A transformation requires a conduit, sometimes external. Of the most epicurean spa experiences that beg one to realign, unwind, decompress, detoxify, and grab life by the lapels—these are the best.

Viva Mayr, Altaussee, Austria

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Nothing invokes detox after a season of excess quite like Viva Mayr. &ldquo;The Mayr Cure&rdquo; is for the spa-goer who seeks ultimate renovation from the inside out. A doctor&rsquo;s appointment upon arrival generates a customized program for the duration of your stay. Be prepared to chew a lot &mdash; they require 40 times per bite for ultimate digestion. Medical treatments are individualized. Holistic body wraps and oil pulling may be on the schedule. Truly tailored medicine makes Viva Mayr stand out among its many European counterparts.

Golden Door, San Marcos, California

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&ldquo;We&rsquo;re interested in where you want to go,&rdquo; says Kathy Van Ness, general manager of Golden Door. Guests fill out an extensive questionnaire before arriving on a Sunday for their week at this 600-acre wellness Shangri-La. After a complimentary limousine ride from L.A., guests are welcomed with a tailored itinerary of personal care practitioners. Pack lightly for the week; the closet is filled daily with wardrobe according to one&rsquo;s private schedule. From biofeedback to archery, boredom is never an option. Don&rsquo;t worry, a personal masseuse awaits in-room daily. Doubling as a nonprofit, 100% of the resort&rsquo;s proceeds benefit victims of child abuse.

Ananda in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

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South Asia&rsquo;s premier health and wellness hotel and spa is located in the Himalayan foothills. With a massive array of traditional Ayurvedic treatments and guided meditation classes, one will quickly feel like the Maharaja that once lived on the property. Personal pajamas are provided for your stay. Guests are encouraged to venture offsite to an ashram in Rishikesh for a nightly fire and music celebration on the banks of the River Ganges. For someone hoping to restore their body, soul, and spiritual core &mdash; look no further

Biologique Recherche Ambassade de la Beaut&eacute;, Paris, France

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This magically lit day spa doubles as the headquarters for cult beauty brand Biologique Recherche. A facial appointment starts with a computerized skin scan and analysis in which facial pigmentations, skin elasticity, and hydration levels are all computed by percentages. The galvanic microcurrent machine, trademarked as &ldquo;Le Remodeling Face,&rdquo; works as a high-output crank that winds back the skin&#39;s clock. Perfect for prep before a night on the town: their signature facial will bring you the joie de vivre. Other standout treatments include oxygenating body scrubs, scalp pH-balancing, and lymphatic drainage.

Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico

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One of the original spa destinations, Rancho La Puerta was founded by the &ldquo;Godmother of Wellness,&rdquo; Deborah Szekely. Prepare for full digital detox at this spa and organic farm: WiFi is not available in-room so leave the laptop and the urge to connect at home. Organic, farm-to-table meals are included in the average week&rsquo;s stay. Each custom program is based on a four-part healing cycle: cleansing, relaxing, restoring, then energizing. Pick from a menu of options from each category. Memorable treatments: Xocolatl Skin Replenishment and Gemstone Reflexology.

Our Guide To The Best Spas Around The World

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