The spa at Ragdale Hall is a haven of relaxation

1) The Spa at The Carrick
Cameron House. Loch Lomond, Dunbartshire, Scotland G83 8QZ
01389 755 565
www.devere.co.uk/chs1
The midnight silence is almost deafening at this sumptuous rural retreat, overlooking the Loch Lomond. Views from the roof top infinity pool alone are enough to justify the price tag. The spa uses Carita, a luxury line in the Decleor range, and Kertin Florian products based on natural resources. When staying in this lap of luxury, it only makes sense to opt for a Caviar Facial (£125). Doubles with breakfast from £199.

2) Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland
028 4372 1966
www.hastingshotels.com
Leave the Audi TT at home; most guests at this 19th century gothic beachside mansion arrive by helicopter. In between treatments and upmarket pampering guests can relax in the delightfully decadent rock sauna and amethyst steam room or on remote-controlled ergonomic beds, while gazing out to sea or the mountains of Mourne. Half-day rituals (£155) combine scrubs, massages and wraps with use of the thermal suites and relaxation areas. Doubles from £110.

3) Lake Vyrnwy Hotel
Llanwddyn, Powys SY10 OLY
01691 870 692
www.lakevyrnwy.com
Set in a Victorian hotel, this newly refurbished spa’s thermal suite consists of a sauna, salt-aroma steam room, monsoon showers and mesmerising views of the lake. All treatments use organic Thai Ytsara products, based on tropical fruits and flowers. The Arabian Rasul (£75 for two) is a cleansing ritual using self-applied mud and salt from the Dead Sea. Guests are then cocooned in a starlit dome and showered with a fine mist. A selection of bridal packages is available and even beauty tuition for young girls. Doubles from £105.

4) Ragdale Hall
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 3PB
01664 434 831
www.ragdalehall.co.uk
Loyal customers swear by this no-nonsense, relaxed spa retreat. Facilities include two studios (with 18 free classes a day), a gym, three pools, steam rooms, sanarium, whirlpools and 50 treatment rooms. The newly opened Thermal Spa offers a collection of hot, cold, wet and dry rooms; the Thought Zone has a dry heat of 60 degrees. Exclusive to Ragdale, The Decleor anti-aging face and body treatment is particularly popular. Day packages start at £69.

5) Barnsley House
Barnsley, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5EE
01285 740 000
www.barnsleyhouse.com
Roaring log fires illuminate crystal chandeliers in the lobby of this 17th Century Cotswolds retreat while the famous Grade II listed gardens offer peaceful seclusion and sanctuary. With elegant flowerbeds and water features surrounding the spa it’s no surprise Liz Hurley hired this hotel for her wedding guests, and Elton John took a shining to the dinosaur egg bath in Room 11. The signature treatment (£155) involves a scrub, hot stone therapy, massage and a facial. Doubles from £295.

6) Samas Spa
Park Hotel Kenmare, Ireland
00 353 64 41200
www.parkkenmare.com
Nestled comfortably in the Irish countryside, six candlelit treatment rooms are housed within this architect’s dream. The heated outdoor vitality pool overlooks a rocky glade of towering pine and beech trees. Guests pay by the hour and are appointed their own personal therapist. Try a three-hour service, including use of heat features and the vitality pool along with a holistic treatment of choice, (£110). Making use of the great outdoors, complementary activities such as morning serenity walks and Tai Chi are also available. Doubles from £144.

8) The Berkeley Spa
The Berkeley Hotel, Wilton Place SW1
020 7235 6000
www.theberkeley.co.uk
Admiring Knightsbridge and Hyde Park in a bikini from above is pretty special. Featuring an open-top swimming pool, with retractable roof, The Berkeley Spa is fit for a film shoot. For a full body MOT, the Neom ‘Top to Toe Organic Indulgence’ (£175) provides a thorough, but decadent buffing with a sapphire-based scrub. Splash out on a Silver Spirit day package (£325) and enjoy the pleasure of a chauffeur-driven limo ride home.

9) Bliss London
60 Sloane Avenue, London SW3 3DD
020 7584 3888
www.blisslondon.co.uk
Episodes of Sex and the City beam from plasma screens in this New York inspired day spa. When the spa first opened in 2001, appointments for a Bliss Triple Oxygen Facial (£145) were impossible to secure. The quadruple thigh pass (£110) is a four-step anti-cellulite session and the Love Handler (£120) tackles spare tyres with a vacuum-assisted massage and a fat-targeting wrap. It’s almost enough to justify the mischievously indulgent brownie bar. Go on, Carrie would do it.

COMMENTS

rc helicopters

2009 12 17

A short helicopter or boat ride from the main island Mahe, North Island is the ultimate anti-resort: a mere 11 villas featuring barefoot luxury for those who don’t like large groups or cruise directors.
rc helicopters

limousine service miami

2010 01 19

I’m taking my step daughter on a limo ride for her thirteenth birthday and she gets to bring a few friends with her. I’ve rented the limo for two hours to just drive around but thought it would be fun to quick stop somewhere.limousine service miami

Pimp Myspace Layouts

2010 01 29

What do you (personally) do when you want to recharge? I usually take a bath & read magazines… listen to music and sleep. also just watch teevee. and sit outside and swing at the park sumtimes.Pimp Myspace Layouts

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