
6 Wellness Escapes for a Solitude or Social Soak
Life
by Camille Macawili
17 seconds ago
Hydrotherapy is making a comeback with wellness entrepreneurs debuting concepts centered on the therapeutic powers of water. Here, we're making a shortlist of escapes for some well-deserved dips, from Switzerland to Japan. WALDSPA AT NATURHOTEL FORSTHOFGUT – LEOGANG, AUSTRIA
Off the ski slopes and amongst the impressive Leogang Rocky Mountains lie Forsthofgut, a luxurious scenic retreat that puts the focus on therapeutic waters. Right in the middle of a garden, this unique property is surrounded by meadows and forests. At the heart of this tranquil oasis is a 30,000-square-meter bathing lake and a lake infinity pool that delivers pure relaxation all-year long. There is also the Finnish lake sauna that is part of this unique place of power and ritual that comes with a panoramic window and direct mountain views. HOSHINOYA – TOKYO, JAPAN
At the luxurious hotel chain — owned by hospitality group Hoshino Resorts and designed by the renowned Tokyo-based architect Rie Azuma — the concept of onsen or natural geothermal pools are designed to induce a zen-like sense of calm in the middle of a hustling and bustling city. In this high-rise ryokan in Tokyo, the Otemachi Onsen at Hoshinoya features a salty hot spring where guests can enjoy a restorative dip to alleviate a fatigued body and mind, with striking views of the Tokyo skyline. EYNSHAM BATHS AT ESTELLE MANOR – OXFORDSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Estelle Manor (@estellemanor)
Nestled in a hotel and country club, Estelle Manor, this countryside escape houses a grand 3,000-square-meter space inspired by days of yore of Roman villa ruins with its neoclassical architecture featuring sculpted stone columns, grand pillars, and carved marble details. Immerse yourself at the Eynsham Baths's different thermal areas, from a Frigidarium to Caldarium, Tepidarium to Hay or completely detach and indulge in the Wim Hof Method Breathwork class — a 50-minute dedicated wellness session for breathwork pool to restore the body and mind in its optimal state. THE BLUE LAGOON, SKY LAGOON – ICELAND
Every aspect of the Retreat is architected for well-being wonder. Its design framework takes inspiration from its surrounding frontier, offering breathtaking views of Iceland's unique environment. At the geothermal lagoon, float on mineral-rich waters that exude a meditative and healing energy – all you need to do is detach and relax. 7132 – VALS, SWITZERLAND
At 7132, the luxe property offers a traditional hotel stay with a unique 'Therme' atmosphere. Featuring highly mineral-infused thermal baths with water that comes out of the St. Peter springs at 30° Celsius, guests can enjoy deeply relaxing daily soaks, a practice meant to calm nerves and boost the immune system. Created by Peter Zumthor, it is made from 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite and was granted protected heritage status shortly after completion. AMANEMU – ISE-SHIMA, JAPAN
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Amanemu (@amanemu_resort)
Overlooking Ago Bay in Mie Prefecture, the Amanemu Spa gives a polished and modern nod on the traditional practice of onsen pools. The property's pièce de resistance is a 2,000-square-meter spa which showcases various wellness and hydrotherapy facilities plus, an onsen pool with natural waters rich in healing minerals and adorned with all the makings of a an indulgent escape including a sunken pit furnished with a garden, daybeds and a fireplace for an extra touch of cosy. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram February's – The Tranquility Issue – Download Now
Images: Supplied
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Tourism Breaking News
13 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines sign strategic codeshare partnership
Post Views: 61 Etihad Airways has signed a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines, expanding customer access to Northeast Asia and strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a gateway between East and West. The partnership, announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, enables Etihad customers to connect seamlessly to key Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei, whilst offering STARLUX passengers direct access to Etihad's European network through Abu Dhabi. Etihad will launch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei on 7 September 2025, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new route creates the foundation for the codeshare partnership, positioning Taipei as a gateway for Etihad's expansion into Northeast Asia. Etihad customers booking through and the airline's mobile app will benefit from streamlined travel with single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in processes, and automatic baggage transfers to final destinations across STARLUX's Asia-Pacific network. The agreement also opens new pathways for STARLUX passengers to reach European destinations including Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona via Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate as an attractive transit hub for Asian travellers bound for Europe. Both airlines will launch joint marketing initiatives in Taiwan and establish a reciprocal frequent flyer programme by year-end, allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: 'This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan's key business and leisure destinations through Taipei. STARLUX Airlines' reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we're offering travellers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents.' Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines, said: 'Our partnership with Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in STARLUX Airlines' global expansion, laying the foundation for future European routes. As one of the Middle East's leading carriers, Etihad is globally recognised for its innovation and premium service—values that strongly align with the STARLUX brand. By leveraging Abu Dhabi's role as a major hub, this codeshare allows us to rapidly extend our network into Europe, offering passengers a wider range of travel options. We also look forward to deepening collaboration on mileage accrual and premium services to ensure an exceptional experience for customers.' The codeshare agreement builds on Etihad's strategic network expansion, which has seen the airline grow to serve over 90 destinations worldwide. The partnership with STARLUX further demonstrates Abu Dhabi's appeal as a premium transit destination, offering travellers world-class facilities at Zayed International Airport alongside the option to extend layovers with Etihad's complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover programme. Codeshare flights will be available for booking through the Etihad app, and travel partners, with services expected to commence following regulatory approvals.


