Latest news with #luxuryspa
Forbes
21 hours ago
- Forbes
Why Australia's Hayman Spa Is A Couples Destination For U.S. Travelers
happy couple enjoying infinity pool time at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels and Resorts With American travelers flocking to Sydney, Australia, one short flight can cap off their big city visit with a peaceful, isolated escape into nature. According to Statista, 403,000 tourists from the U.S. visited The Emerald City in 2023, making it the largest source of international visitors to the bustling destination. A two-and-a-half-hour flight and short ferry away awaits Hayman Island's InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. The luxurious, ultra-private tranquil escape features 182 spread-out rooms, suites and villas, a handful of dining establishments, beaches, personalized experiences and the Hayman Spa—home to the exclusive Bamboo Loft couples hideaway. private Bamboo Loft room for couples at Hayman Spa at Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts As a premier destination for honeymooners, romantic vacationers, or couples celebrating their anniversary, the lush resort offers two options for partners to relax and rejuvenate together at the spa. The serene Bamboo Loft can be rented for a half-day to guests embarking on one of two immersive shared rituals. The Hayman Signature Experience for Two is a 4.5-hour, $2,200 signature spa journey. With access to a private bath and steam room, couples can indulge in an aromatic, milky cleanse, accompanied by refreshments and sparkling wine. This also includes an exotic body exfoliation followed by the application of oils and mood-balancing aromas. These set the mood for what's to come: a Hayman Signature Massage with signature scent, followed by a high-performance pro-glow renewal facial. An abbreviated version of the same experience is offered as part of the 3.5-hour Couples in Paradise package for $1,500. The Bamboo Loft can also be booked as an enhancement to any spa treatment, offering private access to the bath and steam room, plus a seasonal platter, herbal tea and a glass of sparkling wine. For one guest only, a 60-minute experience can be snagged for $300. The Beauty of Hayman Spa Elemis is the spa's featured skincare partner, while the scent of Frangipani Monoi Oil infuses the space—an homage to the lush, tropical essence of its Whitsunday surroundings. Adorned with clean architectural lines and warm timber ceilings, the soft, neutral space feels both sophisticated and grounded. 'As you walk into Hayman Spa, the outside world melts away, replaced by quiet luxury and renewal,' says the resort's spa and fitness manager Milli Jacobs. 'And as you journey further into the spa, the atmosphere unfolds with quiet grace. Thoughtfully layered natural textures and soft coastal accents mirror the beauty of Hayman Island, evoking an effortless sense of barefoot luxury.' Ultimately, the luxurious, grounding spa is a reflection of the resort as a whole. 'The space is an immersive journey of stillness, connection and island luxury,' Jacobs says. 'Every detail is crafted to soothe and restore. It remains one of Australia's most exclusive spa destinations, guiding guests to unwind completely and align with the tranquil flow of the Whitsundays.' A wide view of Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort in Australia Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts Life On Hayman Island Outside Of The Spa While couples may be too relaxed following their intensive spa experience, other days during their stay present an array of once-in-a-lifetime bonding opportunities. From a boat ride to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, to snorkeling excursions in the Whitsundays, guests don't have to travel far to experience the area to its fullest. If they want to branch out a bit, they can arrange boat transfers to other secluded locations, including Langford Island, Bali Hai Reef and Blue Pearl Bay. Keeping things cute and cozy, couples can book a Romantic Sunset Escapade or Sunset Cruise, complete with wine and antipasto. And for the pairs looking to turn things up a notch, there are nearby jet-ski tours. For those who prefer a more low-key stay, the resort's private beach offers water sports equipment for guests to borrow, including paddle boards, kayaks and sailboats. And, of course, there are two multipurpose pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center (complete with pilates reformers), squash courts and a hiking trail around the island. Celebrating its 75th year in business, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is a destination for U.S. travelers (in relationships or otherwise) 'seeking a unique blend of adventure, relaxation and luxury,' says the resort's general manager Kayte Staraj. 'As the closest island resort to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, guests have direct access to world-class snorkeling adventures and Whitehaven Beach, which was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The resort's tours make these bucket-list experiences effortless and luxurious.'
