Nothing says spa quite like a crisp, white bathrobe and heaven knows we could all use a bit of pampering time right now. A swift return to lockdown life coupled with an icy blast from the east makes us want to hunker down and hibernate until Spring. It's not quite the start to the year we had all hoped for, but it is what it is, and so the best thing we can do is keep focused and try to stay as positive as possible.

The new year is when we all traditionally hit the holiday websites searching for something to look forward to, but it's clear that international travel is off-limits right now. In the absence of that coveted escape to your sun-drenched happy place, we're going to take you on a virtual journey to12 stunning spa-based hotels and resorts. You might not be able to check-in, but hopefully, the stunning imagery and descriptions will allow you to indulge in a little therapeutic daydreaming.

You can leave your passport in the safe, and there's no need for any PPE. Take up residence in your favourite recliner, don your luxury dressing gown and grab a pina colada. We're taking a flight of fancy. And by the way, we've reduced our men's and ladies classic white spa bathrobes so you can indulge for under £40!

The Aqua Dome Thermal Spa, Tyrol

Beyond impressive architecture, majestic views and a collection of 12 indoor and outdoor basins – we think it would be pretty hard not to find your inner peace at this haven nestled in the Ötztal Valley.

The Retreat, Costa Rica

If chilling on a crystal mountain sounds like your vibe then this world-class, nature-inspired healing centre is the one. Nature, celebrity-chef nutrition and a lush rainforest to boot. Did we mention the healing properties of the spectacular crystal quartz mountainside?

Vakkaru Resort, Maldives

A secluded reef with timeless ocean views, powder-soft, brilliant white sands and a house reef full of unique marine biodiversity, Vakkaru is a short seaplane hop from Male International Airport. Go all out and opt for the Vakkaru Over Water Residence – one of the Maldives' largest overwater residences. Guaranteed privacy and tranquillity, unobstructed ocean and sunset views and an infinity pool to die for.

Kamalaya, Koh Samui

Spectacular views of the emerald green jungle or the turquoise shoreline are on the menu at this luxury spa resort in Thailand's Koh Samui. There's a comprehensive range of wellness programmes tailored to specific health, wellness and emotional needs. Choose from Sleep Enhancement, Structural Revival, Detox and Relax and Renew or choose a personalised plan just for you.

Aro Ha, NewZealand

According to Vogue, this transformative Southern Alps retreat in Glenorchy gives you a full physical and emotional overhaul. Awake to the chimes of a Tibetan bowl and begin your day watching the sunrise over the mountains from the yoga studio. The team promises that you'll deepen your breath, nourish your immune system, calm the nervous system, and remember what it's like to delight in the rising sun

Stella Island, Crete

This adults-only gem boasts a lagoon-style pool that stretches around the entire resort with a collection of stunning over-water bungalows, private villas and swim-up rooms. It's a little less holistic than some of our other choices, but if you're looking for a luxurious destination to disconnect coupled with beautiful architecture, you've found your escape.

The BodyHoliday, St Lucia

This is one of our faves. As the name suggests, this upscale Caribbean spa resort has a compelling promise. Give us your body for a week, and we'll give you your mind back. There's a daily spa treatment included in your room rate, and though there are plenty of fitness and wellness activities, you can also indulge in 'normal' beach holiday pursuits. It's an excellent choice for solo traveller owing to their communal table approach which you can choose to join if you want to be a little more social.

The Kayon Jungle Resort, Bali

Call us superficial, but we've selected this five-star resort simply for the Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar's incredible architecture, pictured. Its design is inspired by Bali's famed Tegalalang Rice Terrace's gentle curves and is spread over three levels. A truly picturesque venue with out-of-this-world infinity pools and shaded cabanas, this exclusive day club is right up our street.

Civana Resort, Arizona

Quit the chaos and head to Civana for a retreat that is sure to help you reconnect with nature. Civana is tucked away in the Sonoran Desert and offers respite from the life's daily stresses with stunning mountain scenery as standard. It only opened in 2018 so is a relative newcomer but promises serenity and regeneration through its key pillars of movement, spa, nourishment and discovery.

Six Senses, Seychelles

It's a long way to go to catch a movie, but we are rather taken by the idea of the Cinema Under The Stars experience on offer at this private-island beach resort in Seychelles. We love how the ample accommodation is wedged in between the massive granite rocks creating beautiful drama and some seriously Insta-worthy images. Swim with the turtles and enjoy a truly tropical escape away from the humdrum of the everyday.

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

The Swiss are famed for their exemplary approach to wellness matters, and the five-star Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a beacon for health and vitality in Europe. The team of experts at this palatial establishment promises a sanctuary where you can enjoy peace, relaxation and deep regeneration. Centred around a bathing and spa tradition, there's a strong connection to nature with water from the nearby Tamina Gorge serving as a source of healing, inspiration and pleasure.

Borgo Egnazia, Italy

Although perhaps best known for hosting Justin Timberlake's wedding this low-key fairy-tale village resort boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, championship golf course, two beach clubs with private beaches, and a spa that bases its treatments on ancient Puglian rituals. If you fancy a Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore moment, there's a pottery centre for art-inspired therapy plus a psychologist-composer, a scent master and a hair doctor.

