Tag Archives: Spa

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Amanpulo on Pamilican Island

Amanpulo on Pamilican IslandThe Philippines is home to thousands of stunning islands, one of which is Pamilican Island, which can be found in the Cuyo Archipelago, just north of the famous Palawan Island. Situated on Pamilican Island is Amanpulo, a private island resort that is considered to be the most exclusive in the country, making for a perfectly decadent tropical getaway.

Casitas and Villas
When it comes to guest accommodation, Amanpulo is home to 40 casitas and 11 villas. The casitas enjoy direct beach access, and are designed with an open-plan aspect, offering views of either the sparkling sea from the hillside, or the lush forest canopy. With private plunge pools, secluded hammocks and large wooden decks from which to take in the spectacular surroundings, the casitas guarantee an enjoyable stay. The villas are each arranged around a large private outdoor swimming pool, with separate lounging and dining areas, as well as private bedroom pavilions. Those who stay in a villa also enjoy the luxury of a private club car, which makes for an ideal way to explore the rest of the island independently.

Fine dining
Dining
Rather than offering a plethora of less-than-average dining options, Amanpulo places its focus on locally caught seafood and vegetables grown on the island, all of which are served from both the Beach Club to the Clubhouse Restaurant to private beach barbecues. For guests who want to be more involved in the dining experience, the resort is more than happy for visitors to pick their own ingredients from the island’s organic garden, from which the chefs will then create a stunning custom dish.

The Best Resort Spa in the Philippines
Voted this year as the Best Resort Spa in the Philippines by the World Spa Awards, Amanpulo’s spa is a large sanctuary set above the treetops on the hillside, with panoramic views of the water below. The inter-connected pavilions are where you will go to enjoy a treatment, with the Hilot treatment being a great one to try, as this makes use of local products and techniques to re-balance areas of tension. In addition to their extensive treatment menu, the spa also boasts a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows, so that you can still enjoy the view, and a yoga and pilates studio, along with professional instructors.

Activities
There is a wide range of activities on offer at Amanpulo, both on land as well as in the water. From scuba diving to windsurfing, the aquatic activities available will suit guests of all ability levels. Out of the water, there are tennis courts and bicycles to keep you active, the latter of which you can use to explore the island. There are also organized nature walks that you can take part in to learn more about the island’s native plants, and, at night, be sure to spend some time with the resort’s refracting telescope, as this will make you feel closer to the stars than ever before.

There may be plenty of resorts to choose from in the Philippines, but none of them can offer quite the experience that Amanpulo does. From the second you arrive on the island’s private airstrip, you will be enveloped in a sense of exclusivity and luxury that guarantees nothing but an unforgettable vacation.

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Hiatus Spa + Retreat

Woman having champagneHiatus revolutionized the spa industry in 2007 by introducing the concept of spa memberships. While the spa may also have locations in Austin and Plano, their Dallas branch was their very first and continues to win awards for the many different treatments on offer. With seventeen private treatment rooms, an intimate couples suite, a nail therapy lounge and a hydrotherapy room, this spa has been specifically designed to provide the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

Massages
Each of the many massages offered by Hiatus are tailored to suit your exact needs, with an emphasis being placed on any problem areas. The Stress-Fix Massage combines Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques, alongside foot reflexology and guided meditation, while the Chakra Balancing Massage uses unique essential oil blends on the seven chakra energy points within the body.

Nail Therapy
The nail services offered by Hiatus have won numerous awards over the years, which isn’t too much of a surprise when you enter the nail therapy lounge. The Hiatus Mani-Pedi is the most popular option, with guests relaxing in a zero gravity chair to enjoy the feeling of weightlessness, while a scented neck pillow, as well as an aromatherapy scent of your choice, enhance the whole experience with their calming fragrances. This customized sensual journey is completed with the use of ultra-safe and Vegan-friendly SpaRitual nail colors, with the choice of upgrading to an eco-gel manicure.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient technique that has been proven to treat a number of medical conditions, and, in addition to offering the standard form of acupuncture with fine, disposable needles, Hiatus also provides a needle-less acupuncture therapy, which makes use of a microcurrent device, as well as therapeutic color light, instead of needles, to stimulate the different energy points around the body. Hiatus also offers a facial acupuncture service, which has been known to result in a smoother and clearer complexion, significantly reducing any visible signs of aging.

