Tag: "Spa Holidays"

Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Ma'In’s natural hot springs

Top 7 Spa Hotels in the World

14 January 2013 | Comments (0)

Start 2013 with a spot of pampering, cleansing and relaxation on a luxury spa or detox break. Whether you would like to unwind in traditional Thailand, magical Saint Lucia, beautiful Bali or glamorous Miami, USA, we have the perfect spa holiday for you.

Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami, USA

“Enjoy the first-class facilities; from floor to ceiling ocean views from the Fitness Centre, to the open-air rooftop Hydro Spa and guided beach walks. The hotel offers award-winning nutritious gourmet cuisine and there are experts on hand to help you put together a diet plan.” Tom, travel specialist.

Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa view

The view at Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, Miami

Fusion Maia, Vietnam

“The New Year New You programme offers lifestyle consultations, group meditation, yoga, and eco power walks, complemented by a wide range of spa treatments, from the natural living massage to the super slimmer. Start your day in a relaxed frame of mind with breakfast any time, any place.” Kerry, travel specialist.

Breakfast at Fusion Maia

Breakfast 'any time, any place' at Fusion Maia, Vietnam

Evason Ma’In Hot Springs, Jordan

“Located 264 m below sea level, Ma’In Hot Springs is is an inspired site for a spa experience as guests can be pampered with the therapeutic benefits of Ma’In’s natural hot springs descending from the sandstone canyon. Spa facilities include a sauna, traditional hammam and natural ‘Magarah’ steam cave.” Vicki, travel specialist.

The local natural hot springs provide therapeutic benefit for guests

Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Ma'In’s natural hot springs

COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali

“Enjoy the Cleansing Programme in beautiful Bali. Starting with a wellness consultation, guests will enjoy three cleansing treatments, a 120-minute body treatment, complimentary use of the sauna and participation in The Estate’s daily activities.” Ricky, travel specialist.

Yoga at Como Shambhala Estate, Bali

Yoga at Como Shambhala Estate, Bali

The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

“The BodyHoliday, as the name suggests, is a resort focused on relaxing the mind and rejuvenating the body. Enjoy activities such as swimming in the infinity pool with views of the Caribbean Sea, go spinning in the tree house studio, learn how to fence and scuba dive and explore the landscape on bike tours, rounded off with delicious nutritious food.” Sarah, travel specialist.

The spa at The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

Complimentary daily spa treatments during your stay at The BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia

Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand

“Intro To Detox at Kamalaya is perfect for post Christmas indulgence. With a programme including a body bio-impedence analysis; lymphatic massages; detox scrub & wrap and detox cuisine meals, guests will feel revitalised. The steam cavern and plunge pools are wonderful.” Julie, travel specialist.

Exercises at Kamalaya, Thailand

Enjoy a wide range of activities at Kamalaya, Thailand

Chiva Som, Hua Hin, Thailand

“The Art of Detox programme is extensive. Guests can enjoy spa cuisine meals to complement the daily fitness activities, five daily massages including Thai and foot massages, lymphatic drainage, maya massage and super stretch sessions, unlimited use of the sauna and jacuzzi and colonic hydrotherapy.” Claire, travel specialist.

Stretching at Chiva Som, Thailand

Daily fitness activities at Chiva Som, Thailand

For more information please call our friendly travel specialists on 020 7666 1234.

Read More

Chocolate Massage

Chocolate is no longer just for eating!

15 March 2011 | Comments (1)

When you work in travel you expect to see stunning destinations every day – island escapes or fascinating architecture. But lately I have noticed my tastebuds watering more often than they should.

Chocolate Pudding at Tides Resort Riviera Maya

Chocolate Pudding at Tides Resort Riviera Maya

Chocolate – once known only as a treat with a couple of rows after dinner for those with a sweet tooth, has now become the theme for holidays & more:

  • Chocolate Destinations – We have seen lots of chocolate shop visits & tasting tours, especially in the traditional homes of chocolate – Belgium & Switzerland.  But now, South America is showing its heritage for chocolate with Venezuela and Colombia – home to cocoa beans, establishing tours where you can see the entire refining process, from harvesting the beans through to production of the end product.
  • Chocolate Spa Treatments – Forget a massage with oil, many of the world’s top spas now feature treatments with chocolate at the core, as the antioxidants & cocoa butter do wonders for the skin.  One such experience, the Chocolate Massage is offered at The Tides Resort & Spa in Mexico, where you can experience a massage & chocolate masque.  I think I would struggle not to just eat the masque with a spoon!
Chocolate Massage

Chocolate Massage at Tides Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya

  • & finally – for over-indulgence, there are now complete chocolate hotels.  In February 2011, the brand new Hotel Chocolat opened its doors in Saint Lucia and is one such example of a chocoholics dream come true.  Set on a cocoa estate, guests can follow the entire chocolate experience as much or as little as they want whilst relaxing in this paradise. Guests can take part in the cocoa harvest, view the cocoa plantation to enjoying classes in chocolate making, savoury chocolate recipes and chocolate cocktails. This is one holiday resort that will get your taste buds tingling.
Hotel Chocolat Saint Lucia

Hotel Chocolat's Cocoa Plantation in Saint Lucia

So, until I get to experience this Latin Chocolate experience, I’m off to the supermarket to satisfy my cravings with a block of Galaxy!

What is your favourite chocolate?

Read More

Makanyana Safari Lodge, South Africa

What Happened To The Honeymoon?

15 March 2011 | Comments (1)

Just 5 years ago it was traditional to have just one honeymoon in your life.  You got engaged, planned a wedding and then had a week or so on the beach to relax and enjoy the first weeks of marital bliss.  This could be anything from a luxury honeymoon to the Maldives, or if you were on a budget, then a week on the Greek islands could offer a touch of luxury with a slightly lower price tag.

Honeymooners on a Beach

However, today there is more than just a honeymoon to consider, we have seen, whether it is from the media or hotels looking to create dedicated packages for romance:

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, UAE

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, UAE

Mini-Moons – if you don’t have time for a honeymoon – this is the trimmed down version, a luxury 3 night exhilarating holiday in Dubai, or long weekend in a country cottage.  You may have blown the budget on the wedding, or simply can’t get time off.  You may also take this option if you are saving up for your main honeymoon.

Mega-Moon – not content with a week or two on the beach, adventurous couples are celebrating with a mega-moon of 4 weeks or more to explore an entire continent like Latin America or Africa – with a touch of luxury, adventure & glamour, all thrown in to one.

Makanyana Safari Lodge, South Africa

Makanyana Safari Lodge, South Africa

Baby-Moons – For couples about to completely change their lifestyle to add a third person to their family, one last retreat for themselves as a couple has become known as the baby-moon – a few days away to enjoy time together before a new bundle of joy is welcomed in to your lives.

But why stop there, who knows where the moon trend will take us?:

Money-Moon – the honeymoon you go on after you get divorced – indulge yourself with your divorce settlement and take a luxury spa holiday.

Study-Moon – the week you take after you finish your university exams – escape with a group of friends to Brazil for Carnivale, have a week in a luxury resort in the Greek islands etc.

Brazil Carnival

Brazil Carnival

New-Moon – the holiday you take between jobs to relax after the last one before you start something new.

What other honeymoon types can you think of?

Read More