Try as we might to avoid it, unfortunately the World Cup will once more be upon us this week. Some of you may enjoy the sport, but personally I hate, loathe and detest it with a burning passion. Always have, always will. If you find yourself something of a World Cup widow over the next month, help is at hand in the form of some deliciously irresistible spa breaks at hotels across the globe.
What better excuse than this for a getaway with the girls? It’s the perfect time of year to visit a European city, before the schools break up and make everywhere a living hell on earth. The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is perched on the Herengracht Canal and formed of six adjoining canal town houses. Teaming up with the French beauty brand, Guerlain, the spa is a tranquil oasis. Facing the floral courtyard garden, women can enjoy signature treatments such as The ‘Fusion Experience’, a unique body massage using hot oil and water, ice bubbles recreate the fusion between earth and water so present in Amsterdam. You can also tuck into Michelin-starred dining at the gastronomic restaurant as well as afternoon tea at Peacock Alley – the hotel’s chic signature lounge.
Nightly rates from £394.
www.hilton.com
A contemporary design hotel located in the heart of buzzing Taksim Square, Marti Istanbul is a great option for a girly spa retreat. Styled like an Ottoman palace, the spa is located on the top floor of the 11-storey building, facing panoramas of the Bosphorus. Signature treatments include a traditional Turkish Hamman experience in a glistening marble bathhouse.
Nightly rates from £166 based on two people sharing a Classic Double room.
www.martiistanbul.com
Etched into its own private coast along the glistening Turkish Riviera, Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay offers a glamorous spa escape. Home to an enormous spa, guests can enjoy cutting-edge Asian therapies, a traditional Turkish Hamman, steam & sauna facilities as well as creative exercise classes such as ‘Nordic Walking’. New activities also include candlelit yoga and mountain meditation, perfect for a girls’ getaway this summer.
Nightly rates start from £157 per double room, with breakfast included.
www.kempinski.com
Tucked away in Quinta do Lago, Conrad Algarve is an ideal for a spa getaway. Designed like an 18th century Portuguese palace, the entire hotel embraces the spirit of local culture. Focused on bespoke consultations and personalised treatments, girls can get rejuvenated and pampered with signature treatments such as intreceutical oxygenated facials Outdoor spa cabanas drenched in natural light are also available for selected treatments.
Nightly rates from £138 for a double grand deluxe room, with breakfast included.
www.conradhotels.com
Set within 1,000 acres of a privately owned nature reserve, Greece’s Sani Resort, near Thessaloniki, has plenty of facilities to explore. These include their own resident wetlands (complete with wild flamingos) and a yacht marina, ideal for evening cocktails. Amongst the collection of hotels (four in total) three elegant spas exist on the resort, offering massages and express treatments either on the beach or from the comfort of your own room.
Nightly rates from £90 for Sani Beach Hotel and £158 for Sani Asterias Suites.
www.sani-resort.com
If your man’s heading out to Brazil and you just can’t bear to miss out on the fun, book your ticket now. An intimate adults-only retreat found along the coast of Brazil, in Santa Catarina, Pontos dos Ganchos Resort offers a gorgeous secluded spa break. With 25 bungalows spread out over 80,000 square meters, visitors can enjoy total privacy and an abundance of facilities. A sentiment carried over to the spa and wellness centre, three small pavilions can be found perched at the edge of the peninsula facing the water. Offering varying different views during treatments such as sunset vistas over the Bay of Ganchos, this is a scenic spot for those searching for a bit of tranquillity during the FIFA World Cup!
Nightly rates from £378.
www.escapecollection.com
For something a little bit closer to home, Champneys has introduced a new spa evening retreat. Available from 14th June – 13th July, you can indulge in some pampering from 3pm – 10pm from £49 per person, including a free Champneys Bubble Heaven bubble bath worth £12, a Thalassotherapy Pool Session, exercise and relaxation classes, use of all spa facilities and a delicious three course evening meal.
www.champneys.com
