High life
Perched on a canyon rim in the mountains of northern Oman, Anantara, Al Jabal Al Akhdar is among the highest spa retreats in Oman. Permeated by perfumed incense and oils, the spa harnesses the essence of Arabia, combining ancient rituals with contemporary Islamic architecture. The 'Aromatic Hammam Journey' can be enjoyed in white marble suites while taking in the surrounding scenery with its jagged mountains and rock formations that appear unchanged by man's footprint – a pre-anthroposcene landscape into which the sensitive low architecture of the resort blends harmoniously. (Credit: Al Jabal Al Akhdar)
Grand design
An extensive restoration programme led by interior designer Jacques Garcia has transformed the much loved but tired La Mamounia in Marrakech. The legendary hotel, which has hosted scores of royals, politicians and celebrities, first opened in 1923 and was a classic example from the great age of grand hotels. Located within the walls of the ancient medina, La Mamounia today is an oasis of calm from the busy, dusty streets of Marrakech. The spa, where the Alhambra meets Art Deco, has tiled pillars, stained-glass panels and mirrored doors, and is surrounded by daybeds, including one perched on a golden-columned platform. An outdoor pool, two hammams and softly lit treatment rooms complete the ensemble. (Credit: La Mamounia)
Earthly delight
Located near the fortified town of Mystras, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the new Euphoria Retreat spa on the Peloponnese, proclaims itself as a European alternative to its Asian counterparts such a Kamalaya and Chiva-Som. Essentially, it is a hybrid of East-meets-West ideas stemming from Taoist and Greek philosophers, aimed at providing a transformative experience. The architecture takes its cue from this ideal. Built into the side of a mountain, its tranquil atmosphere comes from being literally part of the earth. Along with steam rooms, saunas and ice showers, the Euphoria Retreat has a Byzantine-style domed hammam and a 'deprivation pool' where the water temperature is matched to the human body allowing - in theory - 'complete mental and physical escape.' (Credit:Euphoria Retreat)
Island life
Six Senses are renowned for setting their resorts in magical locations, and this multi-award-winning spa is no exception. Set on the remote Seychelles island of Félicité, it appears to be straight from James Bond or Thunderbirds – but looks can be deceptive. In keeping with the ethos of the brand, Zil Pasyon Spa has been created with extreme care for the environment and is almost invisible from the sea. Studio RHE, which designed the resort, spent years exploring how to integrate this project with the dramatic rock formations that characterise Félicité. The result is a series of pools, waterfalls and meditation spaces connected by rope bridges and timber steps to complement the powerful rockscapes – with the restrained palette of stone, timber and fabric lending the architecture an indigenous feel. (Credit: Six Senses)
Clean and serene
Located on the island of Langkawi, the Ritz-Carlton hotel has Malaysia's only over-water spa and hamman. Comprised of five cocoon-shaped pavilions, the designs are drawn from the intricately woven traps used for centuries by local fishermen. These pods are connected by a circular platform offering peace and quiet for guests. But if you should still be in need of a treatment, try the 'lulur hammam experience' - an ancient cleansing ritual that was highly regarded by Japanese aristocrats. (Ritz-Carlton Langkawi)
East meets west
Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, who calls himself the "spoiled kid of the hotel industry," the Chedi Andermatt, situated in the Swiss ski resort Andermatt takes its name from the Asian word for temple, chedi. Design nuances from the East permeate the contemporary architecture and interior design of the Gathy brand, with notable Japanese influences. The hotel boasts a quirky collection of assets including 201 fireplaces, a cheese tower and ski butlers. The integrated spa and health club offers a heated outdoor pool with panoramic views of the Alps, a 35m indoor pool surrounded by huge relaxation beds, plus plunge pools, a Tibetan relaxing area and spa suites offering Thai and Alpine treatments. (Credit: Chedi Andermatt)
Bold and beautiful
The Mondrian, in Qatar's capital, Doha, has just celebrated its first birthday. The hotel is located in the West Bay Lagoon area, and features the first Espa in the city. The spa is characterised by the unique decorative designs of the Dutch studio of Marcel Wanders and by separate spas for men and women, with softly shimmering pink mosaics on the one hand, and solid, bold black-and-white tiles and walls on the other. The Mondrian Spa offers 'crystal rain showers' (lights play a part ) a 'fire and water fountain' for the men (hot and cold showers) plus a Finnish sauna, steam rooms, daybeds and a bewildering range of gorgeous treatments. (Espa Mondrian Doha)
Pretty green
The Bulgari Spa in Knightsbridge, London, part of the eponymous hotel, features the longest hotel pool in the capital. Lined with green and gold mosaics, and with a pool covered by gold leaf tiles, it offers unashamed luxury in the 2,000 sq m of contemporary Italian design. Spread over two levels, Vicenza stone in shades of green, is apparent throughout the spa. White draped lounge beds offer a degree of privacy, while a fully equipped private spa suite can be booked for couples and friends. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, notably the Mauli Rituals brand of Ayurvedic therapies, created by Anita Kaushal and her husband Bittu.(Bulgari Spa)
Line of beauty
Situated on the High Line, in New York's West Chelsea neighbourhood, there is no mistaking the architect of 520 West 28th. The signature style of Zaha Hadid, with its organic forms and sinuous lines, is apparent throughout the building's interlaced levels. Hadid, who designed the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, has delivered a spa of immense proportions with a 75ft sky-lit pool taking up part of an entire wellness floor, with full gym, hot tub, rain showers, treatment beds, plunge pool, sauna, and Turkish hammam. No doubt the first residents moving into the $5m-plus apartments will be throwing a few parties - and the entire floor can be booked privately for the purpose. (Credit: 520 West 28th)
Infinity and beyond
Located on the crescent of the Palm, the Royal Atlantis Resort has set out to break the record for the largest number of pools. In Dubai, you have to stand out somehow, and 90 swimming pools does the trick. It is not all vainglory, the pools will provide a microclimate for residents when temperatures hit 40 degrees in summer. There's also a 90m infinity sky pool in the roof garden of the 22nd floor penthouse. Elie Gamburg, director at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, who designed the resort, asks: "Where else can you have the experience of swimming in a private pool elevated 40-storeys above the ground, floating underwater while having a view over the skyline of Dubai?" (Credit: The Residences, Royal Atlantis Resort)