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Spa worker ‘sexually assaulted guests during treatments' at luxury retreat visited by Princess Diana and Kylie Minogue
A LUXURY spa worker has been charged with sexually assaulting four women during treatments. The incidents allegedly occurred at Nirvana Spa in Wokingham, where membership costs £2,200. 2 2 Ibrahim Ali, 36, from Datchet, Berkshire was charged on Saturday with four counts of sexual assault by touching. It is described as "the UK's leading pure water retreat". The spa features"crystal-clear pools filled with water drawn from a natural aquifer beneath us, offering you a truly rejuvenating escape". It includes features like a Roman Pool and Colosseum Suite. They also boast a celestial floatation pool filled with Dead Sea Salt to allow you to "lie back and gaze at the twinkling starlit ceiling as your body effortlessly floats". A simple relaxation package at the spa costs between £105 and £190 depending on when you go. The company also offers a radiant relaxation package for up to £250. Celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams are reportedly fans of the luxury spa. Princess Diana is also reported to have visited. Mr Ali is due to appear at Reading magistrates' court on August 6. The Sun has reached out to Nirvana Spa for comment.
The Independent
07-07-2025
- The Independent
Man charged with sexually assaulting four women during luxury spa treatments
A man has been charged with sexually assaulting four women during treatments at a luxury health spa. Ibrahim Ali, 36, of Percy Place in Datchet, Berkshire, was charged on Saturday in relation to four incidents at the Nirvana Spa in Wokingham, Thames Valley Police said. Four women reported being touched inappropriately during treatments at the spa. The suspect was subsequently charged with four counts of sexual assault by touching following a police investigation. Nirvana Spa has an annual membership of more than £2,200 and describes itself as 'the UK's leading pure water retreat' on its website. The spa has been contacted for comment. Ali will appear at Reading Magistrates' Court on August 6.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nicole Kidman is slammed for being 'out of touch' as she reveals her top five places to go in Sydney and recommends outrageously overpriced treatment
has been slammed for 'being out of touch' after revealing her top five places to visit in Australia. The Aussie actress, 57, revealed the places she finds 'comfort and ease' when she visits Sydney during an interview with The New York Times. Her favourite places to visit include the Royal Botanic Garden, The Art Gallery of NSW, day spa Venustus, Harry's Café de Wheels and The Harbor Pools. However, many have criticised Nicole for suggesting a Six Hand Body Massage at luxurious day spa Venustus, which starts from $1059. 'Thanks Nicole for recommending a spa where, for a mere [starting at] $687.00 [USD], I can get a massage,' one person joked. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Nicole, I never knew we were so similar. Maybe we can hang out sometime!' another sarcastically wrote. The Six Hand Body Massage involves three specialised therapists massaging together in sync. During the interview, Nicole explained: 'They just know how to take care of people, and their treatments are amazing, especially after a long flight.' 'A massage at Venustus will have you ready to go to take on the city.' Nicole and her husband Keith Urban regularly travel to Sydney, where they own a penthouse in the luxurious Latitude Building in Sydney's Milsons Point. They purchased two penthouses in the building and then combined them to make a mega-apartment. They went on to buy four more apartments in the same building. The celeb couple first bought a 420sqm pad on the 21st floor in 2009 for close to $6 million according to newspaper reports. Three years later, they bought the slightly smaller 380sqm apartment next door with better views of the harbour for a reported $7 million. In 2011, they also splashed out $2.68 million on a 19th floor apartment, which the Oscar-winner initially used as her home office. The Hollywood stars also own an idyllic farmhouse called Bunya Hill in the Southern Highlands village of Sutton Forrest which they bought in 2008 for $6.5million. Set on a sprawling 45-hectares featuring herds of cattle and alpaca, the Georgian mansion boasts a traditional wide sandstone verandah. Since buying the property, Keith and Nicole installed an 18m swimming pool, new gym, full-sized tennis court and 250m grass mounds around the perimeter to block out prying eyes.
