Soothe, spa and marvel at the intimate, natural surroundings at these sublime resort rainforest spas.
By: Jenna MahoneyDreams Tulum Resort & Spa
The pathway that leads to this resort’s oasis of pampering winds through lush foliage and is peppered with inspirational and meditative quote signage that changes daily. Once at the intimate spa, repose in the hydroptherapy area and sip fruit-infused water as you await your treatment. For the most memorable experience, book into a new rainforest room, a secluded glass-enclosed treatment area overlooking tropical gardens, which boasts private Jacuzzis, double massage tables and oodles of personal space for lounging (room rates start at $430 per person, per night and are all inclusive; dreamsresorts.com).
Photo courtesy of AM Resorts
Four Seasons Koh Samui
Wooden slatted walkways link the five private treatment salas (villas) to the main teakwood check-in area at this ultra-pampering oasis within the seemingly endless resort that’s set on a former coconut plantation on the far-flung Thai island of Koh Samui. As is customary in Thailand — a country where the first university was a massage school — each treatment at this indoor-outdoor sanctuary begins with a relaxing footbath. The menu includes the local specialty massage with heated herbal compresses, as well as the assisted stretching method, which is received clothed (room rates start at $350 a night; fourseasons.com).
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
With an open-air palapa relaxation zone surrounded by verdant tropical flora and palm trees, we’d understand if you forgot, even just for a moment, that you’re actually in arid Cabo San Lucas instead of a bona fide jungle retreat. The spa at this ultra-luxe beachfront resort on Mexico’s tony Pacific Coast is comprised of individual, garden-ensconced indoor-outdoor treatment villas. The sanctuary’s menu echoes the space’s natural design by calling upon the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) as a guiding principle in the rituals (room rates start at $1,035 a night; rosewoodhotels.com).
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
The healing Sulphur Springs of the world’s only “drive-in” volcano are as emblematic of the Caribbean island of St. Lucia as the towering twin Piton peaks, which are depicted on the nation’s currency and are the namesake of the local beer. Experience the soothing waters in the blissfully private setting of a couples’ treatment room at the rustic luxe Rainforest Spa at this idyllic resort. Dreamy couples’ offerings in the bamboo huts range from coconut-oil massages with a natural pool experience to an eight-hour spa-tacular extravaganza that includes massages, body scrubs, lunch and time for you to kick back in the springs (room rates start at $350 a night; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com).
Photo courtesy of Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