Body Treatments and Facials
For those who want to treat their body to some TLC, Hiatus’ body treatments are ideal, and, just like all of the other treatments that they offer, there are many to choose from. Their Shirodhara treatment is one of their most unique, making use of an ancient Ayurvedic technique to help release tension and anxiety. Other body treatments available include a hydrating body wrap, customized aromatherapy and exfoliation, an aromatic steam treatment, and much more. The facials on offer are just as exciting, each of them designed to bring out the best in your skin, leaving it toned, radiant, lifted, and more youthful than ever before.

In addition to all of these incredibly tempting treatments available, Hiatus also offers treatments that have been designed specifically for men, as well as others that are gentle enough for expectant mothers. It is clear to see that this is a spa that truly puts the needs of their guests first, with their main priority being to uplift and rejuvenate just about everybody that walks through their door.

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The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara beach

Now owned by the Four Seasons group, the Biltmore Santa Barbara was first opened in 1927, boasting iconic Spanish Colonial architecture that sets it apart from its competition. An oceanfront resort situated on idyllic Butterfly Beach, the Biltmore offers luxury accommodation, beach-side dining venues, rejuvenating spa treatments and a number of other unique activities, all the while tying this in with its historic charm.

The Accommodation
Unlike the many high-rise hotels that have become all-too-common, the Biltmore consists of low-lying buildings and single storey bungalows, each being home to around five guest rooms and boasting private entrances. The Ty Warner Bungalow not only includes a large living area with a fireplace, but also a 1000 square foot garden patio, complete with fire pit and heated plunge pool, while the Anacapa Suite has a private driveway and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Each of the various rooms offer something slightly different, and are able to cater to just about every need that their guests may have.

Dining Options
The Biltmore is home to some of Santa Barbara’s most revered restaurants. Bella Vista, the resort’s Italian restaurant, is considered to be the restaurant with the most beautiful oceanfront setting in all of Santa Barbara, and has made quite the name for itself thanks to their focus on fresh and organic ingredients, as well as their iconic Sunday brunches. Tydes, which focuses on modern Californian coastal cuisine, is another one of the resort’s oceanfront restaurants, overlooking Butterfly Beach, but is a much more exclusive venue and is only open to guests of the resort and members of the nearby Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club. In terms of their more casual dining options, guests can choose from the Coral Café and Bar, as well as Fins, which focuses on healthy and light dishes.

The Spa
The resort’s spa consists of eleven elegant treatment rooms, with the treatments on offer making full use of ingredients from the ocean, as well as botanicals from the many gardens of Santa Barbara. With fourteen different massages, as well as a range of body and facial treatments, this is the ideal way for guests of the Biltmore to relax and unwind.

Beach Volleyball
For guests that are sports enthusiasts, the Biltmore offers a truly unique experience that guarantees to make your stay totally unforgettable. Santa Barbara native Todd Rogers is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, and has been playing beach volleyball for around twenty years. The Biltmore can arrange for guests to spend some time on world-famous East Beach with Rogers, picking up some of the many tips he has learned over the years while facing off against the champion for a friendly match.

Sophisticated yet casual, the Biltmore perfectly mirrors California’s vibe, and offers guests the opportunity to truly indulge. With a stunning oceanfront setting, some of the best dining options in all of Santa Barbara, and activities to make each visit extra-special, it is no surprise that the Biltmore is considered to be one of the finest resorts in the region.

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Mexico’s Luxury Spa Accommodations

Luxury resort

When it comes to a luxury spa hotel or resort, no setting can quite top what Mexico has to offer. With lush tropical jungles, secluded stretches of white sand, and a deep history of natural healing, Mexico is the perfect place to head to when you want a luxury spa getaway.

Rosewood Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen
Inspired by Mayan traditions, this luxury resort opened in 2008, and, situated just north of Playa del Carmen, sprawls out across 1600 acres of emerald jungles and pristine white beaches. The resort has 130 suites, each with their very own private plunge pool and individual docks. The resort’s spa is quite special – situated on its own little island, the spa’s setting seems almost magical. The treatment menu features everything from an Intuitive Wellness Massage to a Mayan Shaman Consultation, offering guests some of the best traditional healing methods around.

The Resort at Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas
Carved into a cliff on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, The Resort at Pedregal offers the ultimate in luxury – residential style villas dot the 24-acre resort, each boasting private plunge pools, rainforest showers, modern amenities, and, best of all, a personal concierge service. The resort’s spa, called Luna y Mar, was inspired by three specific aspects – the moon, the sea, and Mexican folk healing. By combining these three elements, the spa is able to offer some truly unique treatments that have a whole stream of guests coming back time and time again.

