During Dutch colonial times (from mid 19th to mid 20th century), all activity was focused on the North of Bali rather than the South. It is only since discovery by surfers and backpackers during the seventies that the southern areas have grown to be the popular tourist haven it is today. Meaning “Lion King” in Indonesian, the north coast town...

This impressive Scottish Baronial flight of Victorian fancy is Banff’s greatest landmark. Work on the turrets and cornices and the thick nine-story granite walls below began in 1888, but things were massively rebuilt in the 1920s. All this resulted in a labyrinthine pile that both celebrates the bygone days of the genteel travel and somehow mirrors, maybe even enhances, the...

Originally developed in 1901, Banff’s Upper Hot Springs have since undergone several renovations and now offer a large outdoor pool for soaking at 38°C. There’s also a steam room and a cold plunge and a spa attached: Pleiades Massage and Spa (403- 760-2500), which offers a range of massages (30mins/$55) and treatments. Address: Mountain Avenue, 4.5km from downtown Banff.

Some like it hot. At Bozeman Hot Springs, you can get it hot, warm and cool — all in the same location. Owned by Jehovah’s Witnesses (thus closed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday), Bozeman Hot Springs is an ornate collection of nine pools. The semi-primitive facility was renovated after a 2008 fire and further improvements were made to the...

Unlike in neighboring states, most of Montana’s hot springs are developed. Foremost among them is Fairmont, a destination resort with a theme-park atmosphere for which Montana families travel great distances to spend long weekends. Being at Fairmont is like Christmas morning for kids, who are underfoot everywhere and hustling excitedly to the 350-foot water slide. Parents looking for a little...

Orlando spa vacations with plenty of pampering and relaxation are available at numerous Orlando area hotels and resorts. They  featuring such spa treatments as deep tissue or Swedish massage, tanning rooms, hot tubs, heated stone massages, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, deep cleansing facials, manicures, pedicures and more. Many resorts offer complete spa vacation packages with accommodations, dining options and—in many instances—world class...

This eclectic state landmark is a local favorite that doesn’t get enough press, and it’s certainly the only spa of its kind in town. An old-school hangout that touts its “outstanding volcanic healing waters,” Steamboat is housed in a Mission-style building in far South Reno, and lays claim to an array of minerals supposedly found nowhere else in the United States....

The soaking pools of Radium Hot Springs steam invitingly, 2km north of the eponymous town and just within the boundary of Kootenay National Park. First used by aboriginal people, they were developed as a spa in the 1890s due to the presence of supposedly therapeutic traces of radium. Today bathers arrive by the thousand – up to 4000/day on peak...

If money’s no object and exclusivity is your thing then book into Barnsley House. Live the country life of old world aristocrats at this grade II listed hotel, restaurant and seriously swanky spa. Secreted away in the Cotswold countryside, just outside Cirencester, this is the erstwhile home of renowned gardener, Rosemary Verey. Get a feel for these stylised outdoors with...

If a luxe, Chelsea vibe is your thing then look no further. Daylesford Organic is somewhere to seriously spoil yourself. It’s healthy for everything but your bank balance if you buy into the complete Daylesford experience. You can even stay the night in their tastefully decorated cottages if you’ve got £500 to spare. First off, you can book onto yoga,...

Ourense is known for its thermal springs, and the As Burgas site is considered the place from which all of the city’s thermal springs originate. Sort of an open-air plaza, As Burgas consists of two parts. The “lower Burgo” features a Neoclassically-styled fountain and beautifully sculpted gardens. People walk up to the fountain at all hours to wash their faces, hands, eyes...

Nearly 30,000 tourists head to Baños de Montemayor annually. The draw? Two thermal fountains, Roman baths and local basketry. Artisans craft the baskets (cestos) in traditional fashion from the wood of chestnut trees. As you wander through the town, you might spy wooden strips soaking in one of the town fountains to soften them up for weaving. Want to purchase...

Ourense (pop. 107,000) is a great place for a rest day, especially if you’ve been hoofing it since Puebla de Sanabria without a break. Although it appears a bit gritty, and doesn’t have the immediate, outward charm of a Salamanca or a Zamora, it certainly holds treasures. Sights not to miss As Burgas Thermal Springs Medieval Quarter. With Plaza Mayor at its...

Ourense might not be the fanciest city on the VDLP, but it’s got the Ourense Thermal Springs. A great treasure no other city can match, it’s a collection of more than 100 ancient thermal springs. And these are no ordinary hot springs. Experts say they’re the second-best in all of Europe, with only the springs in Budapest topping those found here....

The thermal baths at Termas Aqua Libera were made for peregrinos. Other than a bottle of vino tinto or a cold Cruzcampo or Mahou beer, there’s nothing more relaxing after a gritty day on the VDLP than dipping and soaking in thermal baths for an hour or two. Part of the Aqua Libera casa rural in Aljucén, the bathing area consists...

Chula Vista Resort tends to slip under the radar, so put it on yours. Owned by the same family for 60+ years, this Dells classic is tucked in a peaceful, woodsy setting along the Wisconsin River. The resort features a variety of lodging options including standard rooms, condos and golf course villas. And its outdoor waterpark sports numerous thrilling rides,...

When it comes to the Dells’ mega-resorts, Great Wolf Lodge is the only one that caters to the younger set. How? Every night, there’s a story hour, with loads of other kiddie activities filling the resort schedule. The waterpark rides trend toward the 12-and-under set (although the Howlin’ Tornado ride will please adventure-seekers). And the adjacent, interactive MagiQuest game is affiliated with the resort....

Treat your little one to his or her own spa experience at Scooops Kids Spa, part of the Great Wolf Lodge resort. Aimed at kids 4-12, the spa menu includes a manicure, pedicure and facial, all with ice cream themes. During nail treatments, for example, your child will receive an ice cream soak and sherbet scrub. The Chocolate Covered Organic...

Some Kalahari guests don’t realize the resort contains a spa. It does, and while a tad cramped, it’s pretty darn nice. Spa Kalahari offers a full complement of treatments, from massages and facials to mani-pedis and body wraps. You’ll even find make-up lessons on the spa menu. Little ones can join in the fun; a micro menu for the 12-and-under set...

Hands-down the best spa in the Dells – and possibly the entire state. Hidden in a 26-acre pine forest behind The Wilderness, the scenic, peaceful Sundara Spa offers a wealth of services. There are traditional spa/salon treatments like massages, facials, body wraps and mani-pedis, along with more unusual ones based on Ayurvedic-inspired principles, such as the Purifying Gemstone Energy Massage, which moves along your body’s meridians...