Spring is the perfect time for a spa break – and these four
promise more than just pampering, with invigorating activities for a mind and
body overhaul
The spa with added golf
Nicola Down finds the Old Course
Hotel in St Andrews well about par
Visiting a spa isn’t my partner Owen’s cup of tea. While
I’ve tried to get him into the whole pampering weekend thing, I know he’d much
rather be holed up in his room watching Sky Sports. ‘Real men don’t have
massages,’ he protests. ‘Real men go to the pub. Or play sport.’
But when I suggest visiting the spa at the Old Course Hotel
in St Andrews, I get a completely different reaction. Because, while it has a luxurious
spa that ticks all the bliss boxes for me, it’s also one of the most famous
golf destinations in the world – which gives even its pedicures an automatic
male seal of approval. And, of course, it also gives Owen a passport to play
golf on a romantic weekend away. No wonder he’s whooping with joy.
On arrival, Owen heads off to whack some balls about while I
get on with the important business of relaxing in the Kohler Water Spa.
Boasting cascade waterfalls, plunge pools, Japanese steam rooms, hydrotherapy
jet pools, saunas and steam rooms with light therapies, as well as a brilliant
rooftop hot tub, it’s the perfect place to be pampered. And, despite the
scented candles and chill-out music, it turns out Owen can’t wait to join me.
After walking the hilly Duke’s course, even he admits that the hot bubbling
water is what his aching limbs are crying out for.
The spa treatments also hit the spot. From a long list of
water-based therapies and more traditional massages and body treatments, I
plump for the thorough and tinglingly-effective Carita Diamond of Beauty
Facial. Using a host of lotions containing extracts of gems and plants, it
leaves my skin looking firmer and flawless.
As well as making the most of the hotel’s well-equipped gym,
we hit the beachfront footpath for a Chariots of Five run (as film buffs
will know, the famous beach-run title sequence was shot here). A jog heading
away from the town of St Andrews and in the direction of the kite-surfers at
the far end of West Sands beach takes less than 30 minutes – or longer if you
choose a route through calf-aching soft sand. If you plump for the latter, the
skyline of St Andrews, complete with its castle, cathedral and
Kate-and-Wills-lookalikes, is sure to keep you happily distracted.
‘So how do you feel?’ I ask Owen when it’s time to return
home from our two-night break. ‘Pretty amazing, actually,’ he replies. ‘Still
like a man – just with silkier skin and less creaky limbs.’ Praise indeed.
Find your perfect spa
With a plethora of spas all offering gorgeous-sounding
treatments in lovely locations, how do you find the one that’s right for you?
1. Try to book at least ten days in advance; any less
and even if you can get a room, you’ll often find most treatment slots are
taken. This is because many spas have day guests, too, so don’t wait until you
arrive to book your treatments.
2. Be realistic about your budget. Spas can seem
expensive – you should expect to pay about £1 per minute for a treatment.
You’ll also have to pay more in central London and very exclusive venues, while
health clubs are generally cheaper. You may have to pay just to use the
facilities at some spas.
3. For inspiration, check out the many spa reviews at
zest.co.uk. to search for specific criteria, visit goodspaguide.co.uk, which
categorises spas suitable for couples, weight loss, detox, mums-to-be and more.
You can even ask them to find you a spa if you’re still struggling.
