The World’s Best Luxury Spas: A Journey into Wellness

There are few greater indulgences than retreating into a world of pure calm at a luxury spa. Whether tucked into the Swiss Alps, hidden in the deserts of Utah, or perched aboard an expedition ship sailing through polar landscapes, these sanctuaries offer more than just massages and facials, they offer the chance to truly reset.

A spa escape is not only about relaxation but also about reconnection with yourself, with nature, and with the art of slow living. Treatments like body wraps, hydrotherapy, aerial yoga, or simply soaking in mineral-rich waters are designed to renew both body and mind.

Here are five spas to experience at least once in a lifetime.

Ultramarine Spa, Quark Expeditions

Luxury wellness takes on a new dimension aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine. Guests enjoy massages and aromatherapy rooms, but the real showstopper is the sauna: floor-to-ceiling windows framing icebergs, glaciers, and polar horizons. Whether in the Arctic or Antarctic, this is a spa with views few will ever forget.

Bürgenstock Resort & Spa, Switzerland

High above Lake Lucerne in Ennetbürgen, this iconic Swiss spa is a temple to alpine wellness. Its infinity pool is world-famous, with breathtaking views over the lake and mountains. Guests can enjoy private saunas, indulgent massages, and hydrotherapy circuits - the ultimate alpine escape where wellness meets grandeur.

Thermae Bath Spa, England

In the historic city of Bath, this 18th-century spa is a modern revival of an ancient ritual. Visitors soak in thermal waters once enjoyed by Romans, surrounded by Georgian architecture. Terraced gardens, rooftop pools, and treatments ranging from seaweed wraps to mud baths make this a timeless experience that blends history with indulgence.

Amangiri Spa, Utah, USA

In the heart of Canyon Point, Amangiri offers an oasis carved into the desert. Signature treatments, aerial yoga, and expert massage therapies unfold against a dramatic backdrop of sandstone mesas. With pools, a full gym, and serene desert views, this spa is both grounding and transformative, a true retreat into silence and space.

Aman Rosa Alpina, Dolomites, Italy

Tucked into a forested hillside in Italy’s UNESCO-protected Dolomites, Aman Rosa Alpina offers a sanctuary shaped by alpine serenity and modern refinement. The spa features an adults-only zone including an eight-metre indoor pool, Finnish and bio saunas, a cold plunge pool, and a heated 20-metre outdoor infinity pool that looks out into the forested peaks.

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali, Indonesia

Nestled in the lush jungles near Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate is one of the world’s most renowned wellness retreats. This holistic sanctuary goes far beyond traditional spa treatments, offering personalized wellness programs that combine nutrition, yoga, Ayurveda, Pilates, and outdoor activities like guided hikes through the Balinese rainforest. The spa itself is a haven of serenity, with riverside treatment pavilions where guests can enjoy massages and therapies surrounded by the sounds of flowing water and tropical birdsong. Every detail is designed to restore balance and vitality, making this an unforgettable destination for those seeking deep rejuvenation.

Tierra Chiloé, Patagonia, Chile

For those drawn to wild, windswept landscapes, Tierra Chiloé offers a unique South American spa experience. Treatments use locally sourced natural ingredients, from herbal scrubs to therapeutic massages, all designed to restore harmony. Overlooking the rugged beauty of Patagonia, the spa blends Chilean tradition with mindful wellness.

Luxury spas aren’t just about pampering; they’re about perspective. From the stillness of a desert canyon to the icy vastness of the poles, each of these destinations elevates the idea of wellness into something unforgettable. Whether you crave extreme luxury or serene simplicity, these spas invite you to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

TBS Tip: When booking a spa getaway, consider not just treatments but also the setting. Often, the landscape itself becomes part of the therapy.