Online - February 13, 2008

Say Spaaah

Spa Roundup: What’s Old Is New

Billie Holiday on iPod, Hepburn on Netflix, Little House on DVR. Beneath your young exterior lies an old soul. Well, it’s in the air: The freshest crop of luxe spas are fusing ancient techniques and historic sites with cutting-edge treatments and spaces. From the beach to, er, the prairie, there’s nothing like old R&R to make you feel brand new.

Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires
Old: One of the world’s best hotels since 1932.
New: The grand new spa has a circulation-boosting plunge pool and creative (pebble-and-water reflexology, volcanic mud) treatments.
Must: La Prairie’s antiaging Exclusive Radiant Treatment is available only here.
Mood: Elegant.

The Regent Palms, Turks & Caicos
Old: Regent took over The Palms on Grace Bay Beach and it’s gone from good to glorious.
New: Treatment cottages in a serene garden, private suites for couples, and a guys-only treatment room.
Must: The 90-minute Zareeba ritual, an indigenous island herbal steam detox.
Mood: Hemingway glam.

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
Old: Australia at its ecobest: indigenous flora, conserved coastal bush, and Aboriginal-inspired healing.
New: Sustainable design with local limestone, recycled wood, and glass.
Must: Reharmonizing Sacred Stone Therapy massage.
Mood: Virtuous.

The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Old: Rock that prairie bonnet at the converted Georgian Revival-style museum inspired by five centuries of North American wellness practices.
New: Sleek design, 42-inch plasmas, and a hip holistic wellness theme.
Must: Cleansing Hot Stones Experience a la 17th-century Powhatan sweat lodge/cold plunge rituals.
Mood: Simpler times.

The Spa at Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas
Old: Another award? Ho hum. Services and decor incorporate indigenous Aztec grains, avocado, desert clay, and cactus cloth. There’s even a Corona facial.
New: Self-guided Water Passage with garden plunges, steam caves, and waterfall rinse.
Must: Late night/weekend Pasión de la Noche couple’s treatment includes a wrap made from Mexico’s blooming night flower.
Mood: Spicy.

RockResorts Spa at The Landings St. Lucia, West Indies
Old: From mineral springs to Arawak Carib massage, St. Lucia has long been the place to “lime down” (that’s relax to you).
New: Contemporary cane grass wall coverings and green trade-certified organic botanicals.
Must: La Soufriere and Lime Body Treatment with detoxifying volcanic mud and St. Lucian Polish with papaya and pineapple.
Mood: Island.

The Regent Bal Harbour, Florida
Old: Everything else. This is Bal Harbour Village’s first new hotel in nearly 50 years.
New: North America’s first Guerlain Spa uses systematic analysis to customize treatments.
Must: Body Sublimation including Five-Senses Hydrotherapy.
Mood: Refined.

Spa at The Del, California
Old: Some Like It Hot was shot here, and everyone from Babe Ruth to Madonna has visited in its 120 years. One mysteriously murdered 1892 guest never left; her ghost haunts the joint.
New: Hop from new Beach Village cottages and villas to oceanfront infinity pool, indoor hydrotherapy tubs, and 21 treatment rooms.
Must: The seashell-rich Sea Creation Facial and the sea salt-enhanced Ocean Massage.
Mood: Old Hollywood glamour with a side of boo.

Want even more inspiration for relaxation? 
* 2007 Spa Guide 
* 2007 Honeymoon Guide
* Caribbean Resorts

  Beachy, Help My Life Sucks, Luxury Travel, Outdoorsy