White Apricot

TAKE ME AWAY!
Our Top 10 Eco Friendly Destination Spas
By Terena Thyne Eisner, wandermelon.com

 

Baby, it’s cold outside…almost everywhere. We don’t know about you, but we’re dreaming of tropical climates...or at the very least, warmer climates. So, we're taking a break this week from eco fashion because we could all use something to look forward to…perhaps a retreat to relax and recharge. Now is the perfect time to start planning a get-a-way or even just fanaticizing about one. Why not consider pampering yourself and giving back to the environment, by checking into an eco friendly destination spa to revive your spirits? Our list of top Eco Spas are so sophisticated and indulgent, you may forget they are good for the Planet.

 

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali
Relax in luxury at this magical resort situated in the artistic community of Ubud in Bali. The 20 acre retreat overlooks lush rice paddies above the sacred Ayung River, and the spa and health center combine traditional Eastern techniques with hands-on healing therapies. Each guest is assigned a personal assistant and is also able to consult with various professionals to construct an individualized program that combines exercise, diet, meditation, yoga and spa treatments. Anti-aging, detoxification and stress-management programs are among the many offered, along with a wide selection of Ayurvedic treatments. www.cse.como.bz

 

Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Costa Rica
This five-star eco resort is located in northern Costa Rica at the foot of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna de San Carlos. The resort's lush setting includes twelve natural hot spring pools and lagoons, thermal pools, exotic gardens and trails. The Grand Spa has 11 outdoor treatment bungalows and an extensive menu of indigenous and therapeutic treatments and therapies, including a three-unit Temazcal (ultra hot sweat lodge), volcanic mud wraps and rinses in outdoor river pools, mineral water treatments, coffee and coconut scrubs and a massage with hot volcanic stones. www.tabacon.com

 

 

 

Frégate Island, Seychelles
With only 16 villas on the entire island, Frégate focuses on exclusivity while preserving and protecting its unique natural environment. Frégate's Rock Spa overlooks the sea and is a haven of serenity with freshwater pools and cascading waterfalls. The spa offers holistic treatments from around the globe, including techniques from Australia, Polynesia, and India, using natural botanical treatments made from fresh local ingredients. www.fregate.com  

 

 

 

Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala, India
This five star deluxe heritage resort, situated along the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, India, is spread over 25 lush, landscaped, tropical acres. The resort incorporates a range of  eco friendly measures, including energy conservation and the use of biodegradable products. Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurvedic medicine and the resort’s Ayurmana spa is world renowned for its therapies. Many guests come for 14-28 day long treatments. www.klresort.com

 

 

 

Six Senses Destination Spa, Phuket, Thailand
Located on the Naka Yai Island, just a 10-minute boat ride from Phuket, this innovative resort features four spa concepts, focusing on Indian, Indonesian, Chinese and Thai inspired treatments. This destination spa offers world-class innovative experiences that combine the island's pristine natural beauty with cutting-edge holistic and contemporary treatments. To help guests take a step beyond just balancing the senses, there is a wellness program, raw food restaurant, and an interactive earth kitchen. http://www.phuket.com/sixsenses-erawan 
 

 

 

 

 

Mauna Lani, Big Island, Hawaii
Nestled on three miles of Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, Mauna Lani Resort and its signature spa immerse guests in Hawaiian culture and healing techniques. Most of the spa's treatment areas are outdoors, with massage tables set in thatch-roofed huts, tucked in a man made lava labyrinth. One of the spa’s signature treatments is Kahi Kikaha (place of soaring)—a Watsu pool perfect for aquatic body treatment. The pool also features underwater acoustics, tranquil lighting effects and a waterfall—all of which is completely solar powered. www.maunalani.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cavallo Point, Sausalito, California
With sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay area from almost all of the guest rooms, the hotel and spa were built with the environment and sustainability in mind. Formerly Fort Baker, the hotel was redeveloped, preserving the historic military structures in partnership with the National Park Service. The centerpiece is the 11,000 square foot Healing Arts Center & Spa, which offers a variety of treatments and wellness programs. Relax at the Tea Bar after an acupuncture treatment or blissful massage. www.cavallopoint.com

 

 

 

St. Regis, Bora Bora
One of the most beautiful spas in the world, Miri Miri, is located on a private island in the center of the luxurious St. Regis resort. The resort's 100 villas blend seamlessly into the panoramic French Polynesian surroundings with dramatic views of Mt. Otemanu. The Miri Miri spa features a medley of Tahitian and Pacific Rim treatments, incorporating local beauty products such as monoi oil, tamanu oil, pure mother of pearl and luminescent pearl powder. www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis (Click on “resorts” and then “Bora Bora”)

 

 

 

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
The Post Ranch Inn sits on 100 acres along the coast of Big Sur and the resort's buildings blend perfectly into their environment. The rooms are positioned to be sensitive to old growth trees and tree houses are built on stilts to protect the fragile roots of redwoods and oaks. The spa uses active organic ingredients in its oils, body butters, bath salts and skin care products. Some of the products are even solar-infused with the fragrance of local flowers and they contain medicinal herbs and natural fruit acids harvested on site. www.postranchinn.com  
 

 

 

 

 

Four Seasons, Westlake Village, California
This sprawling hotel and preventive health center includes a 40,000 square foot spa, state-of-the-art workout center and the California Health & Longevity Institute’s innovative program blending modern science (DNA testing, diagnostic imaging) with alternative medicine, nutrition, exercise and restorative therapies. The orchid lined waterfall in the relaxing waiting area and the expansive treatment facilities create a tranquil respite where you can relax and get a massage or sign up for the wellness program to improve your fitness level. www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage