After your big day, get back to nature at B2B's favourite pampering destinations.

The Ritz-Carlton Thalasso and Spa, Bali

• The setting - Overlooking the Indian Ocean The Ritz-Carlton Bali Resort and Spa is a magnificent 374 room four-storey resort hotel and villas set on 77 hectares of landscaped tropical gardens. Voted World's Best Hotel in a survey conducted by Travel and Leisure, the Ritz-Carlton is perched on a secluded bluff just outside Jimbaran and feels as if it's a long way from anywhere else. Guests can stay in either a traditional Balinese-style hotel or in one of the opulent private villas. The exclusive Spa is located on the rocks below the resort's towering cliff face and is known for its lavish treatment and use of the world renowned spa product, Creme de La Mer.
• The vibe inside - This beautiful spa has an almost endless menu of indulgent body treatments and the feeling is relaxed and serene from the moment you enter.
• The star treatments - A two-hour soak in the spa's signature Aquatonic seawater therapy pools are not to be missed. You exit them feeling toned, energised, lighter and tingling all over for at least the next eight hours! Couples will also love the Cinta Abadi or 'Eternal Love' package that includes a foot bath, a body treatment and a facial.
• Products - Treatments use a range of products including La Mer, Thermes Marin and Guinot.
• Romance rating - High because of its seclusion, magnificent setting and picturesque sunsets over the Indian Ocean. It is also home to six incredibly romantic restaurants plus more cocktail bars.
• Package deals - The Suite Dreams Honeymoon package includes a Balinese massage for two at the spa plus an ocean suite, breakfast, one dinner, a personal concierge and more for $715 per night (with a minimum of three nights.) Couples-designed spa packages start at around $400 or order treatments a la carte. Contact www.ritzcarlton.com

The Maya Ubud Resort and Spa, Bali

• The setting - The Maya Ubud is a hidden oasis located along the banks of the Petanu River looking across to historic villages and within walking distance of the vibrant artistic centre of Ubud. Accommodation is luxurious: stay in a room with a balcony or in one of the well appointed villas, each with a private plunge pool and spectacular view of the river and rice terraces of Peliatan. Thatched-roof villas are modern Balinese-style and blend in with the surroundings. The welcoming entrance and soothing tropical lime-based fruit juice will remain etched in your memory and you'll leave this tranquil rainforest retreat feeling calm and peaceful.
• The vibe inside - The Spa at Maya is a riverside haven with exotic treatments and amazing rooms. Open-air treatment areas are so secluded and private you can soak in a petal-filled bathtub and hear only the sound of the river. Nature is so close that butterflies may flutter by or even land on the petals floating in your bath.
• The star treatments - B2B loves the Balinese massage, followed by Maya's own tangerine and frangipani body scrub with petal, yoghurt and oatmeal bath! It's a two-hour treatment that is surpassed by none.
• Products - The spa makes their own products with local all-natural ingredients. They also come beautifully packaged should you want to take home gifts for friends. For total relaxation when you're back home pick up an eye pillow that you cool in the freezer - it comes in a cute drawstring bag.
• Romance rating - Maya has won the Holidays for Couples awards for the past three years.
• Other activities - Tennis, yoga, village trekking, nature walks and cycling in the surrounding countryside are all offered. Or go shopping for clothes and art in nearby Ubud. A popular activity for couples is a Balinese cooking class with a master chef.
• Package deals - For the ultimate honeymoon book the Romantic package which includes three unforgettable nights plus breakfast in bed, in-villa flower bath, half-day countryside tour, a spa indulgence and a romantic candle-lit dinner. Or book a Spa Indulgence package, a four-day retreat designed to give you to have the ultimate spa experience. Start the day with Yoga class then face a daily schedule of pampering. Your final day includes a rejuvenating facial, manicure and pedicure so you'll come home looking fab. Contact www.mayaubud.com

The Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri, Bali

• The setting - People come to the Como Shambhala, to reconnect with nature and shed old habits. The surroundings of this extraordinary retreat are untouched, raw and beautiful. Bordered by the sacred Ayung River, it's just a 15 minute drive from bustling Ubud. Accommodation for guests at the Como Shambhala are luxurious and in tune with the area's cultural and natural beauty. Choose between suites in one of the five residences (each residence has its own pool) and the five stand-alone villas, all with a private infinity-edge swimming pool.
• The vibe inside - Nature leads the way at the spa. Local materials such as stone, wood and traditional alang-alang roofing were used to construct it, all water comes from a natural spring on the property and a Japanese interior designer has created an atmosphere intended to clear the mind. Facilities include nine treatment rooms (including two for couples), dedicated studios for both yoga and Pilates (both are situated down the valley towards the raging river), a fully-equipped gym, an outdoor hydrotherapy area and swimming pools. Be sure to include a Walk of Discovery in your programme - it takes you down steep rainforest paths to a sacred temple and waterfall where you are instantly drawn to pray and shed tears of emotion.
• The star treatments - The Como Shambhala is serious about holistic health and offer a number of special programmes geared to specific issues including detoxification, stress management and anti-aging, along with get-fit and skin revitalisation programmes.
• Products - Babor's botanical range and products which are all-natural and local.
• Romance rating - Shambhala is a Sanskrit word that means 'sacred place of bliss'. Many destination weddings are held here with a special romantic couples room that has its own waterfall and Japanese garden.
• Package deals - A special honeymooners program includes all meals, transfers, a number of treatments, a wellness consultation, activities and free room upgrade (subject to availability) starting at $2695, a couple for three nights. Until March 31, 2007, the retreat is offering a discount of 10 per cent off on all their programme rates. Contact www.cse.comoshambhala.bz

Prana Spa and Chill Reflexology at the Villas, Bali

• The setting - The Villas Bali Hotel is located in the heart of Seminyak, so great shops, top restaurants and the beach are all within walking distance. Or unwind and relax in your own private paradise. Each villa has its own private deep water pool and is set in frangipani-scented gardens.
• The vibe inside - The Prana Spa at the villas is an amazing escape into a fantasy world of exotic interiors reminiscent of the palaces of India with Islamic arches, a maze of corridors, hand painted ceilings, thick carpets and over-the-top gold columns. The Sanskrit word prana refers to the vital force of life and Prana Spa has been designed to provide guests with the ultimate revitalising experience, one that feels like a journey into a different time and place. There are private areas for ladies and gentlemen and double rooms for couples who want to enjoy the experience together. The spa's walk-in counterpart, Chill Reflexology, has a cool, calming atmosphere and contemporary design.
• The star treatments - Ayurvedic treatments are a speciality at Prana with the largest menu in Bali. The Shirodara is a popular (and ancient) calming and anti-aging treatment. Or try the Spirit of Bali which includes a massage, body treatments and a rose and frangipani bath. After a long day of shopping head to Chill for a foot and shoulder massage.
• Products - Special oils and scrubs are imported from India and are exclusive to the spa. Chill also has its own brand of simple body products that you can take home with you.
• Romance rating - Lovers of India or anyone into Ayurvedics will love the Persian-carpeted Rajasthani palace setting (although others might feel the decor slightly out of place in sunny Bali.) Contact www.thevillas.net

Six Senses Spa at Evason Hideaway, Ana Mandara

• The setting - The Six Senses Spa at Evason Hideaway in Vietnam is set on the rocks beside a gentle waterfall to create an inviting atmosphere. Its open design is filled with essential oils and burning incense.
• The vibe inside - You'll find six treatment rooms, four Jacuzzi baths, a steam room, sauna, relaxation pavilions, a yoga pavilion, beauty and hair salon and fitness centre.
• Star treatments - Choose from holistic, Swedish massage, Oriental massage, foot acupressure, jet lag recovery, Indian head massage, ear candling, Vietnamese treatments and more.
• Products used - Six Senses uses its own products, which are made of 100 per cent natural plant essences and extracts.
• Romance rating - After you've indulged in all that this tranquil spa has to offer, step back into your beachfront pool villa, complete with a personal spa suite where you can have your favourite treatment in absolute and utter privacy; the way it's meant to be. Contact www.slh.com

Mandara Spa at Hilton Hawaiian Village

• The setting - Hilton Hawaiian Village's Mandara Spa is pure luxury, overlooking one of the world's most famous beaches, Waikiki. Pull up a lounge at the rooftop pool for one of the world's best views.
• The vibe inside - You will want to make full use of the aromatherapy steam room, sauna and spa, so be sure to arrive early for your treatment. Service here is impeccable and the mix of Hawaiian, Asian and European concepts takes relaxation to a whole new level.
• Star treatments - Chocoholics rejoice! The Hilton's Chocolate Lovers' package is a sweet (and tasty) way to rejuvenate. This two-and-a-half hour indulgent experience for two begins with side-by-side massages in a deluxe twin spa suite. Couples then take the pampering into their own hands (and are given complete privacy) with a pot of rich chocolate scrub that's literally good enough to eat. Once you've had your fill, relax in a custom-prepared aromatic bath.
• Products used - The spa uses its own Mandara products, as well as the sought-after Elemis range.
• Celebrity spotting - Kate Hudson is rumoured to have checked in and with Hawaii being a film-maker's paradise, the hotel and its spa often play host to showbiz's finest.
• Romance rating - Full points for the professional, attentive therapists and for keeping couples very much in mind when developing treatments.
• Package deals - Go for the Exploration in Chocolate package, which includes four night's accommodation in an ocean view room for around $2500. Contact www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, Canada

• The setting - With the Rocky Mountain backdrop and the historical luxury of the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort as a home base, you can spa up in true style.
• The vibe inside - It's all about the mineral springs at the resort's Willow Stream Spa, a 38,000 square foot den of pampering. A Hungarian mineral pool with glass walls for full mountain views, outdoor whirlpool, relaxation lounges and more.
• Romance rating - For added luxury, book into one of the five spa suites, just a slipper-clad shuffle from the Willow Stream Spa foyer so you don't exert too much energy while relaxing up a storm. Contact www.fairmont.com/banffsprings

Deep Ocean Spa, Bora Bora

• The setting - Bora Bora is all about its romantic lagoon so the Deep Ocean Spa at the new InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa fittingly has all of its treatment rooms set over the water. Even better, glass floors in the treatment rooms allow guests to watch and meditate on the beauties of the deep sea during their treatment sessions.
• The vibe inside - Three fountains spouting deep sea water greet you at reception and remind you how important the sea is to the spa's menu of therapies. The huge Deep Ocean Spa is run by French spa experts Algotherm and has facilities for hydrotherapy, beauty and energy therapy.
• Star treatments - This is the first Thalasso spa in the world to harness the virtues of sea water, taken from the Pacific Ocean from depths of over 900 metres. It's said to possess outstanding revitalisation properties.
• Products used - Algotherm's own products, all designed to reconnect humans with the sea, are number one here.
• Romance rating - Deep Ocean Spa offers many treatments for two, allowing you to indulge in therapy and massages together in an over-water villa, in a steam bath for two or even an aromatic bath.
• Package deals - Opt for the Vitality package with its marine deep-sea hydro-massage bath, pearl rain massage, seaweed body scrub and more. Contact www.boraboraspa.intercontinental.com

La Sultana Spa, Morocco

• The setting - Massages, beauty treatments, and pampering oil baths can be had in either the treatment room, the privacy of your bedroom, or on the panoramic terrace.
• The vibe inside - Luxurious interiors, a zen atmosphere and first-class service, are highlighted by soothing music, colours, vaulted ceilings, a star-domed marble Jacuzzi and antic columns.
• Star treatments - Choose from customised skincare and body treatments to restore radiance and a healthy honeymoon glow. Indulgent aromatherapy massages and beauty are on the menu, as are slimming and aromatherapy massages, luxury manicures and pedicures and body scrubs.
• Products - Thalgo, which that takes its ingredients from the sea, is used at La Sultana as is the spa's signature series.
• Romance rating - Marrakech is more than 900 years old and lends its old world charm and romance to the La Sultana Spa. This place is something of a fairytale, where romance seems to be ingrained. Contact www.lasultanamarrakech.com

Gwinganna, Gold Coast

• The setting - Set on 160 hectares near Queensland's Gold Coast, Gwinganna sits high above the Tallebudgera Valley, surrounded by ocean and valley views.
• The vibe inside - If the usual treatments aren't your thing, try something different to take you on a relaxed journey such as, painting, jewellery making, foraging for bush tucker or picking fruit in the orchard.
• Star treatments - Sign up for the Naturopath and Live Blood Analysis. This tests for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, heavy metals, allergies and parasites. A small prick of blood is taken from your index finger and placed under a microscope.
• Products used - Phyt's is from the Basque region in France and is one of the first skincare ranges in the world to receive the stringent organic certification, BIO.
• Package deals - The Heavenessence combines the ancient Hawaiian tradition of Ka Huna massage, with the deep healing powers of hot stones and personally-blended bush flower essences - 80 minutes for $220. Contact www.gwinganna.com

The Sebel Heritage, Yarra Valley

• The setting - This lavish spa stands in the grounds of the Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley hotel and is surrounded by lush gardens.
• The vibe inside - No more than 15 guests means personal attention. Add low-fat spa cuisine, holistic therapies, pampering spa treatments and an active programme to help you to a healthier lifestyle.
• Star treatments - Treatments include replenishing facials, several choices of invigorating massages, rejuvenating and hydrating body wraps, pampering manicures and intense water treatments.
• Products used - The Heritage Retreat's Spa uses products by Li'Tya, a plant-based range made from native Australian plants, fruits, earth and desert salts. It also offers Phytomer, vital sea-extracted products.
• Romance rating - At the end of an invigorating day rest your nurtured skin in the Sebel's five-star accommodation. Contact www.mirvachotels.com

