As the cold, wet and windy weather of the winter months sets in, there’s no better time in the year to take a break and spend some time indulging in some much needed TLC – and what better way to embrace the season than by planning the ultimate luxury spa day at an opulent spa retreat?
A day of being pampered, waited on hand and foot, and indulged with aromatic essential oils is something we all need from time to time to completely relax and unwind – and if you have the opportunity to go more frequently, even better. The spa is a place to forget about the outside world, the busyness of life filled with deadlines and bills, and to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility that awaits to come out feeling refreshed, renewed and feeling like the very best version of yourself.
Choose the ultimate retreat location
To set the scene for your luxury spa day, the first task is to choose the spa retreat where you will spend the day being lavished with attention and enjoying some much needed peace and tranquility as you allow the stresses and strains of modern life to melt away. Opt for a venue renowned for its plush amenities and impeccable service, and that offers a wide variety of cutting-edge treatments. A venue that offers winter-specific therapies to address the unique needs of your skin and body during the colder months is an even better choice – and if you’re planning on making it an overnight stay, then look for a spa retreat set within the grounds of a lavish five-star country house or city hotel to ensure that sense of calm, relaxation and all round opulence is infused into every element of your spa break.
Look out for five star facilities to enhance the experience
A great spa day isn’t just about the hour or two of treatment you get to enjoy, but about making use of the various thermal facilities available to enhance the overall experience. Most luxury spas will have heated pools, jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique then choose one with a dedicated hydrotherapy circuit, which may include ice baths and hot and cold therapies to promote circulation and detoxification. The typical hammam experience is also a must if you’ve yet to try one, and is a head-to-toe rejuvenating experience that offers an unparalleled sense of wellbeing.
Pack the right attire
So, you have booked a long weekend away with the girls and are headed to a mountain spa retreat to catch up, shed the weight of everyday life, and sip tonic-filled seltzers all day, but have you stopped to think about what to wear? Ideally, when headed to a spa you should phone ahead and enquire about the dress code. Certain places prefer their guests to exude optimum comfort and recommend yoga leggings, flowing linens, and relaxed fit casual wear to ensure no experience during your spa getaway is constricting in any which way. Think swimwear, seamless underwear, and loose-fitting t-shirts paired with wide-legged yoga tights.
And once in the facilities it doesn’t change. Wandering from treatment room to treatment room, or from the spa to the sauna you want something quick and easy to slip onto your feet, and flip flops are a great choice. In fact, the best choice in women’s flip flops will provide both comfort and functionality, without the need to compromise on style. There are plenty of excellent neutral choices on the market for a more understated look, or consider a more colourful or sparkly pair to dress up a casual outfit if headed to the poolside restaurant for a light lunch.
The right treatments for the job
Luxury spa days are not a case of one-size-fits-all, and every experience should be carefully tailored to meet individual needs. If you have a particular concern you’d like to address, be it skincare related or some physical aches and pains, then call ahead and chat to your therapist to discuss which treatment would be the best solution. During the winter, indulgent therapies designed to combat dry skin, soothe muscle tension, and rejuvenate your overall well-being are great choices, while hot stone massages, hydrating facials, and body wraps infused with nourishing ingredients all promise to leave you feeling restored.
Engage in mindful practices
The best spa retreats don’t just focus on the body but on the mind, soul and spirit, too – and by incorporating mindful practices like meditation and yoga into your itinerary you can spend the day focusing on restoring a sense of wellness from the inside, out. This type of holistic approach, combined with a serene setting and plush facilities, is the ultimate way to hit the reset button.
