ITWPA Member, Candace Mendoza
Published Originally: April 9, 2020 at www.travelpostmonthly.com
Edited: April 7, 2021
Water is the essence of life. Its gentle flow and sparkle affect the mind, body, and soul. Consequently, water has been a part of the spa experience for centuries. But what is it that makes spa-going so different from other pleasurable activities? It’s the healing power of water.
The ultimate spa experience combines water journeys, cultural traditions, and spa services with artful displays. Together this creates a relaxing environment and an overall feeling of health and wellness. The five unique spas below, although located in different parts of the world, have chosen to honor each guest with the healing power that only water can provide.
The Geosea is located atop the cliffs of Skjalfandi Bay, Husavik, Iceland. A bit off the beaten path, travelers will find a most unusual experience bathing in the warm seawater baths of Geosea. Guests with skin conditions such as psoriasis will find relief in the geothermal waters. The natural beauty of rocky cliffs, snow-capped mountains, and the Arctic Circle beyond contribute to the uniqueness of this spa. With the healing power of heated seawater and the vast landscape, a sense of peace and tranquility prevails.
Tel: +354 464 1210 – https://www.geosea.is/
Situated along the shores of the Bosphorus, the Sanitas Spa is in the majestic Ciragon Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, Turkey. For centuries Sultans graced the walkways and gardens of this old Ottoman retreat. Travelers are offered the traditional Turkish bath ritual known as Hammam in this renovated luxury hotel and spa. White marble relaxes the body; an aromatic soap scrub is applied to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. Scalp, feet, and hands receive added attention with a textured mitt. The final touch is a gentle, warm-water rinse that soothes the soul and brings a true appreciation of the earth’s gift of water.
Tel: +90 212-326-4646 – https://www.kempinski.com/en/istanbul/ciragan-palace/spa
Lush vegetation, a magical stone water grotto, and open-air pavilions overlooking the Ayung River transport guests to a place of serenity at the Tjampuhan Spa in Ubud, Bali. Built-in 1928 as a guesthouse for royalty, the spa is known for its Balinese hospitality. Rest in your bungalow or hotel room then join others in the co-ed cavern for a dip in the hot/cold water pools located deep in the heart of the spa. Guests may choose to enjoy the Healing Massage or the traditional Mandi Lufur, which uses herbs and a cooling yogurt to stimulate the skin. Each can be followed by a Bali flower-scented bath if requested. If you listen closely, you might hear the subtle sights and sounds of the river and forest below as they bring forth an awareness of the importance of water to life. Peace and tranquility go with you after your day at Tjampuhan Spa.
Tel: -62 -361 975 368 – www.tjampuhan-bali.com
The Lapis Spa’s Water Journey and Ritual Water Elements available at the famous Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach Florida, provide several body-tingling water experiences such as steam, mist, and rain that revitalize the skin and ease the stresses of the day. Cascading over the body, the Energy Deluge Shower relaxes sore muscles and removes tension. Immersion Mineral Jet Baths prior to your massage or facial help balance the skin. Enter the Blue Rain Room or the Elements Rain Tunnel for a surprising treat of showering water. End your visit to Lapis with a light meal or a delightful cool drink by the pool
Close to Waikiki Beach, the Honua Therapeutic Massage and Facial Spa caters to the unique needs of everyone. This family-operated boutique spa provides a “massage from the heart” to all who visit. Honua Spa also offers several spa experiences in the fashion of Japan, Thailand, and India in addition to the traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage. Prior to each treatment, Honua provides a warm foot bath and salt scrub to cleanse and massage the muscles and joints of the foot and ankle. This relaxing ritual relieves tension as it cleanses the feet. This way, the guest enters a more relaxed state in preparation for their massage or facial. This water ritual honors not only the healing power of water but their clients and guests as well.
Tel: 808 382-6565 – www.honuatherapy.com ~TPM
