Oddly enough, asking Forbes Travel Guide inspectors to list their most memorable spa experiences of the past year proved to be stressful.
Between herbal infusions in Park City and hydrotherapy circuits in Prague — all tested by our incognito inspectors, who pose as ordinary guests and pay their own way — so many treatments were worthy of inclusion. But to the team’s credit, it did collectively exhale and come up with the following encounters that stood out most.
The facilities at One&Only Reethi Rah Spa
Maldives
“The spa’s island concept, with both indoor and outdoor areas, featured natural materials, various vegetation and sand pathways, as well as clear views of the beach and ocean, creating a tranquil and meditative environment. There were also multiple spacious wet facilities available, along with a wide range of spa offerings and wellness options, including a Watsu pool. The treatments were diverse, with visiting expert practitioners who incorporated yoga, Asian techniques, Ayurvedic practices, Chinese medicine and sound and vibrational therapy.”
The snowflake room at MGM MACAU’s Tria Spa
Macau
“I found the snowflake room, where artificial snow was blown from the ceiling, to be a distinctive wet facility. It was surprisingly soothing and added a playful, refreshing twist to the whole spa experience.”
The facial at Grand Lisboa Palace Macau’s Spa
Macau
“Before the facial, the therapist conducted a skin analysis using a diagnostic device that measured my hydration levels, skin barrier condition, tone, elasticity and sebum production. She explained the results, selected the appropriate products and detailed how each would benefit my skin, customizing the treatment to address my specific needs. At the end of the session, she printed a report with the analysis and products used, allowing me to enjoy a truly personalized experience and refer to the results for future skincare guidance.”
The hydrotherapy circuit at Xcaret Arte’s Muluk Spa
Riviera Maya, Mexico
“The treatments were performed in small caves, and guests selected oils and lotions in a thoughtfully designed apothecary room, both of which were unique features. However, the standout part of the experience was the hydrotherapy circuit, which included a series of pools, saunas, steam rooms, ice rooms and hot and cold plunge pools of varying temperatures all within a beautiful indoor/outdoor setting.”
The amenities at Waldorf Astoria Spa Los Cabos
Los Cabos
“A relaxing foot-cleansing ritual in the grotto set the tone for a sublime visit at this luxe spa inspired by the phases of the moon. The services, incorporating Mexican folk healing traditions, were performed in circular treatment rooms with direct access to the sprawling saltwater meditation pool. Ocean breezes and a soundtrack of gently sloshing waves lulled me as I drifted into a state of bliss.”
The Digital Wellness Escape massage at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
Messina, Greece
“My therapist, who was also a skilled physiotherapist, performed the Digital Wellness Escape massage, a deeply restorative experience that combined expert deep tissue techniques to release all my tension. Beyond the treatment itself, the therapist went above and beyond by offering personalized advice on improving my posture and recommending suitable products to enhance my facial skin condition.
“The spa’s setting was equally remarkable. With its infinity pool overlooking Navarino Bay, multiple thermal facilities and a beautifully curated design, the atmosphere perfectly balances luxury and nature. Large floor-to-ceiling windows in both the thermal area and treatment room invited natural light and connected the serene interiors, decorated with earthy tones and textures, to the lush surroundings. It was an exceptional experience from start to finish, blending professionalism, relaxation and the unique natural beauty of Costa Navarino.”
The brand integration at Palace Hotel Tokyo’s Evian Spa
Tokyo
“The Evian brand seamlessly weaved itself into the spa menu, amenities and furnishings. Evian water was featured extensively in facial and body treatments, in combination with products such as Anne Semonin and the local Warew skincare line, which used Japanese ingredients such as cherry blossoms. You can also hydrate with Evian water to your heart’s content.”
The facilities at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s Spa Botánico
Puerto Rico
“The facilities at Spa Botánico were stunning and unique. The five-acre spa’s outdoor facilities included a large vitality pool, a cold plunge, hot and cold bucket showers and a separate steam house. There were multiple other areas to roam and explore, including a pineapple garden where they cultivate pineapples.”
The wet facility design at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau
Macau
“The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau took me by surprise with the playful design of its wet facilities. In addition to several unique takes on chandeliers hanging throughout the facility, the space featured two luxuriously plush swinging basket chairs dangling over the vitality pool. It proved to be a fun way to get into the swing of things before my massage.”
