Three Hot Caribbean Spas

The Venus Spa at CuisinArt has 16 treatment rooms. Seen here is the balcony of a Couple’s Suite.
The Venus Spa at CuisinArt has 16 treatment rooms. Seen here is the balcony of a Couple’s Suite.

Travelers headed to the Caribbean have countless options when it comes to spa destinations, but we say foodies are in for a special treat as well at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla.

The resort is popular among honeymooners, who prefer the privacy of the Beachfront Junior Suites, as well as multigenerational families that have an inclination for the spacious Beachfront Two Bedroom Suites with views of Rendezvous Bay. Meanwhile, Deluxe Beachfront Junior Suites have an additional solarium off the master bath, and Beachfront One Bedroom Suites offer 1,800 square feet of space with a separate full living room, full bath and a large balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

For larger groups, the resort’s Beachfront and Garden Villas have their own courtyard entrance, living and dining areas, full kitchens, master suites and solariums, as well as additional courtyard guest suites.

So, what’s all the new foodie fuss about? CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is home to the first and only Hydroponic Farm at a resort and grows most of the fresh fruits, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs used in all four of the property’s restaurants and bars as well as the Venus Spa.

The Venus Spa, spread across 27,000 square feet, has 16 treatment rooms, including Couples and VIP suites with outdoor terraces and showers, wet rooms, massage and facial rooms and a Men’s Club Room. The most requested treatments here are The Anguillian Massage and Caribbean Warm Stone Massage, but, we say, spa-goers should opt for one of the several treatments and products inspired by the herbs grown onsite. The spa’s “fresh scrub bar” is made with ingredients harvested daily and guests can choose a specially formulated sea salt or sugar scrub combined with their choice of fresh lavender, lemongrass, rosemary or mint.

Venus Spa also recently welcomed its new spa director, Catherine Phillips. She holds a holistic health practitioner certificate and is trained in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Her previous roles include director of spa and regional advisory council leader at St. Kitts Marriott Resort, as well as spa operations supervisor at The Spa at Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma. To schedule an appointment, guests can contact Phillips directly at 011-264-498-2000 before or during their stay.

Venus Spa also has a customized Healing Waters Pool with built-in lounges and soothing hydrotherapy jets. Here, guests can soak in warm nutrient- and mineral-enriched salt water known for its healing properties, or opt for other water treatments such as an Aqua Massage or Aqua Reflexology.

Guests can also visit the Spa Boutique, which offers a selection of clothing and accessories, as well as cosmetics, skin-care products, body and nail treatments from Repechage, Rusk and OPI among others.

Seven Stars Resort & Spa

Surrounded by white-sand beaches and the Princess Alexandra National Park marine preserve in Turks and Caicos, Seven Stars Resort & Spa (formerly Seven Stars Resort) has a newly expanded spa, which now offers a refreshed menu of treatments and services focused on health and wellness.

Accommodations range from junior, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, but we hear the Ocean Front One-Bedroom Suites are a favorite among guests as they provide the best views of the water.

The Away Spa at W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island has 10 treatment rooms, a mani-pedi facility and a hair salon.
The Away Spa at W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island has 10 treatment rooms, a mani-pedi facility and a hair salon.

Now, back to the spa. The facility has six treatment rooms, including two new couples massage rooms, a multi-station manicure and pedicure suite and a relaxation area. Guests can also opt for a massage at one of the spa’s new outdoor cabanas, situated on west deck of the property overlooking Grace Bay Beach. Hint: Guests, who are traveling with children and are looking for a bit of “me time” at the spa can take advantage of the resort’s complimentary kid’s club, babysitting services and activities. 

Seven Stars’ expanded menu of spa services focuses on overall wellness and soothing of both mind and body, and each of the spa’s therapists specialize in a variety of massage techniques designed to improve circulation, detoxify the body and release tension. We hear that The Deep Tissue Massage is popular among guests, along with the Seven Stars Signature candle massage, which includes fragrant soy candles melted into an essential oil massage lotion.

Spa-goers interested in medical treatments can opt for Reflexology, a detoxifying seaweed wrap, or Advanced body therapy, which includes a series of massages that heal and restore the body’s needs. Anti-aging treatments are also available and include two facials: Optimizer, to firm and lift the skin using micropeels, moisturizers and a firming mask; and Vital-Élastine, aimed at eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and promoting a healthy complexion, hydration and nutrition. The spa also has Custom Package, which provides the opportunity to design a personalized program of services and treatments based on individual preferences.

The Spa at Seven Stars uses products by Yonka, a French brand, and guests can purchase essential oils and such at the spa’s newly expanded retail space. Good to know: Children under the age of 16 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. For appointments, contact Orla O’Boyle ([email protected]), spa director.

For visitors, who prefer to take an active approach to wellness, the resort also offers guided yoga classes, a 24-hour gym, tennis courts and complimentary watersports.

W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island

Ocean-front accommodations, panoramic views and a tranquil spa can all be found at W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island. Here, guests can appreciate the Puerto Rican sunrises, sunsets, white-sand beaches, and be pampered in between at The Away Spa. The facility comprises 10 treatment rooms (some with sea views), private outdoor showers, a manicure/pedicure facility and a hair salon. Services include over 30 treatments in body therapy, facials, hair styling, nail care, waxing and fitness, all provided in a Zen-inspired environment.

We hear the Away Signature Massage is a favorite among visitors and can be booked as either a 50- or 80-minute session. Designed to detoxify the body, spa mixologists blend a special potion of oils to suit individual treatment needs, and then apply the latest massage techniques. Also popular is the 50-minute Away Signature Facial, meant to hydrate and soothe skin to adjust the individual’s unique complexion. And for lovers of all-natural remedies, there’s the Papaya & Pineapple scrub.

Away Spa uses Sue Devitt, Osea and Natura Bisse products throughout its menu, as well as custom-made amenities created using local plants and mineral ingredients. For instance, Café Con Coco body scrub is made from Puerto Rican Coffee grounds, sea salts and coconut shavings. Spa-goers also have their choice of a variety of spa lifestyle lines, including Moroccan Oil, Love + Toast, Poetic License and Tokyo Milk.

Guests looking for total tranquility can opt to stay in the resort’s Wow Ocean Front Retreat, offering 1,400 square feet of space with a private balcony, patio, panoramic views and direct access to the beach. When it’s time to get out and explore, guests can choose from a range of activities at either of the property’s two private beaches or throughout the surrounding area.

Reach out to Rafael Montalvo ([email protected]), who can also connect you with onsite contacts.