Destination spas around the world with standout design

The next generation of spas are destinations in their own right, where striking architecture is as memorable as the soul-soothing treatments on offer. In Marrakech, a light-filled atrium crowned by wrought-iron domes offers respite from the bustling medina; in Sedona, low-slung red concrete buildings blend into the desert. Add nature-inspired interiors and locally grown oils, and slowing down becomes immersive.

The appeal of restorative retreats continues to grow, with Hilton’s 2027 Trends Report finding that 65% of travellers seek experiences that calm the body and restore the nervous system. From architectural marvels to serene sanctuaries, we’ve handpicked the world’s most compelling spas, where thoughtful design and refreshing rituals go hand in hand.

Royal Mansour Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco

The spa at Royal Mansour Marrakech is a soaring, light-filled atrium, crowned by lace-like wrought-iron domes that wouldn’t look out of place in a royal residence. Marble floors and Moorish detailing dial up the drama, while cushion-strewn alcoves invite lingering and an indoor pool glimmers beneath a striking glasshouse overlooking the gardens. Unwind with a traditional hammam ritual before exploring holistic therapies and bespoke treatments, from hot stone massages and reflexology to energy-balancing sessions. The hotel’s architecture is every bit as easy on the eye. Dusky-pink walls, elegant fountains and lush greenery set the scene for interiors that celebrate Moroccan craftsmanship: hand-carved wood, intricate zellige tilework, rich walnut accents and sumptuous upholstery. royalmansour.com

Six Senses Vana, Dehradun, India

Resting in the Himalayan foothills, Six Senses Vana’s secluded location and five-night minimum stay make it a destination for those serious about switching off. Nature shapes the design at every turn, with local wood and stone informing pared-back interiors, offset by glowing Himalayan salt corridors, floor-to-ceiling windows and indoor landscaping that blur the boundaries between indoor and out. The setting provides a contemporary backdrop for centuries-old healing traditions including Tibetan medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as yoga, breathwork, cookery classes and functional fitness. Understated bedrooms and tranquil water features add to the calm, while Buddha statues and bowls of fresh flowers bring considered cultural touches. sixsenses.com/india/vana

Arctic Bath, Harads, Swedish Lapland

Arctic Bath caught design aficionados’ attention when it opened in 2020. Floating on the Lule River in summer and encased in ice in winter, the circular structure is defined by timber beams resembling a crown of thorns. An open-air cold plunge pool sits at its heart, with the spa and restaurant tucked inside. Treatments use bespoke products from skincare brand Kerstin Florian, but the headline act is the hot and cold ritual: sweat it out in the sauna, plunge into an ice-carved hole in the river, then warm up in the jacuzzi with a hot drink beneath the stars – the Northern Lights might come out to play if you’re lucky. Beyond the spa, private water cabins pair split-level layouts with a restrained palette of wool, wood, leather and sheepskin. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames snow-capped trees and spectacular sunsets, bringing the Arctic wilderness into focus from the comfort of your room. arcticbath.se

Bürgenstock Alpine Spa, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Few super-hotels make design feel this effortless. At Bürgenstock, four properties form a landmark resort 500 metres above Lake Lucerne, amid 140 acres of Alpine scenery. The original hotel hosted Audrey Hepburn, Sean Connery and Sophia Loren; today the spa draws visitors. Its cantilevered glass structure appears to hover above the mountainside, with floor-to-ceiling glazing, white marble and local stone creating a remarkable interplay of light and texture. Hop between the saunas and steam rooms, try a Kneipp walking circuit, retreat to a private spa suite or soak in the saline spa. From anti-ageing facials and full-body massages to tailored treatments, the menu is extensive – though the real crowd-pleaser is the jaw-dropping Alpine setting. burgenstockresort.com

Euphoria Retreat, Peloponnese, Greece

Deep in the cypress-covered hills of Mystras, Euphoria Retreat’s has been thoughtfully designed by Athens-based DecaArchitecture to soothe the nervous system and inspire a sense of calm. Carved into the mountainside and spread across four floors, the wellness retreat features subterranean treatment rooms linked by a network of catacomb-like passageways. At the heart of the building, a circular atrium opens to the sky, with a hot tub at its base. Pass through a series of archways and dip into the spherical indoor pool, where reflections ripple across the domed ceiling. Outside, sand-coloured stonework is softened by fragrant herbs and orange groves. The restaurant, Gaia, serves Greek food made with ingredients grown on-site and foraged nearby. euphoriaretreat.com

