Ultimate Spa. Judy Chapman
surrounds: An outdoor bath in a treatment room and rock pools and a small waterfall in the Secret Garden surrounded by lush greenery.
Therapists add to the evening's radiance by decorating the infinity pool area with small candles.
BANYAN TREE
SPA RINGHA
YUNNAN PROVINCE, CHINA
Take a spa sojourn through China, the new frontier for spas in the 21st century, and experience a surge of new treatments originating from the Himalayan region. Banyan Tree Spas, well loved throughout Asia for their romantic experiences, have created one of their most tempting spa concepts yet—the Tibetan-inspired Banyan Tree Ringha resort in Yunnan Province.
At 12,000 feet (3,600 meters) above sea level, ancient life is recaptured in the architecture of the resort, which comprises reconstructed old timber Tibetan farmhouses, featuring 15 beautiful one-bedroom Tibetan suites and 11 rustic two-bedroom Tibetan lodges. In fact, one may well wonder why one needs a spa treatment at all when pristine lakes, streams and snow-capped mountains frame your view whilst you luxuriate in one of the handcarved wooden Tibetan bathtubs.
Yunnan is renowned as a source for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, so the spa takes its inspiration from its milieu. Two signature warming treatments to counter the coolish weather are offered in six exquisite Spa Suites. Choose from the Tibetan hot stone massage therapy combined with tui na techniques in the Ringha package and the Himalayan Harmony treatment with gui shi hot stone massage designed for complete nurturing. The massages here are based on the five-element principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
Discover the mysterious beauty of the nearby Songzanling Temple that is home to over 700 monks and lamas. Inside, incense and yak butter oil lamps set the mood for prayer and meditation amongst ancient Buddhist scriptures.
Accommodation here ranges from the Ringha Lodge to the rustic traditional charm of Tibetan lodges and a Tibetan Spa Suite that is a spa within a spa concept.
Capturing a sense of place, the Tibetan lodges are built in the tradition of old Tibetan farmhouses.
The gui shi hot stone massage has its roots in Himalayan healing techniques described in the ancient Gui Shi text, Tibet's medical bible, and incorporates the use of smooth heated river stones. The stones are used for a slow but deep massage. Warm stones are left on specific points to move ch'i throughout the body. What makes these stones precious is that each one has been handcarved by monks from the nearby Kopan Monastery. Different healing mantras and Buddhist symbols are crafted on to the stones in the belief that the therapist will pass these qualities to the guests via the massage.
For natural warmth, the Himalayan Harmony package combines the gui shi hot stone massage with a black sesame scrub and a rice wine bath, so be prepared to experience a sensation of clearness whilst you bathe in warmth. Another sensation is the Tibetan Tiptoe package for feet—perfect after a day spent trekking in the nearby mountains. It starts with a herbal foot soak, then employs foot reflexology and conditioning to relieve sore muscles and improve energy flow. As evening descends upon your intimate world, take a moment to breathe in the mystery of mountain life and express gratitude for the life and experiences that you've been given.
THE SPA AT THE LALU
SUN MOON LAKE, TAIWAN
In ancient times, the area around Sun Moon Lake was known as shuishalian meaning "where water and sand meet."
The leisure center spa area features warming fireplaces and views across the lake, not to mention a host of alluring water therapies.
The Lalu was designed by world-renowned architect Kerry Hill. Each of the resort's rooms overlooks the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan and teakwood, glass and stone are the main materials used. Tempting ingredients used for the beauty rituals range from green tea and rice wine to ginger and rice bran.
PPositioned in the abundant countryside of Nantou County, central Taiwan, the Lalu is a peaceful retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Situated beside the tranquil waters of pristine Sun Moon Lake, the hotel, accentuated by Oriental elegance and contemporary style, is a haven for body, mind and spirit.
The spa offers a seamless blend of professional service and natural luxury. It is among the most beautiful spas in all of Asia. State of the art facilities include a spacious yoga/aerobics/dance studio, gym, beauty salon and spa lounge complete with a fireplace and juice bar, separate male and female spa areas with dry Swedish sauna, aromatic steam, cold plunge and hot whirlpools—all facing the gorgeous Sun Moon Lake. Private, modern spa suites feature open fireplaces, steam showers and enormous terrazzo baths.
The philosophy is that of a 21st-century spa combined with a restorative destination for mind, body and spirit. Inspired by the five elements theory of traditional Chinese medicine, there are five areas of expertise: fitness, treatments, nutrition and counseling, beauty and health, and meditation.
Many treatments are designed to activate the Chinese energy meridian points. This is a good place for reflexology or a traditional Taiwanese acupressure massage, an oil-free treatment that releases tension in tight muscles and other stressed areas. What's also special is the Lalu's own signature style of long stroke massage with essential oils to heal the mental and emotional needs of the guest.
The Japanese tradition of hot spring bathing in Taiwan is honored via a range of water therapies. There's a hot whirlpool and chilled plunge pools to stimulate muscles and increase circulation; a body-tranquilizing cold plunge pool; a sauna in a hinoki-paneled room; and a ceramic-tiled herbal steam room to refresh the respiratory passages, detoxify the whole body and soothe muscles. And for pampering, the menu offers a choice of Chinese-inspired body elixirs and beauty rituals. Try a jade massage with two therapists working in harmony, or the two-hour Orient Body Elixir Ritual consisting of a ginger scrub, honey body mask, ginger bath and acupressure massage. The strong ancient healing arts of the East are combined at the Lalu with a touch of aromatherapy, green tea body scrubs, slimming treatments, and marine rejuvenation.
Water is a meaningful element here: generous soaking tubs, Japanese-style hot, warm and icy whirlpools, scented steam rooms, dry saunas and wet rooms are all surrounded by the endless calm of Sun Moon Lake. Each of the spa suites has fabulous airy views across the lake.
ANANDA
IN THE HIMALAYAS
TEHRI GARHWAL, INDIA
Offerings of flowers to beautify the soul. Ananda houses India's only Aveda Beauty Institute—a collaboration with Estee Lauder.
Ananda in the Himalayas is regarded as one of the world's top destination spas. Combining a beautiful natural environment with a plethora of treatments, healthy food and ample time and space, it offers an extremely