5 reasons you need to book a spa trip
Is your tin of Quality Street down to the last solitary green triangle? Have you been rushing around so much that you now desperately need some ‘me-time’? If this all sounds too familiar, the prospect of a busy January can seem a little overwhelming. So if you’re still recovering from the festive period, why not ease yourself into the New Year by indulging in a luxury spa break? After all, you need to start the year the right way.
Aside from the obvious ‘R&R’, spending a day or two at a health spa can have a host of other benefits to your overall health and wellbeing. We’ve rounded up the top five reasons you need to book a spa trip right now…
Smoother skin
Skin rash or outbreak of acne? Skin problems can arise due to a variety of reasons, ranging from stress, lack of sleep or a poor diet. Top health spas tailor treatments to suit your skin type and can offer everything from exfoliating scrubs to laser treatments, leaving you with a perfectly polished complexion in no time.
Muscular relief
As regular gym bunnies will know, painful knots and areas of tension are no laughing matters. From your abs to your quadriceps, many of the body’s biggest muscle groups can become stiff over time. Therapeutic massages can allow your body to rest while restoring your muscles to their optimum health, making this the ideal way to give sore muscles some much-needed TLC.
Deeper sleep
Lack of sleep can not only leave us feeling irritable, but can lead to a variety of health problems over time. The more you relax during the day, the better you’ll sleep at night, thus indulging in a spa treatment or two, can ensure an uninterrupted, deep sleep – leaving you feeling lighter, brighter and healthier the next day.
Healthier joints
Picked up an injury during your weekly sports session? Certain sports can strain your joints as much as your muscles, leaving you with tense tendons and connections that can make exercising much more difficult. Opting for a sports or deep tissue massage during a relaxing spa break can aid joint repair and reduce the risk of developing arthritis in later life.
Reduced risk of heart disease
Taking some quality time out and booking a relaxing activity such as a spa break can help to alleviate the stresses of modern day life and in turn, reduce the risk of stress-associated illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and strokes.
And if you’re now itching to pack a bag and take a trip away, check out our top spa picks for 2016:
Champneys, Hertfordshire
It’s one of Britain’s most traditional health spas, and with nutrition and exercise firmly at its heart, Champneys offers both day and spa break packages. It recently underwent a multimillion pound revamp, and the relaxation facilities are second to none, with an amazing Thalassotherapy pool to stimulate and tone tired, aching muscles.
Treatments from £15, champneys.com
Bulgari Spa, London
Located in the middle of buzzing central London, this tranquil complex comprises a fitness room, sauna, steam room and ice showers, alongside a luxury private spa suite a relaxation room – designed to offer an urban oasis of experiences to soothe the mind, invigorate the body and revive the senses.
Treatments from £60, bulgarihotels.com
Rockliffe Hall, County Durham
Offering some much needed ‘R&R’ to golfers and non-golfers alike, this award-winning spa at the five star Rockliffe Hall Hotel is one of the UK’s finest. With spa packages designed to enhance circulation and boost immunity, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling healthier and happier. And a visit to the brand new Spa Garden (blending the indoors and outdoors for when you need a touch of extra tranquillity) is a must!
Treatments from £30 rockliffehall.com
Four Seasons, Hampshire
Located in a beautiful 18th-century, converted stable block, you’ll feel instantly relaxed from the moment you step into the changing rooms. Skincare ranges include ESPA and Sodashi and bespoke treatments can be booked to suit individual wants or needs. We also love the vitamin-packed smoothies on offer to sip in between treatments!
Treatments from £30, fourseasons.com
Gleneagles, Perthshire
Multiple-award winning and offering everything from Ayurvedic massages and Orient-inspired reflexology to natural facials and hydro-therapy, the spa at Gleneagles offers the latest in spa treatments. Located in the heart of Scotland, the attention to detail in the spa is incredible. What’s more, hotel guests can only enter if they’ve booked a treatment – making the spa a haven of tranquillity.
Treatments from £95, gleneagles.com