Seven Spa and Bath Picks
Baths of Trajan, The Continental
Second Life boasts an array of exceptional spas, baths, and onsens, each offering a unique relaxation experience. Here are my eight top picks for those pondering their next serene escape.
Note these are listed in alphabetical order, not in rank.
Aqua Pocari Life
Aqua Pocari Life presents an intriguing outdoor Japanese-inspired retreat.
Built over water, it features interconnected pathways leading through various sections. Cherry blossom trees adorn the paths, culminating in wind turbines at the edge.
A dedicated building hosts the spa, showcasing a vast Japanese infinity pool.
Athiss Estates Gardens & Spa
This unfolds as a sprawling, picturesque Japanese garden with an adjoining spa. Unlike the predominantly adult-oriented baths options in SL, Athiss provides a moderate setting for unwinding.
It houses the spa within two traditional buildings, offering yoga, meditation spaces, and multiple baths. The surrounding trails and an on-site restaurant enhance its appeal.
The Continental
The Continental Hotel is where I can often be found (read the review to find out why).
The basement of the Continental houses the Baths of Trajan. These are decorated in a style best described as sexy Pompeii. Side areas, including a sauna, massage tables and semi-private seating, flank a central pool with Roman columns. The venue, known for adult furniture and evocative frescos, occasionally hosts live events.
The Continental Hotel is free to visit, but the furniture is group gated, with membership costing a one-off 500L fee.
The Empire Spa
The Empire Omerta is an excellent hotel / social club/destination experience that keeps expanding.
A lovely spa on the top floor includes a huge pool, relaxation area and side room where you can book spa treatments. There’s also a huge, separate changing area laid out a little bit like how you imagine the dressing room of a Hollywood Studio to look.
The whole place is kitted out in the unique, eclectic style of owner Lux Voxel.
The spa is part of the new entertainment area of the Empire, for which you need to be a group member (1000L).
As well as the spa, there are other areas like a cabaret, movie room and a new sushi restaurant complete with Geisha RP service. The public areas of the Hotel at ground level are free to explore.
The Hills Health and Wellness Centre
This is part of the Hills Country Club Development, mainly residential, but the facilities are open to everyone. That includes the on-site health and wellness centre.
What I like about this place is that it feels like an RL city spa and gym. It has a nice modern feel, with a cafe and juice bar as you come in, a well-appointed gym on the top floor, and a spa area in the basement. A highlight is the cave pool downstairs.
Ikisou Onsen
There are many Japanese Onsens in SL, but my favourite is the Ikisou Onsen in the fabulous Ikisou City (see review). I like the low, neon-style lighting with Japanese artwork on the walls. Compared to other Onsens, this place is pretty big; there’s even a bedroom area for….um…entertaining ‘friends.’
Separate from the Onsen, Ikisou City also has a rooftop/skybox swimming pool with fantastic views worth checking out.
The Oasis Hookah Lounge and Hamman
The Oasis Hookah Lounge and Hamman is one of those places you never see anyone, and you quite honestly wonder why, as it’s pretty damn good.
It’s split into three areas: a lounge with a really nice terrace, side areas including a drive-in movie theatre in a separate skybox and a beach, and the Turkish / Morrocan-themed Hamman.
This is housed in a skybox designed by Charlotte Bartlett, which I’ve seen before in several hotels, like the now-closed Lotus Palace, and I really like it.
Like many other spas and baths on my list, there’s a central pool with side rooms. The Oasis is adult and free to visit.