St. Regis Punta Mita, Punta de Mita
Situated about an hour’s drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta, the St. Regis Punta Mita is a stunning Mexican resort that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Their wide range of guest rooms cater to a variety of needs, while their 10,000 square foot spa is one of the best in the area. Each treatment is specially customized to suit the needs of each guest, ensuring that specific issues are properly addressed, and the spa makes a concerted effort to ensure that all ingredients used are not only natural, but of the freshest quality.

Misión del Sol Resort and Spa, Cuernavaca
The Misión del Sol Resort and Spa is considered to be a destination spa. This wellness resort is all-inclusive, with the accommodations consisting of a mixture of rooms, apartments and villas, most of which feature separate living and dining areas. Every inch of the resort has been designed specifically to help harmonize the body, mind and soul, making this the ideal destination for those who want some time away from the grind of daily life. The spa offers a wide variety of treatments, and their extensive menu ensures that you leave feeling completely rejuvenated.

From Cabo San Lucas to Punta de Mita, there are luxury spas to be found all over Mexico. The very best ones manage to incorporate Mexico’s healing traditions, as well as native ingredients, so be sure to keep an eye out for treatments like this the next time you are at a Mexican spa.

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World’s Most Beautiful Rooftop Pools

Rooftop swimming pool

Rooftop pools have become quite the trend in the last decade, and are usually at the top of a towering city hotel, offering fantastic skyline views while you relax with a swim. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the world’s most beautiful rooftop pools.

Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While Rio de Janeiro may have its share of world famous beaches, it is sometimes nice to take in the view from above, and this is where the rooftop pool of the Hotel Fasano comes in. The hotel is a favorite amongst many celebrities, including Beyonce and Madonna, with its sky-high infinity pool seeming to flow endlessly onto Ipanema Beach. The panoramic view offers a perspective of Rio that many do not get to see, making it quite the exclusive spot.

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, Spain
The 1920’s Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona is a building that combines old world charm with modern design influences, and is located in the city’s central Gothic Quarter. At the top of the hotel is the rooftop pool, offering a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel’s Skybar makes the experience even better, as you can enjoy a delicious Spanish cocktail while taking in Barcelona’s iconic landmarks beneath you.

Marina Bay Sands pool.

TILT Photography / Shutterstock.com

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The rooftop pool at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is not only the largest in the world, but is also considered to be one of the most stunning. The pool sits 650 feet in the air, at the top of the 55 storey building, and is held up by three iconic skyscrapers. This is one of the best views that you will find in Singapore, as the whole city is stretched out beneath you. However, OROGOLD reminds you that only hotel guests have access to this pool, so it may be worth booking yourself in for a couple of nights to make the most of it!

InterContinental, Hong Kong
The InterContinental Hotel has one of the largest outdoor pools in Hong Kong, and overlooks Victoria Harbour. This rooftop pool is actually made up of three separate infinity spa pools, each of which is maintained at different temperatures – hot, warm and cold. This means that you can have an enjoyable swim even at night, taking in the colorful Hong Kong skyline from one of the best hotels in town. OROGOLD recommends taking a seat in the whirlpool to enjoy Victoria Harbour’s Symphony of Lights show, a nightly multimedia show that involves more than forty different buildings on both sides of the harbour.

Most of these beautiful rooftop pools that OROGOLD has mentioned require you to be a guest of the hotel in order to use them. However, some of the hotels do offer spa packages to non-guests, and this will usually grant you access to a swim in the pool, making this an ideal choice for those who want to take in the views without staying at the hotel.

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Best Airport Lounges Around the World

VIP lounge in an airport

While the majority of airline passengers spend their time before boarding browsing the duty free shops, there are a lucky few that get to kick back and relax at the airport lounges, many of which are now upping the ante with the facilities and services that they provide. Here are OROGOLD’s picks of some of the best airport lounges around the world.

Qantas First Class Lounge, Sydney Airport
Although Qantas may have opened a handful of different lounges around the world in the last couple of years, they definitely have not let their quality slip, with their first class lounge in Sydney being frequently rated as one of the best airport lounges in the world. While the lounge is large and spacious, the area has been brilliantly compartmentalized, in order to create sections for personal space and privacy. Passengers are contacted the day before their flight so that they can book themselves a massage, while the lounge’s restaurant, with a menu created by Neil Perry of Rockpool, serves up cooked-to-order dishes, such as Wagyu beef and veal carpaccio.

