For many, the climax of a spa treatment occurs somewhere close to the end, when after a solid 45 minutes of pampering you're finally able to release the stress and worries left over from the real world.
It's this moment, one of utter mindless bliss and giving in to the subtle pressures of the masseuse, that we have spent our time and money to experience.
Once reached, you're almost guaranteed to walk away feeling rested and rejuvenated. But any treatment worth its scented bath salt will leave you the greedy cat: neck stretched and waiting for the chin scratch to continue.
If there are any spas that do this best, it's the following five, which are so heavenly they might actually outshine the eternal kingdom in the clouds.
1. Deep Ocean Spa | Bora Bora
The Deep Ocean Spa is the first thalassotherapy centre in the South Pacific. Image: InterContinental Bora Bora
Deep Ocean Spa takes advantage of its idyllic setting in paradise. Overwater bungalows with thatched roofs are perched slightly above a bright-blue lagoon. Glazed floors then treat you to an array of stunning marine life in the water below.
The treatments are just as intoxicating. The South Pacific's first Thalasso centre, Deep Ocean Spa uses enriching Pacific Ocean water for its Tahitian wave, deep sea hydromassage bath and other signature water experiences.
Other options include three- and five-day packages – great for those staying at the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort – which include a range of treatments including scalp reflexology, volcanic stone massage and "Algospa" body wrap.
2. Amangiri Spa | USA
Fancy a full moon yoga session followed by a Navajo-inspired spa treatment? Image: Aman Resorts
The luxurious Amangiri resort in Utah is blessed with a spa that feeds into the breathless desert surrounding the complex.
Few areas best showcase this connection than the stone-lined temperature-controlled pool, which is so close to the craggy rocks, there's one jutting out into the water.
The view gets even better from the pavilion, taking in the vast, empty expanse that truly highlights how isolated you are from the rest of the world.
The spa's treatments have been inspired by the native Navajo people's healing techniques and peaceful way of life. Massages, scrubs, flotation therapy and wraps are all available, along with candlelit and full moon yoga sessions.
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3. Aquaforte Thalasso Spa | Sardegna
One of six intimate oases on the Wellness Circuit. Image: Forte Village
Set on a tiny island in the Mediterranean, Forte Village is a dream escape made even more heavenly by the Aquaforte Thalasso Spa.
One of the best places for a thalasso treatment, the island is blessed with ample sun, mineral-rich seawater and mud, and a year-round tropical climate, which all contribute to its sensational therapeutic properties.
The Wellness Circuit, one of Forte Village's most notable features, takes you through six seawater pools with differing temperatures, additives and remedial techniques. Each intimate pool is encircled by lush tropical palms and trees.
Versatile as well as tranquil, the range of treatments covers massage, beauty, medical, detox and Ayurvedic healing. There's also the Selam system, comprised of training activities in water with a high concentration of saline, and of course the thalassotherapy refuge.
4. Dheva Spa &Wellness Centre | Thailand
Indulge in exotic therapy at the Dheva Spa & Wellness Centre. Image: Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai
Painstakingly created over almost four years, the Dheva Spa and Wellness Centre is not only a shelter for body and mind wellness, but also a proud monument to Thai traditions and history.
Walk amongst the 3,100-square-metre complex and you'll regularly encounter Buddhist motifs, sculptures of sacred animals and more gorgeous artwork that set the perfect atmosphere for some exotic healing.
In any one of the 18 rooms you can indulge in specialty treatments that use herbal rice, deep-tissue massage, Ayurvedic oils, mineral-rich mud, steam baths and more to boost you inside and out.
Those seeking a more intense experience can opt for the yoga or fitness wellness programs, or the Muay Thai package, which includes a lesson in the martial arts form.
5. One&Only Spa | Maldives
View from the Over Water Treatment Room at One&Only Spa. Image: One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives
The Maldives, one of the world's best contenders with Heaven, is home to a handful of spas that are pulled straight from our daydreams. It's hard, almost impossible, to place one above the others, but One&Only Spa at the One&Only Reethi Rah is our pick.
Manicured gardens lead through to the beach where villas sit on the shore of crystalline water. Views of endless, flat ocean greet you while expert staff provide massage, body rituals, facials and other opulent treatments.
Book one of the signature options and relax during two hours of targeted therapy including exfoliation, volcanic stone massage. Right outside sits the clear blue ocean with hand-crafted rafts drifting by every so often.
