Massage in Paris Sept 2011

I had a weekend in Paris with girlfriends and as we are all in the beauty industry we decided to splash out and have a treat at the fabulous Dior Institute at the Plaza Athenee in Paris.
Just walking through the hotel lobby was like a scene from Pretty Woman. Bell boys were rushing through carrying bags from Chanel with beautiful men & women close by.

On entering the Dior spa you are greeted by a perfectly groomed receptioninst in perfectly applied red Dior lipstick!

A very white, slightly clinical environment but oozing LUXURY!

My massage was very good but it was the environment of the relax area which really gave this experience top marks!

Maybe one day i'll get to stay at the hotel!
www.spaplazaathenee.com

PAMPER PACKAGE

If you're looking for a short break then I would highly recommend Prendsletemps, Biarritz.
What a welcome, Champagne and cup cakes!
I visited with a friend, also in the beauty industry, as we were both in need of a break. I wouldn't hesitate to go alone either as we were very well looked after.
Whether you want to have complete 'me time' or get away with a friend ..this break is something dreams are made of. Top class treatments - giving real results over the week/weekend - whilst enjoying delicious and nutritious food a Cordon Bleu chef - in beautiful luxury surroundings. Quite simply...a time for total indulgence! They are here to help you completely unwind and re-charge your batteries. Immerse yourself in luxury at truly special venues and totally indulge yourself with hours of luxury pampering treatments included in the price. That means you have at least a one hour treatment each day.... some days more.... body scubs, body wraps, massages, facials...just heavenly!

You will experience a full range of top quality treatments. So often the 'spa-break' can mean being herded around from treatment to treatment, receiving massages from over-worked young beauticians. Pure Pamper Breaks with Prendsletemps provide you with a truly personal programme. They strictly limit the number of guests on each retreat to ensure that they have time to spend with you...with generous time slots to enable full treatments.

Some mornings you may choose to have breakfast in bed (always a decadent treat!) and have lazy days snuggling on ample sofas with a book or a movie...ambling around the beautiful private mature gardens. Other days you may saunter to the local French produce market or take a trip to the nearby coast.

If you need an adrenolin boost - They can arrange that too - why not try something different - an hours surf lesson, quad-biking, canyoning, horse-riding... all on the doorstep and it's all about YOU and sending you home looking and feeling amazing...although they promise you won't want to leave!
www.prendsletemps.co.uk

Atzamo Hotel Spa Ibiza

I have just returned from a few days in Ibiza. I was hesitant about going as I was last there over 20 years ago and although had fun I certainly wasn't thinking of repeating the experience!
I was visiting friends who guaranteed good food and spa, so I went along.

I was certainly not disapponited by my visits to Atzamo Hotel and its pools and spa. The space is vast with wonderful tented relaxation areas and very attentive therapists. Even with a strong euro the treatments were well worth the price.
They also do residential packages for the hotel and spa so worth asking for package offers.

Although August is very hot it seems a quieter time to visit, if you can cope with the heat, as September is wedding season and the spa gets full and more families around. I can imagine October is lovely.
Atzamo

Ayurveda & Kerala

I studied Ayurvedic medicine at Regents College London in 2000/01 and thought I really must go to the heart of Ayurveda and experience treatment there.
This was way before the many package trips were available but had been recommended a resort 'Coconut Lagoon' by a client. I thought the name was a bit naff but it really was an old coconut grove on a lagoon.
We stayed in individual fishermans huts that had been converted to guest rooms. The bathrooms were outside which was lovely to shower under the trees.
We had a consultation with a doctor who went into great detail of our lifestyles. As we had no medical condition we were given a course of rejuvenation, daily treatments for 7 days, yoga and diet to suit our dosha. I'm vata/pitta and my friend kapha/pitta.
Dosha translate as your faults. This isn't as negative as it sounds but helps you to understand your potential imbalance.
Vata = air & space. Pitta = fire & water. Kapha = earth & water.
I had to study Sanskrit on my course and found this very helpful in Kerala.
A day on a house boat is a must. So totally relaxing going down the backwaters. I personally wouldn't do an overnight again as there were too many insects for comfort!
Most definitely on my list to go back in the next few years and have rejuvenation again. I would look at the tourism web site to find some traditional resorts rather one that has become too westernised.
www.keralatourism.org

Fujiya-Ginzan Japan

We chose to go to Japan for the month of May to see the cherry blossom. Although we did about 4 destinations it was so easy to get around as the train services are so puntual and fast.
One of our chosen destinations was Fujija-Ginzan, Yamagata in the north. We chose this hotel as it had many reviews on its architecture. As you can see it is quite special.
The Japanese hot spring bath is quite a ritual. We would just get into a bath at home but in Japan you shower and scrub beforehand so you have a clean body to enjoy the bath. Makes sense really.
Most baths are 1 sex but you can book them privately and be with your partner.
We found the food quite difficult once we were out of Tokyo but was certainly an enlightening experience of the Japanese culture.
www.fujiya-ginzan.com

Delhi & Ladakh India

On my travels to India I do like to start and finish in a world class hotel and spa.If I'm going through Delhi then I always stay at The Oberoi. Its been revamped over the last few years and has an amazing spa. Of course Banyan Tree therapists! The indoor pool, I thought was just a water feature until I saw people in it, is gorgeous.
The outdoor pool is great also and some very good restaurants. Not to be missed is Sunday lunch. A fixed price with champagne on tap. Naturally I try and link a Sunday in!
I'll be staying again in November and so will get some more pictures.
Oberoi Hotels Delhi

After relaxing in Delhi we took a flight up to Leh, Ladakh to start the most amazing camping/trekking journey I have ever done. For myself and a friend we had 9 horses, 2horsemen, a cook, a guide and 2 helpers. We had booked it independently and it was unbelievably cheap!
Ladakh is only accessable for a few months of the year before it gets completely snowed in. It's known as Little Tibet as borders China and Pakistan.
The company Rimo Expeditions could not have looked after us better. this was 2 years ago and I'm going back to them in November for a trek in darjeeling.
Rimo Expeditions

South America

Last Autumn I visited the coolest hotel I have ever stayed in, Faena Hotel & Universe in Buenos Aires. I like to have a few days to crash out and unwind from work before going on a bit of an adventure.
The Faena has the best Tango Show in BA and a fantastic pool. The spa was no way on a par, design wise, with the rest of the hotel but that wouldn't stop me going back.
Faena Hotel & Universe

After a wonderful few days in Buenos Aires we went onto Chile to an Explora adventure in Atacama. Horse riding, treks, climbing and the day finished with wonderful massages and food and wine. The scenic picture is somewhere near Bolivia and one of the favourite pictures I have ever taken.
The guides had so much knowledge and passion on the history and geology of their country and region. I was so impressed I plan to visit their resort in Patagonia next year.
Explora Atacama