Rising from the Arabian Gulf, a stunning new Atlantis resort brings together the art and architecture of two worlds. The graceful Arabian arches are monumental in scale, bridging water parks with two hotel towers reminiscent of Atlantis in The Bahamas. As we progress from tiled reception portal to marble lobby, a vista of pleasure domes unfolds. Behold, the new Atlantis, The Palm.

Majestic, spacious, The Spa and Fitness Center create a cool oasis within the central hotel tower. Descending a spectacular staircase, you enter two floors of spa pleasure -- 27 high-ceiling treatment rooms, hammams and saunas. The international staff offers treatments that reflect both Arabian and European spa culture. But brand affiliation was to be announced; resort officials could not reveal details during my preview in April.

Scheduled to open this September, on the largest man-made island in the world, Atlantis The Palm crowns the palm-shaped island. Waves lap at the seawall as you drive through a tunnel that runs from the long trunk of the Palm Jumeirah, where gated clusters of villas glitter on the fronds. (Additional palm-shaped islands are under construction nearby, as well as The World, where the QE2 cruise ship will be anchored as a floating hotel.) Monorail trains eventually will link Atlantis to Jumeirah Beach hotels, bringing hordes of day trippers to the water park.

Atlantis, The Palm, offers 1,539 guest accommodations at the Royal Towers, including spectacular suites. With over 16 restaurants, bistros and cafes, bars and lounges, and extensive meeting facilities which overlook the central fronds and the crescent beach of the Palm Jumeirah, guests may never need to trek into the city. As the ultimate resort destination, Atlantis, The Palm, will be full of trails of discovery and water slides. Aquariums with over 68,000 m3 (15 million gallons) of seawater and freshwater pools, and trademarked Aquaventure marine life center, are family attractions.

Contact: www.atlantisthepalm.com or call + 971 4 426 1000

MANDARA SPA AT THE MONARCH DUBAI

Faced with ever-growing competition, Mandara Spa debuted in Dubai last summer at the new Monarch Hotel. A contemporary urban retreat, this 33-story hotel features specially appointed Spa Suites designed for luxurious privacy. With full-service Mandara treatments, the smallish facility adjoins a large health club open to hotel guests and members. On the same floor, an outdoor swimming pool and garden café provide a change of pace from the city's hectic traffic. Separate relaxation rooms and hydro facilities include steam, sauna, and whirlpool for men and women.

The most distinctive feature of this Mandara outpost are the Balinese therapists. The entire staff was trained in Bali with the latest science of wellness from Elemis. The signature Mandara Spa four-hand massage is memorable, and the addition of Balinese décor enhances the experience.

Located at the hub of Dubai international commerce, on Sheik Zayed Road, The Monarch is a preferred hotel for business executives. Beach resorts are closeby but traffic jams can make the trip a 30-minute trek. Golfers are whisked by hotel limo to Jebel Ali Golf Resort, where Elemis and Ionithermie treatments are available. Skiers schuss indoors on a manmade mountain of snow at the Mall of the Emirates.

From personalized greeting and airport transfer to a valet pressing clothes, The Monarch Dubai is an enchanting blend of cultures. Service is key to what makes this six-star hotel the choice of busy executives. Transport in town by the hotel fleet of limos is available at all hours, as is room service. Best of all are the spacious suites, with efficient work space and vast bath.

Contact: www.themonarchdubai.com | Spa@themonarchdubai.com

Paradise Found: The Cove at Atlantis
Harbors New Mandara Spa Flagship

When the Atlantis Resort opened on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, the Mandara Spa was an oasis of tranquility. Now, the Bahamian family resort with casino, marina, and 2,917 rooms created by South African hotelier Sol Kerzner has expanded with The Cove a 22-story all-suites hotel, plus 495-unit Condotel developed by Turnberry Associates.

Created by Steiner Leisure, Ltd., the new flagship of Mandara Spa is surrounded by gardens and the sea. For the first time, Mandara Spa has a stand-alone building with three floors of therapy and beauty. Top luxury level: the spa villa suite offers a diverse menu of signature spa therapies, inspired by Bali and the Bahamas.

Spagoers cross a glass bridge and water garden to an inner sanctum, a spa villa suite, where treatments, bath, showers and toilet, are all yours to enjoy for an afternoon or full-day escape. A fusion of East and West with Elemis products in the caring hands of Christine Gomez, my program included lime-ginger masque, body scrub, massage. The finishing touch: lavender-infused bath, followed by herbal tea and fruit.

Two years in the making, Mandara Spa's flagship has been a labor of love for Nassau native Youlanda Devaux, Regional Vice-President of Mandara Spa Bahamas Ltd. Working with Mandara's corporate design team in Florida, Youlanda saw dreams materialize as carved wooden furniture and hand-made fixtures arrived from Bali to enhance the two-story structure. A forest of bamboo was sculpted in acrylic to grace the water feature that frames the entrance. The new nail salon glows with colors of the island. Steps away, an air-conditioned fitness center features adult-only lap pool.

