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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
Have you ever dreamed of diving into a pool of money, Scrooge McDuck–style? The Arany Spa, located inside Vienna’s Park Hyatt, may be able to scratch that childhood itch: The hotel occupies the building of a converted bank from 1915, and its erstwhile vault has been reimagined as a gold-plated subterranean pool. Austro-Hungarian opulence abounds, especially in the spa—arany translates to “gold”—where the original gilded vault doors now keep watch over a stunning 49-foot lap pool. The spa menu is similarly moneyed: Two of its body treatments are indeed gold-infused.
What’s the vibe?
In keeping with the theme, the Park Hyatt is located in the Vienna’s Golden Quarter (the city’s historical business center, which is now teeming with luxury shops). But there is nothing nouveau riche about this grande dame; all of its public spaces, like the chandelier-dotted dining room—previously the bank’s teller room—have been elegantly restored to Hapsburg-era grandeur. Take the gilded elevator all the way down and enter the Arany Spa, which feels very much like a secret hideaway underneath Vienna. This is a full-service day spa, the only one of its kind in the city, with a glorious pool, six luxurious spa suites, a sauna, aroma steam room, and a full-service gym (complete with personal trainers upon request); there is also a Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa on-site, should you need a fresh cut or blowout before dinner.
The history?
There is no shortage of history at the Park Hyatt Vienna. The stately columned building is in one of the city’s oldest squares, Am Hof—just a stone’s throw from the town palace where a young Mozart gave his first performance. The building itself is over one hundred years old and was originally the headquarters of an Austrian Hungarian Monarchy Bank. It and the surrounding square have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What should you try?
The Arany Spa’s most sought-after service is—you guessed it—all about gold. Their signature treatment is a true head-to-toe experience; it is lengthy (a full two hours) and almost ludicrously luxe: a glittering body peel, full massage, and mini facial. The session began with a gold scrub, which felt as though my entire body were being massaged by tiny seashells. After I was covered in gold (visions of Bond girls in my mind’s eye), my massage therapist gave me a plush robe and led me to my en suite shower to rinse off, leaving only the anti-inflammatory properties of the gold behind, or so she told me.
Newly exfoliated, I slid under the covers of my perfectly warm massage bed, where I was treated to a simply spectacular hour-long rub-down. The mini facial was next, and though this portion only lasted a half hour, the mix of top-shelf Skin Ceuticals products and expert facial massage was the perfect topper to this luxurious treatment.
Who can go?
All the facilities in the Arany Spa—pool, saunas, and fitness center included—are open to hotel guests. There is also a wide array of day passes and an extensive membership program for locals or frequent visitors.
Booking details for Arany at the Park Hyatt Vienna
Address: Am Hof 2, Vienna, Austria
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
