A little me-time

By Amanda Bown

Modern life is hectic, but the trend this year is all about making time for yourself, regardless of your timescale. It\'s a competitive world in spa-land with many places offering an A to Z of treatments, but spas don\'t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Along with some good old fashioned pampering, we\'ve found the best spas which help keep the body and mind balanced, so you\'re precious me time and budget is spent wisely.

If you have one hour...

Neal\'s Yard Remedies Holistic Massage, £45 for 60 minutes (Nationwide)

The Neal\'s Yard approach to treatments and wellbeing is excellent. They work with an individual to aid ailments and de-stress a person, always taking into consideration the whole body. As we were suffering with a nasty head cold, the massage worked on various acupressure and trigger points, with the therapist also concentrating on some facial sinus points, bringing an immediate relief to the head cold. We left feeling brighter and calmer - perfect! However, as your treatment isn\'t in a spa location, sometimes you can hear what\'s going on in-store and in surrounding corridors.

www.nealsyardremedies.com

If you have one hour...

The Organic Pharmacy\'s Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial, £75 for 60 minutes (London)

Revive city-weary skin with this treatment, which kicks off with the inhalation and deep breathing of delicious scents. The face is cleansed using the Organic Pharmacy\'s sought-after Carrot Butter Cleanser, then the Seaweed and Clay Mask is applied and then removed using muslin cloths. Rose Crystals are used to massage the skin and acupressure massage techniques lift the skin, leaving it firmer with the lymphatic system is awakened. You\'re also treated to an intensive yet heavenly, hand, arm, foot and face and scalp massage. Post-treatment, we glided out of the store.

www.theorganicpharmacy.com

If you have one hour...

Aveda Chakra Foot Reflexology Treatment, £45 for 60 minutes (Nationwide)

If you love your feet being played with then you\'ll love this. The treatment relaxes tension within the central nervous system, reducing and relieving stress. And boy does it feel good to kick off those heels and indulge in some feet TLC. The treatment commences with you choosing three Chakra cards which relate to scents. You\'re then asked to choose the scent you\'re most drawn to, as this is then used in your treatment. During the wrapping up weary feet in hot towels and foot massages, you can sit and read glossy magazines or take in the buzz of the salon. The treatment also includes a mini-pedicure, so you leave with pretty painted toes and feet which are able to dance the rest of the day away.

www.aveda.co.uk

If you have an afternoon...

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, £240 for one hour and 50 minutes (London)

The Asian-inspired Time Rituals last around two hours and you book time rather than specific treatments. We were impressed by the standard and attention to detail in the décor, complete with fresh orchids and burning incense sticks. Relaxation starts by sipping peppermint green tea at the spa\'s reception, with the sound of running water filling your ears. The Advanced Time Treatment starts with a \'grounding\' foot ritual, which signifies leaving the external world behind, and the chime of bells signifies the start of something good. Treatments leave you touched beyond the physical. Delightful long strokes of the hand mixed with short strokes, hot oils and stones meant we melted into the heated couch at every touch. When post-treatment sheer and utter bliss descends, relax in the Amethyst Crystal Steam Room and Zen Colour Therapy Relaxation area where having 40 winks is a must.

www.mandarinoriental.com/london

If you have an afternoon...

Aromatherapy Associates Real Aromatherapy Experience, £75 for 90 minutes (London, Brighton, Surrey, Berkshire and Darlington)

The signature Aromatherapy Experience treatment begins with a consultation about your emotional and physical needs. We were asked to smell various oils, which when combined with intense massage rituals aided our many ailments. Techniques fuse Western and Eastern-style massage, with pressure applied to stimulate the nervous system and encourage lymphatic drainage around the body. We loved the scent of the oils, and felt calmer post-treatment. We also recommend the Prescription Facial (£50 for 60 minutes), which are both available from various London spas, The Treatments Rooms in Brighton, In Harmony in Surrey, Fredricks in Berkshire, and Headlam Hall in Darlington.

www.aromatherapyassociates.com

If you have an afternoon...

