1. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, China

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong now has a 14-suite spa-hotel, Plateau, within the main hotel. Head for the 11th floor and you find yourself in another world. From a calming stone reception area you go to your suite, an oriental concoction of soft woods, floor-set futon, flat-screen televisions and a separate spa room. Choose a salt and pepper scrub, or a detox massage, with geranium, lemongrass, rosemary and sandalwood. I like Plateau's suite 24, with a ceiling-high glass wall forming one side of your tub. Grand Hyatt General Manager is Gordon Fuller.

2. Las Ventana Al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico

If you are going to Las Ventanas al Paraiso, book treatments at the seven-cabana spa long before you arrive - many guests particularly like the Sea & Stars night massage. Las Ventanas, which is now owned by Beanie Babies' owner Ty Warner, is not primarily a beach place. The really knowledgeable Beautiful Bodies here congregate around the S-shaped pool, where butlers offer water sprays, complimentary sorbets and filled iPods. I like casita 208, which has a Jacuzzi on the terrace, and private sunbathing on the roof. General Manager is Luis Fernandes.

3. One&Only Le St-Géran, Mauritius

The Legian is an exclusive hideaway in Bali. Set within manicured tropical gardens fronting a shimmering stretch of beach, this all-suite resort hotel offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

With a discreet combination of style and service, The Legian has rightly earned its reputation as one of the best Bali luxury resorts.

4. Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand

Chiva-Som (which means haven of life) was mercifully undamaged in last month's earthquake-tsunami disaster. You come to this beachside location for several days of holistic well-being, getting inner and outer body in sync. The daily rate includes a daily massage, and meals, with organic produce, are balanced to maximise your vitality. Classes include Pilates, Qi Kong and Tai Chi, and there are such complementary therapies available as Che Nei Tsang, Mind Training, Reiki, Shiatsu and Watsu. Favorite villas overlook the Gulf of Thailand. Chiva-Som is owned by the former deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Khun Boonchu and Managing Director is Joy Menzies.

5. Mandarin Oriental New York, NY, USA

Mandarin Oriental New York's eight room spa, on the 35th and 36th floors, gives sensational views over upper Manhattan, including Central Park and the Hudson River. I especially like the couple's suite, which has a working fireplace and a sunken tub lined with mother-of-pearl tiles - reserve it for three hours of treatments, with a bento box lunch. Afterwards, enjoy the full-size indoor pool. My favorite hotel rooms are end suites in the 16 series, for superb views of the Park. General Manager is Rudi Tauscher.

6. Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia

I love the three couples' suites at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay's spa. The tub has exotic flowers floating in it, the masseuses move as dancers. Afterwards I would return to my villa (I especially like royal suite 214, nearest the beach for a totally-private swim in my own infinity pool. This is a resort that constantly makes you smile with happiness. At night turndown you get a batik-covered flask of Après tea, with chamomile, fennel and peppermint, and as breakfast starts the chef sends you a little something with his compliments - one day, it was cinnamon bread with a banana slice. General Manager is John O'Sullivan.

7. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Arizona, USA

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Willow Stream spa, designed to feel like a hidden oasis in the Grand Canyon, has 25 treatment room and, in all, occupies a gigantic 44,000 square feet, on three floors. Signatures include an Arizona aloe body wrap for re-hydration in the dry temperatures. Enjoy Havasupai waterfall cascades over red Sedona stone, relaxing in a desert oasis or at the rooftop pool with private cabanas and a view of the McDowell Mountains. Order a bento-box lifestyle lunch. Afterwards, you have a choice of Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf or other golf courses. Casita suites have working fireplaces, and garden views. General Manager is Kiaran MacDonald.