5 Best Summer Spa Views

Summer is here, so bring on the sightseeing, vacations, and—best of all—I’m-on-vacay-spa treatments.

This season is the perfect excuse (as if you needed one!) to indulge in a massage in a luxurious spa tent overlooking Montana’s cool blue sky, or a Watsu massage in the Maldives turquoise water. If either of these sounds like the ultimate pampering experience you could get on board with, then check out five of our favorite spa getaways with incredible, perfect-for-summertime views.

Greenough, Montana
If you were to envision the ultimate outdoor spa setting, a treatment at The Resort at Paws Up, a 37,000-acre luxury ranch would be it. Nestled along the edge of the meadow surrounding the resort, you will find a colony of white tents that each feature showers and full baths plus a massage table.

This is Spa Town. Enjoy one of the best and most relaxing massage treatments ever in this picturesque setting with only the sound of birds chirping to accompany your bliss.

In the summertime, schedule your treatment in the evening. You will enjoy a memorable experience meandering the boardwalk of tents lit only by candles, string lights and the moon and starry sky.

Reethi Rah, Maldives
The One&Only Spa, together with ESPA, hosts exquisite treatment villas with relaxation areas that include swirling vitality pools, crystal steam rooms, saunas, and the healing waters of an ocean-side Watsu pool overlooking the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

We recommend the Watsu massage, a Shiatsu in-water experience that includes a deeply restorative and calming treatment performed as you float in a warm, mineralized pool supported by your therapist. The massage uses a combination of rhythmical and flowing movements with pressure points, joint mobilizations, and muscle stretches. This treatment also induces deep relaxation, increases the depth of respiration and restores balance.

Saint Lucia
Enjoy a spa treatment at Jade Mountain Soufriere, St. Lucia in the open-air setting of your sanctuary overlooking the Piton Mountains. Try the Alchemy of Two, a romantic ritual for couples that starts in the in-room hot tub filled with oils as you share treats and even poetry: This is followed by side-by-side massages and ends with handcrafted chocolates. Our other favorite is the Chocolate Delight treatment, which uses the locally grown cocoa bean. Your skin will be rubbed with antioxidants while your senses are lifted with the sweet smells of fresh warm chocolate to bring your body into harmony.

Santorini, Greece
Grace Santorini has a new wellness program with unique offerings and indigenous spa treatments. Guests can relax and enjoy these one-of-a-kind spa treatments on private terraces overlooking the world-famous Caldera with breathtaking views and stunning sunsets. Most suites feature a private plunge pool on the terrace, so treatments can also be done poolside. A few standout treatments with views of the beautiful Aegean Sea include the Traditional Greek Olive Oil Relaxing Massage—an experience highlighting the powerful effects of essential oils of healing Greek plants, roots, and flowers combined with pure organic Greek olive oil. The olive oil is heated and applied in rhythm. There is also the Wine Elixir Facial, which uses red wine to increase the production of collagen and reduce wrinkles as well as lupin, which improves elasticity and restores the contours of the face for a natural “lifting” experience.

Los Cabos, Mexico
Marquis Los Cabos offers standard therapy treatment rooms with fantastic views of the Sea of Cortez, but they also take it one step further. Guests can relax by the shaded outdoor terrace with lounge chairs, next to the calming three-story waterfall. Spending time in Los Cabos means spending time in the sun, so try the Skin Sunrise treatment, which targets sunburned skin with the healing properties of water lily, resulting in deep hydration, reduced redness, and more. The spa also offers Chlorophyl pre- and post-treatment for consumption, which promises less fatigue, depression, and digestive problems while boosting energy at the same time.