Health & beauty

The Best Family-Friendly Spas Around the World

Last updated 4th March 2019

Vacation: It’s pure paradise once you get there, but can be pure torture during the actual traveling part. Unwind after check-in with spa appointments that will take the whole family from aggravated to ahhhh in minutes! Here, our family-friendly spa destinations to soak and soothe.

Caribbean Chill Out

Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa

Where: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Spa concept: “Based on ancient Jamaican healing remedies and rituals, the menu provides guests with an authentic Jamaican spa experience steeped in tradition and simple, local, organic wholesome products paired with cutting edge technology. Home to the Caribbean’s first and only Himalayan salt therapy lounge and Jamaica’s first Quartz therapy ritual room, the Grande Spa is a true island wellness oasis,” explains Sienna Creasy, Spa Director. As for the view? The spa boasts stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the mountains of Montego Bay.

Unique treatments: For adults, the Jamaican Bush Bath is an herbal remedy that combines the historic healing rituals of Jamaican culture. “With this treatment, we invite guests to smell and pick their own herbs – which are grown right in the spa – for their upcoming treatment. Infusing the herb of choice, such as Moringa, lemon grass and ginger root, into a hot bath for the guests to soak in the healing elements,” says Creasy.

Kids spa menu highlights: There are six age appropriate treatments that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of young guests from age 8 to 16. Treatments include the Superfruit Clearing Facial, Reggae Relief Massage, Irie Mani & Pedi, Grande Spa Sweety.

Additionally, the Grande Spa carries the organic, all-natural makeup line, LUKA Cosmetics, which we use to apply makeup for the Teen Princess treatment – and they can also style hair into cool braid looks.

Together treatments: The Mother-Daughter Rejuvenation is a three-and-a-half-hour pure pampering extravaganza that features an exfoliating scrub, hydrating wrap, manicure, pedicure and special gift!

Know before you go: Check your email frequently after arrival – the spa often offers special promotions/discounts you can utilize while you’re there. And, bring your bathing suit to take a dip in the spa’s mineral pools after your treatments! Gratuity is not included on spa treatments.

New England’s Royal Pampering

Hotel Viking’s Spa Fjör

Where: Newport, Rhode Island

Spa concept: “Spa Fjör is a Newport refuge that exists solely to promote health and well-being for mind, body and soul. Exotic Balinese spa experiences and Thai body rituals are custom-designed to replace the weight of the world with the feeling of utter relaxation. We utilize exotic ingredients and techniques as guests partake in celebrating global traditions!” says Corinne Beaudoin, Spa Director.

Unique treatments: For adults, the Balinese Massage, is a combination of acupressure, rolling motions and rhythmic strokes that relieve tension and promote total relaxation. Another favorite is the Mai Pai Thai Ritual that includes a traditional Table Thai massage, a tropical body mask and a Thai-style foot massage. To complete the experience, sink into a deep porcelain-soaking tub prepared with flower blossoms. The Marble Stone Facial is the perfect choice to reduce stress and tension on the skin and in the mind, the cool stones will reduce inflammation and redness, awaken tired skin and eliminate puffiness.

Kids spa menu highlights: Choose from either the Prince or Princess menu options for children ages 12 years old and under: My First Massage, Twinkle Toes Pedicure, Athletic Massage Medley, Children’s Facial or Princess Manicure.

Additionally, the spa offers anUltimate Princess for the Day package. This pampered package includes a Neck, Back and Shoulder massage, a Children’s facial, Twinkle Toes pedicure, and a Princess manicure. It lasts for a total of two hours.

Together treatments: “Our Prince and Princess menu provides the perfect opportunity for parents and children to be able to enjoy the spa together, whether receiving side by side massages, or experiencing treatments separately and relaxing by the pool!’ explains Beaudoin.

Know before you go: The spa adds a 20% service charge (gratuity), so tips are already included in the pricing.

Africa’s Blissful Adventure

Leeu Estates and Spa

Where: Franschhoek, South Africa

Spa concept: “Leeu Spa is a contemporary wellness sanctuary, which offers tailor-made treatments inspired by Africa’s rich heritage and traditional rituals,” explains Mbachi Kamwendo, Public Relations, Brand and Marketing Coordinator.

Unique treatments: Four unique Signature Journey’s offer spa clients an opportunity to experience very specific African rituals, procedures, protocols and ingredients. They include the Summer Tree of Life Journey, Warming Winter African Earth and Stone Journey, the Couples Connect Journey, and the Lomi Lomi Massage Journey.

