Articles by Sallie Fraenkel

Get an insider’s look at wellness in Sin City!

Luxury is alive and well at the very lovely and newly launched SPA Valmont at the Hotel Plaza Athénée in New York City. The spa is part of an exclusive club called V35, a reference to the 35 peaks in Switzerland that top 13,000 miles.

Swedish massage is − hands-down − the most popular therapy in spas. But we’ve encountered several off-the-beaten-path, indigenous and culturally inspired treatments that have us traveling in our minds. Enjoy some culture!

It’s not too difficult to find “wellness” everywhere in Aspen. The physical setting is breathtaking and just inhaling the extraordinary, fresh air can give you a renewed sense of vitality. Check out an insider’s look at the Spa at the Viceroy in Snowmass and Remède Spa at the St. Regis Aspen.

When I arrived at the Richmond Hotel Sapanca, I was immediately struck by the dramatic architecture, the stunning open lobby atrium with striking artwork of water bubbles on the ceiling, and a spectacular view of the lake. But the “wow factor” did not stop there. This destination spa, also known as Richmond Nua Wellness — the only one in Turkey – has an extraordinary range of treatments and water experiences.

Last week my husband and I took a long-overdue little vacation. It was time to decompress, so we decided to go to the Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico. I must confess that it’s hard not to go to a spa anytime, let alone when I’m on vacation, so I talked my husband into doing a couple’s treatment. We selected the Thai Classic massage. Our experience began in the tranquil spa reception area with a delicious drink of what I think was hibiscus (or some other flower) juice. Our therapists, Aida and Jaye, greeted us and then brought us to our spa villa. Since Banyan Tree is an Asian-owned company (this is its very first property in North America), all of the therapists come from Thailand