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

Wild Flower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas

Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas
'Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. Wood panelling and original artwork create an aura of old world charm. Teak wood floors, hand knotted rugs and rich furnishings complemented by spectacular views make the rooms very special retreats.

For centuries, the Himalayas have inspired awe and awakened spirituality in the souls of all mortals who encounter their greatness. This fairytale resort offers a tranquil sanctuary in the mountains. The Oberoi spa at the resort offers holistic treatments based on Ayurveda, Oriental and Western traditions in private spa suites or pavilions that are ensconced in a dense cedar forest and offer spectacular vistas of the majestic snow peaks.

Enjoy beautiful views of mountains and valleys from the restaurants, outdoor Jacuzzi and the heated swimming pool. Take leisurely walks on the trails winding through the fragrant pine forests and enjoy Gourmet picnic hampers that accompany your explorations. For the adventurous the resort offers white river rafting, trekking, mountain biking, horse riding, archery, billiards, ice skating (in winter) and golf.'

That's all from the Oberoi web site. What you really don't get emphasized is what a wonderful experience it is with amazing staff.
In the grounds I had 121 yoga, only because no one else was up! It was so peaceful and inspiring.
Daily walks with a lovely guide that pointed out all the fauna and flora, I love all that stuff, but also what the British planted. Seriously, in mid July it's like walking in the English countryside.
And of course, the best in the world, Banyan Tree therapists in the spa!

I'm not comfortable in big hotels but I think Oberoi do it very well.

www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_wildflowerhall

Boot Camp Brazil!

Oh boy I remember this one!
I booked this 7 years ago for a 40th girly trip. Not sure where to begin!
A lovely island off Rio de Janiero, Ilha Grande.
We were up for the activity, yoga first thing, 2hr kayak around the island, trek, 2hr kayak back, yoga. Quite full on but massage was thrown in.
What we didn't expect was the food rationing! It was like 10,000 calories of activity on a 500 calorie diet!! We didn't go to lose weight!
After nearly fainting in a yoga session I asked to be put on a mans food portion. Basically I got more nuts!
On the last day of 6 my friend said 'Clare, your bottom has disappeared'. I mean gone. I could pull my shorts down while fully done up! That's not right after 6 days!
Anyway, we were the only Brits on that occasion, all American. One of the guests was actor Liev Schreiber. We weren't impressed. Maybe we would be now since playing brother of Wolverine in X-Men.
We finished off in Rio with a taster menu at the Copacabana Palace. 8 courses with 8 different wines. Heaven!
www.bodysouladventures.com
www.copacabanapalace.com

My First Spa Destination.....

I was very fortunate for my first spa destination to not only be to the Maldives but to the Banyan Tree resort of Vabbinfaru.
I'm sure all the islands are absolutely beautiful and I believe worth a visit before we lose them to rising tides.
I'm not a water baby but found the calm, clear waters a joy to swim in. I could even swim around the island in minutes.
Fishing for your supper, stroking sting ray, swimming with reef shark, wind surfing lessons are all some of my fond memories.
The lasting impact for me was the amazing Banyan Tree therapists and treatments. Each treatment would start with a foot ritual as they bathe your feet and discuss your needs. It must have been 12 years ago if not more. We certainly weren't doing this in the West.
I also enjoyed the experience of having a double treatment with your partner. It was very romantic and relaxing.
I've introduced foot rituals into our longer spa treatments and have also created a double treatment room for spa treatments.
I've visited other Banyan Tree resorts but will never forget my first experience.
www.banyantree.com