Thailand: Six Senses Destination Spa, Phuket

A boat ferries guests from Phuket to this 31-treatment room pleasure palace on a nearby islet in the Andaman Sea, but the pampering is so sublime that it's worth the swim. The thatched villas have a rustic-chic look typical of Six Senses properties (Soneva Fushi, Zighy Bay), and the spa is divided into Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, and Indian zones; each delivers indigenous treatments, often using ingredients grown on the stunning grounds (something staff call "edible landscaping"). In the Thai zone, the relaxing Pra Kob Thai massage—undertaken sans the usual pajamas—consists of palm kneads followed by an intoxicating herbal compress made from turmeric, lemongrass, and bergamot, which leads to a pleasurably sedated state. For those keen to feel the burn, a beachfront jungle gym with swings and ropes is in the works.

Six Senses Destination Spa
Phuket
Tel: 66 76 371 418

Next: Shanghai with a view—and serious acupressure ›