I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some truly unforgettable spas. Here’s my personal shortlist, from New York to Milan to London, where I’ve felt not just pampered, but properly restored.
The Peninsula Spa, New York City
One of the best spas in Manhattan, the Peninsula spa is tucked high above Fifth Avenue and feels like a retreat in the heart of the city. I had a hot stone massage here after a long-haul flight, and it was exactly what I needed. This turned out to be a pleasant surprise, as my London-self had expected “hot stone massage” to mean just the back and arms – but it turned out to be full-body i.e. including legs. Pretty good for both the location and price point, and the masseuse was also attentive to my areas of focus.
There’s also a peaceful relaxation area with chai tea, plus a pool you can enjoy before or after your treatment. From the plush robes to the calming pace, every detail feels thoughtfully curated. It’s remained one of my top NYC spa picks.
QC Terme Milano, Milan
QC Termemilano isn’t your typical spa – it’s a full-blown wellness sanctuary tucked behind a discreet wall in Porta Romana. With Roman-style thermal baths, herbal saunas, and steam rooms spread across indoor and outdoor spaces, it feels like a local secret.
There are some unexpected touches too: a spa bath inside a slideshow-like projection for a transportive experience, and even a vintage tram turned into a sauna. After all that, you can unwind on one of the many relaxation beds, or grab a bite to eat or aperitif at the restaurant. It was lightly raining when I went, but it didn’t take from the experience at all. Note – this spa isn’t within a hotel, so I booked a boutique stay nearby to be within walking distance, and I’d absolutely do the same again.
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences Spa, London
The Athenaeum has a certain charm to it. Right across from Green Park in Mayfair, it already wins on location – but the spa is what really makes it special for me. It has an intimate feel and offers a variety of massages and facials. In particular, the hot stone massage is divine (if you haven’t guessed already, it’s my thing!).
I spent a relaxed afternoon here, starting with the hot tub, steam, and sauna rooms, before drifting through to the relaxation area, where I was greeted with a glass of Prosecco. The space is warm and welcoming. After my treatment, I had lunch at the hotel – fresh, seasonal dishes served by genuinely helpful staff who went above and beyond.
Bokeh Spa by Montcalm East, London
Located between Old Street and Shoreditch, Bokeh is my go-to for a combined spa and fitness day.
The spa offers classic spa treatments and intriguing holistic therapies, plus a hydrotherapy pool and Jacuzzi (which, by the way, is gloriously the hottest I’ve ever experienced). I usually follow this with their steam and sauna rooms, then unwind in the surrounding relaxation areas. A well-equipped fitness centre is connected to the spa – ideal if you’re after a quiet workout.
Afterwards, there are plenty of options for food at Marlowe Bar & Restaurant, or in the wider Shoreditch area. Bokeh is a hidden gem.
Planning to visit…
I haven’t been to these spas yet, but they are next on my list…
ESPA Life at Corinthia, London
Located within the Corinthia Hotel, ESPA spans four floors and focuses on holistic wellness, combining advanced treatments with a serene, design-led space. Think marble finishes, mood lighting, and deep, cocooning silence. With everything from nutrition consultations to traditional massages and thermal experiences.
Raffles Spa, Singapore
Located with Raffles hotel, the blend of heritage and modern luxury of this spa is the type of thing I really appreciate, and the spa seems to carry that through beautifully. It features private treatment suites, a quiet wet area, and rituals inspired by Eastern wellness traditions. From what I’ve seen, it’s designed to feel like an escape within an escape.
Kyoto Spa at Four Seasons, Japan
Within Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, this spa blends traditional Japanese elements with sleek modern design. It’s surrounded by a centuries-old pond garden and features a serene indoor pool that feels like a private onsen. Treatments use locally inspired ingredients and focus on stillness, balance, and restoration. I’m planning to tie it into a wider Kyoto trip.
Final thoughts…
Whether I’m in New York, Milan, or my hometown London, these spas have given me some of the most relaxing and memorable moments of my travels. They’re not just add-ons — they’re part of the destination, shaping how I remember a place and how I felt while I was there.
And with a few more still to try, I’m already dreaming up the next escape…
Leave a Reply