Star-Telegram (Sunday)

Breathe deep and sink into wellness at these resorts

- BY LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES

Subdue the stresses of a modern world by including spa and wellness options in your family vacation planning. Here are some ideas to consider.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa (North Male Atoll, Maldives)

Wellness gurus consider healing tents a haven for transforma­tion. And as such idyllic sanctuarie­s go, The Island Spa, part of the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, provides a compelling setting for a restorativ­e journey. To begin, guests set sail across a turquoise lagoon to the small private island where marine-based therapies and rituals draw on the healing properties of the sea and the surroundin­g natural world. Inside the healing tent, guests can opt for a holistic blend of Reiki and sound healing followed by guided breathwork. The final step is an ice bath plunge, an increasing­ly popular way to provide muscle recovery, boost blood flow and relieve stress. Beyond the spa, guests enjoy participat­ion in the Marine Savers program, a coralpropa­gation project, scuba diving, surfing, hand line fishing, and an array of water sports.

For more: https:// www.fourseason­s.com/ maldiveskh/

C Lazy U Ranch (Granby, Colorado)

Slide out of the saddle and into a cozy robe at the Lazy You Spa where six luxurious, creekside tents await the sore muscles of active guests. Treat yourselves to a massage in one of two tents perched over the flowing water. Glass floors provide a clear view of the river, adding to the relaxing natural vibe. Treat your teen to a manicure or pedicure while you opt for the Cowboy Soak. (Cue the champagne and strawberri­es.) Let your worries fade away as you steep in a deep copper tub and direct your attention to the stunning view of the Continenta­l Divide just outside the folds of your canvas tent.

For more: www.CLazyU.com; www.Colorado.com

Acqualina Resort (Sunny Isles Beach, Florida)

A one of kind wellness experience, the Acqualina Spa’s Sound Healing treatment, blends the therapeuti­c powers of music and massage. The relaxing journey begins with a foot massage during which guests review music choices via an IPad and custom, sound-blocking headphones. Options include original music compositio­ns from classical and new age to Latin and reggae as well as the natural sounds of the ocean or rainforest­s. This is followed by an aromathera­py massage as you relax into your chosen melodies. The music applicatio­n is reported to provide natural calm and aid with sleep disorders, stress and anxiety. Later, build sand castles on the beach, practice yoga, choose from a healthy menu or relax aside one of three oceanfront swimming pools.

For more: www. AcqualinaR­esort.com

Hotel Arts Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain)

At 43 The Spa, you’ll surround yourself in natural light, expansive views and a wealth of healing treatment options inspired by the azure sea below. Perched on the 42 and 43 floors of the fivestar Hotel Arts Barcelona, the 3,000 square-foot luxury spa boasts eight treatment rooms and two private aquatic areas. The latter offer hydrothera­py pools, steam baths, dry saunas and stunning views of the Mediterran­ean, the cityscape, and the harbor below. During the warmer months, cap off your spa day in the outdoor tranquilit­y area, relaxing high above the magical city of Barcelona.

For more: www.HotelArts Barcelona.com

Hotel Valley Ho (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Choose from the Jet Set Crowd menu to sample treatments that will transcend your Southweste­rn location and provide an internatio­nal flavor to the spa experience. Envelop yourself in the scent of an Icelandic moonflower in a treatment designed to awaken the senses. Or, try out a Turkish Hammam experience sure to cleanse, exfoliate, mist and massage or go for a soothing Hawaiian style Lomi Lomi, massage. Make time to visit the hotel’s hip pool scene where you can relax surrounded by colorful chaise lounges. Consider an on-site walking tour to learn about the hotel's Hollywood history and its iconic midcentury modern design.

For more: www.HotelValle­yHo.com; www.Experience Scottsdale.com

 ?? HANDOUT Four Seasons Resort Maldives/TNS ?? The Island Spa, part of the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, provides a compelling setting for a restorativ­e journey.
HANDOUT Four Seasons Resort Maldives/TNS The Island Spa, part of the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, provides a compelling setting for a restorativ­e journey.

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