The Good Spa Guide

Craving a wellbeing break but not sure where to start with choosing one? We talk to the experts to help you find the best retreat for you

- Eve Boggenpoel

Spa culture has come a long way. Originally the preserve of therich and famous, spas were focused exclusively on luxury. ‘Aretreat was synonymous with middle-aged women sipping aglass of Champagne while they had their nails done,’ says StellaPhoti, founder and managing director of Wellbeing Escapes(wellbeingescapes.com). ‘Today’s spa-goers are much moredemanding,’ says Photi, ‘and looking for a more integratedexperience that offers not just health and beauty treatments, butnutrition, fitness and lifestyle packages, too.’ And the industryhas responded – now you can choose anything from a day’sdetox at a city spa to a complete lifestyle overhaul in an exoticlocation. So whether you’re looking for a juice fast, detox orweight-loss programme; emotional healing after a bereavementor traumatic break-up or life-changing coaching techniques to create the life you’re looking for, there’s a spa out there to match!

Winter can be a great time to escape for your restorative break but, with so many spas on offer, how do you know where to go? Make the right choice and your holiday can kick-start a lifestyle change that completely transforms your wellbeing; get it wrong and that overcrowded pool, dirty sun lounger or poorly trained therapist could leave you feeling more stressed than when you arrived. Here’s how to find the right spa for you – and get the most out of your stay while you’re there.

Choose well