Playground politics
What better place to divulge secrets than at secluded Woodbury Park, Devon, in one of the Swiss-style self-catering lodges for up to six adults. Situated in the woods on the edge of the golf course, the lodges are a stone's throw from the main complex. Get competitive in the indoor pool, golf course and tennis courts. The Nigel Mansell World of Racing in the grounds allows you to relive teenage times on the go-kart track. A choice of bars and two restaurants provide an adult way to unwind after all that catching up.
Where to book: 01395 233382. From £225 per night for six people.
History house
Even non-history buffs may find a weekend break in a 17th-century chteau an irresistible location for talking over old times. Set deep in the heart of Champagne country, the renovated Le Chteau d'Etoges is surrounded by a moat and 30 acres of private land. You can fish or walk in the grounds - and the restaurant serves dishes made from fresh, local produce, and local champagne. A gastronomic package includes a visit to a champagne cellar with tasting and a bottle of bubbly in every room.
Where to book: Eurotunnel Motoring Holidays (08707 442211). A two-night weekend break costs £221pp (two sharing) including Eurotunnel crossing for car and passengers, plus accommodation with breakfast and four-course evening meal.
Capital calling
The prospect of a few drinks helps disperse fears that old friends may have about meeting up after such a long time apart. While in the old days, it was a couple of pints down the union bar, now that your taste buds are more refined, the chance to sample a wine or two may be more your style. If your friends are scattered across the country, why not meet up in central London to explore the wines of the world? The day starts with a tour of the wine museum and emporium - Wine Odyssey - near London Bridge, with the opportunity to sample five different wines from the hundreds on offer, and is rounded off with a two-course lunch in the Vinopolis Brasserie. A world away from canteen dinners.
Where to book: Sunvil UK (020-8758 4747). From £215pp (two sharing) for two nights' B&B at the four-star Chesterfield Mayfair.
AB seas
Dive into old friends' lives again at Maenporth Cottage, near Falmouth. Located in 10 acres of woodland above Maenporth beach, there are magnificent views out to sea and along the coastline towards The Lizard peninsula. The cottage has direct access to the coastal path and a private footpath leading to the beach. It sleeps up to 10 in five bedrooms and has two sitting rooms with sea views, balcony and terrace. The nearest pub is two miles away, and an 18-hole golf course is nearby.
Where to book: Classic Cottages (01326 555555). The cottage is available on weekly hire from £838 a week.
Morocco bound
If talking and catching up is all you want to do, the magnificent Ryad Madjouline villa in Morocco gives you complete freedom. This villa is a mixture of Andalusian and Moroccan architecture, with its own private pool and garden, plus a local chef and housekeeping service to keep you in real luxury.
Where to book: Scott Dunn Mediterranean (020-8682 5040). Four nights' half-board for eight people sharing costs from £865pp, including scheduled flights to Marrakech and transfers.
Island break
Take your mates away from it all to the beautiful island of Arran, off Scotland's west coast. Enjoy the freedom of a self-catering break with all the luxuries at one of the Auchrannie Country Club lodges in Brodick, the island's capital. Each lodge is large, comfortable and well equipped with TV, hi-fi and fitted kitchen, and is set in the peaceful grounds of the newly constructed Auchrannie Spa Resort. Keep the years at bay with a beauty treatment or invigorating Swedish massage.
Where to book: Auchrannie Country Club (01770 302020). A two-night weekend break in a three-bedroom lodge costs from £360 per lodge.
Dance lessons
This is nothing like the school disco. Instead, party the weekend away in dynamic Barcelona, where the salsa nightlife is some of the best in Spain. Learn the steps at lessons given by local and international teaching talent, then dance till you drop at the city's hottest night clubs, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Recoup your energy by relaxing on the beach.
Where to book: Dance Holidays (01293 527722). From £299pp, including return scheduled flights Stansted-Barcelona, two nights'B&B at a centrally located hotel and dance tuition. Single person supplement £12 per night.
Sports day
If you always wanted to get close but never dared ask, then head for Latvia and the Olympic bobsleigh track at Siguida (one hour from the capital Riga). Bring back all those memories of school sports days and see who still plays to win on a plastic bob, with equipment and professional instruction provided for half a day.
Where to book: Fregata Travel (020-7375 3187). From £371pp (minimum four travelling together) including BA flights from Heathrow, transfers and two nights' three-star B&B in Riga.
Perfect chemistry
Head for The Lake Vyrnwy Hotel in Wales, located on a hillside overlooking the mountain-ringed lake, where you can act like a kid again and indulge in a spot of clay-pigeon shooting, take a boat, mountain bike or just walk up to the moors. The hotel food is good (there's an award-winning restaurant), the staff friendly and the atmosphere informal. After all that activity, take it easy and confess all your school sins in comfortable armchairs next to a log fire.
Where to book: The Lake Vyrnwy Hotel (01691 870692). Weekend rates from £150 per room (from £105 for single occupancy) per night half-board. Activity prices available on request.
