It may not feel like the final weekend of winter in much of Europe and the American northeast, but luckily it is and with it comes a surge of pale-faced travellers desperate for a hedonist spring getaway. Whether it's a few hours away or halfway around the world, these luxury new spa destinations will make you forget all about your winter doldrums.
A 4+ hour nonstop flight from New York and you’ll be at the very polished Sugar Beach St. Lucia �" the latest resort revamp by Viceroy. With UNESCO-listed Petit Piton as its very cinematic backdrop, the former-Jalousie Plantation is home to its own Rainforest Spa and series of cottage-style accommodations with a chic 18th Century colonial charm. For something a bit more barefoot and boho there's Hotel Escondido. Located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, it’s the latest destination for Carlos Couturier and Moises Micha’s Grupo Habita that mixes rural palapa architecture with plunge pools and yoga taught by local surfers. And then there’s Las Alamandas, a 16 villa visual paradise of kaleidoscopic colors, old world money and on-demand masseuse trained by Indian gurus and shamans.
Those that don’t mind a 18+ hour flight to the Maldives find Niyama by Per Aquum that takes a playful hand to 5-star luxury. A private island of overwater pavilions with private infinity pools and in-room fridges constantly packed with homemade delicacies still manages to standout in a destination now crowded with players from LVMH and COMO Hotels. Its Lime Spa offers after dark treatments that take you outside and under the stars. Even more adventurous is Malsi Estate in India’s Uttarakhand where the latest location by Vana Retreats offers Tibetan healing, ayurveda, yoga and farmstead for those is need of spa luxury with a hefty dose of spiritual rejuvenation.
