The push-pull of living in a hyper-connected city can, at times, prove more than a little trying. Background traffic doesn’t quite count as ASMR, and where is everyone rushing to? Sure, you could escape to the country for a biophilic forest-bathing boost or a spell at a rustic, lavender-scented retreat; but pin-drop quiet and switch-off serenity can be found in urban environs, too, at the best city spa hotels.
Though day spas in the city are not a novelty, these retreats take things to transcendental new heights. And longer-standing sanctuaries in some of the world’s buzziest cities are revamping elements of their service to better reflect advances in the wellness space.
Let’s pause here for a moment… Inhale for five, exhale for five. Good. It’s time to visit a few of the most tempting urban temples of tranquillity.
EASE UP IN EUROPE
Europe’s major cities pack a punch and second cities — like Antwerp, in Belgium — aren’t far behind. The centre of the diamond trade in Europe, Antwerp is densely concentrated, meaning the port city can feel quite hectic at times. To counter this, individuals can wind down at the spiritually aligned Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a former monastery fringed by beautifully landscaped gardens. Antwerpenaars are drawn to the property’s Botanic Health Spa, where ancient herbal and monastic remedies align with traditional European and Chinese medicine. Rotate between the panoramic Finnish sauna, foot reflexology basins, and botanical shower experiences. The spa itself — made of glass, wood and natural stone — is sustainable in design, using technologies to conserve natural resources.
Meanwhile, in Italy, you’ll be pampered like an emperor at Six Senses Rome. Be soothed by a bathing circuit inspired by ancient healing methods, involving a caldarium, tepidarium and frigidarium; book signature massages and bespoke facials; and fast forward into the future with the hotel’s smart tech for ‘biohacking’, essentially shortcuts for healing what ails you. Or get an all-natural glow at Casa Monti’s spa, with its Susanne Kaufmann treatments and forest-inspired rituals.
Over in West London, The Other House in South Kensington might have flamboyant interiors, with boldly printed wallpaper and animal-themed artworks, but at its heart is a serene spa sanctuary with a jetted pool, sound baths and a massage type for all aches. If you’re feeling indecisive, just consult with the dedicated wellness concierge, who can point you to a simple pick-me-up, or something more spiritual — perhaps a tarot reading or reiki. Further north in the UK, The Store Oxford (formerly a department store, as its name might suggest) perks guests up using Oskia lotions and potions. Stress is melted with percussive Theragun massages or guests can pop on a pair of Therabody Recovery Air Jet Boots to improve circulation.
ALLEVIATE ANXIETY IN ASIA
In Asia, mega-cities like Tokyo present an equilibrium to frenetic days (and nights) in the form of wellness-centric hotels. In the neon-bright capital, Aman Tokyo is a welcome refuge set in the Otemachi Tower, with urban greenery, courtesy of the views of the Otemachi Forest, adding some Zen to the surrounding skyscrapers. Serene in atmosphere and dynamic by design, the Aman Spa features onsen-style, volcanic-rock baths and steam rooms, plus a 30-metre indoor swimming pool (with panoramic skyline glimpses, of course).
Guests can indulge in a treatment informed by Japan’s tradition of Kampo healing, which embraces the power of natural herbs, or sign up for the Misogi experience, a traditional Shinto purification ritual using cold water. After all, that you’ll undoubtedly forget you’re in Tokyo’s central business district (with a full inbox).
Aman has also brought a space of stillness and calm to lively Bangkok — Aman Nai Lert has three floors given over to wellness. There’s a private treatment villa where modern takes on traditional Thai healing (massages with rice compresses, exfoliation with clusters of oak and birch leaves) are carried out; saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools; and a beauty studio. One floor is devoted to a medical spa by Hertitude Clinic, where there’s a cryotherapy chamber and you can have nutrient-rich IV infusions; and you can partake in a three-day detox programme designed by none other than Serbian tennis supremo Novak Djokovic.
Refuge also comes courtesy of Capella Bangkok, a 20-minute drive away. Perched right by the river, the jasmine-scented Auriga Spa (set amid tropical gardens) offers a calming enclave to restore and rejuvenate, with customised treatments combining ancient Asian rituals with modern practices. Tailored wellness is Capella’s MO, making it a great address to keep in your back pocket, in particular, that of its outpost in Singapore (a leafy stretch of Sentosa Island). The spa here has partnered with luxury brands such as Margy’s Monte Carlo, Gentlemen’s Tonic and Biologique Recherche; and signature treatments include plumping facials, massage and breathwork combos, and rituals in rhythm with lunar cycles. This outpost also offers a special pet spa programme, too, where they’ll be pampered with an Ayurvedic grooming session.
UNWIND IN THE US
NYC excels in urban-wellness scaling. The constant hustle of the city that never sleeps can be draining, so finding places to rest up and recharge is key. But first, hit a high-octane stay to limber up. Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, from the cult gym brand, will snap you awake and boost those energy levels, thanks to SoulCycle classes, a vast open-air pool with city views, and a 27,000-square-foot spa, which offers cryotherapy chambers, infrared saunas, NutriDrip infusions and more. The hotel also has a sleep coach, should you find it hard to switch off.
Over on Howard Street, on the edge of Nolita, 11 Howard is home to a HigherDOSE (‘dose’ standing for dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins) facility and a spa with infrared saunas.
Way over on the West Coast, The Ranch Malibu is more of a journey than a stay, offering a reset through daily exercises and hikes, considered plant-based eating and a crackdown on vices. Exertions are tempered with daily massages, yoga and meditation; and — while the programme might be intense — it’ll give you the tools and motivation to keep up healthier habits after check-out. For a more lay-there-and-bliss-out experience, Pendry West Hollywood has wraps, massages and more, with the odd gemstone facial thrown in.
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