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Tag: spas

  • Spa Vacations for Less – Pamper Getaways on a Budget

    A long soak in a jacuzzi and a luxurious massage sounds like the sort of vacation experiences out of the reach of frugal travelers. But why should budget conscious tourists miss out on all the fun? This article introduces you to several spa resorts that cost a lot less than you’d think.

    If you’re looking for a cheap spa vacation, it’s worth taking a trip to Asia. Indulgence is a way of life here, and it doesn’t cost a lot. In Japan they even offer spa experiences in their hostels! You’ll find Spa Hostel Khaosan in Beppu, a friendly Japanese city renowned for its natural hot springs and picturesque beach. The shared dorms and private rooms are pretty plain, but chances are you’ll spend most of your time winding down in the hostel’s own hot spring bath. That natural pool is definitely worth the measly $33 US you’ll pay for the cheapest room.

    For a little more money you can stay at Banpu Resort and Spa, an idyllic spot located on Thailand’s Koh Pu Peninsula. The word resort makes us think of big bucks, but its log cabins start at just $40 US a night. If the sea and garden views aren’t enough to relax you then try taking a dip in the pool. You’ll pay a little extra to indulge in the Thai massages or reflexology sessions, but your muscles will argue they’re worth the splurge.

    More expensive again but still not unreasonable is Febri’s Hotel and Spa in Bali. Its rooms start from $77 US, but your dollar buys a lot including access to the Jacuzzi, steam room, and sprawling swimming pool. If that calm water feels a bit tame for you, the famous South Kuta Beach is only a short walk away.

    Asia really has the market cornered on affordable spa experiences, but Samai Center Hotel-Spa in Ecuador is a great option for anyone wanting to stay a little closer to home. From $70 a night you can experience all the good vibes that radiate from this eco-friendly resort. Its wooden lodges are made from organic materials, and its restaurant serves local seasonal fare, including many items grown in the onsite veggie garden. The resort runs many workshops designed to give you a new lease on life, from Feng Shui classes to meditation programs.

    Spa Foot SoakAnd finally, if you can afford the flight it’s worth checking it to Spa Lodge Backpackers in Rotorua, New Zealand. Just like Spa Hostel Khaosan, this friendly hostel makes use of the hot springs its city is famous for. The natural geothermal spa will do wonders for your aching muscles, especially after an action packed day of extreme Kiwi adventures! Dorm rooms start at around $20 US, and the hostel even offers discounts for weekly visits in winter!

    So don’t dismiss that spa getaway out of hand. If you do your research and plan ahead, it could cost a lot less than you think. Just remember to consider the costs of the treatments, as they can add up quickly!

  • Relax at New Zealand’s Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort

    Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations, with all of the attractions, facilities, and stress that a big city provides.


    If you're looking to wind down after some time spent in the big smoke, Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort is just a short drive away. The resort, located a 35-minute drive north of Auckland, is situated on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast. Locals and international guests alike are lured by the natural hot mineral pools, wellness spa, and massage and beauty therapies. While adults relax, the kids can amuse themselves at the resort’s many water slides or the movie pool, which shows family-friendly flicks each day at 4 pm and 7 pm. You can bring your own lunch and relax in the shady BBQ and picnic areas, or enjoy burgers, roast chicken, and wood-fired pizzas at the Waiwera Café. [caption id="attachment_4537" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Girls relaxing at Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort"]Girls relaxing at Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort[/caption] A day at the Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort may be enough to help you unwind, but if you need more intensive treatment you can stay in luxury at the resort's holiday homes or studio units, or more affordably at its seaside campsites and chalets. Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort is open daily from 9 am until 9 pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Entry costs $26 for adults and $15 for children aged 14 and under. This fee includes access to the pools and slides, but you'll need to pay extra for access to the private spa, sauna, and steam room, and health and beauty treatments.

    [Image Source: Mike Cochrane/Flickr]

  • Sheraton Opens New Shine Spas in China and Vietnam

    Sheraton hotels and resorts around Asia are amongst the first in the world to experience the chain’s latest spa concept, Shine for Sheraton.

    The retreats are designed to feel upscale and luxurious, yet more approachable and accessible than your average day spa. The spas come hot on the heels of Sheraton’s reported $6 billion spend on brand revitalization, but it seems the investment will be worth it for guests who love to be pampered. The Shine for Sheraton spas deliver five signature treatments. These are classic offerings: a massage, a facial, manicure and pedicure, a full body treatment, and a treatment for two. That sounds like a great option for couples honeymooning or simply enjoying a romantic retreat. Sheraton spas will use products from global skincare brand Germanine de Capuccini to ensure their guests enjoy only the most luxurious treatments. [caption id="attachment_4259" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Plunge Pool at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa"]Plunge Pool at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa[/caption] The Shine for Sheraton spas sound like easy places to relax, with their marble, mahogany, and polished metal surrounds rendered in warm cream, burnished gold, and cobalt blue shades. These hues and materials were specifically chosen to create an atmosphere that feels playful, yet opulent. "Introducing the Shine spa experience across our portfolio on the heels of our $6 billion revitalization effort will be an invaluable, welcome addition to the Sheraton guest experience," Hoyt H. Harper II, senior vice president for Sheraton, said in a press statement. "With this global roll-out, we plan to make spa a cornerstone of the Sheraton brand experience, one that guests will truly embrace as part of their lifestyle." The Shine for Sheraton service is currently available at selected new Sheraton hotels in China and Vietnam, along with the Maldives and the Slovak Republic. It will be rolled out to 12 other Sheraton hotels around the globe over the next 15 months, including the Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou and Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng.