Everyone loves a holiday, whether you are lying on a white sandy beach, swimming in the sea, hiking through the wilderness, or skiing down mountains. It’s a time to relax and indulge in your guiltiest pleasures.
It’s pretty ironic, then, that the run-up to a holiday can be quite stressful. From packing the perfect capsule wardrobe, to bikini ‘fear’, there’s a lot to think about before you hop on that plane.
Luckily, you can avoid the last minute panic with a little bit of forward planning. Worried about tan lines? Get a spray tan the day before you head off. Hate your cellulite? Zap it away with a detoxing body wrap. Self-conscious about stray hairs? Book a course of IPL treatments or keep it simple with a classic bikini wax. Struggling to switch off? Have an extra-long massage.
Whatever it takes to get you holiday-ready, these spas will deliver.
Location: Covent Garden, London
The perfect place to prep for a holiday to the Far East, Thai Square Spa is a Jasmine-scented oasis of calm in the middle of London’s busiest shopping district. Unsurprisingly, all the treatments are inspired by Thai rituals, and the spa only uses Thai ingredients and skincare brands, such as Panpuri and Sranrom.
Thai beauty rituals tend to focus on hydrating and nourishing treatments, such as body wraps and massages, which will give tired skin a healthy and lasting glow. And when the holiday is over, banish your jet lag with the spa’s signature ‘After Flight Fatigue Fighter Massage’.
+ Essential pre-holiday treatment: Thai Square Signature Wrap – this one-hour treatment detoxes the body and helps reduce cellulite, leaving your skin moisturised and toned.
Location: Tring, Forest Mere, Springs, and Henlow
Champneys is a one-stop-shop for your pre-holiday needs. Every branch offers a full range of beauty treatments, facials and massages, as well as the famous Champneys detoxing programmes. If you have been neglecting your fitness regime lately, sign up for the legendary seven-night Luxury Boot Camp, which combines healthy eating, personal training and spa treatments to aid safe weight loss. A two-night version has recently been introduced, if you are short on time.
A huge range of alternative therapies are also available for one-off weight loss and detoxing treatments, including acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, hypnotherapy, and lump drainage.
+ Essential pre-holiday treatment: Interslim & Vibro treatment – computer analysis identifies areas that are less toned, and a Vibro machine works to remove excess fat and add definition to muscles where needed.
Location: Mayfair, London
The ESPA brand is famous for its super-hydrating facials that can roll back the years and leave skin glowing for days afterwards – perfect for those #nofilter holiday selfies. The May Fair Hotel and Spa is one of the few spas to offer ESPA’s bespoke and advanced facials, alongside an impressive list of hand and nail treatments and beauty therapies.
+ Essential pre-holiday treatment: Luxury Indonesian Manicure – an intensive hand and arm treatment that moisturises, massages and manicures, leaving you relaxed and beach-ready. Finish off with a CND Shellac Power Polish, which is guaranteed for at least two weeks.
Location: Wilmington, Kent
The Alexander Hotels are hidden gems – usually housed in listed buildings, and all only a train ride away from London city centre. At the Rowhill Grange location, the Utopia Spa is deceptively high-tech, and packed with a great selection of pre-holiday therapies. Try the Ultimate Ionithermie treatment to instantly reduce cellulite, or the firming ‘Go Figure’ treatment that helps whittle away spare inches.
+ Essential pre-holiday treatment: AAAHHH! Foot and Leg Energiser – a leg scrub, polish and hot oil massage that is designed to leave legs looking their best. The perfect treatment to have before a spray tan, as the exfoliation will prevent any patches or dry areas.
Location: Cornwall
Set on a cliff overlooking a Cornish beach, The Scarlet is like a ‘warm up’ holiday before the main event. The hotel and spa is strictly for adults only, and offers one-off treatments, a day spa and overnight packages. Inspired by the Indian practice of Ayurveda, spa treatments at The Scarlet are all about promoting wellness and using organic, natural products. Book your own tailored Scarlet ‘journey’, which will involve massage treatments, meditation and Ayurvedic therapies, which will get you into that holiday mindset in just four hours.
+ Essential pre-holiday treatment: Voya Seaweed Leaf Wrap – an eco-friendly but very effective detoxifying wrap that draws out any toxins and leaves skin feeling nourished.
Stobo Castle
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Nirvana Spa
