Relaxation

Take a Spa Break at Urban Retreat London

The thought of jetting off to warmer climates and escaping the hustle and bustle of the daily grind is irresistible. But if the practicalities of life don’t allow for this, you can instead pay a visit to Urban Retreat at Harrods and discover The Moroccan Hammam marocMaroc. Here you can spend a few blissful hours leaving the outside world behind, enjoying a centuries-old treatment to sooth mind, body and soul, perfumed in exquisite surroundings.

6 Unusual Short Break Hotels

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QUINTA REAL ZACATECAS, MEXICO

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more achitectually impressive hotel than this.  Built into the grandstand of the restored San Pedro Bullfighting ring in central Mexico, Quinta Real Zacatecas is so seamlessly built into the original structure that you wouldn’t be surprised if a matador with a red cape swooshed by.  Rooms overlook the central former bullring, which witnessed its last bullfight in 1975.  It dates back to the 19th century and is now converted into a cobblestoned courtyard and dotted with overflowing plant pots.

Five of Wales’s Best Beaches

WHITESANDS BAY, PEMBROKESHIRE
Close to St Davids (the UK’s smallest city, due to its 12th- century cathedral), Whitesands bay boasts a mile of soft sand and clear seas that offer fantastic surfing and swimming. Part of the Pembrokeshire coast National Park, there are always plenty of activities on offer, including walks, rockpooling and even crab catching.

The UK’s Countryside Hotel and Spa Breaks

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Why travel to the France Alps, Switzerland or the Far East for the ultimate Spa Breaks when you can have them here in the UK at some of the best countryside hotels. Taking you closer to nature these countryside spas offer the best in mind and body rejuvenation, using a mixture of state-of the-art centres and natural ingredients.  They are the perfect quick-fix weekend spa break to soothe your worries. Here I have collated six of the best, packed with character and talented masseurs.

Chill Out At The Portmeirion Resort

portmeirionFollow the warm Gulf Stream around the majestic coast of Wales to Snowdonia and you will find will find nestles amongst the cliffs Portmeirion, an Italianate inspired resort.  The eccentric collection of cottages, follies and status in bright pastel colours of pinks, yellows, blues and green cannot fail to capture the imagination.

Hvar, One of Croatia's Finest Islands

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The Dalmatian Coast is said to be one of the most beautiful coastline in Europe. Dotted along the Croatian coast are islands, each has its different shape and size and offers its own attraction and beauty.  Hvar Island (pronounced phwoar) along with the rest of the Dalmatian Coast has grown into a must visit European destination.  It was overlooked for the only Greek islands and its westerly neighbours the Italians.  Known as the Croatian Madeira, Hvar receives 300 days of sunshine each year - making it the sunniest spot in the Adriatic both in summer and winter.

Ultimate Spa Breaks to Liberate Your Mind and Body

A Spa session is now a must have when we go on holiday, if not the only reason for the holiday. Therefore, Hoteliers world wide are now aware of this need and are designing Spas that offers the best in holistic treatments. For you our readers we have done a world wide search for some of the latest and best Spa breaks your mind and body will thank you for. These can be found in Italy, UK, Sicily, St. Lucia, Tasmania, Vietnam and UAE

Es Saadi Palace Spa, Morocco
Located in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, the Es Saadi Palace Spa specialist treatments include the five Es Saadi signature messages, aimed at promoting detoxification stimulating energy, sculpting the body and rebalancing the body and mind. A yoga class followed by one of those treatments in the spa’s vast open-air terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountain surely beat any DIY treatment.

European Winter Spa Breaks

The need to pick between a ski and spa break is slowly being removed as more ski resorts are mixing the best of both worlds.  Below we have highlighted places where you can double up your seasonal skiing trip to destination that have invested time and money to create the ultimate winter breaks. These spas utilise state-of-the-art technology to cure injuries and make you feel up to face the rest of the year.

Cheval Blanc, France
Cheval Blanc is a four-star luxury hotel in the heart of the Alpine Garden. It is the first hotel to feature a Givenchy Spa Des Neiges (Snow Spa).  Covering nearly 600 sq meters, the treatment centre offers specialised pre- and après-ski  treatments, intended to prepare and relax muscles in order to enjoy the snow and the skiing.
 

Go Island hopping and Sunbathing In the Canary Islands

Canary Islands

With a choice of more than five beautiful islands to choose from the Canary Islands are a sun-seekers dream comes through. It is best-known for its beaches, steep volcano landscape on most of the islands, which makes them ideal for hiking/walking. Enjoy its rustic, hearty and delightful cuisine, shaped by a rich culture.

If you are someone who likes solitude and walking off the beaten track, the canaries offer visitors the freedom and flexibility to seek and find its hidden gems.

Visit the Irish Town of Sneem


If you are in Ireland or planning to visit Ireland as part of a short break, then let me suggest the town of Sneem - a gentler side of Ireland.  Sneem is located at the very edge of the Kerry Coast (south western Ireland) over looking the Atlantic Ocean. It is about five hours drive down from Dublin and covers some of Irelands most breath taking scenery – beautiful maintains, and the Lakes of Killarney, they are unforgettable.

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