Ten new spas and luxury resorts

MAKE a splash at a new spa resort - from the new Ritz Carlton in Japan to soaking in a spa in a former 17th-century monastery in Italy, we pick the hot new properties.

Spa escape anantara sanya

MAKE a splash at a new spa resort - from the new Ritz Carlton in Japan to soaking in a spa in a former 17th-century monastery in Italy, we pick the hot new properties.

1 Ritz Carlton Okinawa, Japan

The opening of the Ritz Carlton in May has put Okinawa on the hit list for luxury travellers. The prefecture in southern Japan has a subtropical climate, top-notch scuba diving, pristine beaches and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including ruins of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The resort's location on the grounds of the Kise Country Club is perfect for golfers, who may also be tempted by the Japanese-style baths at the spa. Rooms from $770 a night.

See ritzcarlton.com 

2 Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa Amalfi Coast, Italy

A nip and tuck has transformed this former 17th-century monastery on Italy's scenic Amalfi coast into a luxurious 20-room boutique hotel, which opened in May. Relax in the heated infinity pool and gaze at views of the coastline. The spa is a temple of luxury that combines monastic architecture, including original 17th-century vaulted ceilings, with modern facilities such as an indoor hydrotherapy pool, mosaic heated benches and whirlpool foot baths. Rooms from $478 a night.

See monasterosantarosa.com 

3 Dusit Thani  Baa Atoll, Maldives

The chic, 100-villa resort on Mudhdhoo Island opened in February and is near Hanifaru Huraa, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that is a feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks. Activities include diving and snorkelling. The centrepiece is an infinity swimming pool designed around an ancient banyan tree. Devarana Spa has six tree-top treatment pods among the coconut palms. Villas from $750 a night. 

See dusit.com 

4 Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa Morocco

This partnership between Sofitel and Thalassa Sea & Spa delivers luxury for health-conscious travellers visiting Morocco. The resort opened in April and its spa delivers holistic programs involving naturopath consultations, alternative medicine and personal training. There's a healthy dining menu created by Patrice Demangel, the brains behind the world's first health-conscious fine dining restaurant. Rooms from $230 a night. 

See sofitel.com 

5 Regent Bali Indonesia

Being swathed in luxury at the new Regent Bali on Sanur Beach should be enough to melt anyone's tension away. Suites come with butler service and 180-degree ocean views. The resort, due to open in November, has tranquil tropical gardens and 200m of island beach. And there are plenty of Balinese pampering options at the spa.

See regenthotels.com 

6 The Siam Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok's newest digs is a 39-suite boutique hotel on the Chao Praya River that features fun ways to get fit and de-stress. It has a spa and hammam (bath house), a retro gym with a Muay Thai boxing ring, an outdoor yoga sala and riverside infinity pool. Suites from $262 a night (opening special) until August 31. 

See thesiamhotel.com 

7 Vivanta by Taj Bekal Kerala, India

The resort's tranquil location on the doorstep of Kerala's backwaters makes it an inspiring getaway. Jiva Grande Spa offers spa experiences rooted in the country's ancient wellness traditions, such as ayurveda, Indian aromatherapy, scrubs, wraps and beauty rituals. Villas and rooms take design inspiration from the Kettuvallam houseboats that ply the backwaters. Rooms from $248 a night. 

See tajhotels.com 

8 Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa Hainan Island, China

The 122-room Thai-inspired retreat opened this month and has spa villas with pools, ocean views and hosts tasked with ensuring occupants are truly pampered. Along with wellness treatments from India and Thailand, spa treatments draw on China's ancient tea rituals and 3000-year-old rejuvenation treatments using crushed pearls. Rooms from $293 a night. 

See sanya.anantara.com 

9 St Regis Bal Harbour Resort Florida, US

This luxurious, 243-room resort with a fashionable spa is a glamorous getaway on South Florida's Gold Coast. Remede Spa has a Vichy rain shower room, Finnish saunas and aromatic steam rooms. Try the Bal Harbour 24-Karat Designer Facial, which ends with a sprinkling of gold oil. Rooms from $420 a night.

See stregisbalharbour.com 

10 Angsana Balaclava, Mauritius

This 52-suite hideaway in Turtle Bay, on the northwest coast of Mauritius, opened in December last year. Its 21 spa suites have private pools and breezy verandas. The Spa Journeys package offers daily spa treatments. Spa suites from $750.

See angsana.com