9 of the most luxurious spa breaks to take this year

These indulgent spa breaks will leave you feeling refreshed and revived - and our exclusive spa offers are a treat for your bank balance too...

Aava Thailand holiday offer
Where better to relax and find yourself again than on an unspoilt, white sandy beach, watching pink dolphins dancing in the waves? The boutique Aava Resort and Spa, with just 28 rooms, in the fishing town of Khanom, southeast Thailand, is ideal for a week of "me time". Our Marie Claire Thailand spa break includes seven nights' accommodation in a deluxe bungalow, 60-minute massage, return flights from the UK, all breakfasts and evening meals, half-day dolphin-watching tour, and daily activieis including Tai chi, Pranayama (yogic breathing), Sun Salutation yoga, stretching class, pilates, group flow yoga class, and meditation - all for just £1,499 per person. See the details

These indulgent spa breaks will leave you feeling refreshed and revived - and our exclusive spa offers are a treat for your bank balance too...

Aava Spa & Resort, Thailand

Where better to relax and find yourself again than on an unspoilt, white sandy beach, watching pink dolphins dancing in the waves? The boutique Aava Resort and Spa, with just 28 rooms, in the fishing town of Khanom, southeast Thailand, is ideal for a week of "me time". Our Marie Claire Thailand spa break includes seven nights' accommodation in a deluxe bungalow, 60-minute massage, return flights from the UK, all breakfasts and evening meals, half-day dolphin-watching tour, and daily activieis including Tai chi, Pranayama (yogic breathing), Sun Salutation yoga, stretching class, pilates, group flow yoga class, and meditation - all for just £1,499 per person. See the details

Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa, Berkshire, UK

Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa, Berkshire, UK

Located in Newbury – just over an hour’s train journey outside of London - Donnington Valley is perfect for city dwellers looking for an easy country escape. Awarded 5 bubbles by The Good Spa Guide, its peaceful pool area boasts a revitalising Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. If you want to try something a little different, spend a relaxing 10 minutes in the scented aromatherapy room. Treatments range from manicures and pedicures to luxurious massages, facials, body wraps and exfoliations. As the spa is part of a hotel, there’s also the option to book an overnight break. This lets you enjoy the facilities across two days, and enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the on-site restaurant. Bliss.

Located in Newbury – just over an hour’s train journey outside of London - Donnington Valley is perfect for city dwellers looking for an easy country escape. Awarded 5 bubbles by The Good Spa Guide, its peaceful pool area boasts a revitalising Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. If you want to try something a little different, spend a relaxing 10 minutes in the scented aromatherapy room. Treatments range from manicures and pedicures to luxurious massages, facials, body wraps and exfoliations. As the spa is part of a hotel, there’s also the option to book an overnight break. This lets you enjoy the facilities across two days, and enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the on-site restaurant. Bliss.

Talise Spa, Dubai, UAE

Talise Spa, Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a city that celebrates luxury, and its spas definitely live up to their sumptuous image. The majority of spas can be found within the lavish hotels in the emirate - perfect for those who want convenient treatments while on holiday. Talise Spa is the largest in the Middle East, with a focus on self-discovery and complete retreat. Set in calm gardens, the spa takes on an oriental theme and offers private treatment villas to hide away in.

Dubai is a city that celebrates luxury, and its spas definitely live up to their sumptuous image. The majority of spas can be found within the lavish hotels in the emirate - perfect for those who want convenient treatments while on holiday. Talise Spa is the largest in the Middle East, with a focus on self-discovery and complete retreat. Set in calm gardens, the spa takes on an oriental theme and offers private treatment villas to hide away in.

St Moritz Hotel, Cornwall, UK

St Moritz Hotel, Cornwall, UK

Look to the fabulous St Moritz hotel in Cornwall for stylish rooms and a wonderful Cowshed spa, two swimming pools, gym, two gourmet restaurants and a bustling bar. The location is equally enticing: Greenaway Beach is at the bottom of the garden, and the pretty towns of Rock, Padstow and Polzeath are nearby. It's the ideal destination whether you're looking for a relaxing beach stay, indulgent spa break or romantic retreat - and our fabulous spa break offer includes three nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, and a £20 Cowshed spa voucher.

Look to the fabulous St Moritz hotel in Cornwall for stylish rooms and a wonderful Cowshed spa, two swimming pools, gym, two gourmet restaurants and a bustling bar. The location is equally enticing: Greenaway Beach is at the bottom of the garden, and the pretty towns of Rock, Padstow and Polzeath are nearby. It's the ideal destination whether you're looking for a relaxing beach stay, indulgent spa break or romantic retreat - and our fabulous spa break offer includes three nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, and a £20 Cowshed spa voucher.

