5 Best Never-Fail Classic Spas

RANCHO LA PUERTA, Tecate, Mexico
“The Ranch,” as it’s affectionately referred to by its droves of repeat guests, has been doling out lessons in how to live a more balanced and meaningful life since its inception in 1940. Spa wisdom abounds, as well as an array of unbeatable fitness classes, vegetarian cuisine and no-nonsense treatments.
EDITOR’S TIP: Peruse the healthy new La Cocina Que Canta (The Kitchen That Sings), a 4,500-square-foot cooking school that includes a classroom and kitchen, cookbook library, culinary gift shop and six-acre organic farm.

THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS, Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona is home to many of the best spas in America, including the Willow Stream Spa at this award-winning property. While the facility may be large in size, it manages to offer excellent personal service. Magnificent mountain views only add to the enchanting desert spa experience.
EDITOR’S TIP: Experience the rooftop pool and private cabanas, and the 120-minute Havasupai Body Oasis Experience, which includes a lounge under a warm waterfall, a chamomile exfoliation, soothing herbal tea, a eucalyptus bath and warm oil massage.

THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL, Bangkok, Thailand
This elegant property recently celebrated its 130th anniversary and set the standard for luxury hotel spas when it launched its spa facility in 1993. Located in a lovely traditional teakwood house, the spa offers some of the best Thai treatments in the city.
EDITOR’S TIP: Check out the Author’s Suites; the boat ride from the hotel to the spa, which is situated across the Chao Phraya River; and the Oriental Body Glow, which uses a refreshing combination of honey, seeds and flowers to work its magic. 

BRENNER’S PARK-HOTEL & SPA, Baden-Baden, Germany
Located in one of the world’s original spa towns, Brenner’s is one of the outstanding spas of Europe, seamlessly blending a historic property with a modern spa.
EDITOR’S TIP: The Spa Suite, which can be booked for a half-day or day, comes complete with a spa butler; the garden strolls along Brenner’s Park are also outstanding.

REGINA ISABELLA, Ischia, Italy
“Life lived well” is the motto of this spa, located on the tiny island of Ischia. Dating back to the eighth century B.C., when the Greeks discovered its volcanic hot springs, Ischia is a short boat ride from Naples. The Regina Isabella still delivers outstanding thalassotherapy and mineral-rich mud treatments. (In fact, it manufactures its own top-quality mud products on property.)
EDITOR’S TIP: The new spa suites have private thalassotherapy tubs on decks!

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