Here’s our round-up of the best detox breaks and spas in the UK. Go on, sort yourself out for the New Year!
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath
What: Britain’s only natural hot springs are in the historic city of Bath, where locals have chilled-out in the city’s mineral-rich warm waters for more than 2000 years. At Thermae Bath Spa, visitors choose from a two or four-hour spa session which includes aromatic steam rooms and a wallow in the open-air pool with knockout views of Bath’s skyline. Also on offer are hot-stone treatments, facials, massages and body wraps.
The damage: A two-hour spa visit is £25.
Getting there: Take a train from London Paddington to Bath Spa with First Great Western in one hour, 23 minutes.
See: thermaebathspa.com
Yoga on Clare Island, Ireland
What: Flanked by mountains and the Atlantic ocean, this rural yoga retreat is the perfect spot to escape the daily grind by getting bendy. Eco-warriors will approve of the cottage accommodation, made up of solar panels and wood-burning stoves for heating. The yoga studio affords gorgeous views over Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. After classes finish for the day, take a stroll in the surrounding woodland.
The damage: A four-day yoga course costs from £380, including accommodation, food and tuition. Get a discount on the week-long courses in exchange for work.
Getting there: Fly to Dublin, then take a train to Westport. From there, the yoga school will organise transport to the ferry for you to get over to Clare Island.
See: yogaretreats.ie
Ard Nahoo, Ireland
What: Become the image of tranquility with a three-day detox at Ard Nahoo. Every day will begin with a yoga session, followed by an ‘Uisce hour’ which includes a loll in a steamroom, hot tub, and detox box, a detoxifying sauna which burns a whopping 900-2400 calories per session. The Uisce hour promises to eliminate toxins, burn calories and soothe muscles.
The damage: A three-day detox retreat is £420 from February 3-6, including food, eco-cabins and yoga classes.
Getting there: Fly from London to Knock, a one-hour drive from Ard Nahoo.
See: ardnahoo.com
Trojan Training Bootcamp, Marlow, Berkshire
What: Box your way to good health with this not-for-wimps bootcamp, run by an ex-military physical training instructor. Suitable for people of all fitness levels, this two-day course promises to burn more calories than you knew you were capable of via team challenges, group tasks and workshops on nutrition and cooking.
The damage: £250 for a two-day (ahem) break on January 30-31.
Getting there: Take a train from London Paddington to Marlow in one hour with First Great Western.
See: trojantraining.co.uk
What: In 80ha of gardens and wooded parkland, Bodysgallen Hall offers sweeping views of Snowdonia and Conwy Castle. Its spa, in a converted stone farm, offers A-list-style pampering at Z-list prices.
The damage: Half-day packages start from £65, including use of the sauna, steam room, spa bath, swimming pool, and either a full body massage, a facial, a manicure or pedicure.
Getting there: Train from London Euston to Llandudno Junction with Virgin (three hours).
See: bodysgallen.com
– Janine Kelso