Introducing YSpa for the tween generation, Mandara Spa at Atlantis treats young spagoers while parents relax. According to 14-year-old Sara Thacker from Maryland, treatments were "fab." As well as Dolphin Cay, where for $200 you can swim and interact with amazing dolphins at a marine mammal study center supported by the Kerzner Foundation. Afternoons were for tubing Aquaventure, a 63-acre waterpark with raging rapids and water slides, climbing wall, shark-filled aquarium.

The Cove Atlantis became our private world. Set amid lush gardens and waterfalls, this 600-suite hotel is decadent with creature comforts, bold in design, totally service-oriented. The split-level suites have twin showers, full bathtub, wall-to-wall marble (which gets slippery when wet), and flat-screen TV with DVD player. And the Bahamas' first adult-only pool, luxe beach cabanas, and concierge-level lounge.

As the Bahamian beat heats up. Dinner at The Cove features Mesa Grill by Bobby Flay, whose specialties include New York steak with Southwestern flair, and blackened Florida grouper. For a romantic evening under the stars, we dined at the Ocean Club, where Mandara Spa's unique garden villas gained celebrity status six years ago under Youlanda Devaux's meticulous management. Finishing the day with in-suite massage and aromatherapy bath by a Mandara therapist, I was left with a quote from the Buddha: "It is better to travel well than to arrive." And so much more appreciated than chocolates on my pillow.

Visit online at Atlantis.com,or thecoveatlantis.com; mandaraspa.com. Phone: 954-809-2000 or 800-ATLANTIS.

Thai Trio, Four Seasons Style

The concierge sounds a ceremonial gong, opening massive wooden gates to reveal the Four Seasons Resort on Thailand's Koh Samui island. The hilltop spa seems suspended among coconut palms; villas line jungle-clad paths to the beach, Cocooned in a Thai house of healing - Baan Thai - I succumb to three hours of therapy: welcoming footwash, massage with luk pra kob steamed compress scented by lemongrass, yoga-like stretches.

Bill Bensley, architect of the Four Seasons resort in Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, combined comfort with high-style Asian design for Koh Samui. Cantilevered among mango and jackfruit trees, 60 gated villas are reached by wooden boardwalk. My glass-walled bedroom, shell-shaped bathtub, and pool look out on islands in the Gulf of Thailand. More exclusive: two beach villas at water's edge; larger residences on the hillside. Golf carts transport you to the spa and hilltop restaurant, Lan Tania, where sunset views come with indigenous dishes like coconut beef curry and steamed fish with lemongrass. Deciding which was better, lemongrass massage or fish, left me a magical moment in an Asian paradise. www.fourseasons.com

Spa in the Sky at The Water Club
New Jersey's Borgata by the Sea

The name means "little village" in Italian, but The Borgata was built to bring high rollers back to Atlantic City, casino capital of the East Coast. Borgata's 43-story glass tower features Spa Toccare, an inner-sanctum of well-being. Personal service and privacy complement spacious lounges for men and women, wet areas with soaking pools and steam/sauna rooms. Toiletries, beverages, and fruit are complimentary. Guys get special treatment is a salon equipped with pool table and old-fashioned barber chair; a lady barber shaves with a real blade, adds neck/shoulder massage, and facial with Epicuren men's products. This is the first spa in New Jersey to feature the Epicuren skin care line, and Toccara director Brennan Evans says response has been outstanding.

Opening this spring, the 43-story, $400 million Water Club at Borgata features Immersion, a two-story 'spa in the sky' with 16 themed treatment rooms styled to suit your mood; five heated pools -indoor and outdoor - including a 25-yard infinity-edge lap pool. Both spas are under direction of Brennan Evans, a Canyon Ranch veteran. " It has been a wonderful experience for me to transition from the wellness/destination world of Canyon Ranch after 17 years," he told me. The high-paced environment of the casino/gaming/entertainment resort makes special demands on spa personnel. "I like working on both sides of the coin when it comes to spa experiences! In the end though I have to say it's all about taking time to relax, honor yourself and allow for time to "receive" in one's life that which seems to ring true no matter where you go. "

The 800-bedroom Water Club will have larger rooms, suites, serviced condo residences, no casino. Borgata's original tower has 2,002 guest rooms. On the casino perimeter, Celebrity chef Michael Mina created upscale SeaBlue restaurant where a tasting menu with wine is a three-hour event for gourmands. Popular eateries include Bobby Flay steakhouse, Wolgang Puck café. New Jersey's tallest hotel, Borgata is 120 miles south of New York City, 60 miles east of Philadelphia. Located minutes from Atlantic City beaches and Boardwalk, the resort can be reached by plane, train, bus, and car.

