Dispatch from France: The Fabulous Spa at Hotel du Palais, Biarritz

It's not just the surfers making waves down here in the south of France. The spa at this Atlantic-facing imperial palace hotel, beloved by Empress Eugénie (wife of Napoleon III), has been racking up the awards since its opening in mid-2006. Offering treatments from Guerlain Paris, the 31,215-square-foot Imperial Spa was awarded Best European Spa 2008 by both the Prix Villégiature and Condé Nast Johansens. The spa complex sprawls over 5 floors, filled with natural light. There is a 15-meter indoor pool with counter-current swimming, swan neck taps, and a Jacuzzi. On the same floor: two separate hammams and sauna. From the solarium, you can enjoy herbal tea or Champagne (this is France, after all!) while staring out at the Atlantic. In addition to the treatment rooms and beauty salon, there is also a fully-equipped fitness studio with advanced Pilates machines and personal trainers galore.