As destinations famed for their serene beauty, Asia and Australia are home to some of the finest spa resorts in the world.  Offering to free travellers of tension and get them back to their usual selves through the acts of restoration and healing, the spas specialise in an extensive number of treatments and therapies; with some countries and cities offering some that are unlikely to be found elsewhere. The Luxury Travel Guide invites you to explore the top five spas these continents have to offer.
 
5.  Chuan Spa, The Langham Hotel, Melbourne
 
Traditional Chinese medical practitioners believe the mind is comprised of two halves - Yin and Yang - and treatments at Chuan Spa are designed to harmonise these two opposing sides.  Using principles of Feng Shui to restore the natural order, massages are chosen with a blind oil-smell test and combine acupuncture techniques with relaxation movements to create the most soothing of experiences.  Relax in the salt water Jacuzzi and take in sweeping views of the city, have a herbal salt scrub, or head for the 12 water jet Snail Shower before finishing the day with a hot cup of Chinese tea.
 
4.  Chiva-Som – Hua Hin, Thailand
 
Standing for ‘Haven of Life’, Chiva-Som is a secluded, international health resort hidden in seven acres of tropical gardens.  Utilising indigenous ingredients of lemongrass, lime, jasmine rice, and organic honey from the rainforest, the spa leaves guests feeling renewed upon departure.  All visits begin in the Water Therapy Suite comprised of a sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room where visitors can drink lemongrass tea and prepare their body for treatments.  Holistic services including hydrology and detoxification also cater for your emotional and spiritual wellbeing, whilst signature products are given out to help you embark upon a happier, healthier lifestyle at home.
 
3.  CHI, The Spa, Shanghai, China
 
Luxurious, traditional, and peaceful – CHI is the home of tranquillity.  Paying special attention to detail and showcasing Chinese traditions in everything from its treatments right down to the interior, CHI is a spa unlike any other.  With a fragrant tea bath fusing together rose petals and Chinese Pu’erh tea leaves, a massage designed to harmonise your Ying and Yan, and Jade facials being just some of the distinctive treatments CHI have to offer, spa-goers can enjoy a few hours of freedom away from the fast paced city in a world designed to re-establish their inner peace and rejuvenate the body.
 
2.  Ananda in the Himalayas, India
 
Set in the grounds of the Maharaja’s palace and overlooking the Ganges River, Ananda is India’s most enchanting resort.  Located in the Himalayan foothills, Ananda blends traditional Indian remedial regimes Ayurveda and Yoga with a Western spa approach to provide over 80 holistic body and beauty therapies.   Believing that the body and mind exist as one, treatments are designed to cleanse the body and nourish the soul, and guests can choose from a range of uniquely spiritual experiences including crystal healing, ear candling and meditation classes alongside more conventional treatments.  A word meaning ‘bliss’, Ananda is fantastic for your wellbeing.
 
1.  Gaia Retreat & Spa, New South Wales, Australia
 
Owned by Olivia-Newton John, Gaia Retreat & Spa is a boutique experience nestled in the greenness of the Byron Bay valleys.  Home to 19 stylish cabins across 35 acres, the retreat’s earth-toned décor draws in nature from outside to create an atmosphere of ultimate serenity and sooth guests.  With packages ranging between two to seven days, visitors are free to create their own experience and can detoxify, de-stress, and indulge in hot rock massages, body wraps, and beauty treatments.  All performed using freshly sourced ingredients, guests can also engage in healing therapies against the tropical surroundings of Australia’s finest resort.

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