Our Favourite Luxury Spa Retreats in Southeast Asia

A region renowned for its exquisite service and perfect pampering, South East Asia is awash with sublime spas and heavenly retreats.

Our experts know them inside out, and have drawn up this list giving you some of South East Asia's best luxury spa retreats.

1) The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand

The Mandarin Oriental is no stranger to exclusive awards, having clocked up Best Hotel in the World as well as several specialist spa awards over the years. Open to the public as well as guests, locals mingle with the glitterati in this dazzling Bangkok gem.

Clients are spoiled with its two huge pools and world-class signature treatments (famous for leading the way in spa therapies), after which the sublime array of restaurants and bars provide ample options for refreshment.

2) The Four Seasons Chiang Mai, Thailand

A stay at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai without a visit to the spa would be a waste of a golden opportunity. There’s really no better place to embrace the luxury experience and indulgent atmosphere of this lush region of Thailand.

If the stunning setting doesn’t immediately reinvigorate you, just wait until you try one of the Royal Collection spa packages. There are even private couples therapy rooms and sessions for those on a romantic getaway.

3) Como Shambhala, Ubud, Bali

Suspended above the hills and emerald jungle canopies of central Bali, this hotel and health spa retreat is one of the most magical in all of South East Asia. There is a comprehensive wellbeing program to choose from, which tailors your meals and activities as well as your spa treatments to your every need.

The activities here at Como Shambhala Estate are geared towards real revitalisation, so it’s no surprise this luxury property boasts an array of awards from Conde Nast, Harpers Bazaar, Smith Hotels, AsiaSpa and Sunday Times Travel Magazine.

The Best of the Rest

4) Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, Thailand

This serene riverside oasis (formerly the Chedi) is Chiang Mai‘s only five-star riverside hotel, and has a stellar reputation for sublime, holistic spa treatments and beauty therapy by Elemis.

5) Fusion Maia, Hoi An, Vietnam

Another palatial shrine-like hotel outside of the enchanting city of Hoi An, Fusion Maia makes life that much easier for guests looking to unwind by including many of their spa treatments in the nightly rate. The Maia Spa has 16 rooms set in its own gardens and even during peak times guests are guaranteed at least two spa treatments a day (although booking well in advance is advised).

6) Sala Phuket, Thailand

Taking a modernist approach to traditional techniques and therapies, the Sala’s spa ethos is reflected throughout the whole hotel. Enjoy a very contemporary and overindulgent stay here taking advantage of its prime beachside position, sumptuous massage menu and expert beauty treatments by Clarins.

7) Kayumanis Jimbaran, Bali

A stone’s throw from Jimbaran beach and nestled amongst the coconut groves, Kayumanis Jimbaran is a highly pleasurable hotel in its calming, contemporaty style, effortless service and of course, its exquisite spa.

8) Pangkor Laut Island Resort, Malaysia

This luxurious hotel on the sublime Malaysian island paradise of Pangkor Laut raises the stakes with its whole Spa Village. Accumulating accolades since it began, the village offers up Malay, Chinese, Thai and Indian inspired treatments. Opt for one of the special Spa villas to get the full experience.

9) Anantara Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Therapy comes in many forms at the gorgeous and decadent Anantara Golden Triangle hotel, such as hanging out with their rescued Elephants or soaking up the serene countryside views of the Meking River and rice paddies – and then of course there’s always the Anantara Spa, with its sublime list of treatments to rejuvenate and relax you, body and soul.

10) Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi, Vietnam

In the heart of old Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole is the finest hotel and ‘grande dame’ of this charming capital, and if you’re looking to mix a few massages into your city meanderings then you’ve chosen to stay at the right place. The sophisticated La Spa du Metropole will more than sort you out after you choose from personalised hammam, massage and sauna treatments.

11) The Four Seasons Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam

Where high design meets palatial beach-front luxury, this magnificent hotel close to Hoi An is Vietnamese in character with a celestial spa of Balinese therapists. Often named the best resort in all of Vietnam, there are eight ‘treatment’ pavilions seemingly floating on the lagoon ready to pamper you into new realms of relaxation.