Cathay Pacific Lounges, Hong Kong International Airport
With five different lounges dominating Hong Kong International Airport, Cathay Pacific really stands out in comparison to other airlines. The Bridge lounge is split into two sections, connected by a walkway, with each section offering something slightly different. However, it is the exclusive The Wing lounge that is OROGOLD’s favorite. If the champagne bar, and work, relaxation and dining zones weren’t enough, travelers can also make use of the five cabanas and twelve shower suites, each of which are fully private and come complete with a full-sized bathtub, a rain shower, a day bed, high-end toiletries and more.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Heathrow Airport, London
Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse lounges are well-known by travelers all over the world, especially since the airline makes a special effort to continuously evolve the technology, services and features offered at each of their lounges. Their lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport is unmistakably a Virgin Atlantic lounge, with their signature design and décor aesthetics. In addition to snacking on the finest deli produce, sourced locally in each country, travelers can also enjoy cocktails created by trained mixologists. As great as this may be, OROGOLD’s favorite aspect to the lounge is their Cowshed-branded spa, with some fantastic complimentary treatments. From a Dr. Hauschka facial to a Truefitt & Hill wet shave, travellers are well taken care of, and any extra time can easily be spent relaxing in the hot tub, sauna, steam room or showers.

While many of the best airport lounges are reserved for use only by first and business class passengers, there are also quite a few that enable you to pay-per-use. This means that you don’t necessarily need to splash out on a first class ticket in order to experience the height of luxury when you are next flying!

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Where to Go for Fall Weekend in US

A fall weekend getaway is usually exactly what people need at this time of the year. For those of you who haven’t yet gotten around to planning it, here are some of OROGOLD’s favorite places to go for fall weekend in the US.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires, Massachusetts
A rural region up in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are a great weekend destination for any art and culture lover. With eight different museums, renowned stage productions, a variety of dance festivals and a unique little music venue, there is plenty to keep you busy. To make the experience even better is Berkshire’s beautiful natural surroundings, with the mountains and meadows turning into hues of golden and red during fall. These areas are all easily accessible in a number of ways, from bike to balloon to raft to horse, and even on the back of a llama! When you want to wind down after a busy day, OROGOLD recommends visiting one of Berkshire’s amazing spas – another feature that the area is well known for!

Hudson River Valley, New York

Hudson River Valley, New York
Just 90 minutes from Manhattan, the Hudson River Valley, with its rolling hills, meandering wine trails and cascading waterfalls, is certainly a picturesque destination, especially during fall. From stopping in at the Peekshill Brewery for ‘Hoppy Hour’ to taking an afternoon stroll on the Walkway Over the Hudson, one of the longest elevated pedestrian bridges in the world, to hiking through the Overlook Wild Forest, there is definitely plenty to keep you busy. While there is a whole array of exciting dining establishments to choose from, OROGOLD highly recommends the Bocuse Restaurant. Opened by the Culinary Institute of America, the restaurant serves up high quality French cuisine at extremely affordable prices.

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
While Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley may be great as a year-round destination, OROGOLD’s favorite time to visit is during the fall, when the season brings out the area’s rich golden colors. It is in the Shenandoah Valley that you will find one of America’s most scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway, another great way to take in the beauty of the season. Driving enthusiasts may also want to check out the Skyline Drive, which offers up 75 scenic outlook points for you to fully admire your surroundings. Of course, no fall visit to the Shenandoah Valley would be complete without some apple picking, and the Marker-Miller Orchards are a great place to do this. The nearby town of Lexington, which has appeared on many lists of the best small towns to visit, is packed with interesting galleries, antique shops and other delights, all definitely worth exploring.

Fall definitely has an aura of magic around it, and there is no better way to appreciate all that it offers than by taking some time away from your hectic daily schedule and enjoying a relaxing fall weekend. From a llama ride through the Berkshires to picking your own apples in the Shenandoah Valley, these are some of the best fall weekend destinations out there!

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Best Adult Only Beach Resorts

A beach resort is an ideal place to spend your vacation if you are looking for a stress-free break. However, for those of you that want the opportunity for even more peace and relaxation, take a look at OROGOLD’s picks of some of the best adult only beach resorts around the world.

Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic.

The Royal Service, Paradisus Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Located on Bavaro Beach, the Paradisus Resort is a large, family-friendly beach resort, but with a smaller boutique ‘wing’ exclusively for adults. In addition to having their own butler, guests have access to their own private pool and lounge, as well as preferential reservations at the 12 restaurants. When you feel like mingling with the families, Royal Service guests have full access to the resort’s other facilities, which includes 5 outdoor adult pools, 10 bars, a casino, a spa, a golf course, a large adventure park, and a full daily schedule of fun activities, excursions and classes. The resort is also the only one in the Caribbean with 400,000 meters squared of ecological gardens, so is definitely a destination that nature-lovers will enjoy.

