Craving privacy? Forget locker rooms and shared showers. The latest trend in spa suite design includes deluxe bathrooms, massage tables, shiatsu space, and splendid seclusion. Room service means meals and your own bath butler.

Brenner’s Park-Hotel & Spa

Baden-Baden, Germany

Secluded in southern Germany’s Black Forest, Baden-Baden originated as a thermal water ‘spa’ for Roman legions. So it’s only natural that the exclusive spa suite at Brenner’s features Relaxarium whirlpools and a marble Laconium. But here you select aromatherapy additives to suit your mood. The spa butler draws your bath in a marble-clad structure that faces a private garden. Sunbathing alfresco is another feature. Cleanse your body and soul in the Laconium, which has heated benches of green quartzite, and a shower that you adjust for rain, mist, aroma, and color effects. Release toxins in the Finnish sauna or relax in the Japanese-style steam bath infused with jasmine essence. For more information call (800) 223-6800 or visit Brenners

Peter Island Resort

British Virgin Islands

Set between a beautiful beach and bay, the new spa at Peter Island Resort recalls Caribbean plantation great houses. Relax in a suite with an open-air hot tub overlooking palm-lined paths that lead to a seaside yoga garden. ‘Caribbean Kur’ packages include the latest in hydrotherapy and skincare. Go natural in a beach ‘bohio’ pavilion with an alfresco massage and whirlpool soak. Specialties include scrubs using locally farmed sea salt or fresh coconut and massage enhanced by warm sand bundles. Swim in the spa’s freshwater pool or enjoy ocean laps. Water sports, tennis, mountain bikes, and use of the fitness center are free to resort guests. Accommodations range from tropical beach suites to marina rooms. There are also four spacious villas with private pools and hillside views. Combine an overnight cruise on the resort’s sailboat Silmaril, or come by yacht and anchor at the spa. For more information call (800) 346-4451 or visit Peter Island

Mandarin Oriental

Miami

Stay and spa in the new Mandarin Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Complete with a master bedroom and bath and balcony for sunbathing, this 2,000-square-foot presidential pad has a serenity room where treatments are on call 24/7. Water cascades down a wall sculpture into the infinity-edge soaking bath as your therapist serves tea and performs a welcoming foot washing ritual. Color therapy lighting sets the mood, while Japanese-style tatami mats soften bamboo floors. The mini-spa offers a glass-enclosed steam shower accented by Mexican river stone and Spanish marble tile. Separated by glass panels (flick a switch and the glass becomes opaque) the suite’s formal dining room overlooks Biscayne Bay. Bath butlers are on hand to fill your tub with E’SPA potions and relaxing salts, arrange aromatherapy candles, and strew rose petals. Treatments, however, are not included in the daily tariff. For more information call (866) 888-6780 or visit Mandarin Oriental

Bellagio

Las Vegas

America’s largest resort spa is worlds apart from the Vegas scene, yet close to the casino action and Las Vegas Strip attractions. The fifty-six-treatment room spa opened last December in Bellagio’s new Spa Tower; the menu includes a variety of massage styles including Thai, Indian, Balinese, and Ashiatsu. The Salon features eighteen stylist stations plus a guys’ barber room. But for pampering privacy, you and up to seven friends can book the Bamboo Studio for a Spa Journey. Think bridal/bachelorette party: smoothies served along with color analysis or henna tattoo, hand and foot scrubs. Couples craving privacy can experience tandem Watsu in a private pool, plus facials, Indian head massage, and refreshments with the Couples Reflection package. Featuring a private entrance from Bellagio’s lobby, the Spa Tower also has an interactive culinary theater called Sensei. Finish the day at Cirque du Soliel’s splashy ‘O’, unique spectacle of beauty and strength. For more information call (888) 987-6667 or visit Bellagio

By Bernard Burt

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