Thermae Spa, Bath, UK

Thermae Spa, Bath, UK

Best spas

The city of Bath has been a spa retreat for centuries: it was the first destination in the UK to offer natural thermal waters to laze away in. The city’s historic and beautiful Roman Baths are beautifully maintained and date back over 2,000 years, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the thermal waters in a natural and unique environment. Thermae Bath Spa offers a modern twist on Bath's spa heritage, combining the city s natural thermal waters with modern services to create a complete spa experience. Visitors can bathe day and night, with the glass bordered rooftop spa the highlight. Kick back and relax, and enjoy Bath’s picturesque skyline. Ahh...

Dream Gran Castillo, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Dream Gran Castillo, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Best spas

As one of the world ’s largest producers of aloe vera, it’s no surprise that Lanzarote boasts a fabulous spa culture. Away from the striking black volcanic beaches you’ll find lots of indulgent spa hotels and retreats, which often take their inspiration from the island’s multicultural roots. The Dream Gran Castillo Hotel in Playa Blanca is one of the most luxurious hotels in Tenerife and offers its very own Wellness and Thalassotherapy centre, for relaxation of body and soul. Here guests have exclusive use of the on-site Vitanova Spa that offers both therapeutic and beauty treatments.

Hotel Fouquet Barriere, Paris, France

Hotel Fouquet Barriere, Paris, France

Best spas
(Image credit: glb)

Paris is a truly luxurious setting for spa breaks. Located on the Champs Elysees the U Spa at the Hotel Fouquet s Barriere is a haven in the middle of the city. There are a number of treatment rooms, a hammam and one of the largest indoor pools in Paris. Once you’ve finished relaxing, spend lazy days exploring the beautiful architecture and sophisticated pavement cafes that provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat.

CS Sao Rafael, Algarve, Portugal

CS Sao Rafael, Algarve, Portugal

Best spas

The Algarve is renowned for its laid back luxury, and with a host of pampering resorts and spa centres it’s a great option for spa seekers. CS Sao Rafael Atlantic Hotel is the essence of peace and serenity along the Algarve coast: spend your days relaxing in the unique thermal circuit, languishing in the floatarium or wallowing under the waterfall. Pure bliss.

Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire

Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire

If you’re looking for a reliably rejuvenating country house spa break, you can't do better than Ragdale Hall. Set in the heart of the Leicestershire country-side, (yet conveniently just minutes from the main station) it is perfectly located for easy day trips or over night stays and is consistently voted top in the most prestigious spa awards each year both by readers and the experts. Its not hard to see why. The extensive range of treatments here is second to none. From top quality massages, stone therapies and reflexology to a range of unique signature treatments combining popular therapies such their Hypno-Reiki, Crystal Facials and the truly Heavenly Holistic Sole Sensation for tired feet and legs, there are a dizzying array of indulgences on offer. And that’s before you even explore the fantastic facilities on offer – rooftop infinity pool, full thermal spa, and scented showers anyone? We were blown away by the sheer choice and the relaxed informal vibe – so laid back in fact that we fell asleep in the thermal area – twice! Spend the day here yourself to witness its true transformative effect – best experienced after a stressful week! The best bit? You can relax knowing that it wont cost the earth as they have regularly have special seasonal packages on offer. The result is you can afford to indulge yourself– like we did - and try out a good selection. For more information visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk for their range of spa days, spa breaks and great value special offers, such as their newly-launched Autumn Midweek Saver

If you’re looking for a reliably rejuvenating country house spa break, you can't do better than Ragdale Hall. Set in the heart of the Leicestershire country-side, (yet conveniently just minutes from the main station) it is perfectly located for easy day trips or over night stays and is consistently voted top in the most prestigious spa awards each year both by readers and the experts. Its not hard to see why. The extensive range of treatments here is second to none. From top quality massages, stone therapies and reflexology to a range of unique signature treatments combining popular therapies such their Hypno-Reiki, Crystal Facials and the truly Heavenly Holistic Sole Sensation for tired feet and legs, there are a dizzying array of indulgences on offer. And that’s before you even explore the fantastic facilities on offer – rooftop infinity pool, full thermal spa, and scented showers anyone? We were blown away by the sheer choice and the relaxed informal vibe – so laid back in fact that we fell asleep in the thermal area – twice! Spend the day here yourself to witness its true transformative effect – best experienced after a stressful week! The best bit? You can relax knowing that it wont cost the earth as they have regularly have special seasonal packages on offer. The result is you can afford to indulge yourself– like we did - and try out a good selection. For more information visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk for their range of spa days, spa breaks and great value special offers, such as their newly-launched Autumn Midweek Saver

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