Departures United Kingdom Spring 2014

BLACKBOOK SCOUTING

BLACKBOOK SCOUTING SYBARITE TO GOOD HEALTH Five new princely pampering retreats are reinvigorating Europe’s grand spa tradition Clockwise from above: the plunge pool in Baden- Baden’s new Villa Stéphanie; night falls upon Cyprus’s heritage-inspired Antara Palace spa; the pool and deck area resides alongside a stunning alpine panorama at Lonhea; the minimalist-chic interiors of The Gainsborough Bath Spa Like medieval castles and Michelin-star restaurants, Europe’s grand destination spas are practically embedded in the Continental character. But fortunately for those craving an indulgent escape, the spas are also constantly evolving – and newly opening. On the serious end of the spectrum, Switzerland’s intimate Lonhea (lonhea.com) recently opened with a cluster of Modernist mazots in the village of Villars-sur-Ollon. After a four-hour consultation analysing everything from digestive activity to sensory motor skills, guests are given a personalised programme focused on “creating health” from the resident Dr Michel Golay. Think alpine hiking, daily massages, aromatherapy saunas and seasonal, prebiotic cuisine; there’s even a take-home heart-rate monitor for remote check-ups post-departure. The seven-suite Antara Palace (antarapalace.com) – a new Hellenisticstyle spa with silk furnishings and tropical gardens on ancient healing grounds in Cyprus – takes a more decadent approach, offering themed wellness retreats (including one inspired by Aphrodite, Greek goddess of beauty and love) along with helicopter transfers, personal butlers, complimentary cocktails and private chefs. Meanwhile, Alexandra Champalimaud has been tapped to design England’s Gainsborough Bath Spa (thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk) on the site of a Roman bathing complex. Upon opening this summer, it will be the UK’s only hotel with access to natural hot springs, featuring 99 old-meetsnew guestrooms and a spa village complete with colonnaded pools and a fountain room where guests can sample the mineral waters. Germany is seeing a spate of openings, starting with the 15-room, 5,000sq m Villa Stéphanie (villastephanie.com) at Baden-Baden’s iconic Brenners Park-Hotel. Originally built in 1890 as a royal residence, it’s soon to be reintroduced as a contemporary spa and health centre. On the premises: a 500sq m sauna, kneipping baths, a private ladies spa and a separate medical facility, not to mention the sunken garden, library and salon. Farther east, in Bavaria, Schloss Elmau (schloss-elmau.de) already boasts four spas, a concert hall and Western Europe’s largest hammam, but it will unveil its crowning jewel later this year: a six-storey stand-alone wellness retreat housing 47 suites, two restaurants and a private spa with sweeping mountain views. ♦ CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ESTHER QUELLE, GIANLUCA COLLA, © THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA, © VILLA STEPHANIE 42 departures-international.com CONTACT PLATINUM CARD SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS by CHRISTINE AJUDUA

THE DOME SUITE – 205 SQM WHERE GLAMOUR AND HERITAGE MEET ELEGANT STYLE Café Royal hotel combines architectural heritage with contemporary design. Situated in the heart of London’s West End, the hotel boasts refined modern guestrooms and suites and the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, a stunning urban spa retreat. PLATINUM CARDMEMBER OFFER Receive 20% off our best available suite rate at the time of booking when reserving three nights or more, with guaranteed upgrade to next suite category.* +44 (0)20 7406 3322 HOTELCAFEROYAL.COM BOOKING CODE: *S16$ CAFÉ ROYAL HOTEL, 68 REGENT STREET, LONDON W1B 4DY, UK +44 (0)20 7406 3322 RESERVATIONS@HOTELCAFEROYAL.COM HOTELCAFEROYAL.COM DOME SUITE TERRACE A HOTEL OF THE SET *Offer is available for stays up to August 31, 2014, subject to availability. Rates are based on double occupancy and are quoted per room and suite category, per night, inclusive of VAT at 20%. Stay restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Upgrade at time of reservation is subject to availability.