Banyan Tree Spa Macau. Credit: Banyan Tree Spa Macau
It’s not every day that you drop into one of the world’s ritziest enclaves, so when you do visit Macau, be sure to indulge. If you’re stopping by, make like the high rollers and treat yourself to an over-the-top spa treatment to celebrate a big baccarat win or simply unwind for some well-deserved “me” time.
Here, we’ve rounded up a few of the territory’s most Cleopatra-worthy experiences for your pampering pleasure.
Banyan Tree Spa Macau
Channeling Japanese vibes, this serene Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star retreat inside Five-Star Banyan Tree Macau feels a world away from the busy Cotai Strip just below. It’s impossible not to unwind given the serene surrounds — think tropical gardens, water features, bamboo, stone accents and beautiful wood touches.
If you seek something special, try the Tranquility Rainmist experience. Starting with a foot bath, this multifaceted 150-minute journey combines various body treatments while a gentle rain shower pours over you.
Throughout this signature offering, you’ll enjoy Indian Shirodhara — a gentle Ayurvedic ritual where a therapist gently pours liquids over your forehead to relieve stress — followed by a shampoo and head massage using natural herbs and oils. The treatment wraps up with “Calm Time,” which is essentially a few minutes to partake in refreshments and tea and to reconnect with the world.
The Spa at Encore Macau. Credit: Russell MacMasters
The Spa at Encore Macau
The Five-Star oasis within Five-Star Encore Macau is a sight to behold. As you exit the elevator into this exquisitely designed sanctuary, you’re immediately surrounded by soothing shades, touch-me textures and glowing citrine crystals, which aim to promote good fortune and energy.
There are eight private suites here, and each includes its own relaxation room, vanity and heat facilities, including a dry sauna, a steam room and an ultra-deep Jacuzzi infused with your choice of stress-melting aromatherapy scent.
Of the 30-plus spa treatments on offer, we’d highly recommend the signature 1-6-8 Yiliuba. Named after an auspicious number that means “eternity” in Chinese culture, this incredible experience is 168 minutes of pure bliss. With it, you’ll first take part in a full-body salt scrub, then an aromatherapy steam experience, followed by a four-hand massage — where two therapists work in synchrony to leave you in a relaxation stupor — a facial, warming paraffin hand treatment and a foot massage to cap it all off.
Altira Spa. Credit: Altira Spa
Altira Spa
Sitting pretty on the 15th floor of Five-Star Altira Macau, this 6,000-square-foot address knows how to spoil its guests. The experience at the Five-Star spa begins as soon as you arrive, thanks to an extensive water and heat treatment zone, where you can luxuriate in the vitality pools, crystal steam rooms, experience showers and more.
Meanwhile, the treatments harness natural ingredients to simultaneously achieve aesthetic results and relaxation. Should you need some help deciding, try a little bit of everything with the Altira Journey. The 240 minutes of head-to-toe pampering includes a foot ritual, lavender body wrap, Swedish massage, facial, aroma bath and plenty of time to linger in the splendid spa suite.
ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau
If you’re looking for the ultimate royal treatment, book yourself in for an afternoon at Five-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Macau’s gorgeous ESPA spa. Having scooped up several design awards, this stunning Five-Star space features dark woods, onyx and gorgeous Portuguese accents. The amenity area feels particularly grand, with multiple Jacuzzis, glittering vitality pools, saunas, steam rooms and loungers.
As for the treatment, don your crown for the 120-minute Carol Joy London Caviar & Pearl Experience, which uses rare natural ingredients, such as pearl powder and caviar algae. Employing icy jade rollers, your therapist will gently massage the products into your skin and leave you glowing like a princess. To finish out an indulgent day, you’ll sit down to savor complimentary champagne and caviar canapés in the comfort of your treatment suite.
The Spa at Grand Lisboa. Credit: The Spa at Grand Lisboa
The Spa at Grand Lisboa
Stretching across two floors, this stunning respite is a 10,000-square-foot sanctuary of spoiling within the striking Grand Lisboa Hotel. There’s a pool, fitness facilities, hair salon and 13 private treatment suites that are decked out with gold accents and pretty mosaic tiled walls. For supreme indulgence, book a Private Heaven spa suite, where you will bask in exclusive Vichy shower facilities and a handcrafted mosaic Jacuzzi.
The treatment to book is The Grand Lisboa Signature Ritual, an aromatherapy experience that begins with a personalized essential oil consultation to ascertain the best recipe for your condition. Next comes a head and mini foot massage to wind you down, followed by acupuncture point massage along your back and shoulder muscles. Your legs and arms will be soothed using more Swedish massage strokes, which aim to stimulate blood circulation and ease muscle tenderness.
After the service, your therapist will spoil you with a choice of tea, fresh fruits and lots of time to lounge and loosen up even more.
