Travel
Spa retreats in splendid scenery
A selection of sensational spa retreats where you can relax and rejuvenate for 2012.
December 15, 2011 11:32
By, Sharron Livingston
4 min read
A selection of sensational spa retreats where you can relax and rejuvenate for 2012.
December 15, 2011 11:32BySharron Livingston, Sharron Livingston
Isle of Eriska Spa & Golf
Where:
On the small, secluded Eriska island on the west coast of Scotland north of Oban. It nestles on a rift valley created by cataclysmic upheavals that took place 600 million years ago. The island is virtually a nature reserve, with nature trails and seals, otters, badgers and roe deer all around.
Accommodation:
Five star accommodation, with views over the 350-acre estate. There's a further 50 acres on the mainland which includes a 'Special area of Scientific Interest'.
Spa:
The ESPA contains its own 17m ozone filtered pool, gym and Veranda Restaurant with views over the nine-hole golf course.
Other activities:
Clay pigeon shooting, water activities, nature walks tennis, bowls, badminton, table tennis, putting and golf driving bays.
how much: Winter half board rates £360 per night based on two sharing a standard room www.eriska-hotel.co.uk
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Where:
In the stunning North Male Island Atoll in the Maldives. It has its own lagoon and is 15 minutes from the Ibrahim Nasir International airport in Malé by speedboat.
Accommodation:
Beach front rooms in the shade of palm trees, thatched cottages with private balcony some with ocean views and direct beach access, stand-alone bungalows that sit over the water and villas with plunge pools and hammocks.
Spa:
Shine Spa is located on a private island reached by a bridge. It has six treatment rooms, with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, relaxation pools and a herb garden for home grown spa products.
Other activities:
Deep-sea fishing, various water sports and the chance to go diving to see the sharks, turtles and mantas and spectacular reefs. If the mood takes you, there's also sunset cruising.
How much:
Kuoni offers seven nights with breakfast in an ocean villa including flights with British Airways from Gatwick and transfers - book by March 18. From £2,264 per person based on two sharing.
The Spa at Galgorm
Where:
On the banks of the River Maine, near Ballymena 25 miles from Belfast city centre in Northern Ireland. It is set in 165 acres of parkland
Accommodation:
Modern rooms and suites within a country mansion. There are self-catering cottages and log cabins by the river.
Spa:
Created from local stone and wood, it offers treatments from ancient rituals of bathing in cold, warm and hot waters, a hydrotherapy pool and hot tubs. Packages include liquid seaweed bath, a two- hour thermal spa.
Other activities:
Horse riding, a golf at Galgorm Castle golf club, miles of fishing opportunities and pathways for ramblers and cyclists.
How much:
A superior room, four course dinner, Irish breakfast, use the Thermal Spa, a Mud Serial followed by a choice of selected treatments costs £200 per person. www.galgorm.com
Luosto Tunturi Hotel & Amethyst Spa
Where:
Luosto in remotest Northern Finland. Overlooks the Finnish Lapland within the Aurora Zone.
Accommodation:
A mix of hotel rooms, apartment suites and pine cabins slightly away from the hotel.
Spa:
Stendhal ultrasonic (deep exfoliation using ultrasound), pur luxe treatments, maritime salt baths and Turkish and Finnish saunas and a Jacuzzi tucked away in a small amethyst cave. There's a glass-fronted Aurora Lounge to see the Northern Lights passing over the night's sky.
Other activities:
Husky-sledding, reindeer-sleighing, old-fashioned sledging, skiing and the opportunity to visit an amethyst mine. Or watch the night sky by lake behind the hotel. You will receive an "Aurora Alert". When the scientists at the Observatory detect the Aurora you will get an text message alert.
How much:
Four nights cost from £1,045 pp (two sharing), including flights (Heathrow), transfers, accommodation, most meals and warm winter clothing for the duration of the stay. Spa treatments not included, but may be booked in advance. www.theaurorazone.com
Maradiva Resort & Spa's Ayurvedic Detox Retreat
Where:
In a lush 27-acre setting on the Tamarin Bay, Mauritius
Accommodation:
Villa only along the coastline. Some have views of the ocean other with lush garden views. All have plunge pools.
The Spa:
This is a week long spa treatment to detoxify. Dr Seema Paliwal uses Ayurvedic treatments, Indian herbalism and yoga-based fitness and meditation. Therapies include massage and chakra therapy and Pavani lymphatic drainage and herbal wrap.
Other Activities:
Golf, coral diving, big game fishing and visiting the island's national parks. You'll see dolphins along the bay.
How much:
Abercrombie & Kent have seven nights at Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa from £2,755 per person, half board with flights and transfers, based on two sharing a Luxury Suite Villa. www.abercrombiekent.co.uk.
Raffles Spa Resort
Where:
On Praslin Island in the Seychelles overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation:
Villa only along the coastline. Some have views of the ocean other with lush garden views. All have plunge pools.
The Spa:
Signature treament is Pure Pearl using local pearls, reputed to calm the spirit, open the heart chakra, stabilise emotions and rejuvenate the skin. It begins with an exfoliation using therapeutic-grade pearl powder and essences of organic ylang-ylang and bergamot. A rehydrating body mask is applied and eyes are covered with a sea-derived eye mask while the face, scalp and feet are massaged.
Other activities:
Island hopping, cycling, site seeing to the Valley de Mai to see the coco de mer palms
How much:
Elite Vacations have seven nights for the price of four, as well as an additional 15% off, for stays between January 10 and Feb 29. From £2025 pp, based on two sharing a Hillside Pool Villa on a B&B basis, saving £2,800 per couple. Includes return flights from London, inter-island flights with Air Seychelles and private transfers, a free upgrade to the next Villa category, subject to availability.
Glenwood Springs
Where:
Colorado's Rocky Mountains in the Roaring Fork Valley in between the Aspen and Vail ski resorts.
Accommodation:
Choose a cozy cabin, cottage or hotel room.
The Spa:
It is all about the mineral springs here and their hot spring pool, 5,700 feet above sea level, is the largest in the world. Combine this with he Spa, of the Rockies housed in a sandstone bathhouse. It has nine treatments rooms and a hydrotherapy room for Vichy showers.
Other Activities:
Explore caverns, paddle the whitewater, fish in Gold Medal waters, ski, horse ride or snowshoe.
How much:
Bon Voyage offers Glenwood Springs as part of a fly-drive package starting from £1575 per person. Includes return flights from the UK to Denver, 12 nights accommodation, 13 days mid-size car hire with full insurance and roadbook.