The enema within

Ian Belcher took some persuading to go on a colonic irrigation holiday, even at a Thai beach resort. It is, he discovered, quite astonishing what gets flushed out in the course of a week's treatment. But did he feel the better for it?

Peace mission

Urbanite Liane Katz found an exquisite haven of massage, mud baths and yoga in the lush foothills of Sri Lanka's mountains.

No kids attached

Families don't always have to holiday together. Jane Cunningham gets away from it all at a celebrity health farm on the Costa del Sol.

Bathing on the moon

Debbie Lawson tries some steamy stress-busting in the hot tubs on a lunar landscape.

Leave your worries on the doorstep

The repercussions of September 11 have left many Britons feeling stressed and disinclined to travel abroad. For those who want to unwind without leaving Britain, Stobo Castle's health spa offers the perfect solution

The peace dividend

Where can you go to make yourself feel - and think - better? Fiachra Gibbons kicks off our mind and body special by going to meditate in a Yorkshire mansion.

Stay calm

Work stress, global bad news - it all gets a bit much. Max Riddington finds where to retreat from the real world.

Achilles healing

Moyra Bremner finds the former refuge of the Greek warrior is the perfect place to lick your wounds.

Flushed with success

Lisa McGarry discovers how to get modern living out of her system at a health farm on the Algarve.

A drop of the soft stuff

Can you survive in Ireland without any Guinness? Andy Pietrasik takes to the water in County Mayo.

Peak condition

Skiing holidays don't have to be all action. Felice Hardy, co-editor of the Good Skiing and Snowboard Guide 2002, names the best spas - and describes what you get for your money

The spa attraction

The Adriatic state has been celebrating 10 years of independence but Bob Maddams joined those heading there for some serious relaxation.