Lava Shell Massage, £75 for 90 minutes (London, Cotswolds, Hertfordshire, Tunbridge Wells and Wales)

These pretty lava shells are genuine recycled tiger stripped clam shells from the South Pacific. Internally self-heating, they last for about an hour and therapists use between one and four shells for deep, therapeutic massage. The shells are used with LavaGel, a self-heating blend of minerals, algae, and dried sea kelp. Once blended with water, they generate heat. The smooth side of the shell delivers a deep pressure to the body, and heat action releases any muscle tension, making it excellent for those with IBS problems. Available from spas and salons nationwide, including Calcot Manor Spa in the Cotswolds, Sequoia Spa at The Grove in Hertfordshire, The Spa at The CityPoint Club in London, The Royal Day Spa in Tunbridge Wells and The Vale Hotel & Spa Resort in Wales.

See www.sharedbeautysecrets.co.uk for availability near you.

If you have one day...

Grayshott Spa Deluxe Day, starting from £165 (Surrey)

Located just outside London, Grayshott is the ideal day escape from city stress, with their approach of \'inspiration and not deprivation\'. Health consultations are perfect for those who have painful or persistent problems. Fluffy robes and slippers are de rigueur, whether eating lunch or padding to the pool, sauna and steam room. The Oriental Wisdom Treatment (£80 for 65 minutes), is a combination of body brushing and pounding to get \'chi\' moving around the body. Various pressure points are stimulated around the body, while \'rocking\' and Shiatsu-style stretches make for an interesting yet relaxing treatment. We felt energised and lighter post-treatment, and our whole body felt \'straighter.\' Post-treatment head to the relaxation room, where 10 individual beds with and snug duvets await you. Spa Deluxe Day starts from £165 including use of the spa, healthy lunch, afternoon walk with the Grayshott fitness team and a 40-minute Classic Massage and Aroma Face Massage.

grayshottspa.com

If you have one day...

Bath House Spa One Day Retreats, starting from £150 (Bath)

Located in the impressive looking Royal Crescent Hotel, the Bath House Spa is a warm and inviting environment which instantly promotes tranquility and serenity. Formerly a coach house and stables, the 12-metre pool runs alongside large arched windows, giving a monastic effect mixed with tranquility and romance. There is also a hot and cold plunge pool. The Serene One Day Retreat (£150) is a sequence of bathing and cleansing rituals, with an essential oil and sea salt exfoliation, full body massage, and a reflexology treatment, leaving the body feeling rebalanced and calm. The Elemental Retreat (£185) features aromatherapy body and scalp massage treatment, radiance facial and a holistic manicure or pedicure. Both rituals include full use of facilities, and a two-course lunch. Celebrity visitors include Russell Brand and Julia Sawalha. www.royalcrescent.co.uk

If you have one day...

ESPA treatments, starting from £55 for 110 minutes (London, Scotland, Ireland, Hertfordshire)

The ESPA Total Holistic Body Care treatment (115 minutes) is all encompassing and kicks off with a full body brushing and exfoliation to prepare and buff the skin. A deep body, face and scalp massage is then given, using a delicious blend of essential oils chosen by you, to suit your requirements. We enjoyed every minute of it, finding it positively divine and oh so relaxing. We also recommend the ESPA Oshadi Envelopment treatment. \'Oshadi\' is a word for plants and herbs used in traditional Ayurvedic healing therapies, and also is the \'giver\' of life. A full body exfoliation using various plants and spices infused with essential oils forms a nourishing mask that warms, hydrates, and helps to relieve aching muscles and joints in even the most weary of bodies and skin. Available from Gleneagles in Scotland, The Europe in Co. Kerry, Ireland, Sequoia Spa at The Grove in Hertfordshire and The Spa at Chancery Court in London (excluding Total Holistic Body Care treatment), priced from £55 to £110 for 110 minutes.

www.espaonline.com

If you have a whole weekend...

