Treat yourself to some ‘me’ time on a pamper break

Being pampered and preened while you relax is not only a pleasure it’s an absolute necessity as far as I’m concerned. Whether you are an old hand or a novice, I have found a few special UK breaks that might tempt you…

Spa novices might like to break themselves in gently with the hour-long indulgent Champagne and Chocolate treat, £109 per person, at the new spa at medieval Ruthin Castle in North Wales. After an organic chocolate body wrap, you get a box of the real thing and two glasses of champagne to enjoy in the relaxation area. The Moat Spa also has mineral-rich spring water hot tubs of varying temperatures, thermal rooms, a rasul, five treatment rooms and the ‘Moët in the Moat’ champagne nail bar. Make a trip of it: rooms from £125 per night with breakfast.

01824-702664, www.fihotels.com

If your body needs more serious attention, the spa at luxury Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham offers the 55-minute Detoxing Algae Wrap, £75, using Babor products, which aims to eliminate fluid retention and flush out toxins. After a full body cleanse you relax in a body wrap with natural detoxifying ingredients, while enjoying a gentle head massage. Rooms from £210 per night. Special offer for readers of The Lady: Book two midweek nights (Monday to Thursday) and receive a free 25-minute treatment of your choice.

01242-545454 and quote ‘The Lady’, www.ellenboroughpark.com

For those already au fait with the joys of a spa, Cameron House, a five-star resort on the bonnie banks of Scotland’s beautiful Loch Lomond, offers the Carrick Triathlon: a refresher facial, relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage and a file and polish for fingers or toes, or a full body energising scrub. Prices start from £129 (weekdays), including lunch and access to spa facilities. Rooms for two from £175 per night.

0871-222 4681, www.devere-hotels.co.uk

The treatment menu at the new spa at Ockenden Manor, West Sussex, includes the de-stressing Isopod Flotation. All you have to do is relax your muscles as you’re suspended in saltwater at body temperature. The therapy is reportedly good for rehabilitation after injury, pain relief, boosting the immune system, meditation, reducing stress, encouraging ‘happy’ endorphins and promoting mental clarity – and all at £45 for 60 minutes. Rooms from £190 per night.

0800-089 3929, www.hshotels.com

If you don’t have time to stay overnight, there are fabulous day spa treats available. Danesfield House, a great hotel with a lovely spa near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, offers the perfect Escape For The Day from just £145 per person. It includes a welcome soft drink, light lunch with a glass of champagne, use of the gym, pool, spa bath, steam, sauna and relaxation areas, plus the exclusive Danesfield Trilogy: a facial using Aromatherapy Associates products – one of my favourites – followed by a deep-cleansing back exfoliation with relaxing aromatic oil massage and finally, a Jessica Luxury Manicure or Zen Spa Pedicure. Bliss.

01628-891010, www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk

Travel News

Go West – slowly

Fans of Cornwall will adore Slow Cornwall, a new Bradt Travel Guide by local Kirsty Fergusson. Priced £14.99, the book offers information on where to stay, eat and drink and what to do and see, in particular the county’s horticultural treasures, with the emphasis on soaking up sights and experiences. www.bradtguides.com

Italian job

Kirker Holidays is offering three nights for the price of two at the five-star Villa Medici, an 18th-century palace with summer swimming pool, minutes from the River Arno in Florence. From £698 per person, including flights, transfers and guaranteed entrance to the Uffizi Gallery. 020-7593 2283, www. kirkerholidays.com

Water bargain

Linthwaite House in the Lake District has halved the price of all rooms until 12 August through Fine Individual Hotels. Available every night except Saturday, new prices now range from £122 per night for a standard double room with breakfast. The four-star Edwardian hotel is in 14 acres of grounds overlooking Lake Windermere. 01539-488600, www.fihotels.com