Luxury spa destinations loved by Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and more stars

August 11, 2017

The Hotel

A sanctuary of serenity for grown-ups only, the new Hurawalhi Island Resort is a five-star idyll for those seeking luxury and relaxation. Nestled among the spectacular coral reefs of Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives, it’s just a 40-minute seaplane flight from the Maldivian capital, Malé.

You’ll find a distinctive collection of 90 superbly designed, spacious villas strung across the glittering lagoon (above and right) – perfectly positioned so guests can enjoy stunning sunset panoramas. We love the Ocean Pool Villas where you can take a sea dip or snorkel from your private deck, or enjoy a refreshing swim in your own pool.

There are four restaurants to choose from, but the jewel in the resort’s crown is 5.8, a glass undersea restaurant, at 5.8 metres depth, which offers a breathtaking and unique dining experience. Active souls, meanwhile, are spoiled for choice with tennis, badminton, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, fishing, diving and more on offer.

The Stars

Nicole Kidman and Madonna are fans of the Maldives as a holiday destination.

The Spa

Hurawalhi’s blissful Duniye Spa (far right) is suspended over the lagoon on the sunset side of the island. The secluded spa treatment rooms are in tropical huts built on stilts over the water, so guests can lie, listening to the waves and watch the fish swimming below through a glass floor while enjoying a massage.

In the Maldives, Duniye means “universe” and the name represents the spa’s philosophy: a universal approach to wellness, with treatments inspired by ancient and modern thinking from around the globe. There’s a strong influence from Asia and Africa, and chemical-free, organic compound products from Healing Earth are used alongside local ingredients. Try the aptly named Heaven on Earth signature treatment, which includes a Balinese massage, foot treatment and facial, which will leave you feeling rejuvenated, uplifted and deeply relaxed.

Those searching for a spot of pampering won’t be disappointed; whether it’s for stress-relief, anti-aging or revitalizing, the treatment team have got it covered.

<h3>The Lowdown</h3><p> Seven nights in a beach villa on the Hurawalhi Island Resort’s All-Inclusive Plus package starts from $6,225 per person, including return seaplane transfers to and from Malé. Spa treatments are extra; the 90-minute Heaven on Earth ritual costs $170. Visit hurawalhi.com.</p>

The Hotel

The Baja Peninsula might have a fast-growing party reputation, but it’s long been the destination of choice for Hollywood stars seeking seclusion and an escape from their fast-paced Los Angeles lifestyles. After a short flight from either L.A. or Mexico City you’ll land in Los Cabos, and it’s just a 20-minute drive to the Las Ventanas Al Paraíso resort. Designed to offer 180-degree sea views of the Sea of Cortez (whales are spotted daily at certain times of year), the white of the buildings contrasts with the bright blue of the sky and sea in addition to the terracotta Mexican motifs and artwork, combining to help you switch off.

Once settled, choose from four restaurants, including the Tequila & Ceviche Bar, which offers the freshest daily seafood and Mexican dishes. There is also an infinity pool (top), gym, salon and a stunning beach. Service is second to none.

The Stars

Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston both like to holiday here.

<h3>The Spa</h3><p>The innovative spa at Las Ventanas combines private spa villas and shared gardens where you can relax under the shade of a palapa – a palm-roofed shelter. The Four Elements treatments aim to enhance feelings of peacefulness and use locally grown plants and herbs for massage, compresses, scrubs and steeped oils. The extensive choice of massages includes Raindrop Aromatherapy and Desert Stone, although the Twenty Fingers Massage is the ultimate indulgence, with two therapists working to rejuvenate stressed muscles.</p><hr>
<h3>The Lowdown</h3><p>Stays at Las Ventanas start at $1,975 per night; visit rosewoodhotels.com and select Las Ventanas Al Paraíso. The 90-minute Twenty Fingers Massage is $350. </p>

<h3>The Hotel</h3><p>If you long for the endless powdery silver stretches of Miami’s Atlantic coast, but shy away from the parties, posing and processions of South Beach, you need only travel a few miles north to hit Sunny Isles Beach and instantly you will find a more tranquil beach vibe. The <strong>Acqualina</strong> is within walking distance of the famous Bal Harbour designer shops and is set right on the shore. It has three large pools, a gorgeous spa and three restaurants – in fact, it has everything you need for a family-based short stay in the sun.</p><hr>
<h3>The Stars</h3><p>Fans of this hotel include U.S. first lady Melania Trump and Lisa Rinna of <em>The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills</em>.</p>

The Spa

The resort is busy and welcomes children, but you can find quiet in the ground-floor spa, complete with ocean-front pool and chill-out area (top right). This is a large 20,000-square-foot empire of bliss with separate men’s and women’s areas and relaxation zones complete with Himalayan salt walls, sauna, a crystal steam room, ice fountains and showers with cool Arctic and warm Caribbean mists.

Bookings are timed, so start with a two-hour experience and once in your spa suite choose from a large selection of ESPA treatments to suit your skin and mood. To prep your skin for the beach, try the Salt & Oil Scrub, followed by the Orange Blossom firm-pressure massage – Florida is, after all, known as the Orange State – which uses a herbal poultice and finishes with an invigorating scalp massage.

The Lowdown

Rooms at the Acqualina start at $625 a night. The ESPA Spa Orange Blossom treatment is $295; visit acqualinaresort.com.

The Hotel

Set in the gorgeous English countryside, surrounded by the rolling hills of Leicestershire, Ragdale Hall offers a series of short breaks designed to combat modern-day stress.

There’s no excuse not to chill out as weekend getaways offer everything from mother-daughter breaks to romantic short stays, fitness breaks and special packages such as Pilates and yoga retreats. If the sun is shining there is tennis, hiking, cycling and beautiful gardens to explore.

Guests are encouraged to relax. The food is nutritionally balanced and you can choose lighter menu options. There is a continental breakfast, buffet lunch and elegant evening meal – including alcohol. Ragdale Hall’s entire atmosphere is about relaxation and recuperation – mobile phones are banned in public areas.

The Stars

Celebrities like Poppy Delevingne and Carey Mulligan also like to vacation here.

The Spa

Ragdale offers a health hydro and thermal spa, with 12 hydrotherapy and thermal experiences, including the magical Candle Pool (pictured), waterfall pools, chill-out dry-heat and warm zones, volcanic salt caves, saunas, showers and a warm 25-metre pool.

The treatment rooms are stylish and comfortable and the menu of treatments extensive. There is everything from scrubs, self-tanning, floats, detox wraps, manicures and pedicures to cosmetic acupuncture, chakra balancing hypnotherapy and Indian head massage. The beauty treatments are excellent and we particularly love the new Clarins TriActive facials.

The Lowdown

Breaks at Ragdale Hall start at about $220 per person per night for a Soothing Summer Break including all meals and accommodation and two of the following treatments: the Ragdale Prescription Facial, Moisturising Lavender Body Treatment, Calming Back and Scalp Massage, and Classic Manicure. The Clarins TriActive Facial is $143; visit