Top 10 romantic spas

Most spas tout the “three R's:” relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal. But we've rounded up a global list that embraces a fourth R — Romance. Aromatic mineral pools and private, candlelit, seaside massage terraces are just a few of the perks in our list of favorites. But with spas springing up everywhere, you want to be sure you don't end up wasting money at an overpriced (or over-hyped) facial factory. We sent spa expert (and former editor-in-chief of Spa Magazine) Maryann Hammers to seek out the most alluring, luxe spas across the planet. Start your pampering plans here with these 10 seductive retreats that all promise to help you love your body.

1. Idaho: Coeur d'Alene Resort
The spa: Relax surrounded by waterfalls, fountains, and lake views from every window. The spa suite features side-by-side waterbeds, which double as massage tables, while a crackling fireplace keeps things cozy.

Setting: Northwest Idaho's sweet and scenic town of Coeur d'Alene sits on the shores of one of the world's most beautiful alpine lakes, just a 40-minute drive from Spokane, Washington.

Signature treatment: Experience the healing powers of water with the Pure Essence Shower ($25). An overhanging rain-shower head drenches you while another jet massages your shoulders and neck, and 16 sprays target other parts of your body.

More than massage: Ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile at nearby Silver Mountain.

Cuisine: Start the meal with caramel-braised muscovy duck and finish with a hot huckleberry soufflé at a lake-view table for two at Beverly's, the resort's hallmark eatery.

Details: Treatments from $25–$185. Five-hour rejuvenation package starts at $420.

2. Tucson: Starr Pass
The spa: The bright and airy Hashani Spa at Tucson's newest resort highlights its southwestern theme with saguaro sculptures and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tucson Mountain Park.

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Setting: The secluded sand-colored resort in the Sonoran Desert borders Saguaro National Park and opens out to a cactus forest.

Signature treatment: Cupping Therapy ($125), an ancient Chinese purification technique, uses glass suction cups to eliminate toxins, improve circulation, and relieve pain for full relaxation and de-stressing.

More than massage: Hike, mountain bike, or stroll on rocky trails through the magnificent Sonoran Desert.

Cuisine: Blackened sea bass with cactus pairs well with homemade black pepper–infused tequila, perfect for sipping.

Details: Treatments from $30–$220. Rooms from $149/night.

3. Prague: Mandarin Oriental
The spa: Built in the 14th century, this former Dominican monastery emanates mood, atmosphere, and beauty. The couples suite is made up of two underground rooms connected by a gothic corridor with a private relaxation area.

Setting: This newly opened luxury hotel is set in Prague's fairy-tale-like Mala Strana neighborhood, an ideal base for romantic city walks.

Signature treatment: Linden trees – the Czech Republic's national emblem – are loved for their honey-scented blossoms and heart-shaped leafs. Indulge in the tree's romance and history with the Linden Blossom Scrub ($45) followed by a steaming pot of Linden blossom tea.

More than massage: Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town; shop for crystal; explore the unique Bauhaus-meets-Medieval modernity that is Prague.

Cuisine: Take afternoon tea in the airy Monastery Lounge and nibble on finger sandwiches and warm scones with Devonshire cream.

Details: Treatments from $45–$175. Six-hour ritual starts at $750. Rooms from $259/night.

4. Los Angeles: Sofitel
The spa: Le Spa features individual tea service, products from Paris Decleor and Carita, heated-rock foot soaks, and foot massages before every treatment.

Setting: Between Hollywood and Beverly Hills, this spot is ideal for shopping and nightlife.

Signature treatment: Winter's decadent Treatment of the Season is a dark chocolate and champagne mask, with a peppermint milk bath (150 minutes/$295). You also get bonus use of the VIP Couple's Suite with personal changing area, steam shower, and chromotherapy tubs.

More than massage: Shop with the stars in the designer boutiques on Rodeo Drive or explore walkable L.A. neighborhoods like Santa Monica and Silverlake.

Cuisine: The hotel's restaurant, Simon L.A., ladles up a healthy market minestrone and tosses a mean filet-mignon Cobb salad. Follow it with a sticky warm molten banana-caramel pudding cake.

Details: Treatments from $40–$295. Rooms from $235/night.

5. Arán Valley: La Pleta
The spa: The alluring Occitania Spa in this tranquil mountain lodge feels like a calming, aromatic cavern, with flickering candles and a mysterious atmosphere.

Setting: With 72 trails, an average annual snowfall of 32 feet, and a top elevation of 8,234 feet, Spain's quaint Pyrenees resort of Baqueira, which lies 220 miles north of Barcelona, is a winter-sport-lover's haven.

Signature treatment: The Essence of Cassis Massage ($127) uses oil from local mountain-grown berries. After luxuriating in a hot soak, walk on the pebbled "reflexology pathway," and let the smooth stones underfoot massage your soles while streams of water run over your calves and ankles.

More than massage: Alpine skiing, mushing, mountaineering, and everything snow.

Cuisine: Sink your teeth into foie-gras tacos at one of the four resort eateries, and follow it with a glass of mulled wine or a shot of cassis, the locally made, sweet purple liqueur.

Details: Treatments from $32–$177. Rooms from $212/night.

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