Now is the ideal time of year to book a cheeky getaway to look forward to and there’s nothing I enjoy more than a long weekend at a spa in the sun. Sunshine spa breaks have come in to their own in recent years, with a host of luxury resorts popping up all over Europe. It’s the perfect tonic for us run down Londoners; who could resist the temptation to skip over to City airport after work and wake up in the sunshine the next morning, ready for a long weekend of R&R? What are you waiting for? Hit up EasyJet and get one of these beauties on your radar…
Situated in the midst of one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes, Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda (pictured bottom left), is a luxury eco spa resort perched above the village of Gargnano overlooking Lake Garda. With 93 suites, each with a view of the lake, the resort is set within 27 acres of gentle hills, woodlands and natural olive terraces on the Riviera dei Limoni and is ingeniously crafted into the hillside, built using bio-compatible materials and the latest alternative and renewable energy solutions in keeping with its philosophy of eco-sustainability.
The Lefay Spa merges the ancient principles of classical Chinese medicine with modern western techniques to help guests restore energy and achieve body and mind balance. With a host of health, beauty and wellness programmes available from two to seven nights, as well as a la carte treatments and daily activities and classes, it’s tempting to create your own tailor made trip. Lefay has recently boosted its programme of healthy skin treatments with a new natural face lifting treatment for 2015, using acupuncture and massage, which compliments the spa’s five day skin wellness programme and range of corrective skin treatments. The aculifting and face shaping massage is a non-invasive and non-toxic lifting treatment, which is designed to reduce the signs of ageing and stimulate energy points to make the skin supple and glowing. Considered to be an excellent alternative to cosmetic and plastic surgery, the treatment starts with acupuncture which increases blood flow, relaxes facial muscles, smoothes wrinkles and improves skin moisture. A draining and contouring massage follows, which eliminates lymph fluid accumulation and reshapes the neck and facial muscles. The ‘Aculifting and Face Shaping Massage’ costs £124 (170 Euros) for a one hour treatment. The ‘Beauty of Body and Mind’ programme costs from £1,382 (1,900 Euros,) which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, five nights’ accommodation and all treatments. The beauty consultation and analysis of the skin costs £65 (90 Euros). www.lagodigarda.lefayresorts.com
Heading south into the Med to Mallorca, the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel and Spa (pictured top centre) has recently reopened its doors for the season and currently has a spring offer available until April 30th. Built on a cliff overlooking the fishing village of Port Soller and surrounded by the Tramuntana moutain range, the resort houses 121 sea or mountain facing rooms and suites, spread across 11 buldings connected by scented gardens and is just a 25 minute transfer from Palma airport.
The resort’s Talise Spa offers a cliff top retreat with a new generation of spa treatments, from massages and complimentary therapies to an olive seed exfoliation and Mediterranean oranges wrap, along with an outdoor heated hydropool and Jacuzzi with views of the mountains. Add to that two restaurants serving regional Balearic cuisine, tapas, paella and fresh seafood - both using fresh, locally sourced ingredients – Jumeirah Port Soller is the perfect location for a weekend break in the sun. Available between 6 March - 30 April 2015, prices start from €375 per room per night for a Superior room. Guests can also take advantage of a buffet breakfast at the newly-refurbished Cap Roig bistro-style restaurant, and complimentary access to the hotel’s Talise Spa. www.jumeirah.com.
Situated a mere 20 minutes from Marbella, La Cala Resort has recently introduced an exclusive new detox programme, in collaboration with the renowned French beauty brand, Anne Sémonin; the perfect tonic to counteract a weekend of partying at Marbella’s notorious resorts. Set in the secluded surroundings of the Sierra De Mijas mountain range, this four star resort provides a relaxing refuge for those in need of rejuvenation. The detox is designed to maximise physical and mental wellbeing, with programmes from two to ten nights available, with prices beginning at €480 for a full three day package.
With the help of a personal therapist; each guests receives a bespoke programme tailored specifically for their needs, with treatments available including the ‘Haute Couture’ intensive anti-aging massage that uses aromatic extracts to stimulate cell regeneration for a radiant and luminous appearance along with a cellulite-busting, body contouring Seaweed Wrap which eliminates toxins from the body, whilst promoting circulation, exfoliating and tightening the skin. The resort also boasts two swimming pools, three 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis and squash facilities and with accommodation available from €134 per room per night (including a buffet breakfast, access to the fitness room, Wi-Fi and parking) it’s the perfect post-party comedown retreat. www.lacala.com.
Since visiting the incredible Lindian Village on Rhodes a couple of years ago (www.spabreaks.com/venues/lindian-village) I’ve been wanting to go back and explore more of Greece, so I think I may well be tempted to book a visit to Athens’ picture postcard Grand Resort Lagonissi (pictured bottom right). With five star accommodation ranging from sea view rooms to waterfront bungalows with privates pools, not to mention a host of leisure activities, it looks too good to be true; an outdoor freshwater swimming pool, two floodlit tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, mini golf, waterskiing, scuba diving, boat trips, sailing, and for the evenings there is even an open air cinema – who could resist?
The THALASPA Chenot comprises the spa area, which of course specialises in a particularly luxurious brand of pampering. Using the Chenot product line they offer a wide collection of face and body treatments for head-to-toe rejuvenation and even have their own Bio-light menu in their dining area for healthy and balanced meals. The surrounding 72 acre peninsula boasts 20 sandy beach coves, as well as six restaurants and three bars. One need never leave. Book online at SpaBreaks.com before March 31st and you can get 15% off bookings between April 18th and October 31st. www.spabreaks.com/venues/grand-resort-lagonissi
Venice's newest - and biggest - spa is poised top open its doors any day now. The brand new JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa (pictured top left) is opening on its own private island (Isola delle Rose), located in the Venetian lagoon just 15 minutes by boat from St Mark's Square. Situated amongst the island's expansive private gardens and olive groves, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa will feature 266 guest rooms and suites designed by renowned Matteo Thun & Partners of Milan, offering exceptional comfort and refined style.
The tranquil and private setting of the resort’s GOCO Spa will invite guests to relax and rejuvenate in harmony with the brand's emphasis on well-being. The extensive treatment menu has been designed to offer world-class beauty services and the menu combines classic spa rituals, natural treatments, advanced medi-spa beauty treatments, and bespoke mind and body programmes for personalised treatments.www.marriott.co.uk
If you can spare a couple more days for a longer trip, you need The Cascades Spa & Thalasso Soma Bay in your life (pictured top right). It’s recognised as the best in Egypt and one of the largest spas in the world; facilities span over an area of 7,500 m2 with 65 treatment rooms offering everything from a seemingly endless menu of traditional massages and beauty treatments to the latest technology for aesthetic treatments and hydrotherapy.
The Spa is operated in cooperation with Raison d’être Spa, the Swedish spa consultancy whose award winning spas have consistently been ranked as the best spas in the world in 60 different countries. The unrivalled centerpiece of the Spa is the 750 m2 Thalasso-Tonic Hydrotherapy Pool containing 830 m3 of sea water sub-divided into a number of distinct zones with water jets, currents and counter-currents, showers and bubbling baths. Each designed to provide comfort and to regenerate and tone a specific part of your body. The repertoire of holistic spa treatments performed by a team of skilled international therapists is a thalasso-spice tribute. The unique formula combines the healing properties of sea water with the exotic flavour and health benefits of Egyptian spices and herbs. For more details visit the The Casccades Spa & Thalasso website, including their latest spa related packages - www.somabay.com/special-offers
Now, where did I put my passport…
Love Laurel x
