Spa

Between hectic work schedules and making time for family and friends, we often forget to take time for ourselves. As indulgent as it may seem, self-care is crucial for us to stay on top of our physical, emotional and mental well-being. In fact, pampering yourself can act as a good defence against poor health. It is said that 75 to 90 per cent of illnesses are stress-related and being able to manage stress helps to fight that.

Unplug and recharge at one of the best spa hideaways, indulging in a series of pampering treatments as you rediscover the essence of relaxation. From the beautiful Surrey countryside to the stunning coastline of the Algarve, these retreats will all offer a truly wonderful pampering break, indulging in numerous sensational spa treatments in delightful tranquil settings. Whether you are looking for a detox, fitness boost or a de-stressing break, our relaxation and pampering spa holidays are tailored to suit your individual needs, ensuring guidance towards achieving your personal goals. Return home after an unforgettable break, having relieved stress and tension whilst reconnecting with nature, feeling totally renewed and revitalized.

When most people hear the words ‘spa holiday’, they automatically envisage women. However, men are becoming increasingly passionate about health and wellness, with more blokes taking well-deserved spa breaksthan ever before. With the pressures of the modern world weighing down our minds and our souls, it has never been more important to relax, unwind and rediscover the inner-strength needed to cope with life’s challenges.

In a world full of distractions, it has never been more important to take time out and reconnect with yourself, and what better way to do this than on a relaxing wellness spa holiday at one of the best spa hotels in the world. Run by expert practitioners within the wellness industry, these spa destinations offer a diverse range of tailored health programmes, combining the perks of a detox holiday, as well as fitness, weight loss and sleep-enhancement solutions. With a variety of approaches, treatments and classes, these luxury spa retreats are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and invigorated. So, whether you fancy a spa break a little closer to home on the golden beaches of the Mediterranean, or prefer to venture to the deep blue waters of the Caribbean, we’ve rounded up the best spa holidays to completely relax the mind and leave your troubles at home.

Living in today’s fast-paced world, a holiday to an exotic tropical paradise where you can embrace pure relaxation on a luxury spa retreat might just be at the top of everyone’s travel wish list. From the lush forests of Costa Rica to the tropical hills of Bali, you are sure to experience your dream holiday on a spa retreat in paradise with just the right mix of leisure and adventure. These beautiful, exotic destinations offer the full package; magnificent surroundings to explore, a whole new cultural experience, delicious flavourful menus, fun activities, and luxurious spas for ultimate relaxation, making them the best spa retreats in paradise.

Living in today’s fast-paced world, a holiday to an exotic tropical paradise where you can embrace pure relaxation on a luxury spa retreat might just be at the top of everyone’s travel wish list. From the lush forests of Costa Rica to the tropical hills of Bali, you are sure to experience your dream holiday on a spa retreat in paradise with just the right mix of leisure and adventure. These beautiful, exotic destinations offer the full package; magnificent surroundings to explore, a whole new cultural experience, delicious flavourful menus, fun activities, and luxurious spas for ultimate relaxation, making them the best spa retreats in paradise.

Everybody needs a break from time to time and a well-deserved spa holiday offers the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. But have you ever tried a thalassotherapy spa holiday? From the Greek work ‘thalassa’ meaning sea, thalassotherapy brings the natural healing powers of sea water to the spa. It is said to eliminate toxins from the body, increase blood and lymph circulation as well as accelerate metabolism. It also aids in weight loss, relieving muscular pain and treating various skin conditions.

Whether you’ve recently welcomed your first child or a new addition to the family, having a baby is a beautiful, although stressful, time of your life. Make this transition easier on one of our family friendly wellness retreats, tailor-made to provide you and your family with just what you need to start a healthy and happy life together.

Grab your soul sisters and shake up your weekend with a girls trip to a luxurious spa escape to reset, recharge and reconnect with your best friends. We’ve gathered the best short-haul healthy holiday destinations to tempt even your busiest gal-pals into a short stress busting vaycay. Boost your fitness during heart-pumping fitness classes before indulging in various spa treatments at one of our handpicked wellness getaways. Together with your best friends, experience the benefits of a wellness getaway and return home with a vibrant holiday glow and memories that will surely be one for the books!

Escape the chill and swap your woolly hat for a straw one with these sun-soaked wellness holidays, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. With the short winter days meaning the only chance for some sunshine is a chilly dash outside at lunchtime, many of us spend our time daydreaming of long white beaches and balmy evenings. The British summer may still seem a long way off but with our warming winter escapes tropical weather, exhilarating adventures and luxurious spa treatments are all just a plane journey away. 

Health and Fitness Travel attended the Conde Nast Traveller Annual Readers' Travel Awards 2011 last night in London. The excitement unfolded at The Royal Institution of Great Britain when The BodyHoliday in St Lucia won a major award for Best Destination Spa 2011 in the world! The readers voted for this active and wellness destination as the place to go on holiday for a complete workout and it gained top marks for exercise programmes and facilities.

With the spa and wellness travel industry expanding faster than overall travel tourism, Paul Joseph, co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel looks at the growth of spa and wellness tourism and how spas must now innovate to stay ahead of the curve for customer demand.

“Like stepping into another world…” is how nutritionist and author Lola Berry describes her experience when she first visited Aro Hā. No surprise there as this health retreat is quite literally heaven on (middle) earth, as it is set upon the ethereal backdrop of Glenorchy, New Zealand, host to towering mountain ranges, Lake Wakatipu and yes, Lord of the Rings and Narnia. 

Visiting a spa may not be every bloke's cup of tea, but massages and facials aren't only for women. Are you stressed and need some rest and recovery? Looking for a quick getaway to be pampered or need a good detox? Why don't you pop into a spa and be restored.

With our father's stomachs slowly expanding and their backs gradually bending, Father's Day couldn't have come any quicker. The perfect gift this Father's Day is not only to express to our dads how much we care and how we actually do acknowledge their existence, but it is also the opportunity to encourage them to take more time out of their stressful routines and look after themselves for a change.

From the Sanskrit meaning "The knowledge for long life", traditional ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Hindu healing system that is widely regarded as the oldest form of healthcare in the world. It aims to improve one's health and well-being by creating a balance between mind, body and spirit through an assessment of lifestyle.

From the Sanskrit meaning "The knowledge for long life", traditional ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Hindu healing system that is widely regarded as the oldest form of healthcare in the world. It aims to improve one's health and well-being by creating a balance between mind, body and spirit through an assessment of lifestyle.

Whether you want to lose weight or detox, relax or be pampered, then there's no better place to be than a spa. In recent years, spas have grown in popularity as more of us are putting health and well-being high on the list of our everyday priorities. In addition to exercise, we are looking for new ways to improve our general health and the spa experience offers a whole range of treatments and facilities which will help us to reach our goals and relax our bodies and minds. But just why are spa holidays so popular and what can we expect from a spa experience today?

Susan d'Arcy

Susan d'Arcy has been writing for the Sunday Times for over 20 years, about luxurious spas and travel. As a spa expert she enjoys sharing her tips and insights about the best therapists, spas and treatments, on her very informative, yet entertaining blog, Spa Confidential.

Balancing work, family, friends, hobbies, staying healthy, fitness goals; there’s never enough hours in the day to look after everyone and all aspects of life that need attention! Our own goals and healthy ventures tend to be pushed aside to prioritise other people’s needs. But you deserve to put yourself first for once! And going on a holiday that doesn’t break the bank helps… No matter what wellness retreat you seek, whether it is to kickstart your fitness journey, cleanse your body to be a temple, or perhapsyou need a destress, there’s something for you! Read on to see our top 10 picks for affordable solo wellness retreats.