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Travel + Leisure
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This British Country Garden Estate Is Less Than an Hour From London—and Is a Favorite of Meghan Markle's
Few places can rival the traffic jams you find in central London. Truly, the bumper-to-bumper roadways around commuting time could easily drive someone to madness. On a recent journey to the British city, I was in one such jam—only this time I didn't have a care in the world. Because in under an hour, I'd be in a place where the flowers bloom, the lawn is sprawling, and fresh air abounds. In early spring of 2025, I made my way to the UK on a girls' trip, specifically to the Cliveden House, a five-star luxury spa retreat in Berkshire, England, which we heard about after Meghan Markle stayed there with her mother the night before her wedding. However, it's not just the Duchess' stay that makes this place special. It's also its 350-year history and its surprising proximity to the center of London that make it utterly magical. For those who love historical British drama, there are both salacious and sophisticated components to the mansion's storied past, like a high-profile affair involving a conservative member of Parliament, a 19-year-old dancer, and a Russian spy that led to a major government scandal in the 1960s. The current house was built in 1851 after the original manor from 1666 and its replacement in 1824 were destroyed in fires. It's a spot so grand that it's hosted every British monarch from George I onward, and to honor its lineage of important guests, Cliveden House's 47 rooms are each named for one. First home to British nobility and then New York's version of royalty, the Astor family, Cliveden House (pronounced "Cliffden" after the cliffs on which it's built) relishes in romantic charm, similar to Bridgerton filming locations and Downtown Abbey' s famous Highclere Castle, which happens to be about an hour away (Cliveden was even mentioned in Downton Abbey once). It's as easy to imagine the glamorous parties that once took place here, with notable visitors like Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin, as it is to enjoy the present-day glamour. Inundated with rich materials and rugs, buttery gold trimming, imposing bookshelves, antique furniture, crystal chandeliers, oil paintings, and lush patterned drapes, the ornate rooms drip in English country chicness, transporting you somewhere that feels centuries away from where you came. Take in the garden views while enjoying afternoon tea. Overlooking a formal parterre garden, 376 acres of National Trust gardens, and the River Thames, the views from the perches at the back of the mansion are showstopping. Look out while sitting windowside at the old library bar, Aperol spritz in hand, for the perfect vacation moment. From the hotel, guests can walk down to the riverbank on a tree-shaded path or by a long staircase carved into the gently sloping hill. But the best way Cliveden House helps guests enjoy the River Thames is via special boat trips and picnics, which can be arranged at your convenience. There are a few vintage boats to choose from, depending on the size of your group, and you have several menu options, including afternoon tea, Champagne and light bites, or a more robust meal to bring with you on your ride. You can charter the boats for an hour up to a whole day—the longer trips taking you for more extensive sightseeing or even to a nearby town, like Henley or Windsor. Sail down the River Thames on one of their vintage boats. My group chose to idly cruise down the River Thames on the 33-foot Belmont, a restored 1930s slipper with glossy wood paneling, for a very happy hour before dinner at the hotel's upscale Cliveden Dining Room. On the boat ride, we had a clear view of Cliveden House atop its high vantage point, making it the only thing popping out above the dense green tree line. This experience was, especially to three Americans, authentically quaint and unexpectedly secluded. We had the stretch of the River Thames almost exclusively to ourselves, getting a quiet reprieve, which was unusual for three city dwellers. This was our collective favorite part of the weekend, merging many of Cliveden House's best attributes: living history, picturesque landscape, and British leisure culture. While we stayed overnight, Cliveden House is a go-to day trip for people in the London area or for a pampering stopover for those coming to or from Heathrow, which is only about 20 minutes away by car. Featuring an outdoor pool and two hot tubs (a rarity in the U.K.), Cliveden's spa is a dreamy place nestled behind rustic brick walls to lounge on a balmy Saturday or Sunday. The outdoor swimming pool at the Cliveden Spa. Inside the home's window-lined spa, which opened in 2017, treatments are offered in the light-hued, tranquil space, where there's also an indoor pool and Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and gym. The spa is open to both day and hotel guests and also offers a membership plan. Other activities offered on site include tennis courts, afternoon high tea, fitness classes, country sports, falconry, and, of course, exploring the expansive grounds dotted with sculptures and ornate fountains. Whether you have a day or an entire weekend for a fit-for-British-royalty countryside experience, Cliveden House is easy to access by car or train, with the nearest stops at Taplow and Burnham, and well worth the short journey for what feels like a far-away escape.
