Treat yourself to a super spa

As summer draws to a close and the nights draw in, what better way to pick yourself up for the changing season than a relaxing and indulgent spa break. We've put together a package of ideas to suit all budgets, from a luxury British hotel, to the vast range of treatments on offer in Cyprus and the ultimate extravagance of a rejuvenation holiday in Mauritius...

Make time for? Relaxing Ragdale
Long hours sitting in front of a computer screen and a lengthy daily commute were beginning to take their toll. Feeling drained and demotivated, I decided to book myself and my mother in for a spa break to see if some of that sparkle could be restored. Mother was thrilled at the opportunity of some quality time with her daughter as well as a slice of luxury... until, however, a neighbour made the comment: "Oh I could never go to one of those spa places - not with my thighs!" So mother's enthusiasm dipped slightly at the thought of having to bare her body, and I started to feel a little apprehensive on her behalf as we approached Ragdale Hall, in the heart of Leicestershire.

The impressive former stately home is set in beautiful gardens overlooking the lush countryside. We drove up to the front entrance to unload our bags, but no sooner had we stopped the engine, two porters appeared and one carried off our bags and the other took the keys and went off to park the car. And it was at this point we left the hectic outside world and entered a haven of calm.

The staff couldn't have made us feel more welcome. What surprised me the most was the lack of pretension. Here were people of all ages, shapes and sizes in robes simply enjoying some time out. We'd arrived at lunchtime so headed for the dining room. Most people at lunch were in their robes and we were by now looking forward to getting in to ours. But first, the food... and we were spoilt for choice. I opted for a melon and prawn cocktail with a chilli and lime syrup for starters, followed by Greek salmon, roasted parsnip and carrots in a honey glaze, and haddock fritatta and salad. This was healthy eating at its best.

It was time to don the towelling robes and check out our room before our treatment. Our suite was stunning; a very comfortable lounge with flowing floral curtains, then upstairs a luxurious wooden-floored bathroom with roll-top bath and a country-styled bedroom with twin beds. As tasteful and homely as all the rooms at Ragdale. We made our way to the treatment rooms, makeup- free (gulp!) and a little nervous at what to expect. Waiting in the conservatory for our names to be called, we were surrounded by other bare-faced people, some between treatments, some sleeping flat out on the sofas, the relaxation having totally sunk in.

We had both chosen the Clarins Pro-Active face and body treatment - an hour and a half of total pampering. Oh boy, did I enjoy it - as I was massaged with fragrant oils, cleansed, exfoliated, and moisturised to the extreme. I drifted away on to another plain, I hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time... and didn't want it to end.

My skin felt so clean and soft and delicately fragranced and as I emerged from the treatment room and floated down the corridor, a large chair came in to focus and I sunk in to it and closed my eyes - I had no cares in the world. Mother emerged in a few minutes later and joined me - she was in a complete trance and just managed to mutter the words 'Wow!' before collapsing on to the sofa.

We'd each achieved our first spa experience, and we'd had no need to feel body conscious at all. It's clear to see why Ragdale Hall has an extensive selection of awards. They make you feel part of the 'family' and have created a relaxing journey we should all treat ourselves to once in a while.

TRAVEL FACTS
Sheryl Crane visited
Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire.

Call 01664 434831 or visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk for more information.

An Overnight Reviver Break costs from £155 per person in an economy room and includes a 50-minute body massage OR 50-minute Natural Harmony Facial, plus use of all facilities.

A £10 per person supplement applies on Friday and Saturday nights.

WIN AN OVERNIGHT REVIVER BREAK AT RAGDALE HALL
If you'd like to experience the unique relaxing atmosphere at Ragdale, then we have the perfect break worth £350 for you to win. You and a companion will stay in a superior room for one night and have the choice of a 50-minute Body Massage OR a 50-minute Natural Harmony Facial. Plus, full use of all the facilities. Arrive at 3pm on day one and leave on 6pm* on day two feeling completely refreshed.

For your chance to win just answer the following question: Which county is Ragdale Hall situated in?

Please send your answer, together with your name and address, to: Ragdale Hall Competition, Modern & Mature magazine, PA Editorial Services, Central Park, New Lane, Leeds, LS11 5DZT.

