No-one has ever come back from holiday saying ‘I wish I’d spent less time at the spa!’ Your holiday is open season for indulgence and we’ve flagged up some of the most indulgent spas in the Indian Ocean to give you a taste of what you should definitely not miss.
Lime Spa at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
Let us throw our marine-relationship in reverse, because the fish of the Indian Ocean around Huvafen Fushi have their own ‘human tank’! Built under the ocean, Lime Spa allows us all, dryside and wetside, a mutual appreciation opportunity as we gaze at each other’s surroundings.
Sadly, for our fishy spectators, there is no indulgent programme of massages, therapies and treatments, no surreal sensory experiences and no signature Lime Light Ritual! Along with its ground-breaking (literally) design and position, this forward-thinking sanctuary offers the unique Intraceuticals – an Australian hyaluronic oxygen treatment which oxygenates the skin for a brighter, firmer and more flawless complexion – immediately. Indulgence in the Maldives has never been quite so engaged with the ocean but the sense of oneness with it creates a sublimely soothing, deeply aquatic sensation.
Banyan Tree Spa in Seychelles
The Seychelles in the glorious Indian Ocean has the greenest interior, a bounty of pure lush.
Is it really fair that a land with sun-bleached, powder beaches surrounded by warmest, clearest, marine-rich waters should also have such beautiful lush, countryside? Possibly not, but Seychelles seems to have it all and that is it remains the destination of choice for paradise-seekers the world over. In keeping with this luscious, tropical green setting, Banyan Tree Spa is a multi-level, semi-open, treehouse-like structure of wooden decks, neat white fencing and masses of tropical plants. With its holistic approach to treatments, steeped in Asian tradition, your experience is designed to embrace nature helped in part by the intoxicating scents that surround you.
Clarins Spa – Dinarobin and Royal Palm Mauritius
The experience of a great spa treatment is attributable to several factors. Of course your therapist must be highly skilled and ooze calm vibes, the ambience should exude tranquillity and the surroundings be fresh and charming. All your senses will be heightened, with scents and sounds playing a pivotal role in the overall delivery. Clarins Spa at both Dinarobin and Royal Palm in Mauritius creates a harmony that will leave you floating on air! Imagine the blissfully potent natural aroma of ylang-ylang, frangipani and basil invading your senses in the most entrancing way, whilst the sound of the waves lapping just feet from your massage bed – total bliss.
Six Senses Laamu
In an exclusive setting in the south of the Maldives, you will find the exquisite Six Senses Laamu, renowned for uber-luxurious, private villas and personalised service. In keeping with its exceptional standards, Six Senses Spa here treats you to a totally individual spa experience. Positioned on the beach, it has four uniquely designed couples’ treatment pavilions and four charming treatment ‘nests’, which resemble giant sugar-spun baskets! With this magical scene set you will be invited to a one-to-one consultation, this may be with the resident Ayurvedic Doctor who specialises in wellness, Ayurvedic, healing, yoga and Reiki therapies. The spa also hosts regular visiting practitioners such as Toby Maguire, a Master Practitioner & Corporate Wellness Trainer who has also studied hypnotherapy, acupuncture and nutrition – you could leave this heavenly place not only refreshed, but holistically revitalised!
Maradiva Mauritius
It is important to feel relaxed even before your treatment begins. At Maradiva Spa your journey starts as you enter the peaceful garden setting that is home to a calm, inviting pool and spacious Indian-influenced treatment rooms. The spa’s treatment programme incorporates signature treatments of both Western and Indian origin; to benefit fully from your ritual it is suggested that you arrive early, making use of sauna, steam and chill pool then retire afterwards to the relaxation lounge with a herbal tea. Full and half-day sessions that include a medley of exercise, yoga, meditation and therapies are wonderfully rewarding – but of course, no spa treatment should be rushed!
