Five spas for design aficionados

Wellness

By John O’Ceallaigh

May 18, 2023

Alongside transformative treatments, these five luxury spas have impressive design credentials.

We’re all in need of a little TLC at times, and luckily pampering is something of a USP for Mandarin Oriental. While superlative service and treatments come as standard across the portfolio, these five spas also feature exceptional design for that extra degree of decadence.

A guest enjoying tea in the garden of the spa treatment room at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Though they were inspired by the cathedrals and ancient mosques of Andalusia, French duo Gilles & Boissier also imbued this sun-drenched Spa with distinctly Moroccan flourishes. Marrakech’s ubiquitous red bricks cover the walls and columns while, in one tranquil treatment room, select therapies take place in an olive-shaded private garden.

Other design elements draw from the five elements and engage the five senses. Listen for the calming trickle of a fountain, admire the geometric patterns cast on floors by shards of brilliant sunshine, or take in the surrounding gardens, planted with over 100,000 roses. Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings, and beauty will unfurl before you.

Must-try treatment The cocooning, three-hour Caracal ritual, which takes in an indulgent hammam, aromatherapy facial and a full body massage, using orange blossom, lavender or jasmine oil to unspool any stubborn knots and worries.

A colleague walking up the spiralling Teak staircase of the spa at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

The Oriental Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

From Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, an atmospheric boat ride across the Chao Phraya river in a Siamese barge takes guests to this legendary spa, housed in a restored, century-old teakwood house.

Fringed by swirls of fragrant frangipani, it’s a truly handsome hideaway. Alongside its clutch of elegant, traditional treatment rooms, five spacious speciality suites provide private sanctuaries for the tailored therapies that the Spa is renowned for.

Must-try treatment The signature Lanna Ceremony begins with a soothing herbal foot bath, green-tea body scrub and body wrap. Next comes a traditional lanna body massage, followed by warm, muscle-relaxing herbal compresses.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing

A refuge from the constant bustle of Beijing, this intimate Spa has four distinctive, individually designed spa suites. These include the Moroccan-themed Flower Suite, which has its own private hammam, and the elegant Moon Suite. With a heated quartz sand bed as its centrepiece, the Mirror Suite provides the perfect setting for a Serenity Sound Bath, surrounded by vibrations from Himalayan singing bowls.

Must-try treatment Inspired by the Chinese emperors of old, the two-hour Emperor’s Longevity treatment centres on an indulgent massage with Xiuyan jade, and taps into gua sha meridian techniques.

Serene poolside spa bed at Mandarin Oriental, Madrid

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

When he first opened this legendary address back in 1910, César Ritz envisaged grandeur and glamour – and the masterfully designed, modern-day Spa delivers that in spades. Enlivened by glistening golds and gleaming chandeliers, its centrepiece is a grand, marble-lined indoor pool – the ultimate retreat during the long hot days of a Madrid summer.

It also features a vitality pool, steam room and experience showers, along with state-of-the-art wellness facilities – including a spruce new gym with the latest Technogym equipment.

Must-try treatment Ninety minutes of pure indulgence that generates exceptional results, the Sublime Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid Facial is tailored to your individual needs. Intensively hydrating and revitalising, it leaves skin smoother, brighter and healthier.

Relaxing pods in the spa at Mandarin Oriental, Dubai

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

With the resort overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the soaring skyline, it’s no surprise that this Spa draws design inspiration from the mystery and beauty of the United Arab Emirates. Its interiors and treatment rooms subtly reference the soothing shades of the desert, connected by walkways that follow the lines of undulating sand dunes. Ambient lighting sets a calming mood, while cushioned, cocoon-like pods invite post-treatment relaxation. This desert Spa’s oasis, meanwhile, is its hammam-style suite, extravagantly equipped with a state-of-the-art Gharieni Libra Edge K bed.

Must-try treatment Inspired by Emirati Bedouin life, Nomadic Dreaming is a two-hour experience, encompassing affirmations, singing bowls, a salt scrub and restorative massage.

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the relevant hotel team for more information.

About the Author

John O’Ceallaigh

John O’Ceallaigh is a travel writer who has written for The Week, The FT, The Times and Robb Report.