I visited the fabulous 4* St Mellion International Resort at the weekend. I’m not going to lie, originally the thought of driving 225 miles on a Friday evening from our Windsor Offices all the way to Cornwall was not particularly appealing, but the journey was not that bad at all. I envisaged driving down tiny country roads in order to reach our destination but the route was pretty straightforward and we didn’t even get lost. The resort is about a 20 minute drive from Plymouth but is perfectly nestled in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of city life…the best of both worlds.
 
As soon as we arrived at the resort we dropped off our bags in our contemporary bedroom and had about 10 minutes to freshen up before pre-dinner drinks in the Nicklaus boardroom. The bedroom was spacious and tastefully decorated; ousing a modern and sophisticated style. Stunning views across the 18th hole of the Nicklaus golf course and beyond were enjoyed from our balcony, but before we knew it we were tucking into a scrumptious assortment of BBQ food whilst mingling with the very friendly staff from St Mellion. They could not have made us feel more welcome! More...

With Father’s Day just around the corner (19th of June – don’t panic, you’ve still got time to buy a card!) I thought it would be good to concentrate on the male of the species for a change.

UK men have lagged behind their European cousins in catching onto the benefits of visiting spas. Visit a spa in Europe, you often see as many men as women enjoying the facilities (too much of the men sometimes, in my experience!). However, that’s all changing as more and more men in the UK are discovering the benefits of spa treatments and a little bit of pampering, and more and more spas are catering to them.

So here are my 5 recommendations of spas which are great for the chaps. More...

Just a quick post to mention the wonderful day I spent at Grayshott Spa in Surrey yesterday.

One of the original day spas in the UK, I went expecting it to feel a bit pretentious and that as a ‘normal’ woman and not a WAG I would be out of place. I can safely say that it was one of the most relaxed and welcoming spas I’ve been to, and I could have easily spent a few days in the tranquil surroundings. It's a lovely, friendly 4 star hotel. Highlights for me included the heated outdoor pool in their beautiful gardens, the fact you can wander around in your robe all day, including for daytime meals, and not feel the slightest bit awkward and the very friendly and attentive staff. All spa visitors receive a health consultation with one of their resident nurses before their visit starts. Being a spa that specialises in health, well-being and weight-loss you can imagine that food is an important part of what they do, and I enjoyed a healthy and, more importantly for a foodie like me, a completely delicious lunch. More...

On a sunny and warm weekend in the South of Wales members from the BookaSpa, Golfbreaks.com and Teeofftimes.co.uk teams went to visit The Vale Resort in Glamorgan and The Celtic Manor Resort. 

First stop was The Vale, set in over 650 acres of stunning Welsh countryside it is in an idyllic location for those seeking a relaxing getaway. However, it is not as remote as it may seem, as there is plenty to do in the way of local attractions with its close proximity to the great city of Cardiff being just 20 minutes away. Its location boasts an abundance of award winning attractions such as the National Museum and Gallery of Wales, The Millenium Centre at Cardiff Bay and the picturesque Norwegian Church, where Roald Dahl was christened, along with the opportunity for a fantastic night out in the City if a night on the town is what you crave.

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On Monday morning, we were to experience our “Sleep Retreat” Treatment – a treatment which has been especially designed for Rockliffe Hall by Ila.  My therapist explained whilst my feet relaxed in a warm bowl of water that it was essentially a deep, body massage which focused on my chakras – the throat chakra being the one which influences sleep. Firstly, there was a salt scrub (which had a definite smell of jasmine tea amongst other things) – followed by a shower. Then the massage – the best bit being the hot poultices which were used to massage and then left in the palms of the hand, souls of the feet etc. An hour and a half later, I felt completely relaxed. The therapist warned me that the wild poppy contained in both the scrub and the oil could give me “vivid dreams” but would ensure a deep sleep. After the treatment, we were taken to the “Sleep Retreat” and told to lie on the massage bed for 20 minutes – we were asleep after 2!

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My husband being an insomniac (and having been with him for 18 years, me being a part time insomniac), I was intrigued to find out what the “Sleep Retreat” at Rockliffe Hall Hotel and Spa was all about.   This was the 2nd one that the hotel had organised in conjunction with Dr Guy Meadows who runs the London Insomnia Clinic.  There is a 3rd planned for September.    Even if you are not an insomniac, read on:  Rockliffe Hall is a superb, rural destination to relax and catch up on some sleep.....

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