After a busy month at Bookaspa towers trying to find all our lovely customers their perfect spa escapes, Anne and I thought it was about time that we treated ourselves to some of our own pampering, relaxation and of course a much needed girly gossip. Our first destination: Cheltenham.

We departed Windsor for the Greenway Spa, which is perfect for small groups looking for a girly getaway; when we arrived there was a group of ladies sipping champagne in their robes. Then we spotted the outdoor hot tub which is a real selling point...I wanted to jump right in! The low lit pool was so relaxing and the amazing experience showers felt like I had been transported to the Amazon rainforest! Greenway is perfect for a very classy spa experience.More...

Sopwell House, just outside the historic Roman city of St Albans, in leafy Hertfordshire, has long been admired as a spa and hotel of the highest quality. Yet despite having lived close by for 10 years, the only time I’d ever been in was to buy spa vouchers for my wife.

Thankfully, last month that all changed… and what a treat it was. We visited in January when the arctic weather that had been predicted finally arrived, but the moment we stepped into the glorious lobby – a brilliant mix of modern atrium and cosy country hotel – our cockles were warmed by the huge fireplace and welcoming ambience.More...

It has come to that horrendously busy time of year again – where we have to somehow cram in two months worth of socialising, shopping, and eating into the run up to Christmas. Bearing this in mind, you will inevitably be hitting the city centres to buy soapy stocking fillers, inappropriate secret Santa presents, and novelty socks for the men... but yet nothing for yourself? Sometimes, you hopelessly try to squeeze in a coffee break, whilst tripping over piles of shopping bags around people’s feet. Why? It seems that the whole nation goes through weeks of torturous shopping days, come rain or snow, heading out into the cold and then into the packed department stores. I don’t know how many times I’ve got so flustered and overwhelmed by the hoards of Shopper Elves that are squeezing into shop doorways and grabbing for the Perfume box sets, that I’ve given up and just gone home. Enough is enough. This is when the city Spa will really come into its own! More...

December is the month of overindulgence, decadence, and luxury. We snack on novelty chocolates, drink far too much at the Christmas party, and spend increasing amounts on presents for the mother in law’s-dog’s-uncle’s-cousin. It’s the same motions we go through every Christmas. Have you finished the kids’ nativity outfits (meaning the tea towel secured to the head with a bit of yarn)? Have you grabbed the Secret Santa present for the woman at work that has never really been too friendly with you? Have you bought the New Years Eve dress, because you know that the second you step out the door after Christmas you’ll be stampeded by keen sale shoppers?

Just stop for a minute and relax. You know that you can grab a dress online, and you know that there are plenty of tea towels in the kitchen drawer. Your mother in law’s-dog’s-uncle’s-cousin will be happy with a pair of socks, and you can just get the work colleague some bath bubbles, (she’ll never know who it’s from anyway). I know it’s meant to be the season of giving, but it’s also the season to be jolly. It hardly seems that way when you barely have time to think.More...

As the temperature drops and the cold nights draw in you can certainly tell winter is here. One thing I know myself and other girls struggle with is keeping my skin in good condition throughout these chilly months. It’s all well and good having a pot of Vaseline handy in your handbag to help prevent those chapped lips but a good skin care routine is essential to help fresh, dewy skin for this party season.

Whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours free there is no excuse for not taking a little time out for some serious ME time! BookaSpa.com has an array of spa days and breaks which make the perfect party prep packages that offer some fantastic facials. Not taking too much of a hit on your bank balance there are some fantastic 2-4-1 deals we are offering and just to get you a little bit excited for 2013, the Bannatyne will be offering a tempting deal at £24.50! Just watch this space…More...

Working as a BookaSpa.com sales consultant for almost half a year now, one of the things I have come to realise is that the demand for spas in an area that is easily accessible from London is ever growing. An excellent area I will now be highly recommending is the Kent and Sussex area. Let me tell you why…

It was 7.45am on a chilly Wednesday morning and the team and I were ready for a day exploring spas in the South of England. Equipped with questions to help expand our knowledge, a full tank of petrol for the twelve hour journey ahead and a shed load of enthusiasm we head off to the first spa of the day.More...

Every year BookaSpa.com and our big brothers Golfbreaks.com and Teeofftimes.co.uk get together for our annual awards ceremony and this year it was held at Celtic Manor, a truly amazing venue. This 5* resort has to be one of the most beautiful hotels I have seen. Driving into the grand resort, I was surrounded by the most impeccable grounds giving the illusion of seclusion. I was just as impressed as I walked into the hotel lobby, the interior was just as outstanding as the exterior.

It was a black tie event meaning the men were all smartly dressed in their tuxedos and the girls all looking gorgeous in their party dresses. Of course, the pampering for this event had started weeks before including exfoliating, moisturising, tanning, threading and waxing to name but a few (and we are sure that it wasn’t only the girls taking part in this rigorous beauty regime!)More...