Closing date: October 31, 2005.

*You will need to check out of your room at 11.00am but will be offered a locker and shower facilities for the rest of the day.

UK Weather CallFor your localweather information 0905 062 6860 (Calls cost 60pper minute) *Calls from mobile phones and other networks may cost more.

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Push the boat out for... Divine Cyprus
According to legend, Cyprus is the land where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born. So where better to go if you want to feel divine? And with its growing reputation as a spa destination, you're guaranteed to come away looking like a goddess too. Lying in the eastern Mediterranean, the island enjoys year-round sunshine.

Experience the variety of fantastic spa treatments on offer at some of the exclusive hotels and leisure complexes - here are some of the best...

THALASSOTHERAPY
at Le Meridien Spa & Resort, Limassol
You can hardly believe that simply floating on your back can have such therapeutic powers. But thalassotherapy, from the Greek 'thalassos' or sea, does just that. You relax first in two small pools packed with warm, salty, oily, mineral-enriched water, to benefit your bones and muscles, before moving to the main fresh seawater pool, where jets of water vigorously massage every bit of your body. Refreshed and invigorated, the treatment ends by relaxing in the eucalyptus-scented steam of the hammam or steam room.

The results are nothing short of miraculous - cellulite simply melts away, your skin feels baby-soft and smooth, and your whole body becomes more streamlined.

Prices at Le Meridien start from £197 per room per night, based on two sharing an inside-view double room. The hotel's signature spa treatment, a 55-minute Journey of the Senses wrap costs £90.

CYPRIOT SPECIALITIES
at the Thalassa Hotel, Paphos
This small boutique hotel is the newest addition to the island, and if you're looking for some serious pampering, it doesn't come much more luxurious - each room has butler service and a private yacht is available for charter.

With the first holistic spa in Cyprus, it offers a number of signature local treatments using local products, such as mountain herbs, olive oil, yoghurt and Cypriot spirit zivania, as well as Australian range Sodashi. Try a relaxing facial and hand massage, then if you want to feel good, as well as look it, there's yoga available, and a delicious spa menu too.

Spa treatments at the Thalassa Hotel start from around £24.

AROMATHERAPY
at the Anassa, Polis, near Paphos
This cool white hotel is around 45 minutes from Paphos, and is ideal for those who want to get away from it all.

The Thalassa spa offers a variety of treatments, from thalassotherapy to massage, including a fabulous Hawaiian one where everything from your hair down is massaged, plus a 'life-saving back treatment', which lives up to its name. The spa is famous for its aromatherapy treatments, and the Sea Senses body wrap packs in the essential oils, including a spearmint scrub, and clove and mint oil, plus a mud wrap to leave you fabulously moisturised and detoxed.

Prices at Anassa start from £136 per person for accommodation in a Garden View Room, based on two sharing, including breakfast. The spa treatments start at £28.

MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC
at Columbia Beach Resort, Pissouri
This friendly, cheerful resort combines many of Cyprus' best qualities - secluded, with beautiful views to the sea, it also has that welcoming villagey atmosphere.

The spa specialises in Decleor products, with aromatherapy and detox treatments, plus a huge array of different massages.

Choose from the utterly decadent luxury of a four-hand Lomi Lomi massage, Chinese massage, a fullbody cream mask, or revel in the full five-day Aphrodite or Adonis wellness package.

Prices at the Columbia Beach Resort start at £180 for a junior suite. Spa treatments cost from £30.

TRAVEL FACTS
Cathy Winston travelled courtesy of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation and Cyprus Airways and stayed at Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort (www.cyprus.lemeridien.com or call 08000 282840) and the Elysium Resort (www.elysium.com.cy or call 00 357 26 844444).

For further information on other spa treatments experienced visit: Anassa (www.thanoshotels.com or call 00 357 26 888000) and Thalassa (www.thalassa.com.cy or call 00 357 26 881500).

For further information on spa hotels visit: Aphrodite Hills (www.aphroditehills.com or call 00 357 26 956500) or Columbia Beach Resort (www.columbia-hotels.com or call 00 357 25 833000).

