Chic Peaks

VILALARA
PRAIA DAS GAIVOTAS, ALGARVE (OPENS FOR SPRING 16 FEB)

Scott
Women are complicated creatures. If they spot a bit of mouldy food in your fridge they think you’re a disgusting animal, but show them a spa treatment that involves soaking themselves in smelly algae and they go crazy. This Atlantic-side spa hotel offers Thalassotherapy treatments – a mix of seawater and seaweed to you and me – plus a low calorie restaurant. And, if you don’t fancy a day spent bathing in mud, there are six decent golf courses nearby.

Juliet
Even if you’re as flexible as a Ryvita, book one of the all-inclusive yoga and spa weeks and come back refreshed after enjoying the benefits of 24 bubbling saltwater treatments. Don’t worry if you’re not up on your “downward dogs”, as your prescribed course of water jets, steam baths and algae wraps, combined with yoga guru Neo’s one-classfi ts-all guidance, will soon have you able to assume any pretzel-like position.
Seven-nights half board and water treatements, without yoga, €1,353pp. For yoga dates and prices call +351 282 320 000. www.sofitelvilalara.com

SEAHAM HALL AND SERENITY SPA
SEAHAM, COUNTY DURHAM

Scott
A regular winner of top awards from the travel press, the Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall is your guaranteed Get Out Of Jail Free card with the missus. Missed an anniversary? Accidentally put the cat in the washing machine? Told her parents what you really think of them? Within minutes of entering the soothing teak, granite and limestone environs of this huge spa complex, your relationship will be back on track.

Juliet
It’s a dead-cert that any doghouse-dwellers will swiftly be upgraded to a luxury suite at this anything-but-antiseptic spa. However, even think about whipping out your Union Jack towel at this shrine to upscale ablutions, and you’ll be back in there faster than you can say Pedigree Chum. If you want romance with your spa rituals, there’s nowhere more intimate than the stylish bedrooms. And, if hi-tech extras are an aphrodisiac to you, the ozone-cleansed pool and TechnoGym are just some of the strings to this unisexy north-eastern destination spa’s bow.
Doubles from £225 (€347), including breakfast and spa facilities. Tel: +44 (0)191 516 1400, www.seaham-hall.com

BELLINTER HOUSE
NAVAN, COUNTY MEATH, IRELAND.

Scott
Ah, fishing, shooting and whisky – the holy trinity of a gentleman’s weekend in the country. All three can be enjoyed at Bellinter House, a gorgeous Georgian country pile just an hour’s drive from Dublin airport. If the thought of wandering aimlessly around wind-blasted fields leaves your lady cold, then direct her to the seaweed bath in the spa. Hopefully, she’ll be so chilled when you get back that she won’t notice you’re storing a dead salmon in the ice bucket.

Juliet
Gee, now would most ladies rather spend their leisure time on a muddy bank in waders and sou’wester, or stripped down to nothing for a warming steam, followed by an organic seaweed bath? It’s a no-brainer. Here, as there are even twin tubs on offer for this signature soother (€100 per couple), you’re sure to tempt your sweetheart away from his toys. Once you’ve been busy with the Bathhouse’s skin-softening seaweedy Voya potions and rejuvenating botanical Uspa lotions, the only catch he’ll want to boast about is his missus.
Doubles from €180, including breakfast.
Tel: +353 (0)46 903 0900, www.bellinterhouse.com