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Five foodie spas
If a visit to a spa is all about feeling good, why shouldn't that include your taste buds? Back in the day, if you went to a spa, people assumed that you were there to shed excess pounds, so you were allowed to nibble a lettuce leaf every third week. Fun it was not, but the world of spa has since changed.
Many spas flag up their low-fat or low-sugar dishes on the menu in case you are feeling conscientious, but relax. Nobody's going to reprimand you for having a crème brûlée. You're there to enjoy yourself, after all. Champagne and strawberries count as therapy in our book.
The Club Hotel and Spa, Jersey
The Club is an ultra-smart boutique hotel just a short hop from the beach. Marine treatments are a speciality and spa facilities include a saltwater pool, sauna and steam room. When the sun shines, you can enjoy the outdoor pool and the al fresco eating area.
Bohemia is the name of The Club's main restaurant. The name suggests a hedonistic approach to the business of eating and drinking, and that's just what chef Shaun Rankin aims to deliver. Expect Royal Bay oysters, Jersey Royals in season, and lashings of Jersey cream, as befits the location.
Just a year after opening in April 2004, Bohemia gained a Michelin Star and has retained the accolade ever since. They're obviously doing something right.
Perfect for: Restorative marine-mineral spa treatments and fine local seafood.
We loved: The Club's room service is pretty fine, too.
Find out more about The Club Hotel and Spa
Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
If luxurious seclusion is what you're after, look no further. Lucknam is a five-star country-house hotel, hidden away in 500 acres of listed parkland. The spa, tucked away within a stone courtyard, features an indoor swimming pool and an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, thermal cabins and much more.
After all that, you'll have earned a visit to The Park restaurant, where Hywel Jones tries out some daring combinations. This main restaurant has earned two Michelin Stars for its contemporary English food with a French twist. The spa's Brasserie offers lighter, but equally as lovely dishes.
Perfect for: Getting away from it all -- but with the splendours of Georgian Bath nearby.
We loved: Showing off the effects of our wondrous Carita Pro-lift facial in the elegant restaurant.
Find out more about Lucknam Park
Galgorm Resort and Spa, Co. Antrim
A woodland wonderland awaits at the glorious Galgorm Resort and Spa. Combining breathtaking Irish countryside with the modern luxury of a beautiful thermal spa, this resort is a fairytale getaway.
Galgorm offers a wealth of treatments and thermal experiences including a range of climate rooms, and a serail mud chamber. Our aromatherapy massage helped us sleep soundly.
Galgorm's River Room restaurant boasts two AA Rosettes and gloriously tranquil views of the River Maine. In the intimate, elegant dining room you can enjoy modern European cuisine, and the best seasonal produce. Local game and fish feature prominently. Galgorm's sommelier hosts wine tasting, too.
Perfect for: A romantic getaway.
We loved: Sipping champagne in the outdoor hot tub, gazing onto woodland.
Find out more about Galgorm Resort and Spa
Rookery Hall, Cheshire
A handsome Georgian manor house deep in the Cheshire countryside, Rookery Hall is an understated gem. A glass-roofed 18-metre pool and crystal steam room are among the features in the spa, and there is an enveloping sense of calm and serenity throughout. Our massage with ESPA products and hot stones left us in the just the right state to float off to the panelled dining room, with its ravishing garden views.
Chef Mark Walker aims for simple, but inspiring food based on seasonal ingredients, with signature dishes that include local lamb, traditionally reared pork and organic salmon. The spa café bar serves a selection of healthy, modern dishes in a setting that overlooks the pool.
Perfect for: Being at peace with the world and yourself. Rookery Hall is very serene – you hardly even notice the presence of other guests.
We loved: The emphasis on individual attention.
Find out more about Rookery Hall
The Vineyard at Stockcross, Berkshire
The Vineyard takes its inspiration from owner Sir Peter Michael's top Californian winery. Offering a vast world-class wine list, delicious gourmet food and a luxury spa, this is the place to come when you really want to push the boat out!
Treatments in the spa are in keeping with the gourmet theme, so you can get fruity with a kiwi and pomegranate facial, or detox with a spicy black pepper massage and wrap.
On spa days you can enjoy a bento-box lunch. If you're staying over, head to the main restaurant where chef Daniel Galmiche offers an ultra-refined style of contemporary food.
Perfect for: Thoroughly luxurious menus of both spa treatments and food.
We loved: Letting the sommelier choose our wine. They really do know their stuff here!
Find out more about The Vineyard at Stockcross
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