Vogue has crafted its first-ever global spa guide, a hand-picked selection of the world’s top spas. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we have sorted the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared treatment from the IV infusion. If your path is a more holistic one, there’s something for you here, as well. Creating this guide has taken us to some very interesting places, and raised some questions that aren’t just about buffing your skin or toning your muscles, but what makes us truly feel our best.
To put together this guide, we literally traversed the earth—tapping the expertise of Vogue editors worldwide and putting together what we hope is a truly global look at the very wide world of wellness. Through this, we found the most extravagant retreats, from isolated alpine sanctuaries to urban oases in the heart of London. But for those looking for a sanctuary closer to home, we’re exploring the finest spas right here in Asia. Upon arrival, indulge in a world of personalised packages and unique experiences tailored to elevate every aspect of your wellness journey. We’re talking barefoot luxury, a wardrobe comprising of robes or nothing at all and the soothing coos from your therapist—from Asia’s best spas. From the oceanic paradise that is Maldives to Japan’s rural gem Ise-Shima National Park, escape to a special haven where your body can reset, recuperate and be revitalised.
Below, see where you can travel to experience Asia’s best spas.
1 / 8
Six Senses Vana in Uttarakhand India
This breathtaking spa is an experience meticulously crafted for guests long before their arrival, with each bespoke health and wellness plan designed and prepared in advance. Guests are chauffeured in the resorts’ luxurious minivans, which navigate through bustling city streets and climbs a scenic route through the Himalayas to a dense Sal forest just outside Dehradun. A minimum week-long stay promises ultimate relaxation. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a dot of vermilion powder applied on the forehead and a red string tied around the wrist before slipping into their plush linen kurta pajamas, ready to embark on a transformative wellness journey.
2 / 8
Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore
Burrowed within Sentosa Island, the Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore offers a luxurious escape from the hot and humid bustle of the city. Sat in a lush area known for it’s popularity among tourists, this five-star sanctuary welcomes guests with serene ambiance and spacious changing rooms. The expansive spa hosts a vitality pool with various jets, a herbal steam room, and an ice fountain, ensuring a truly rejuvenating experience. As a premier destination spa, it offers a diverse range of packages that can last up to four hours, including unique treatments like the buttery tanaka powder body mask, sealed with fragrant banana leaves, truly a highlight of their offerings.
3 / 8
COMO Shambhala at COMO Laucala Island Fiji
Northeast of Fiji’s main island, COMO Shambhala offers an ultra-luxurious escape complete with its own golf course, expansive spa, yachts, and restaurants, designed for a private getaway with family and friends. This exclusive resort caters to the elite, with a nightly rate of $6000, which includes everything from meals to limitless spa treatments and use of yachts. This is unlike any typical all-inclusive package, offering unparalleled luxury and privacy on a stunning island in the South Pacific.
4 / 8
Soneva Soul at Soneva Fushi Maldives
Soneva Soal redefines luxury with a barefoot spa concept, located on Kunfunadhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Maldives, where guests can truly unwind. From the moment you step on the soft white sands, you immerse in relaxation as your shoes are packed away and only returned to you at your departure. The spa offers ancient treatments with modern innovations, offering customized programs true to their four pillars—Foundation, Sleep, Detox, and Time Rewind. Whether it’s Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or advanced therapies, Soneva Soul ensures a refreshing experience amid a tropical paradise.
5 / 8
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Vietnam
Sat on Vietnam’s central coastline, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai offers a peaceful retreat inspired by Vietnamese mindfulness teachings. Guests wander cobbled lanes on beach cruisers, touring modern bungalows and sprawling lawns before arriving at the spa situated amongst a picturesque koi-filled lagoon. Inspired by Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hnah, the spa encourages an internal connection and with nature through simplicity and everyday pleasures. With a focus on stability and creativity, guests can indulge in a range of treatments while truly understanding tranquility.
6 / 8
Amanemu Ise-Shima Japan
On the eastern edge of Mie Prefecture in Ise-Shima National Park, you’ll discover Amanemu—a hidden rural gem for relaxation. While it may not be of easiest access, this sequestered retreat is perfectly located for utmost serenity. Amanemu’s spa stands out from the rest of the Aman group’s luxurious range of properties worldwide for its access to mineral-rich waters. In Japan, Onsen culture reigns supreme, and these natural hot springs are believed to offer a myriad of benefits, from ameliorating skin health to boosting blood circulation. These healing waters emanate into the spa’s two outdoor pools, and each guest room’s own private hot spring bath.
7 / 8
Joali Being Raa Atoll The Maldives
Set against the setting of Maldives’ pristine white sands, lush coconut palms, and crystal-clear waters, Joali Being is the country’s first dedicated wellness resort island, just a 40-minute seaplane journey from Male International Airport. Centered around four pillars—mind, skin, microbiome, and energy—the resort offers a comprehensive range of treatments and experiences. From specialized practitioners in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to unique offerings like chi nei tsang massages and yoga enhancement. Housing 68 villas, each with its own butler or “Jadugar”, Joali Being sets a new standard for luxury wellness in the Maldives and pioneers the “Joy of Weightlessness”.
8 / 8
Four Seasons Kyoto Japan
Find your Zen in Japan, tucked away on a rare, peaceful street in the Higashiyama ward, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is a breath of fresh air from the bustling tourist-filled city. This tranquil energy continues as you enter the airy lobby and catch a glance at the hotel’s crown jewel: a captivating 800-year-old pond garden complete with a teahouse, pagoda, and its very own resident heron. But the the real surprise lies beneath—a sweeping subterranean sanctuary spread across two floors and covering a staggering 100,000 square feet. It’s one of Kyoto’s grandest full-service spas and fitness centers that offers access to the ofuro, a Japanese-style bath, while overlooking the Shakusui-en pond garden.
This story was originally published on Vogue.com.