The Spa at Renaissance Chancery Court Simply Spa Weekend, starting from £349 (London)

While the guestrooms of this impressive Edwardian hotel have a slightly corporate feel to them, the hotel itself is packed with marble flooring, stately columns and an ESPA spa which more than makes up for it. Shoes are removed and replaced with soft slippers, while low lighting and rippling water add to the \'ahhh\' factor. Tea light candles and dark limestone walls with cascading water make for a very peaceful environment. As you relax pre-treatment in the fabulous circular relaxation room gold-plated pillars reflect light around the room. Head therapist Jarmila is the one to ask for. A legend in her own right, Jarmila\'s expertise and skill will sort out any knots, aches or pains you may have. Celebrity visitors include Liv Tyler, Daisy and Pearl Lowe and X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke. Simply Spa Weekend Getaway package is £349 to £458 for two people staying in a deluxe bedroom for two nights, with breakfast, one hour treatment for each guest and full use of the spa pre and post-treatment.

www.spachancerycourt.com

If you have a whole weekend...

Pennyhill Park Sleepover Spa package, starting from £545 (Surrey)

With 45,000 square feet of spa to explore, you\'ll need the weekend to make the most of this 19^th century ivy-clad mansion. Don\'t miss the huge crystal blue ballroom pool - which is 25 metres long. Also on offer are an aromatic grotto, herbal sauna, ice cave and hydrotherapy pools. Couples\' rooms have dry heat and steam combinations, plus a pot of clay. Don\'t miss the two outdoor (and very warm) hydro pools. The treatment menu is large. Paudi Scalp Massage (£50 for 30 minutes) uses 21 pressure points on the face to rebalance the chakras throughout the whole body. You can also try reflexology (£85 for 60 minutes) or crystal therapy (£95 for 90 minutes). Rooms are spacious with large bathrooms for indulgent baths, and the beds have handmade mattresses. Food is mouth watering, from rock oysters to start, and grilled Highland Farm rib-eye steak or wild mushroom lasagna for mains. Sleepover Spa package is £545 with one night accommodation, three-course dinner (to the value of £40 per person), breakfast, full use of the spa and one 60-minute treatment.

www.pennyhillpark.co.uk

If you have a whole afternoon...

Middle Piccadilly Spa Retreat, two nights from £314 (Dorset)

For a complete nurturing retreat, head to the Dorset countryside, where fresh air and lush surroundings await. A wellness centre minus flashy frills, this spa is ideal for women who want to get away from it all, and can feel comfortable being here alone. Treatment rooms and guest accommodation is basic, but countryside charm works its magic from the start. This beautifully restored Grade II listed property dates back to the 17^th century and sits between two farms, perfect for hearing birds tweet and sheep \'baa\' all day long. Food consists of home cooked vegetarian fare served at set meal times, where guests eat communally. If you crave homely comforts, it\'s the perfect place. Along with having treatments, there\'s plenty of time for walking, relaxing, reading, sleeping and best of all... doing nothing! In the Spirit of Escape Package: two nights full-board stay, and LaStone Massage and Indian Head Massage £314.

www.middlepiccadilly.com

If you have a whole week...

Galo Resort Sport Hotel, Galosol, Madeira

Perched in the cliffs and overlooking the seafront, this secluded and peaceful hotel offers wonderful views and a beach with its own private bay. There is a sauna along with multiple swimming and Thalassotherapy pools and a host of outdoor activities. Holistic spa packages last for various durations. The Ayurvedic Relaxation programme begins with learning about your \'dosha\' and advice on skin type, and any ailments or complaints. Treatments include soothing Ayurvedic body and facial massages, along with yoga lessons. We love the head massage, where warmed oil is poured over your forehead. The Island Dream programme includes multiple styles of massage, including our top pick, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Nui. There\'s also hot stone massage and classic algae facial treatments. Seven nights in a standard double room at the Galo Resort Sport Hotel starts from €48.50 per person, per night, including breakfast. The five-day Ayurvedic Relaxation programme is €310, and four-day Island Dream programme costs €198, both excluding accommodation.

www.galoresort.com

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