Urban oases: 6 luxurious day spas you can book right at your doorstep

Escape the concrete jungle without leaving the city at this urban oasis on Governors Island, a tiny isle located a stone’s throw from Manhattan Island. Stepping off the ferry and into this spacious sanctuary – housed in a former army barracks – sees you enter a set of themed spaces, each with its own distinct vibe. Facilities include a cosy room with a fireplace and rocking chairs, Vichy showers, heated marble slabs, and saunas to transport you across the globe, from a Turkish hammam and Scottish steam room to the Alpine dry-heat style.

The location of QC NY, Governors Island is situated just 730 metres south of Lower Manhattan

But QC’s real draw are the impressive thermal facilities spread across this historic complex. Outdoor pools offer panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, inviting you to bask on a comfy lounger before immersing yourself in the warm water.

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2. Paris: Spa Charme d’Orient Paris

Spa Charme d’Orient Paris’ 3,200 sq ft space is located in the heart of the city

Located in Paris’ Upper-Marais district, this hammam-style spa is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Time will melt away as you indulge in luxurious treatments here – with the classic Turkish bath reimagined in Parisian style.

Augmented by the spa’s cavelike environs, the hammam, or Turkish bath, is central to the spa experience

Having entered the candlelit, cavelike chambers, you’ll be introduced to an intriguing array of scents, allowing you to personalise your therapy. With a profound commitment to French craftsmanship and quality, Spa Charme d’Orient proudly manufactures its formulas in France and also serves as a certified spa therapy training centre.

3. London: Espa Life at Corinthia

Facilities at Espa Life at Corinthia include a swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna and steam room

In central London, just off the Thames embankment, you’ll find Espa Life at Corinthia, a sanctuary that marries luxury with transformative experiences. Beyond the usual spa experiences, you’ll find programmes to analyse and address medical concerns, health goals and lifestyle challenges. The spa even houses an on-site lab for performing blood tests, emphasising a holistic approach to health.

Light, nutritious refreshments are served at the Spa Lounge, which also features heated marble loungers

Spread across four floors, Espa Life offers an array of sensory experiences, with an ice fountain, steam room, glass-encased sauna and even sleep pods. This is a cosy retreat where you can unwind and drift away on a cloud of relaxation.

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4. Singapore: Yunomori Onsen & Spa

The Japanese onsen experience takes centre stage at Yunomori Onsen & Spa, alongside Thai massage

A pioneering gem in Southeast Asia – combining the curative properties of Japanese hot springs with the therapeutic wonders of Thai massage – Yunomori Onsen works on multiple fronts, from easing muscular tension to enhancing blood circulation and skin health.

Benefits of steam include improving circulation, clearing congestion and boosting cardiovascular health

You’ll discover an array of hi-tech onsen baths providing distinct experiences, each with its own allure. Offering an entry pass for all-day access to the onsen, steam rooms, saunas, and 11 pools enriched with hot spring minerals imported from Japan, Yunomori provides the perfect setting for a luxurious stay.

5. Hong Kong: MiraSpa, The Mira Hong Kong

MiraSpa has nine treatment rooms, including two couple suites with private steam bath and sunken bath

Spanning an impressive 18,000 sq ft, MiraSpa at The Mira Hong Kong features dedicated beauty, spa and wellness zones, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre equipped with cardio machines. After indulging in the infinity pool, round off your stay in the refreshing, rejuvenating sanctuary that is the wet zone – complete with sauna, steam room, whirlpool and invigorating showers.

Facilities include an infinity pool, fitness centre and heated waterbed lounge

For those seeking serenity, the spa offers flotation lounges with heated waterbeds as well as an Aura Room with coloured lights to create a soothing ambience.

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6. Bangkok: Auriga Wellness at Capella Bangkok

The Auriga Wellness spa is blessed with a riverside location and plenty of natural greenery

Set alongside the Chao Phraya River, this urban sanctuary combines the best of ancient and modern wellness traditions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Thai tradition and culture with massages, Ayurvedic therapy, lymphatic drainage treatments, cryotherapy and acupressure.

The spa’s approach to healing draws on both “traditional, time-tested” and “cutting-edge, contemporary” modalities

Facilities include a steam room, sauna and water therapy, and you can even schedule a sound healing session or a Muay Thai class at the adjacent fitness centre.