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, St. Maarten
Located near Philipsburg, the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort is an all-inclusive luxury boutique resort, just for adults. With three swimming pools, four bars and restaurants, a casino and a spa, guests have plenty to keep them entertained, and champagne upon arrival starts the vacation off on a great note. One of the huge advantages to this hotel is that guests who are staying here are able to have full access to the facilities of the resort’s sister hotel, the family-friendly Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

The Meia Praia Beach in Lagos, Portugal.

Yellow Lagos Meia Praia Hotel, Portugal
Overlooking the Meia Praia Beach in Lagos, Portugal, the Yellow Lagos Meia Praia Hotel offers unparalleled views across some of Portugal’s most spectacular coastline. With guests needing to be at least 16 years of age, the hotel attracts a sophisticated crowd, as well as energetic youngsters eager to explore the historic city of Lagos. The premium suites each come with their own private pool, while all guests have access to both an indoor and two outdoor pools, as well as, of course, the sea! The location is what really sets this hotel apart, as it is within walking distance from the beach, as well as just five minutes from the city of Lagos and all of its shops, bars and restaurants. OROGOLD recommends visiting a boat tour operator in Lagos and booking a boat trip that will take you along the coast to Ponta da Piedade, arguably Portugal’s most beautiful natural wonder.

From spending the day soaking up the sun and the evenings at a glitzy casino in the Caribbean, to exploring a historic Portuguese city after a morning swim in your private pool, these are some of OROGOLD’s favorite adult-only beach resorts around the world. The age limits at these resorts vary, with a minimum age of anywhere between 16 and 21, so be sure to check this in advance if you are in that age range!

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Child Friendly Beach Resorts

Children sitting on a beach bed in a beach resort

Staying at a child-friendly beach resort means that not only will there be plenty of fun activities to keep kids of all ages entertained, but even teenagers are less likely to be bored, as there are likely to be many other kids around their age, leaving parents to enjoy what could have otherwise been an extremely stressful vacation. To help you plan your next family vacation, OROGOLD has rounded up some of the best child-friendly beach resorts around the world.

Sensatori Resort, Crete
Located on Lyttos Beach in Crete, the Sensatori Resort offers child-friendly, five star luxury, at prices that are affordable for even the larger families. In addition to their four lagoon-style swimming pools and whirlpool, there are plenty of activities to choose from, including scuba diving, guided kayaking, and one of the largest spas in Greece. Children will love the silly science lab and the ‘sprayground’, while teenagers can hang out in the chill-out zone. With six restaurants and one-of-a-kind accommodation, such as swim-up rooms and pool suites, this is a resort that children of any age will enjoy.

Paradisus, Playa del Carmen La Esmerelda, Mexico
A luxury, all-inclusive beach resort aimed at impressing the whole family, the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmerelda offers up many amenities and services that everybody will love. The Family Concierge rooms come with a kid-friendly mini bar, a room spa and private family check-in and check out services, while the complimentary walkie talkies make it easy to keep track of everyone when you’re not enjoying the decadent rooms. The many different classes on offer will appeal to adults and children alike, from cocktail making workshops and tequila tasting sessions to pizza making classes and treasure hunts. OROGOLD also recommends a day excursion to some of the ancient sites located nearby, such as the Mayan ruins in Tulum.

Beaches, Turks and Caicos
Located on one of the best beaches in the world, and with its very own 45,000 square foot waterpark, you can see the instant appeal that this Beaches Resort would have with children. The resort consists of four different villages, each with different architectural styles, and there are plenty of multi-bedroom family suites available. In addition to the wide array of watersport opportunities available, there are an endless stream of other activities for different age groups, from Sesame Street characters to an Xbox gaming lounge to a teen disco. For parents that just want to relax, there are 20 international restaurants and 12 bars, 5 of which are swim-up, to choose from, as well as a 12 mile stretch of white sandy beach, 6 pools, and a Caribbean-inspired spa.

If you find that your children tend to get bored easily at beach resorts, then perhaps you just haven’t found the right one yet. OROGOLD’s top picks of child-friendly beach resorts put your children first, ensuring that they fully enjoy each and every minute of their day, as everybody knows that happy children means happy parents!