The Mayr Health Spa, Austria
This no-nonsense spa has been likened to a comfy, health-focused boarding school for adults. Its disciplinarian regime, including a lights-off rule at 9.30pm, and diverse medically-related programmes, intensive diets, internal purification systems, exercise therapy, supportive healing treatments, and the odd pleasurable treat such as a facial or foot reflex-zone massage puts most on the straight and narrow, ensuring that even the most low-par guest leaves on a high.
Where to book: 360 Travel (020-7439 4319). The Mayr Health Spa Health Week begins with an examination by a doctor and starts from £1,250pp including return flights from London to Klagenfurt.
The Beauty Farm, Les Fermes de Marie, Megève, France
In winter, this unique mini alpine-hamlet hotel and spa near Mont Blanc is like a scene from Doctor Zhivago; in the summer, it becomes more Heidi as the snow turns to flower-filled meadows.
A cluster of 69 cosy wooden chalets are spread throughout eight lodges with stunning mountain views, and the separate spa building is made from smooth, glaciated boulders that are said to emit a healing energy. Around 50 treatments, including hydrotherapy, whirlpool baths, shiatsu, traditional Thai massage, La Stone therapy, and reflexology facials, wraps and body beautifiers. All take place in beauty rooms decked out with wooden logs, and use Les Fermes de Marie's own line of products, which are made from mountain herbs and flowers.
Where to book: four nights at Les Fermes de Marie, Megève during January and the beginning of February costs from £830pp including flights to Geneva with Erna Low (020-7594 0290, bodyandsoulholidays.info). Accommodation based on half-board twin share and relaxation stay (one traditional Thai massage, clay and mountain plants dry bath, moisturising facial treatment, marine exfoliation and mountain plant oils body pack). Or without the treatments (flights and four nights' half-board accommodation with half board only) costs from £640pp.
Mövenpick Resort & The Sanctuary Zara Spa, Jordan
This traditional village-style resort, based on an ancient stone fortress, is home to the largest non-medical spa in Jordan. Located on the shores of the Dead Sea, it takes full advantage of the renowned healing and restorative properties of the famously salty water. Here you can detox and de-stress the lazy way by wallowing outdoors in the various Dead Sea mineral-rich pools, or by sitting in a traditional hammam. Christmas excesses can be pummelled out of you by way of 70 massages, body wraps and mud facials rich in organic elements and minerals from the depths.
Where to book: Five nights during Jan and Feb cost from £1,062pp with Erna Low (020-7594 0290, bodyandsoulholidays.info), including flights, transfers, accommodation based on two sharing a room with half board and spa package (Dead Sea salt scrub, Sanctuary Mande Lular body indulgence, Sanctuary Marma indulgent facial, full body Swedish massage, hammam soap massage, Dead Sea mud wraps, Sanctuary Zara ultimate experience, mini-mud facial, back, neck and shoulder aroma massage). Without treatments (but including daily entrance to the spa centre) from £740pp including flights, transfers, and accommodation for five nights with half-board. See also thesanctuary.co.uk.
Angsana Resort & Spa, Ihuru, The Maldives
This hip resort is set on Ihura, an exclusive, environmentally friendly eco-island. Dazzling white sand, the bluest waters and a sybaritic spa dedicated to rejuvenation through treatments including soothing massages, tropical body wraps and scintillating scrubs make this an ideal winter escape.
Where to book: Carrier Indian Ocean (01625 547030). Seven nights' full-board from £1,733pp (two sharing) in a beachfront villa including international flights with Emirates and transfers. See also angsana.com.
The Adventure Spa, Red Mountain Resort & Spa, Utah, US
Red Mountain is a modern, robust "adventure spa" set in the red-rock landscape at the entrance of Snow Canyon State Park. Familiar massages such as aromatherapy and reflexology complement the more purifying mineral-rich clay body-wraps, but also serve to aid recovery from hiking, horse and bike rides across the mountains. Sporty execs from LA and Las Vegas flock here for detox, weight loss and serious fitness, giving it a reputation as a social, energetic and body-positive spa.
Where to book: Bon Voyage (0800 3163012). Seven nights' full-board from £2,999pp (two sharing) in a deluxe room inc car hire, workshops/ classes, and Virgin Atlantic flights to Las Vegas. Treatments start at £30.
· The Spa Directory by Suzanne Duckett is published by Carlton at £12.99 on January 8.
