Resorts with the Best Spas
Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Parrot Cay on Turks & Caicos in Top Five
Modern Bride magazine unveiled its top 50 honeymoon destinations in the 2007 August/September issue. Subcategories include a list of the top five hotel spas worldwide.
Modern Bride polled more than 6,000 travel specialists to learn the world's top honeymoon destinations. Italy knocked Hawaii from the top spot this year; the Hawaiian Islands had ranked first for a decade.
In addition to asking elite travel agents about favorite romantic spots, the magazine solicited their expert feedback on topics ranging from "Resorts with the Best Bathrooms" to "Ultimate Honeymoon Suites" to "Best All-inclusive Brands." They also chimed in on the luxury resorts with the best spas.
Here are the travel agents' top picks for sublime hotel spas , plus some reasons why the resorts are first rate:
1. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand: The Four Seasons (named the "Best Hotel Brand" in the survey) is known for its upscale luxury, and its resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is no exception. Guests don't stay in "rooms" here, but rather spread out in one of 64 pavilions with their own verandas. The spa offers seven private treatment suites, each equipped with its own outdoor shower, soaking tub and steam room. Treatments feature aromatherapy using native herbs, oils and spices.
2. Maroma Resort and Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico: This resort is part of the Orient-Express travel collection, which also includes train and cruise experiences. Maroma is about 20 miles south of the hustle and bustle of Cancun. The treatments at its Kinan Spa are based on ancient Mayan healing rituals, such as the unusual Hot Poultice Massage. Enjoy treatments in the "massage tower," where you have 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle and ocean.
3. InterContinental Resort and Spa Moorea, French Polynesia: Stay in a 400-square-foot overwater or beachside bungalow at this premier South Pacific resort. Its Helene Spa is all about nature and the environment: two private treatment areas are outdoors in exotic gardens. The signature, warm-water bath treatment is infused with floating plumeria, gardenia, jasmine and bougainvillea.
4. Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos: Desperate Housewives star Eva Longario and NBA player Tony Parker recently spent their honeymoon at Parrot Cay, an ultra exclusive and ultra secluded Caribbean resort. The Shambhala spa focuses on Asian-inspired healing activities such as yoga, guided meditation and pranayama (guided breathing). Holistic treatments include several different types of massage, acupuncture, Indonesian body scrubs (spices and yogurt), and ayurvedic therapies.
5. Esperanza, Los Cabos, Mexico: Esperanza belongs to the Auberge family of luxury boutique hotels. Fifty oceanview casitas and six spacious suites range from 925 to 3,000 square feet. Spend the entire day at the resort's spa: enjoying a variety of body treatments, taking fitness classes, relaxing in the steam cave, soaking in the warm pool, plunging in the cold pools and sunning in the garden.