Gaia Retreat, Byron Bay

• The setting - Gaia Retreat sits in the magical hills of the Byron Bay hinterland. Drive in and leave your stress at the gate.
• The vibe inside - It's impossible not to relax here, as every detail has been taken care of from the strategically placed Balinese-style platform day beds with soothing country views for afternoon napping to the organic vegetable garden that provides the staples for true gourmet fare come dinner time.
• Star treatments - Did we mention the flowing fabrics, plush lounges, open decks for morning yoga, the Amala Day Spa and its 32 therapists serving up acupressure, facials, reflexology, Hawaiian lomi lomi, hot stone massage and a plethora of serious relaxing pampering treatments?
• Celebrity clientele - This is Olivia Newton John's property, a spa retreat designed to soothe urbanites desperate for some well-deserved down-time. Contact www.gaiaretreat.com.au

Eco Daintree Lodge and Spa, QLD

• The setting - The 15 award-winning treehouse villas in Far North Queensland sit high in the world's oldest rainforest.
• The vibe inside - The spa villas feature a spa bath built for two in an enclosed verandah designed to make soakers feel as though they are indeed part of the surrounding forest.
• Star treatments - Book yourself into the award-winning spa for a two-hour Walbul Walbul treatment with an indigenous-inspired body scrub, masque and massage.
• Romance rating - With a natural wildlife and waterfall soundtrack you'll be in coupled bliss before you know it.
• Packages Special - Spa packages include a guided rainforest walk, Yiri Julaymba Rain Treatment, Walu Balbal Facial and Julma massage plus three nights' accommodation, beakfasts and transfers, starting at $2809. Contact www.selecthotels.com

Nob Hill Spa, San Francisco

• The Setting - This 1020 square metre expanse of luxury, tucked inside San Francisco's Huntington Hotel, was voted one of the world's top urban hotel spas by SpaFinder in 2005. Nob Hill is influenced by the city's many cultures right down to the treatments it offers. Feng Shui expert Sean Zenja was consulted every step of the way when this place was built, invoking the ancient Chinese art to create a peaceful, harmonious hideaway.
• The vibe inside - It feels as if a week here just wouldn't be enough. There are 10 treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, sauna and eucalyptus steam room to keep you relaxed. Take part in yoga and Pilates classes; tone up in the weights room; or just chill with your favourite magazine by the indoor infinity-edge pool.
• Star treatments - Start off your honeymoon with the Vitamin Cocktail, a hydrating mixture, rich in vitamins A, C and E. It was designed to provide a barrier to environmental stress and is perfect after your long-haul flight.
• Products used - Babor, a spa line that combines scientific with natural formulations.
• Celebrity spotting - When the A-list visits San Francisco, it's almost a given they'll drop into the Nob Hill Spa. Jennifer Aniston, Robin Williams and Sean Penn are all regulars.
• Romance rating - The Nob Hill Spa caters for couples and is a top spot if you're already into (or at least curious) about therapies such as Reiki.
• Package deals - Indulge in the full-day Longevity package that includes a massage, green tea scrub and facial, plus a manicure and pedicure and a taste of their renown spa cuisine. Six hours of complete bliss can be had for around $740. Contact www.huntingtonhotel.com

The Sentosa Resort and Spa, Singapore

• The setting - Nestled in the grounds of the Sentosa Resort on the island of Sentosa in Singapore, this Small Luxury Hotel of the World is the country's first tropical garden retreat and is a popular destination.
• The vibe inside - Here you'll find mud pools, float pools and Galaxy steam baths, plus the perfect balance of modern amenities, traditional beauty and health practices.
• Star treatments - For the royal treatment, step into an ancient solid bronze bath to really relax, or immerse yourself in a mud pool filled with high-mineral volcanic mud.
• Products used - A range of all-natural Moor products are used at Sentosa.
• Package deals - The Timorese Sandalwood soothing retreat is great for reducing redness and skin irritations.
• Romance rating - Check into a Spa Botanica Suite for pure romance, including a drench shower and your own private balcony. Customised spa packages are available in conjunction with accommodation or without. Contact www.spabotanica.com

Spa Etiquette

• Modesty - In general, spas in France and northern Europe do not have a problem with nudity; whereas in Britian, America and Australia, modesty matters. In Asia, the therapist will probably be the same sex as you so the question matters less.
• Dress codes - It is a good things to ask questions before you arrive. Are there changing rooms? Do they separate male from female facilities? What facilities are there for couples?

Spa hints on behaviour

• Arrive early for your treatment
• Arrive in the right frame of mind
• Leave your mobile behind
• Keep your voice down
• Don't be a distraction to others
• Source: Small Luxury Hotels Spa Book

Words: Deborah Houghton, Shannon Dunn and Rachael Oakes-Ash. All Rates are in Australian dollars.