VIBE

With a "Self-Centered" lounge garden, customizable couture scrub kits at the Scrub and Polish Bar, and treatment rooms that offer tailored aromas, music, and lighting elements, the 42,000-square-foot Eau Spa at the five star Ritz-Carlton centers the experience solely around you. Washed with hues of white, silver, and sea green, the baroque-like design of this stunning space marries elegance with whimsy. Begin your journey by making a wish in the spa’s “wishing well,” then tour the extensive facilities (which include a salon, bath lounge with whirlpool, steam and sauna, and a well-equipped fitness center), and escape to any one of the 19 private treatment rooms (12 of which are private open-air villas). In this playground of luxury and indulgence, you can’t help but abandon yourself to the sensational treatments of mind and body.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other; a friend; mother or daughter; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

This spa offers its guests a certain playfulness that is both refreshing and fun. We loved the fantasy-inspired touches like birdcage-esque swinging chairs over reflecting pools, the oversized chess set, rubber duckies in the whirlpool, and outdoor day beds. In addition to the gorgeous gardens and opulent boudoir space, we also enjoyed the complimentary tea and light bites (don’t miss the chocolate cupcakes–we snuck two!) in the relaxation room, and the champagne that comes with booking a private Garden Villa Collection. The custom-designed scrub kits, tailored to personal skin needs and shaken by the spa’s own “mixologist” at its Scrub and Polish Bar, are a super-cool touch while also being a great value (USD 30 with a treatment and they last multiple scrubs–take the leftovers home with you!).

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Not a thing–one of our favorite Purple Picks.

GOOD TO KNOW

In addition to the 19 treatment rooms, three opulent Couple’s Villas (complete with garden enclaves, dual outdoor tubs, and rainfall showers) have been set aside for the ultimate experience-for-two. Guests are recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before their scheduled treatment in order to change and enjoy the facilities, but we suggest that you set aside much more time–bring a book and spend the day! Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance or else your credit card will be billed 100% of the service charge. If you don’t want to spring for a treatment, take the “spend the day” option to enjoy the facilities for USD 50.

Read more about Eau Spa by Cornelia in The Diary

CLOSEST COMPS

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