Contact: 609/317-1000; www.theborgata.com

Down Under, Gwinganna's New Oz

Reverse seasons down under at Australia's largest spa sanctuary, Gwinganna. An extraordinary lifestyle retreat overlooking Gold Coast Pacific beaches (reviewed here in November), Gwinganna connects you with Australia's natural attractions. Salute the day on a dewy meadow, surf nearby beaches, spa after lunch. Just-opened signature suites complement a 34-room day spa that nestles organically in tropical gardens. Bushwalks, a cricket pitch, and cluster of heritage buildings complement Gwinganna's upscale accommodations.

Created by Fitness First health clubs CEO Tony de Leede, the 500-acre resort has a state-of-the-art Kinesis exercise system, infinity-edge swimming pool, and yoga pavilion. Lectures on lifestyle issues by Sharon Kolkka, general manager of Gwinganna, highlight 5-day retreats for women and couples. Experiencing the earthy energy and passion that distinguish the world's newest destination spa, I worked out with Aussies from all walks of life. Now, visit for a day, weekend, or retreat in Oz.

Contact: www.gwinganna.com; email info@gwinganna.au

Splashy Spas in Baja California
Launched by Mexican Villa Group

Two new Mexican spas enhance resorts developed by The Villa Group in Baja California: Overlooking sea, desert, and mountains in Cabo San Lucas, The Desert Spa at Villa del Palmar is a free-standing, 31,000-square-foot facility, largest in Baja; On the Pacific coast, an area marketed as Riviera Nayarit, Tatewari Spa at Villa del Palmar Falmingos Beach Resort & Spa in Nuevo Vallarta creates a soothing, harmonious environment with its distinctive European-Mexican design and Repechage treatments.

Serving several time-share resorts within the Villa development near Puerto Vallarta, the 17,000-sq.-ft. Tatewari spa draws inspiration from the region's Huichole people with a signature ritual and hydrotherapy experience. Surrounded by the beauty of mountains and magnificent Banderas Bay, the spa features hydrotherapy centers for men and women that include spacious Jacuzzis,cold plunges, cold pressure showers, waterfalls, steam rooms, saunas and Swiss showers. This is the first spa in Riviera Nayarit to offer treatments with the Repechage range of sea-infused skincare.

The Villa Group Desert Spa in Cabo embraces indigenous roots: think lemon-lime facial, wrap with agave and cactus extracts. The treatment menu and salon satisfy sophisticated tastes as well as first-timers, with staffers coordinating every step. Designed in colonial hacienda style, the spacious three-story spa complements The Villa Group trio of beachfront properties, offering 845 suites and studios, upscale dining and family-oriented events. The courtesy of staff members during our visit was exemplary.

Introducing skincare by Eminence, the Desert Spa salon also features Biolage shampoo, Phytomer pedicure. Circled by 17 treatment rooms, the soaking pools, showers, and airy lounges are a welcome respite from desert sun. Guests at the all-inclusive resort have free access to a 4,500-square-foot fitness center on the spa's main floor, equipped with 10 strength-training stations, treadmills, free weights, and classes in a tiny yoga/Pilates studio. Direct access to the beach is a bonus.

Personalized programs developed by Desert Spa Director Francois Cimon-Kingsley include a three-night Desert Spa Adventure package for two in a deluxe one-bedroom oceanview suite. Certified personal trainer comes with treatments, light spa cuisine lunch. For non-hotel guests, The Spa One Day Experience includes a pass to the fitness center and spa facilities, 50-minute massage, and lunch for $109 USD plus tax, appealing to cruise ship passengers. Pre-book at spa@villagroup.com.mx or call toll-free 877-845-5247. Visit online at www.villagroupresorts.com.

Tabacón Thermal Springs
Tropical Mix in Costa Rica

Forget eco-chic resorts. Tabacón Grand Thermal Resort celebrates Costa Rica's mightiest natural resource - thermal waters from a volcano in Arenal National Park. Seriously hedonistic, Tabacón's recently completed $2.5 million upgrade features an open-air spa, waterfalls and pools in lush tropical gardens, and world-class dining.

Checking in, you can park at motel-style lodges or go upscale in a suite with whirlpool bath, private patio. The resort's 114 climate-controlled guest rooms are accented by hand-crafted wooden furniture, prints by local artisans. Suites have big tiled bathroom, glass-enclosed shower, closeted toilet - features required for membership in Leading Hotels of the World.

