Escaping the stress and tension of our lives every now and then is an absolute must, and what better way to relax your body and rejuvenate your mind than to have a deliciously long weekend away at a luxurious resort and spa?

Asia is well-known for its many top-notch spa resorts (which is definitely more expensive than the wellness spa in Laguna), and the choices are endless. To help make your decision a bit easier, here are the top five spa destinations in Asia.

The wonderful Reethi Rah Luxury Spa in Maldives. ©Sarah Ackerman

Ubud Hanging Gardens Spa Resort (Bali, Indonesia)

Nestled away in Bali’s magnificent rainforest, amongst spectacular rice terraces and impressive volcanoes, is the Ubud Hanging Gardens Spa Resort.

Its 38 luxury villas fixed on the hillside make for a spectacular view of the forest and rice fields. Each villa has its own private pool and deck, although one of the resort’s most defining features is its multi-level infinity pool.

Ayung Spa, named after the Ayung River that lies just outside the resort, provides every treatment imaginable, from coconut and rice facial scrubs to a full body herbal revival treatments or a Balinese massage.

Whether you want to indulge in fine French cuisine or sample local Balinese delights, the Beduur restaurant will not disappoint. The five-star menu is carefully crafted to suit every taste and each meal is prepared with only the freshest of ingredients, including indigenous herbs and spices and even freshly-caught fish from the nearby Jimbaran Bay.

Sunset at Pimalai Resort & Spa in Thailand. ©Bob Steiner

Pimalai Resort & Spa (Koh Lanta, Thailand)

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious beach vacation, Pimalai Resort and Spa should be your first choice. It’s located on the south coast of the beautiful island Koh Lanta Yai, with its own private beach and tropical green forest nearby.

The views of the ocean on one side and the lush forest on the other leave nothing to be desired, and its rooms are fully equipped with everything you could ever need to relax, from gigantic four poster canopy beds and to private kitchens secluded pools.

The spa offers treatments like foot soaks and full body massages, but if you’re up for a bit more activity, you can enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear waters or take a sunset cruise on the resort’s private yacht.

The Sarojin (Pha Nga, Thailand)

Tropical gardens, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches—what more could you ask for? The Sarojin is another one of Thailand’s most luxurious spa resorts, located along the Andaman Sea.

Its facilities and activities cater to all types, and while some may come to rest through a warm stone massage or Aloe Vera body wrap, others may prefer to go kayaking at Phang Nga Bay or try their hand at some deep sea fishing.

The Sarojin Resort in Thailand. ©Darleneisevil

Wildflower Hall (Shimla in the Himalayas)

Between the majestic Himalayas lies Wildflower Hall, an extravagant spa resort, with everything from outdoor whirlpools overlooking the mountains and forest, to exclusive yoga and meditation sessions.

The resort sits at 8,250 feet above sea level, and is built in the classic style of the Colonial era. Activities include guided treks, mountain biking and river rafting, and after an action-packed day in the breathtaking surroundings of Shimla, one can relax with a spa treatment or go for a swim in the heated outdoor pool.

Reethi Rah Luxury Spa (North Malé Atoll, Maldives)

Reethi Rah Luxury Spa is a combination of simple elegance and well-appointed class. It’s one of the largest resort villas in the world, on its own private island.

Every last detail has been carefully thought out, from the wide range of activities available to the Egyptian cotton sheets to the personal golf cart allotted to each set of visitors to help them get around the huge grounds.

You can choose to stay in a beach villa or, for maximum privacy, in a water villa, which is set out on the crystal waters of the lagoon, complete with outdoor terraces and hammocks.

Spa treatments are elaborate and include energy equalizers with volcanic hot stones and one-hour aroma therapy massages. For fitness lovers, the resort provides Zen fitness programs like Hatha and Asthanga Yoga and Thai Boxing.

Have you tried any of these spa resorts? Where was the best spa experience you’ve had?

This is a guest post by Tess Pajaron, who is part of the team behind Open Colleges. She has traveled to many different countries and loves to discover new and exciting places. She can be also seen on her social media profile at Google+.

 Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you!

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