The wet facilities at Star Tower at Studio City Macau’s Zensa Spa
Macau
“The spa featured a well-designed circuit that included a vitality pool, a dry sauna, a steam room, an experience shower and a snow room. The heated vitality pool was large and equipped with multiple hydrotherapy features, including submerged seats, swan-neck jets and underwater jets that delivered deep relaxation.
“The snow room provided a refreshing contrast. Its textured stone walls and flooring were covered with soft artificial snow, which created an invigorating atmosphere and helped boost circulatory systems and improve skin and respiratory health.”
The facilities at W Prague’s AWAY Spa Prague
Prague
“The spa facilities were in the basement and stood out for their cave-like design. It was an oasis of tranquility with dimmed lighting, a hydrotherapy circuit, including artificial snow, a steam room, an elegant wooden Finnish sauna, an illuminated pool and a large round whirlpool with various jets. It was the perfect place to linger a little longer and feel completely rejuvenated after using the facilities.”
The environment at Mii amo Spa
Sedona
“The way the hotel and spa environments were so interwoven was unique and memorable. Going to the hotel dining inspection in a spa robe was something else!”
The Art of Bamboo Massage at Epic Tower at Studio City Macau’s Spa
Macau
“I tried a special massage that utilized heated bamboo to roll out the muscles, rather than the usual warm stones, which was quite unique.”
The thermal experience at Nizuc Spa by ESPA
Cancun
“The NIZUC Thermal Experience is a guided hydrotherapy circuit that comes complimentary with any booked treatment of 60 minutes or longer but can also be booked separately. Unlike a typical wet areas visit prior to a spa service, an attendant leads guests through the ritual and tends to their needs at each stage. The very hot sauna begins the circuit. A towel and head rest are already laid out for you, with the attendant bringing in cucumber slices and a chilled towel halfway through.
“The series proceeds with alternating hot and cold experiences, such as an ice-cold deluge shower, and then a steam room session where a scrub made of local ingredients is provided for you to apply and rinse off. The attendant stands by during the cold plunge with a timer to encourage you to reap the many health benefits while you breathe through the discomfort. A refreshment is served while you bathe in a large indoor warming vitality pool with submerged jets that offer hydro-massage. After some time in an icy room with a refreshing misty shower, you are led to a heated stone lounger and invited to relax while a mini-facial is performed.
“It’s remarkable how the alternating series of hot and cold, with the guided component, allows you to let go of thinking and just stay in your body — even though an inspector’s mind never truly switches off. This, combined with the special touches, refreshments and mini-facial at the end, leaves you feeling decompressed and settled into the spa before your treatments begin.”
The design at The Lodge at Blue Sky’s Edge Spa
Park City
“The Edge Spa offered a serene and restorative wellness experience that beautifully reflected its natural surroundings. Perched on a cliff above Alexander Creek and surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, the spa uses minimalist design and natural materials to create an atmosphere of quiet luxury and grounding tranquility. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the relaxation lounges invited guests to fully immerse themselves in the landscape, while thoughtful amenities, such as bird-watching books and binoculars, encouraged a deeper connection to nature.
“Every detail, from the nourishing housemade herbal infusions to the soothing, nature-inspired treatments, felt intentional and harmonious. The result was a seamless blend of setting, design and service that made The Edge Spa a sanctuary of renewal.”
The relaxation lounge at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s Mandapa Spa
Bali
“The most memorable spa experience was Mandapa Spa, for its immersive jungle setting, well-executed treatments, diverse indoor and outdoor wet facilities and thoughtfully designed spaces.
“A lasting memory was sitting in the relaxation lounge steps away from the river, listening to nature’s orchestra while enjoying a post-treatment refreshment. Nothing beats a full immersion in nature, especially when you still have luxurious comforts nearby.”
The Ayurvedic harmony massage at Falling Rock at Nemacolin’s Woodlands Spa
Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
“This experience included a unique questionnaire, which identified my dosha — a principle that determines one’s personality and health — and guided how the treatment was performed. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about the Ayurvedic principles, and I learned new things about myself while enjoying one of the best massages I have ever had.”
The design at LUX* South Ari Atoll’s LUX* ME Spa
Maldives
“The spa’s design showcased a distinctive sense of place, with treatment rooms in overwater villas featuring glass floor panels that can overlook the marine life.”
The Diamond Luminous Infusion Ritual facial at The Spa at Ashford Castle
Ireland
“The experience featured great skin products, a friendly and knowledgeable therapist, plus scalp, shoulder, neck and hand-and-arm massages during downtime while products were setting.”