Emirates Woman
3 days ago
- Emirates Woman
5 clean and chic nail-spirations for the summer
Beauty by Camille Macawili 48 seconds ago Got nail appointments this long weekend but not sure what to ask your technician yet? If colourful nail designs just don't fit your minimalistic aesthetic, don't fret — we did the hard work for you and have browsed through clean and chic alternatives that are just as perfect for the summer. White Out Switch your blacks, reds, and blues and give this cooler shade of bright white a go for the summer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melanie Graves (@overglowedit) Mix and Match-a Take your matcha obsession to the next level and ombré gradient green shades on your nails. Vanilla Milkshake …but make it Y2K with a hint of chrome, a perfect finishing touch for the 'Clean Girl' aesthetic. This shade will take you from work to play, all season long. Pardon My French Chanel has recently launched its Le Vernis collection featuring 17 new mood-boosting shades along with a limited edition set that includes nail sticker designs. Here, Chanel nail artist Betina Goldstein updates the classic nail trend for the summer, opting for pastel colour combinations without going overboard. Butter Yellow If there's one thing Hailey Bieber is good at, it has to be influencing her millions of followers to try the latest beauty looks. We can't help but take notice of her butter yellow nails as seen on Rhode's latest summer campaign. Neutral Territory From shades of linen to khaki, take inspiration from your summer wardrobes that look as elevated and modern. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Feature Image: Instagram @thehotblend @betina_goldstein


Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Gulf Today
Pilgrims seek forgiveness and shade on Mount Arafat during key Hajj ritual
Tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims clambered up rocks and nestled between boulders on Thursday as they embarked on a day of worship under a scorching sun at the Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Braving the heat and uneven surfaces, they scaled Mount Arafat to perform a key ritual of the annual Islamic pilgrimage. They opened their arms in prayer, smartphones and hearts raised, as outsized fans sprayed fine mists of water to cool them during their long hours of worship. Pilgrims must remain in Arafat until sunset. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Away from the worship, an ice cream kiosk nearby provided some relief. Salem Naji Ahmed, from Yemen, travelled four days overland to neighbouring Saudi Arabia because he couldn't afford the flight. A Muslim pilgrim prays at Jabal Al Rahmah, also known as Mount Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Reuters "These sacred feelings are the most luxurious and best thing about Arafat,' he told The Associated Press. "We came from Yemen, four days and nights. It was very tiring, but we came to please Allah and perform one of his obligations in the holy sites and in the best area on earth.' The rocky hill holds immense significance in Islam. Arafat is mentioned in the Holy Quran and it is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is said to have given his last sermon on his final Hajj. Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Mount Arafat. AFP According to traditional sayings of the prophet, the Day of Arafat is the most sacred day of the year, when God draws near to the faithful and forgives their sins. Hatem Salem, from Egypt, said: "We cannot express the feeling. We feel the best at the holy sites with a humble heart and faith." Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a religious obligation involving rituals and acts of worship that every Muslim must fulfil if they have the money and are physically able to do it. The authorities have not disclosed the total number of pilgrims at this year's Hajj. Earlier, they said more than 1.5 million foreigners were participating. Last year, there were 1,611,310 pilgrims from outside the country. Associated Press