St David's Hotel & Spa, Cardiff
Rocco Forte spent a weekend in Cardiff in the late 1990s and since then little has remained the same, apart from the standard of rugby.
There are those who think the Welsh capital may pale in stature alongside the marathon-running hotelier's other bed bases in St Petersburg, Rome and Florence. But the splendid St David's with its 132 bedrooms jutting out in Cardiff Bay is one of the finest examples of waterside renaissance in Europe. Largely as a consequence of his investment, the old port has been transformed into a leisure and shopping area within minutes of the city centre.
The hotel was in fact created by Rocco's sister, Olga, and dramatically resembles an ocean liner heading out into the Irish Sea and Atlantic beyond.
Stand on the balcony of any of the 20 suites situated in the "bow" with the tide ebbing beneath you, and you genuinely feel all at sea.
Below decks, the St David's Spa attracts pop stars, politicians from the nearby Welsh Assembly and local residents. A salt-water swimming pool forms the central feature of an adult water park with whirlpools, jets, and water corridors. Some 14 treatment rooms concentrate on hydrotherapy and aromatherapy. Packages on offer include detox, fitness, stress reduction, pre-natal, special occasion, and "sheer indulgence" programmes.
The spa restaurant serves light salads, or you could have a more calorie-laden meal in Tides restaurant overlooking the bay.
Activities nearby include sailing, canoeing, caving, climbing, white-water rafting and pony-trekking.
What's special: Indian Head Massage £30, Regenerating Facial £50, Revitaliser day programme £45 including lunch. The break: From £325pp full-board for a two-night Fitness Programme including personal training, a wellness profile and massage, through Erna Low (020-7590 1777, bodyandsoulholidays.com). The St David's Hotel & Spa (029 2045 4045, roccofortehotels.com).
Alquimia, York
The "Alchemy Workshop" opened in November 2001. Its philosophy combines a melange of ancient and modern healing methods based on a respect for nature. Treatments take place in Georgian-style bedrooms rather than clinical massage rooms.
What's special: Essence of Peace on Earth massage £35, Elixir of Eternal Youth ("a total mind and body experience") £65. The break: From £110pp per night B&B at the next-door Dean Court Hotel. Full-day Spa Experience (10am-6pm) from £155, including a facial, manicure, body therapy, spa bath, massage, lunch and all refreshments, hair and make-up. Dean Court Hotel (01904 625082). Alquimia Spa (01904 632888).
Lucknam Park, Bath
This mellow Georgian house has a warm country atmosphere. A few steps across the courtyard is a modern spa with an indoor swimming pool and doors opening on to a terrace and a walled rose garden.
You can eat in your bathrobe at the Pavilion Restaurant overlooking the pool. The hotel also has an equestrian centre with 25 horses that can be pre-booked for lessons or a hack around the manicured 500-acre park.
Two floodlit tennis courts, a snooker room, mini football pitch, fully equipped gym, hair salon, and an outdoor "Trim Trail" complete the facilities.
What's special: Sports Massage £29, Marine Algae Wrap £62. Day Spa Packages include Holistic De-Stressing, and two specifically designed for pregnant women. The break: From £195pp per night room only. Lucknam Park (01225 742777, lucknampark.co.uk).
The Mandarin Oriental, London
London's spa hotel is ideally situated for shopaholics - in Knightsbridge just across the road from Harvey Nichols.
Sumptuous Victorian bedrooms and suites contrast with the black granite and spice-scented world of The Spa in the basement. In the Zen Relaxation Area, guests can unwind on specially designed Azumi beds while drinking exotic Ayurvedic teas.
What's special: East meets West in tailor-made "rituals" that meld Native American stone therapy with Indian Ayurvedic healing oils. Here you buy time slots (£70 per hour) rather than treatments - two hours is the minimum, but once here you can use the other facilities for longer. The break: From £270pp for a two-night weekend Rejuvenation Break, including breakfast and either an Ayurvedic Holistic Body Treatment or a Balinese Synchronised Massage. Erna Low (020-7590 1777, bodyandsoulholidays.com), mandarinoriental.com.
Ragdale Hall Health Hydro, Leicestershire
The beautifully restored Victorian mansion is in a tranquil setting.
Ragdale Hall's water complex has two indoor swimming pools, one set in the rocks under a waterfall. The informal dining room serves healthy food suitable for both gourmets and weight watchers. Archery, swimming, golf and tennis coaching are all available on site.
What's special: Dead Sea Flotation Therapy £32.50, Sleep Enhancer £48, Japanese Bathing Ceremony £75. The break: from £333pp for three-night Healthy Options stay, including a choice of health and beauty packages. Stress Buster package contains stress management and fitness assessments, a massage and facial. Ragdale Hall (01664 434831, ragdalehall.co.uk).
Stobo Castle Health Spa, Peebles, Scotland
The castle, a fine example of Scottish baronial architecture, was completed in 1811. Since then, it has undergone many improvements including a recent multi-million pound modernisation.
The restaurant offers nutritious cuisine with the emphasis on low-fat eating.
Those in search of greater retreat can book into Park Lodge - a more intimate self-contained house in the castle grounds that sleeps up to 12.
What's special: Austrian Moor Peat Bath £18, French Facial £42. The break: From £360pp for two nights' full-board, including a health and beauty plan of two massages, a manicure, and facial. Stobo Castle (01721 760249, stobocastle.co.uk).
The Vineyard Spa, Newbury
This intimate spa, an hour's drive from London, is quiet and unostentatious. It is part of the comfortable Vineyard at Stockcross hotel with its renowned restaurant and wine cellar. The 31 bedrooms and suites all have marble bathrooms.
Residents have free use of the spa, gym and indoor pool, while non-residents can either book an individual treatment or a spa day.
What's special: Hydrotherapy bath £25, Crème de la Mer Facial £55, Spa Day Membership £50 includes use of facilities, light lunch and refreshments. The break: From £300pp for two nights' B&B. The Vineyard at Stockcross (01635 528770, the-vineyard.co.uk).