Rosa Paulina Perez Esparza brought Mexican management experience to the resort, teaming with Director General Uwe Wagner to design 11 private alfresco treatment bungalows, all with Jacuzzi bath. An authentic sweat lodge introduces Temazcal traditions of Native Americans, and there is a yoga pavilion. The Grand Spa taps one of the most beautiful locations in Costa Rica's rainforest at the foot of the Arenal Volcano with a range of wet and dry treatments. The signature massage includes volcanic mud exfoliation, heated volcanic stones to relax muscles, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary oils made on site. The secluded spa complex includes covered pools and lounges where a cleansing foot bath comes with herbal tea, a welcome respite during tropical downpours.

Day spa guests throng the pools and waterfalls formed by the volcanic waters. For privacy, book a day in the spa bungalow, complete with treatments and gala dinner.

Reservations: 877/277-8291. Contact: www.tabacon.com or www.lhw.com

DESERT INSPIRED, CALIFORNIA JW MARRIOTT RESORT
INTRODUCES DESERT SPRINGS SPA SANCTUARY

The Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort & Spa, located in the heart of California's Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, is a sprawling oasis offering a remarkable contrast to the stark beauty of the desert. The four-diamond property recently completed construction of an expanded Spa Desert Springs, plus renovation of all 884 guest rooms and suites.

Surrounded by swimming pools, lakes, verdant fairways, lush gardens and manicured lawns, Spa Desert Springs generates an immediate sense of place thanks to the new building's California casual design that utilizes limestone and wood throughout. Upon entering, a ten-foot waterfall directly across from check-in sets the mood for Desert Springs' signature treatments. Just beyond, relaxation areas provide men's and women's Turkish hammam: a spacious steam chamber infused with essential oils and set at 105 degrees for a longer relaxation period than in a traditional steam room. Whirlpools and window-wrapped saunas overlook the resort's Ted Robinson-designed golf course. Showers are choreographed by Kohler digitally programmable Desert Rain Showers with five heads.

Designed by noted firm Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo (WATG), the 38,000-square-foot building fully embraces the "spa together" concept, providing numerous ways for couples and groups of varying sizes to enjoy the spa experience. A 600-square-foot private suite, called the Spa Sanctuary, caters to VIPs and Hollywood elite. Staffed by a personal butler, the Sanctuary has a private entrance, a two-person hydrotherapy tub in the walled-in private courtyard and another tub indoors. Sanctuary guests enjoy their own changing room, vanity area, digitally programmable shower and living area with a fireplace and high-definition TV. A separate Revive Suite is designed for couples, with private treatment area and hydrotherapy tub for two. Groups-such as casual business functions or bachelorette parties-can book the suite.

Global techniques, local ingredients

While ttherapists offer a variety of techniques, operations director Bruce Taylor gave special consideration to the healing ingredients and customs of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Locally harvested citrus and dates, two mainstays of California agriculture, are employed in the Citrus Sugar Scrub and Date Scrub. The signature body therapy, Desert Journey (80 minutes, $190), is inspired by scents of the desert in bloom. Beginning with application of a creamy emulsion made of orange, tangerine and mandarin-scented body butter combined with a light brown sugar scrub, the therapist uses Swedish and gentle rocking techniques to calm the body, then applies hot basalt stones to the chakras and meridians. During the treatment, the therapist provides a paraffin foot treatment; a scalp, neck and shoulder massage; and reflexology to the hands and feet.

Men have a private retreat within the spa. A special menu of men's treatments includes Eucalyptus Scrub with Turkish sea salt; Gentleman's Facial, and CryoTherapy Sports Massage.

Hydrating treatments soothe desert-ravaged skin: Dermal Quench Facial, California Sun-Kissed Wrap incorporating cactus flower extract, and a Healing Aloe Wrap. The Desert Antioxidant Facial makes use of nutrient-rich local flowers for exfoliation and firming, while the Desert Stone Facial utilizes mineral-rich spring water and warm stones. Specially designed ampoules containing highly concentrated amounts of vitamins can be added. The Spa also draws upon the European custom of using mud as a detoxifier in the Moor Mud Ritual. Ayurvedic customs are implemented in the Shirodhara (warm oil) and Bindi (full-body mask with crushed herbs) treatments.

Short on time? Sample the express menu of 25-minute treatments: Refresher Facial; Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massage; and a BlackBerry massage

The JW Marriott Desert Springs Spa includes a heated outdoor lap pool, cardio and strength-training equipment, a yoga studio overlooking the golf course's stunning 17th green and personalized fitness and nutritional counseling. The Bistro provides light meals and smoothies. The Salon at the Spa pampers hands and feet with private manicure/pedicure thrones. The Salon's resident artists offer a full complement of hair styling and coloring. The new spa shop carries the Spa's exclusive skincare and beauty lines, including Kerstin Florian and Phytomer, as well as self-guided aromatherapy kits designed for use in the hammam. The spa has a full-time marketing manager, Lauren Rogers, handling group sales.