Aman Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Every serious wellness enthusiast knows no spa roundup is complete without Aman, and we’re pointing directly at its Kyoto outpost. In northern Kyoto, within walking distance of the Golden Pavilion, the 26-key hotel sits in 80 acres of woodland punctuated by vibrant maple trees. A stroll through the gardens leads to the spa, where moss-covered stonework and indoor and outdoor onsens create a serene setting for relaxation. The outdoor bath is screened by a wooden lattice, with boulders submerged in the steaming water. Treatments draw on local sake and green tea, blending regional traditions designed to ground, purify and nourish. Four pavilions house airy, minimalist bedrooms with handmade raku tile panels, custom ceramics, washi-paper lighting and traditional tokonoma alcoves. aman.com/aman-kyoto

Mii amo, Sedona, Arizona

Bounded by the towering red-rock walls of Boynton Canyon, Mii amo is designed to feel like an extension of the desert itself. Red concrete structures sit low against the boulders, while sweeping windows draw the canyon’s shifting light deep into the interiors. In the communal living room, a sunken red-rust conversation pit, wood-burning fireplace and sun-inspired sculptural light make an inviting place to unwind. Join a sound healing session in the Crystal Grotto, a circular sanctuary with an earthen floor, domed ceiling and central fountain crowned by an illuminated quartz crystal. Then, take your pick from the diverse treatment menu, spanning deep-tissue massages, desert-inspired body scrubs, bespoke facials and chakra balancing. Between sessions, hike the canyon trails, join a stargazing tour or try workshops from soap-making to candle sculpting. miiamo.com

Engel Ayurpura, South Tyrol, Italy

At Engel Ayurpura, the experience begins before check-in, with a call from a dedicated wellbeing concierge to shape a personalised itinerary. Right in the heart of the Dolomites, the adults-only retreat pairs Alpine-chic interiors with an individual approach to wellness. The larchwood exterior is designed to echo the jagged silhouettes of the surrounding peaks. Clean lines and undisturbed mountain views create the perfect setting to switch off, while a saltwater infinity pool, pine-clad sauna and yoga studio embrace the rural setting, with forest-facing views at every turn. Treatments follow a tailored Ayurvedic programme, with meditation and dosha-specific vegetarian cuisine. Digital support continues for a year after departure. ayurpura.hotel-engel.com

Beaverbrook, Surrey, UK

The Coach House Spa at Beaverbrook greets guests with an arresting stained-glass ceiling by British artist Brian Clarke, whose vivid panels scatter kaleidoscopic light across thermal areas, pools and ceramic-tiled walls. Treatment oils and herbal teas draw on Apothecary Garden plants, including the Sussex Rose, distilled for the signature hydrating and soothing treatments. Flit between the outdoor pool with its sweeping hillside views, sauna, steam room and hammam-style bathhouse, or go all out with a bespoke wellness experience. Resident naturopaths, reflexologists and movement coaches tailor your programme. If you’re up for a sleepover, rooms dial up the maximalist glamour, with rich jewel tones and Japanese influences woven into the interiors through velvet sofas, fringed curtains, marble fireplaces and a fluted brass bar. beaverbrook.co.uk

Lanserhof Sylt, Sylt, Germany

Lanserhof Sylt is housed beneath Europe’s largest thatched roof, on Germany’s windswept North Sea coast. Designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, the building marries its traditional roofline with curved glass and clean, contemporary forms, creating a mesmerising contrast with the island’s dunes. Inside, pale timber, muted tones and pared-back furnishings keep things deliberately understated. The retreat is renowned for its medical approach to wellness, with doctor-led programmes combining personal diagnostics, nutritional guidance, movement and restorative treatments. There’s a saltwater pool, a sauna and steam rooms, plus a gym and yoga studio to keep guests moving between sessions. lanserhof.com/lanserhof-sylt