly sumptuous treatments.
The Rome Cavalieri Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts – Rome, Italy.
Perched atop Rome’s highest peak and surrounded by 15 acres of parkland, few hotel spas in the world can lay claim to such a captivating location. 10 uniquely themed rooms offer globally-inspired treatments, from a therapeutic Indian ‘Yoga Ayurvedico’ to the Japanese finger pressure massage of ‘Shiatsu’. The wealth of facilities here includes a hydro massage pool, four swimming pools and an amethyst steam room, but the true jewel in the crown is the hotel’s ‘Grand Spa’. At its heart is a sumptuous Turkish Bath that exudes Romanesque pomp thanks to grand marble columns and elegant mosaics. Caesar would most definitely approve.
The Bulgari Hotel – London, England.
The epitome of getting away from it all, this atmospheric subterranean spa is located five storeys beneath London’s streets at the Bulgari Hotel. Steam rooms, ice showers and saunas are complemented by 11 luxurious treatment rooms that emphasise wellness and exotic anti-aging therapies. Notable extravagances include the ‘24K Gold Naturalift’ acupuncture and ‘Cellular Swiss Caviar’ facial.The hotel also has a 25-metre pool (the largest hotel pool in London) tucked away in a cavernous, vault-like room. This secluded sanctuary has a high dose of stripped backed minimalism with dimmed lights and exposed Vicenza stone walls, while cloud-soft loungers make it all too easy to snuggle up and snooze.
Four Seasons Hotel George V - Paris, France.
A spa fit for royalty; George V Spa represents the height of European luxury. Rooms are furnished with white linen drapes, 18th century prints and dazzling crystal chandeliers that add more than a tad of regal elegance. The myriad treatments include a ‘Detoxifying Body Wrap’, ‘Marine Mineral Facial’ and even a ‘Jet Lag Recovery’ – perfect to help restore depleted energy levels after sapping long-haul flights. For true indulgence, there’s the Marie Antoinette-inspired therapy ‘A Stroll Through Versailles.’ This decadent experience includes an orange blossom body scrub, warm shear butter massage and a milky facial, followed by macarons. Yum!
ION Luxury Adventure Hotel – Reykjavik, Iceland.
Situated at the rocky base of Mount Hengill; Lava Spa is a place to truly disconnect. Treatments are nature-inspired, such as ‘Icelandic Air’ – an exfoliating hand therapy that includes a warm sea salt bath and a gentle massage using wholesome creams and oils. Those looking for the ultimate escape will adore the isolation offered by the ‘Silent Relaxation Room’. While outdoors, a 33-foot rooftop hot pool showcases the raw beauty of the surrounding environment, accentuated by exposed timber decking and tree trunk-like pillars. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, gaze at the jagged crests of Icelandic lava fields and feel your soul become still.
Ayurveda Parkschloesschen – Traben-Trarbach, Germany
Set within an 11 acre park in a picturesque riverside town, Ayurveda Parkschloesschen is a quiet retreat specialising in the 5000-year old Indian healing treatment of Ayurveda. The range of programmes includes a purifying liver detox, anti-stress sessions and an ancient cleansing practice known as Panchakarma, which focuses on addressing the causes of illnesses. A menu using mostly organically grown ingredients is also served to guests as part of the holistic approach to healthy living. The perfect place for those seeking to feel rejuvenated in both body and mind.
Image credits from top to bottom: The Rome Cavalieri Hotel, The Bulgari Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel George V, ION Luxury Adventure Hotel
