Travel

Serene Getaway: The Spa at The Setai

You may be enjoying Miami's South Beach on the Atlantic coast, but a trip to the spa at The Setai Hotel will transport you to the Pacific. Opt for The Setai Indulgence Package ($300), which includes an hour-long ancient Balinese massage that improves circulation while easing tension as well as an organic, Ayurvedic-inspired refining facial or purifying body polish. Or, if romance is on the agenda, bring your companion and luxuriate in a Love Bath for two—aphrodisiac bath oils, Champagne and canapes await. setai.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: The Setai.

Serene Getaway: Bernardus Lodge

Whether you're a oenophile, a foodie or a spa lover, you'll be pleased as punch to visit Bernardus Lodge, located in Northern California's picturesque Carmel Valley. Sample Bernardus wine from the on-site vineyards and feast at the celebrated Marinus restaurant, a popular epicurean event venue. Relax with any of the spa's singular offerings, such as vinotherapy or ocean-based treatments inspired by the diverse region. Then get cozy with your companion in one of 57 rooms at the lodge, where you can enjoy a long bath for two before curling up in front of a fire on your luxurious feather bed. bernardus.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Bernardus Lodge.

Serene Getaway: Capella Pedregal

South-of-the-border travel may have temporarily slowed in recent months, but Capella Pedregal, the latest ultra-luxe resort to hit the sands of Cabo San Lucas, should have A-listers and discreet billionaires flocking there in droves. More than five years in the making—and built by a dream team of three design firms (all of whom worked on the nearby six-star paradise Las Ventanas)—the intimate cliffside retreat features just 66 guest rooms, each with a view of the Pacific Ocean and its own private plunge pool. Want to sunbathe au naturel? No worries—the paps can't catch you, since the resort can only be accessed via a 1,000-foot-long private tunnel, the only such tunnel in Mexico. And did we mention there's a personal assistant for every guest? Lest you crave even more indulgence, visit the Auriga Spa, which offers signature treatments based on phases of the moon, or feast on meals from Per Se-trained chef Marco Bustamante—think citrus-and-annatto-seed-braised pork or whole roasted red snapper for two with Mexican pepper leaf and coconut rice. capellapedregal.com.

–McLean Robbins,  JuliB  

Photo: Capella Pedregal.

Serene Getaway: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Summer's drawing to a close, but ultimate relaxation and tropical beauty are just a reservation away at Thailand's JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. The resort captures all of the elements of the exotic island paradise, from a stunning on-site lotus pond to a traditional Thai spirit house. Lounge away poolside or venture out for scuba diving. Little ones in tow? A dedicated children's pool and activity center will keep them happy (and close at hand) while you and the spouse indulge in his-and-hers massages. marriott.com.

–Caroline Rath, ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Marriott.

Serene Getaway: Evason Ma'In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa

The best spa experiences transport you (mentally, at least) to a far-off and beautiful place awash in serene views and stunning vistas. Imagine how much easier this task might be if the spa's actual environs are already naturally breathtaking. Such is the case at Jordan's Evason Ma'In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, which rests directly beneath a natural hot-spring waterfall that tumbles out of the craggy terrain. Asian and Middle Eastern specialty treatments abound. sixsenses.com.

–Caroline Rath, ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Six Senses.

Serene Getaway: Encantado Resort

Encantado, an Auberge Resort, is a year-old, 65-casita refuge among the Jamez and Sangre de Christo foothills in Santa Fe, New Mexico, just minutes from the Santa Fe Plaza. (Borrow from a fleet of Mercedes for the trip.) The interiors have been groomed in an earthy palette (courtesy of Dallas-based Wilson Associates), incorporating burnt-edged wood headboards, piñon-wood-burning fireplaces, cavernous soaking tubs and picturesque private terraces. Chef Charles Dale of resident restaurant Terra turns out global dishes that oblige the Southwest (think duck tamales). And a communal fire pit invites après-dinner schmoozing with s'mores and loaner pashminas. The 15-treatment-room spa, meanwhile, is a celeb retreat; Robert Redford was spotted sneaking in the back door. One to try? The two-hour Mountain Purification Ritual, which includes a sage smudging ceremony and a juniper-sage hot stone massage. Enchanted? We're sure! encantadoresort.com.

–Stacy Girard, Modern Luxury Magazines  

Photo: Encantado Resort.

Serene Getaway: Double J Hacienda & Art Ranch

Longing for those long, sunny summer camp days? Hitch up and head to the Double J Hacienda & Art Ranch in Mineral Wells, Texas (located about 90 minutes outside of Dallas). Started by a duo of dreamers who wanted to foster creativity and holistic practices, the Double J hosts a revolving artists' colony that thrives on the ranch's scheduled sunset viewings, live music and creativity powwows. Become one with your inner energy with the help of an on-site yoga and breathing expert, or take on the hiking trails that crisscross the expansive ranch. Rooms veer toward rustic, with hip art and progressive diaries—feel free to add your own thoughts for future guests. djartranch.com.

–Christopher Luu, JuliB  

Serene Getaway: Cavo Tagoo

Natty meets nymphette at Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos' hot new seaside sun temple. But while they may be in Greece, there's nothing ancient about these digs—except that they've been built into a cliff along the Aegean Sea. Check out the glam, gilded corridors, sleek white palette, panoramic views and, of course, the bathing temples (aka private infinity pools). And because no sun-drenched resort is complete without a bona fide relaxation den, don't miss your chance to decompress at the spa, where the Golden Aura Energy Wrap reigns supreme. As for big fat Greek eats, the on-site restaurant is home to contemporary Mediterranean bites, with renowned Athenian chefs serving up everything from fresh produce and sushi to traditional Greek seafood. cavotagoo.gr.

–Candace Abbott, JuliB  

Serene Getaway: La Réserve Ramatuelle

Heading to the South of France? Relax and indulge yourself at La Réserve Ramatuelle, a luxury boutique hotel in St. Tropez with endless views of the Mediterranean sea. Each of the seven rooms and 16 suites has its own private terrace or garden, and everything—from the spa to the menu at the restaurant—is designed with health and wellness in mind. Which is ideal, really—because a trip to St. Tropez calls for skimpy attire (and the sort of fit, très-svelte physique that wears it best). lareserve-ramatuelle.com.

–Kim Peiffer, ModernLuxury.com Contributor  

Serene Getaway: Viceroy Anguilla

Summer's just begun, but you can book your holiday getaway now for a taste of the new, top-notch Viceroy Anguilla at year's end. Christmas in the Caribbean? Sounds like a plan. This luxe venue will be yours for the taking after a soft opening in August (hello, preview rates). The property's prime location, original interiors (by design genius Kelly Wearstler) and first-rate facilities mean you can relax in privacy and pleasure. Look for organic driftwood lamps, travertine marble floors and petrified-wood tables among the handcrafted, world-class (and worldly) pieces. Hungry for more? Dine at the signature resto, Cobà, with its breathtaking views, or hit the so-hot Sunset Lounge for drinks around an infinity pool. Then gift yourself—we are talking the holidays, after all—with a relaxing massage at the waterfront spa.
 viceroyanguilla.com.

–Benita Lee, JuliB