The world’s 10 most luxurious, indulgent and overall best spas

After the holidays come and go, and the barrage of kisses from crazy Aunt Judy have subsided, you’re going to need to treat yourself with some major relaxation. We’re talking over-the-top, best-in-the-world, worth-hopping-on-a-plane-for kind of relaxation.

RELATED: Check out these 10 super indulgent hotel suites

To help you start planning, we’ve rounded up a list of the world’s top 10 best spas. These spas are destinations unto themselves and the therapists are masters at their craft. Beyond just the treatment though, many components have to come together to make a spa day truly memorable. The scents, sounds and quality of amenities all contribute to the experience. There’s nothing better than a strong, cleansing steam-room to help sweat out toxins or a refreshing glass of sweet, local fruit juice to replenish post treatment. No matter what you’re in need of—the ultimate deep tissue massage or a revitalizing salt bath—we’ve got you covered. From start to finish, these 10 spas do it best:

Couples massage room at El Capricho | Photo by Compass + Twine

El Capricho Spa at Capella Ixtapa: Ixtapa, Mexico

Built into a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the sound of the waves crashing rhythmically into the coastline below will surely lull you to sleep. Butterflies come and go, and birds chirp outside the window as the open-air design of El Capricho Spa embraces the natural beauty all around. Using locally-inspired therapies, the renowned treatment specialists work to relax both mind and body. For the ultimate El Capricho experience, choose the signature Serenity Massage in their outdoor treatment room and feel the sea breeze throughout the amazing 90-minute experience.

Lime Spa at Huvafen Fushi | Photo by Compass + Twine

Lime Spa at Huvafen Fushi: The Maldives 

With the clearest water you could imagine and sparkling whites sands, the Maldives are perhaps the most beautiful islands in the world. A mecca for lovers and honeymooners, the resorts that make up this paradise are nothing short of spectacular, and the spas aren’t so shabby either. Standing out above the rest, Lime Spa at Huvafen Fushi takes an epic spa experience to a whole new level—down below. While they have numerous over-the-water massage bungalows, Lime Spa is famous for being the world’s first underwater spa. Obviously, choose one of the incredible treatment rooms under the surface and watch the sea-life float by through the glass walls.

Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico

Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Dorado, Puerto Rico

Spread out over an impressive 5 acres, Spa Botànico offers outdoors rain showers, multiple plunge pools, a huge pineapple garden and even tree-house treatment rooms. It really is one for the record books. The entire Ritz-Carlton Reserve experience on Puerto Rico’s northern coast is world-class, but their heavenly spa keeps bringing patrons back for true barefoot luxury relaxation, year after year.

Yann Wellness Energy Spa | Photo by Compass + Twine

Yaan Wellness Energy Spa at BeTulum: Tulum, Mexico

The magical ambiance at Yaan Wellness Energy Spa hits you as soon as you walk up the smokey, incense-filled entryway, around the fire-pit and under dream-catchers dangling from above.  Using pre-Columbian indigenous treatments, this holistic spa focuses on total mind and body rejuvenation. Before each treatment, embark on their famous water journey, rotating among the eucalyptus steam room, hot tub, cold shower and outdoor massage pool. Tulum famously embodies a natural, eco-chic style, and the Yaan facility echoes this philosophy with amazing, earth-inspired treatments and one impressive wellness center.

View from the lanai at Spa Grande | Photo by Compass + Twine

Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea: Maui, Hawaii

Plan to spend the entire day here, because you seriously won’t want to leave. It’s best to arrive as early as possible, so you can have plenty of time to enjoy the amazing amenities beforehand. Take turns going in between the ice-cold pool and the hot tub to relax your muscles, then sit under the massaging waterfall and feel any stress melt from your shoulders and neck. Best of all, a rainbow of salt baths provide different healing abilities, so take turns moving from one end of the color spectrum to the other. Before your massage, a treatment specialist will offer a head-to-toe exfoliation. After your service is complete, relax out on the lania and enjoy beautiful views of the palm-tree-lined property.

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Treatment room at the Belmond spa | Photo by Compass + Twine

Spa at Belmond El Encanto: Santa Barbara, CA

In between the wine tastings and strolls along beautiful Butterfly Beach, an afternoon at the spa at Belmond El Encanto is a must. Enjoy the sauna and steam rooms in the relaxation lounge before your treatment, then it’s time to choose the perfect scent of oil for your massage. Sample the different scents until finding the one—or mix of several—that is perfect for you. Your therapist will then use that blend to rub you down, working the oils deep into your muscles. If you loved the scent you chose, you can purchase it in oil, lotion, or pillow spray form and take the relaxing spa experience home with you!

Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel in New York City | Photo by Compass + Twine

Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel: New York City, NY

Set underground in NYC‘s chic Greenwich Hotel, the pool at Shibui Spa glows bright in the dimly-lit room marked by grand wood ceiling beams above and a cool bamboo lounge area off to the side. While the prices can be steep, the quality of the service is unbeatable. Some of the world’s best therapists provide everything from an amazing Bamboo Glow body treatment to their famous Elemental Well-Being Massage. Afterward, unwind on one of their poolside loungers and order a smoothie or fresh matcha tea off the menu.

Spa Mukul | Photo by Compass + Twine

Spa Mukul at Mukul Resort: Guacalito de la Isla, Nicaragua

Regarded as one of the best spas in Latin America, Spa Mukul is nothing short of spectacular. Six private treatment suites sit high on a cliff, amid the tropical foliage and overlooking the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean below. Their decadent suites are thoughtfully designed, each with their own theme and unique healing attributes. Beyond an amazing massage, you can use the treatment suite as your own private sanctuary to relax or unwind. After a luxurious treatment using local Nicaraguan ingredients, enjoy a fresh fruit juice in your suite’s hot tub or head out the sliding glass doors to your own private patio with plunge pool.

Spa Sisley | Photo by Compass + Twine

Spa Sisley at Hotel Christopher: St. Barts

Book a couple’s massage with that special someone, and you’ll be able to enjoy Spa Sisley’s over-the-top double suite. The doors swing open to the brilliant turquoise Caribbean Sea, and you can hear the sound of waves lapping onto the shore. As relaxing at the sound is, try not to fall asleep because the masseuses know what they’re doing here and you don’t want to miss out on the massage.  Afterwards, enjoy a cup of tea and soak in the tub on the private patio.

Treatment room at the Spa at Fearrington | Photo by Compass + Twine

The Spa at Fearrington at Fearrington House Inn: Chapel Hill, NC

At this Chapel Hill spa, visitors enter through Haven, the Fearrington’s spa boutique, and browse the beautiful selection of luxe PJ’s, high-end soaps and luxurious lotions. When appointment time comes, you’ll be taken upstairs to a treatment room bigger than most New York City apartments, and like everything at the Fearrington House Inn, it exudes southern charm. Tranquil music plays while you enjoy a 60 or 90-minute massage, complete with hot towels. Afterwards, sit for a spell in the relaxation room and enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire and hot cup of tea.

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Tagged: California, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico