Top Stress-Busting Caribbean Island Spas
Escape to the islands to indulge in a luxurious spa vacation at these resorts.
Aug. 11, 2008 -- With summer winding down are you feeling a little tense? Stressed out? Are you craving your next vacation? Now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the Caribbean, where some of the top spas in the world are offering some serious pampering.
Depending on the experience you're looking for there are seven different spa destinations to choose from and each one is on a different island. So whether you're searching for a relaxing escape, a jungle adventure or just a cool place to kick back, these spas will spoil you rotten.
ISLAND: Virgin Gorda-B.V.I.
WHY GO?
The Spa at Rosewood Little Dix is known as one of the most beautiful places to relax in the Caribbean. Nestled in a lush tropical garden, perched high on a cliff overlooking the sea, the spa is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The resort features luxurious villas, three great restaurants and a secluded beach.
TOP 3 TREATMENTS:
Caribbean Breeze - A facial-like experience for the entire body using a Vichy Shower
"The Baths" Hot Stone Massage - a 90-minute deep tissue massage using hot stones
"Little Dix Bay Signature Ritual" - a two-hour exfoliation and massage combo
DON'T MISS: Trying the local Bush tea
INSIDER TIP: Take your camera to the spa. The view from the infinity-edge pool is amazing!
INFO: www.littledixbay.com.
ISLAND: Antigua
WHY GO?
This new spa is built into a bluff overlooking the ocean where you can see the nearby island of Montserrat. This is an intimate spa experience with only five treatment rooms surrounded by open-air walkways and waterfalls. The 72-room, all-inclusive resort consistently wins top honors in the Caribbean.
TOP 3 TREATMENTS:
Caviar and Champagne Massage - Features actual champagne poured all over your body for a sensual experience.
Water Lily Wrap - Perfect for sun-sensitive skin because it takes the sting out of sunburn.
Caribbean Green Coffee Wrap - Targets cellulite and is designed to reduce fat and produce a firming ad slimming effect.
DON'T MISS: Relaxing in the spa's 10-person hot tub overlooking the water.
INSIDER TIP: Try the ginger "shots" before treatments to help cleanse the body.
INFO: www.curtainbluff.com.
ISLAND: Peter Island
WHY GO?
The Spa at Peter Island is one of the most exclusive and luxurious spas in the Caribbean. This spa's private island setting offers the ultimate escape. The spa menu is filled with luscious treatments using local ingredients like West Indian honey and fresh coconut. The Peter Island Resort has been named one of "The Best Places to Stay in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler and recently finished a multimillion-dollar renovation.
TOP 3 TREATMENTS:
Thermal Sand Bundle Massage - During a 90-minute massage heated sand bags are placed on areas of specific tension.
West Indian Honey & Sesame Seed Glow - After an invigorating scrub your skin is moisturized with honey to encourage new cell growth.
Frangipani & Coconut Moisturizer - A wrap using ingredients from indigenous cactus, palms and local flowers that are found on the island.
DON'T MISS:Trying a "suite retreat" where you have a special spa suite all to yourself for several hours. Great for couples!
INSIDER TIP: The spa is adding several special "Yoga Weeks" this winter.
INFO: www.peterisland.com
ISLAND: Provindencales, Turks & Caicos
WHY GO?
Just a short trip from the United States, the Regent Spa is a world-class oasis. This peaceful 25,000-square-foot spa features stand-alone treatment rooms surrounded by water. At this discriminating resort all 72 rooms are generous suites. The property sits on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach that's often voted the most beautiful beach in the world.
TOP 3 TREATMENTS:
Zareeba - This indigenous island herbal steam cleansing and detox ritual is followed by a cooling wrap and massage to help release toxins.
Red Carpet Facial - This 80-minute facial combines a workout for the skin with a green tea peel and customized mask.
Moonlight & Stars - A romantic couple's massage under the stars.
DON'T MISS:A walk on the beach at sunrise or sunset.
INSIDER TIP: To pamper your palate dine at the resort's Parallel 23 restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience.
INFO:www.regenthotels.com/palms
ISLAND: Belize
WHY GO?
This gem in the jungle is one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets. The tiny resort and spa is only minutes away from ancient Mayan ruins along the Belize/Guatemala border. The resort has 15 cottages surrounded by avocado and papaya trees and the spa is just steps from the pool. You can have your treatments in a traditional spa room setting or out by the pool or on your private terrace.
TOP 3 TREATMENTS:
Moor Mud Wrap - Organic mud re-mineralizes, detoxifies and helps relieve aching muscles.
Thai Massage - 60 minutes of pressure-point massage along the body's major energy channels.
Ka'ana's Signature Massage - Swedish and deep tissue techniques are combined with a 90-minute hot rock massage for maximum impact.
DON'T MISS:Going cave tubing or visiting nearby Mayan ruins.
INSIDER TIP: Do your exploring in the morning to beat the heat and humidity.
INFO:www.kaanabelize.com
ISLAND: Dominican Republic
WHY GO?
This resort and spa in Puerto Plata is the first five-star all-inclusive property in the Dominican Republic. It's also an adult-only resort so it's the perfect place for a quiet spa getaway. The 17,000-square-foot spa features more than 35 fabulous treatments and has a beauty salon. Private in-room treatments are also available.
TOP 3 TREATMENTS:
Signature Sun Village Massage - This Swedish massage includes a wildflower herbal foot bath and invigorating foot massage.
Lavender Dreams Ultimate Experience - Features lavender body scrub, wrap and full body massage.
Spirulina Wrap - Using Spirulina Algae this seaweed treatment nourishes and revitalizes the body.
DON'T MISS:Trying out the spa's special dinner menu.
INSIDER TIP: Spend some time in a private beach cabana.
ISLAND: St. John, U.S.V.I.
WHY GO?
The Self Centre at Caneel Bay is a renowned wellness center specializing in therapeutic retreats that concentrate on healing your mind, body and soul. All of the Centre's treatments are 75 minutes long so you have time to completely unwind and relax. The offerings you'll find here are very unique including everything from astrology consultation to couple's communication classes.
TOP 3 TREATMENTS:
Sound Lift - Where the tension in your face is released using small tuning forks and colored lights on specific points on your face.
Qi Gong - This alternative to tai chi uses slow movements to open and clear the body's energy channels and improve strength and balance.
Yin Yoga - This challenging session is designed to release tension in your joints and wraps up with a seated meditation.
DON'T MISS:Trying one of the yoga experiences.
INSIDER TIP: Sign up for a complimentary nature walk.
INFO: www.caneelbay.com
For a stress-free spa vacation, make sure you book your spa treatments before you arrive. Spa directors say especially with the smaller spas times can fill up fast and you don't want to risk missing out.
For more spa vacation ideas go to Karen Schaler's Travel Therapy Web site at www.traveltherapytrips.com