Words: Sophy Grimshaw

Check in… tune out

Be pummelled, be polished and be pampered at some of the world’s most luxurious hotel spas

Pink pamper
Females who are feeling flush can enjoy the new two-night, £290 “Pink Lady” package at the Culloden Estate & Spa near Belfast. Included is pink champagne, a buffet lunch, selected beauty treatments and use of the swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room. Culloden Estate & Spa, Holywood, Belfast, +44 (0)28 9042 1066; www.hastingshotels.com

When the chips are down… Take a break from the Las Vegas glitz amid the sleek grey slate of the refreshingly uncomplicated Mandalay Bathhouse Spa. Take time to indulge in aromatherapy or warm stone massage treatments to the lulling background sounds of a flowing waterfall. Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, +001 877 632 9636; www.mandalaybay.com

Go inside your shell
Oriental zen meets a touch of sci-fiwow at Copenhagen’s Ni’mat spa. It is worth a visit just to enter the “golden egg” – a soundproof chamber in which you can lie down and tune out. A little strange perhaps, but a blissful experience nonetheless. Hilton Copenhagen Airport, Denmark, +45 3244 5454; www.nimat.dk

Swiss ease
Millions of pounds have been invested in bringing the century-old, five star Lausanne Palace & Spa near Zurich bang up to date. Revive yourself in its treatment rooms and Japanese gardens. Cool off from the sauna in the ice fountain, or work out in the fitness room. It even has a private tower. Lausanne Palace & Spa, Switzerland, +41 (0)21 331 3131; www. lausanne-palace.com

Secluded star
Gilpin Lodge, 20 minutes from Manchester, is a country house hotel with what you might call “en suite” spa facilities. Garden suites have a private hot tub, and you can book inroom spa treatments, including body wraps, massage and reflexology. Gilpin Lodge, Crook Road, Windermere, +44 (0)153 94 8 8818; www.gilpinlodge.co.uk