Relax! Enjoy a massage that loosens those tense muscles, a facial that smoothes away worry lines and shadows around the eyes and a light cuisine that helps make you beautiful from the inside: the spa is where body and soul find their balance. The word "spa" comes originally from the Belgian city Spa whose healing springs were renowned even in Roman times. From the 16th century onwards, the kings of Europe came here to cure their ills. But today just trying to keep an overview of the global "wellness" industry with its multitude of eastern, western, traditional, modern, holistic and specialised spa practices can - in direct contrast to the spa philosophy! - be a rather stressful experience. With TASCHEN's Favourite Spas Angelika Taschen saves you the agony of choice and presents a selection of the most inviting locations worldwide. Her journey takes us to heavenly oases such as the historical manor of P?daste on the island of Muhu on Estonia's west coast; the Alpine...