Nothing says spa quite like a crisp, white bathrobe and heaven knows we could all use a bit of pampering time right now. A swift return to lockdown life coupled with an icy blast from the east makes us want to hunker down and hibernate until Spring. It's not quite the start to the year we had all hoped for, but it is what it is, and so the best thing we can do is keep focused and try to stay as positive as possible.

The new year is when we all traditionally hit the holiday websites searching for something to look forward to, but it's clear that international travel is off-limits right now. In the absence of that coveted escape to your sun-drenched happy place, we're going to take you on a virtual journey to12 stunning spa-based hotels and resorts. You might not be able to check-in, but hopefully, the stunning imagery and descriptions will allow you to indulge in a little therapeutic daydreaming.

You can leave your passport in the safe, and there's no need for any PPE. Take up residence in your favourite recliner, don your luxury dressing gown and grab a pina colada. We're taking a flight of fancy. And by the way, we've reduced our men's and ladies classic white spa bathrobes so you can indulge for under £40!

The Aqua Dome Thermal Spa, Tyrol

Beyond impressive architecture, majestic views and a collection of 12 indoor and outdoor basins – we think it would be pretty hard not to find your inner peace at this haven nestled in the Ötztal Valley.

The Retreat, Costa Rica

If chilling on a crystal mountain sounds like your vibe then this world-class, nature-inspired healing centre is the one. Nature, celebrity-chef nutrition and a lush rainforest to boot. Did we mention the healing properties of the spectacular crystal quartz mountainside?

Vakkaru Resort, Maldives

A secluded reef with timeless ocean views, powder-soft, brilliant white sands and a house reef full of unique marine biodiversity, Vakkaru is a short seaplane hop from Male International Airport. Go all out and opt for the Vakkaru Over Water Residence – one of the Maldives' largest overwater residences. Guaranteed privacy and tranquillity, unobstructed ocean and sunset views and an infinity pool to die for.

Kamalaya, Koh Samui

Spectacular views of the emerald green jungle or the turquoise shoreline are on the menu at this luxury spa resort in Thailand's Koh Samui. There's a comprehensive range of wellness programmes tailored to specific health, wellness and emotional needs. Choose from Sleep Enhancement, Structural Revival, Detox and Relax and Renew or choose a personalised plan just for you.

Aro Ha, NewZealand

According to Vogue, this transformative Southern Alps retreat in Glenorchy gives you a full physical and emotional overhaul. Awake to the chimes of a Tibetan bowl and begin your day watching the sunrise over the mountains from the yoga studio. The team promises that you'll deepen your breath, nourish your immune system, calm the nervous system, and remember what it's like to delight in the rising sun

Stella Island, Crete

This adults-only gem boasts a lagoon-style pool that stretches around the entire resort with a collection of stunning over-water bungalows, private villas and swim-up rooms. It's a little less holistic than some of our other choices, but if you're looking for a luxurious destination to disconnect coupled with beautiful architecture, you've found your escape.

The BodyHoliday, St Lucia

This is one of our faves. As the name suggests, this upscale Caribbean spa resort has a compelling promise. Give us your body for a week, and we'll give you your mind back. There's a daily spa treatment included in your room rate, and though there are plenty of fitness and wellness activities, you can also indulge in 'normal' beach holiday pursuits. It's an excellent choice for solo traveller owing to their communal table approach which you can choose to join if you want to be a little more social.

The Kayon Jungle Resort, Bali

Call us superficial, but we've selected this five-star resort simply for the Wanna Jungle Pool & Bar's incredible architecture, pictured. Its design is inspired by Bali's famed Tegalalang Rice Terrace's gentle curves and is spread over three levels. A truly picturesque venue with out-of-this-world infinity pools and shaded cabanas, this exclusive day club is right up our street.

Civana Resort, Arizona

Quit the chaos and head to Civana for a retreat that is sure to help you reconnect with nature. Civana is tucked away in the Sonoran Desert and offers respite from the life's daily stresses with stunning mountain scenery as standard. It only opened in 2018 so is a relative newcomer but promises serenity and regeneration through its key pillars of movement, spa, nourishment and discovery.

Six Senses, Seychelles

It's a long way to go to catch a movie, but we are rather taken by the idea of the Cinema Under The Stars experience on offer at this private-island beach resort in Seychelles. We love how the ample accommodation is wedged in between the massive granite rocks creating beautiful drama and some seriously Insta-worthy images. Swim with the turtles and enjoy a truly tropical escape away from the humdrum of the everyday.

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

The Swiss are famed for their exemplary approach to wellness matters, and the five-star Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a beacon for health and vitality in Europe. The team of experts at this palatial establishment promises a sanctuary where you can enjoy peace, relaxation and deep regeneration. Centred around a bathing and spa tradition, there's a strong connection to nature with water from the nearby Tamina Gorge serving as a source of healing, inspiration and pleasure.

Borgo Egnazia, Italy

Although perhaps best known for hosting Justin Timberlake's wedding this low-key fairy-tale village resort boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, championship golf course, two beach clubs with private beaches, and a spa that bases its treatments on ancient Puglian rituals. If you fancy a Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore moment, there's a pottery centre for art-inspired therapy plus a psychologist-composer, a scent master and a hair doctor.