Spring is waiting just around the corner; a season where the world around us comes to life again; a time to renew, a time to recharge and a time to restore.
So whilst the world is revitalising, we thought we needed to join in and with this in mind, we have picked out the most exciting spa breaks to ensure you too can feel rejuvenated and make the most out of a little self indulgence.
But as true Sportsisters, looking after your inner sporting goddess was never far from our minds.
The Malvern, Worcestershire
The Malvern - Worcestershire
Spa style: Revive and replenish
Located on the outskirts of the picturesque Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, The Malvern is a multi-million pound spa development. It represents one hundred years of spa heritage and offers the very latest in spa facilities.
Enjoy the indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool fed by the world famous Malvern Spring waters and the Kelo Sauna, which is unique to the Malvern and helps improve blood circulation, weight loss, skin cleansing and induce deep relaxation of both body and mind.
On March 5 and 26, the spa is offering either a three or five day Luxury Boot Camp Package. Expect a fitness assessment, consultation with a dietician, stretch and spin classes, detox massages, hill hikes and outdoor workouts, plus there will be time to relax and enjoy all the award winning spa facilities that are available.
Getting fit and healthy has never been so indulgent!
Top Treatment : Bamboo massage
This powerful massage (£60) uses silky bamboo canes, bamboo bio extract and unique massage movements unlike any other, to help strengthen your muscles and reactivate your circulation.
Prices: The three-day package costs £922 per person and the fiveday package costs £1,622 per person.
More info: www.themalvernspa.com
The Hillmotts Retreat , Buckinghamshire
The Hillmotts Retreat - Buckinghamshire
Spa style: Energise and sweat it out!
The Hillmotts Relaxation and Fitness Retreat is based on a farm and located within 2000 acres of stunning hills and a picturesque valley.
You are sure to get the personal attention that you truly deserve and we think it’s perfect for those looking for a more energised break to boost your weight loss goals and increase your fitness levels without the extreme intensity of a boot camp.
The retreat aims to get you out into the wonderful countryside as much as possible, away from the bustle of the city and take in the fresh country air whilst enjoying long hikes, jogging or sprint sessions.
For those who prefer to sweat it out indoors, the retreat offers classes such as kettlebells, TRX and Zumba, but don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be all go on this break, with the option of more relaxing sessions such as Qigong, Tai Chi and Meditation.
The team on site is small and friendly and consists of highly skilled trainers who design a sporting and activities programme personally for you, so you are guaranteed to get the most out of your stay.
Top treatment : Sports and deep tissue massage
A deep therapeutic massage (£59) which realigns your muscle fibres. Ideal for preventing and detecting injuries and rectifying any old injuries caused by sports or posture related problems.
Prices: Full day fitness regime and meal packages range between two days, starting at £299 per person, and seven days, starting at £799 per person.
We’ve teamed up with The Hillmotts Retreat to bring you a great reader’s offer for their spa - check out our competition pages to find out more!
More info: www.hillmotts.co.uk
The Celtic Manor Resort, Wales
The Celtic Manor Resort - Wales
Spa style: Exhilarating and action packed
The Celtic Manor Resort is one of the most prestigious hotels in Wales and offers a huge array of sporting activities.
For those that love the chase of adrenaline, you can really test your nerve with the pumping forest jump experience or race at top speed with an afternoon of mountain biking.
Or why not make use of one of the finest golf courses in the UK that was home to the 2010 Ryder Cup?
The Manor Hotel is also home to the Forum Health Club, one of the largest and most luxurious hotel health clubs in the UK, offering an extensive range of luxurious facilities, including a 42-station gymnasium, cardiovascular area, free weights area and fixed resistance machines, and as well The Forum Spa.
This Spa celebrated its most prestigious award yet for Best UK Hotel Spa in the 2011 Spa Traveller Awards. It has sixteen beautifully appointed rooms that offer innovative treatments and techniques with only the sports person in mind.
Top Treatment: Elemis AromaSpa ocean hydrotherapy
The Spa’s signature treatment (from £64) uses Cellutox or Musclease Synergy in a hydrotherapy bath; the Cellutox combats toxins caused by poor diet and stressful lifestyles, while Musclease alleviates muscle spasm and stressed joints.
Prices: A night at the Celtic Manor Resort including breakfast, lunch and dinner starts at £123 per room. All guests are able to use The Forum Health Club facilities as complementary.
More info: www.celtic-manor.com
The Eriska Hotel Spa, Scotland
Eriska Hotel Spa - Scotland
Spa style: Haven of tranquillity
Nestling on the eastern side of one of the world’s most celebrated rift valleys, the Eriska Hotel Spa is set on the first floor of a converted stables building, overlooking the stunning views of Loch Linnhe and the mountains of Kingairloch.
Set in the heart of this 300 acre estate, the serene tones of the spa complement the surrounding gardens and estate. It features three pampering rooms offering a range of luxurious treatments within an oasis of calm to allow you to escape the strains of daily life and restore your sense of wellbeing.
And not forgetting your inner athlete, Eriska Hotel is well known for it’s magnificent golf course, the sheer spectacular nature of the land in which it is built gives it a real sense of magic and beauty.
But if golf isn’t what you fancy, how about a game of croquet or shooting?
Alternatively Eriska allows you to ‘build your own activity’; simply tell the staff what you would like to do and they can often pre-book the activity or make enquires to local suppliers; nothing is too much trouble to meet your requirements.
Top treatment: Holistic total body care with hot stones
A deep body and scalp massage using hot stones (£103) on vital energy points and a blend of essential oils chosen to suit your individual requirements.
Prices: Between April and October a double room starts at £345 per night which includes bed, breakfast, morning coffee and afternoon tea as well as full use of the leisure facilities.
More info: www.eriska-hotel.co.uk
Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