For further information on Cyprus visit www.visitcyprus.org.cy or call 0207 569 8800.

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Blow the budget for... Mauritius miracles
Whether you're a slimmer or a sinner, a galloping gourmet or a fitness fanatic, the One & Only Le Saint Geran located on the beautiful island of Mauritius has introduced what could be the perfect seven-day holiday package. If it is to be believed 'Slimming Desire' promises to work nothing less than a miracle, in painless, in fact totally pleasurable way.

Even 'my body is a temple' devotees can enjoy a sinful week of sunning, sipping and savouring the delicious delights of celebrity French chef Gerard Vie's secret menu without gaining a pound, but with the aim of losing around eight. Numerous indulgent, and slimming, treatments in the Givenchy Spa and a daily work-out with a personal trainer combine the fundamental disciplines for weight loss. Sound tempting or too good to be true? I couldn't get my kaftan in the case quick enough and hot footed it to the Indian Ocean ...

Part of the miracle effect of this holiday lies with the One & Only Le Saint Geran itself, situated on its own private peninsula and fringed by white-sandy beaches and coconut trees. On arrival, a flurry of smiley staff greeted me and the boom of a giant gong rang out as I passed through 15ft high double doors into a sanctuary of lush tropical gardens and a menagerie of exotic birds. It's not far short of paradise.

After you've unpacked in your elegant and airy room, the Slimming Desire day begins poolside with a breakfast buffet served in La Terrasse restaurant. Although very hot and humid, I learnt to savour this moment. Over the rim of my coffee cup the morning vista of bright blue sky meeting azure waters was stunning and the fierce sun hadn't yet reached burning point.

The calorie allowance for the SD breakfast is reasonably kind and I tried to follow the guideline of fruit and cottage cheese, but temptation always seemed to get the better of me. Poached eggs (my favourite) are permitted, well one. They were delicious. Next stop, a work-out courtesy of the Matt Roberts fitness centre. Christine was assigned the task of putting me through my paces and after the initial horror of the weighin and body composition assessment, a strict schedule of cardio strengthening, muscle toning and weight lifting was the order of the day. She was kind but tough and recognised my weaknesses (uurrgh) and strengths (!). Although this seems like an effort for a holiday, I left her sessions, stretched, toned, and uplifted, so they were well worth it. After a rest by the beautiful pool, the next item on the agenda was the glamorous Givenchy Spa, where I was spoilt for choice. How does a gal decide the best way to spend 21 hours on treatments when they all promise to pert up my bottom, firm my bust and slim my waist, all in effortlessly relaxing surroundings. Very easily it so happens. Step into a fluffy white robe, disposable panties and lie back and think of England. Hydrotherapy massage, Slimming massage, No Complex massage, Pressure therapy, Lymphatic drainage and the three-treatment 'Exclusively Givenchy' were lined up for me. All were enemy number one to dull skin, cellulite and fluid retention.

I started my daily programme with a Hydrotherapy massage. Climbing into a warm bathtub enriched with Specific Givenchy oil and equipped with 180 powerful water jet nozzles aimed at various parts of my body felt amazing.

Therapists in crisp white tunics were only too happy to entice me onto one of their pristine beds. I spent hour after hour horizontal whilst they endlessly kneaded their hands, bristle brushes and massage creams deep into my flesh; the results of which had me feeling fabulously light and svelte.

On slimming-cream-free days I strolled the short walk from my private terrace to the beach, complimentary sarong and straw basket in hand. Relaxing under a trademark sugar-cane hut I sensed paradise found. All I had to do now was avoid spoiling all that hard work by reaching for the Ferrero Rocher chocolates in my customised mini bar. The verdict ? this goddess flew home rejuvenated and 5 pounds lighter.

TRAVEL FACTS
Sam Moritz experienced the One&Only Le Saint Géran Slimming Desire Package courtesy of Elegant Resorts and Air Mauritius.

Prices for seven nights half-board at Le Saint Geran start from £4,395 including flights with Air Mauritius and private car transfers, based on a December 2005 departure.

For more information on the Slimming Desire Package, contact Elegant Resorts Dubai & Indian Ocean Reservations by visiting www.elegantresorts.co.uk or by calling 01244 897522.