The big chill

Ian Belcher plunges body and soul into finding you the healthiest holidays around.

Fancy a weekend in the lake district?

Owen Sheers pops over to Ontario for a spot of R&R.

Clean breaks

Looking for a bargain spa holiday, or the best gym on the planet? In his new monthly column, Ian Belcher finds out what's good for you in the world of health and fitness.

Smart casual

Hampshire's New Forest comes into its own in the golden autumn months. So after exploring the ancient woodland, cosy up in one of its fine retreats.

Easy on the roast pigeon heart

Le Poussin at Parkhill.

Gothic tales of the Alhambra

Rhinefield House.

Something spooky

Montagu Arms Hotel.

The mother of all spas

New mums are the ones who most deserve a spa pampering, and when baby gets the same treatment it’s wonderfully guilt-free too, discovered Jane Bainbridge.

Tales of the river bank

Master Builder's House Hotel.

Six women, a giant Jacuzzi… and me

Amida Spa, Hampton, Middlesex.

Float all your cares away

Fredrick's Hotel, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

From the Outback to Bagshot in one leap

Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, Surrey.

Is that an orchid on my pillow?

Mandarin Oriental, central London.

I found nirvana – in Watford Junction

The Grove Hotel, Chandlers Cross, Buckinghamshire.

Simply the test

This week: Deep tissue massage.