Kids spa menu highlights: Treatments utilize TheraNaka products, created from a local South African brand which uses the finest ingredients from nature, while honoring the eco-system and preserving and caring for the continent. Side note: TheraNaka means “Africa called my name.” Kids, ages 6-12, can choose from Mini Manicures and Pedicures, Glowing Facial, Mini Massage, Body Buff or a Relaxing Full Body Massage. All treatments are done in a couples’ suite with a parent present.

Together treatments: Book a half, or full day, Spa Package and get side-by-side treatments with your mini. Packages include breakfast, body massages, manis and pedis or fully body exfoliations and facials.

Know before you go: Bring your swimsuit and indulge in the steam rooms, plunge pool, relaxation rooms and outside pool – all free of charge – while taking in the scenic view of a tranquil lily pond and the stunning Franschhoek Mountains.

Unwind in Washington

Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s Penelope & The Beauty Bar

Where: Seattle, Washington

Spa concept: “We’re about luxurious, customized advanced skincare and body treatments, that utilize the best European spa secrets and techniques for our facials and detox body wraps,” explains Angela Rosen, owner of Penelope & The Beauty Bar.

Unique treatments: Adults have a variety of unique face and body treatments to choose from like French Contouring Detoxifying Wrap in which two body balms flush toxins, increase circulation and burn calories, and MBR Liquid Surgery Facial, a non-surgical facelift. And tell Dad to join! There’s a large selection of men’s services to choose from.

Kids spa menu highlights: The Perfectly Pampered Foot Scrub and Massage is a treatment that exfoliates and nourishes feet utilizing one of the spas signature scrubs. The reflexology massage helps to ease foot pain, and promote the body’s internal functions so kids feel rejuvenated. For teens, I Can See Clearly Now is an acne-eliminating facial that helps to reduce breakouts, balance pH levels and educate about how to properly care for their skin.

Together treatments: “Kids can join their parents in a fun foot scrub and massage package, or a spa mani/pedi,” says Rosen. “This makes them just as luxurious as the adult-only offering!”

Know before you go: Service gratuity is not included in the spa pricing.

Relax in Ravello

Belmond Hotel Caruso’s Spa

Where: Ravello, Italy

Spa concept: Here, spa culture has been refined to an art. Experience botanical bliss with a range of treatments designed to nourish mind, body and soul. Some therapies can even be enjoyed in lush gardens under an azure sky.

Unique treatments: Combine botanical treatments with pure relaxation in this garden setting. The Secret Garden Botanical Footbath is a multi-sensory experience that combines citrusy scents of bergamot, lemon, tangerine, pink grapefruit, jasmine and rose for a toe-tingling foot treatment.

Kids spa menu highlights: Kids up to the age of 12 can enjoy the Balance Massage, a relaxing aromatherapy massage designed for parent and child to enjoy together. Kids can also get pampered with a manicure or pedicure.

Together treatments: The Mother and Daughter Beauty Package is 150 minutes of bliss. Mothers enjoy a rejuvenating oxygen facial, manicure and pedicure. Daughters are treated to a 50-minute purifying facial, manicure and pedicure tailored to younger people.

Know before you go: Appointments for minors (children under 18 years of age) must be made by a parent or guardian, who must also check them in. Minors booked in for closed-door spa treatments must have a guardian in the room for the duration of the service.

Total Bliss in Bangkok

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort 

Where: Bangkok, Thailand

Spa concept: Escape the busy Bangkok streets at this lush oasis. “We incorporate Thai culture in our treatments with indigenous ingredients and a diverse array of treatments. You can even explore traditional Thai healing with an array of unique signature treatments,” explains the friendly spa staff.

Unique treatments: Immerse yourself in the Thai way of life with an Oriental Rice Compress Massage or with a Signature Rice Ritual that includes a foot scrub, purifying scrub and massage. Indulge the senses with a Journey of Siam that uses a Thai herbal steam to open pores and detoxify.

Kids spa menu highlights: The spa menu features a whole section just for little ones who want to get pampered. Kids ages 7-12 can soak in a sensuous bubble bath, get a massage featuring chocolate and orange blossom oil, or indulge in the Princess and Rock Star Facials.

Together treatments: Mom & Daughter and Dad & Son packages are available (150 minutes each). For kids they include a body scrub, facial, massage and grooming session. Parents can relax with a signature massage, facial and choice of manicure or pedicure.

Know before you go: Bespoke experiences are also available. If you’d like to create a treatment package or family package that’s just right for you, just let the staff know ahead of time and they can work with you to create the ultimate relaxing day.