Sometimes you just need to get away to relax, and these fantastic destination spas offer the ultimate pampering experience. You'll feel better even before you even lie back and let the treatments begin.
We've picked the best of the UK's spa getaways. Check out our gallery below to start planning your indulgent break.
Best Destination Spas around the UK
1. Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa, Lake District
The Lake District has plenty to attract visitors but with a new spa at Armathwaite Hall Country House (www.armathwaite-hall.com), there's another reason to head to the lakes for a holiday. Set in 400 acres of deer park and woodland, framed by Skiddaw mountain and overlooking Bassenthwaite lake, the four star converted country house is all wood panelled rooms and cosy log fires.
As well as an outdoor hot tub to really enjoy the countryside, there's infinity and hydrotherapy pools, plus an aroma room. The Luxury Spring into Summer Spa offer costs from £180 per person, including double room, half hour treatment and gourmet dinner, as well as a discount on any other treatments booked. The offer runs until November 2010, subject to dates and availability.
Best Destination Spas around the UK
2. Galgorm Resort and Spa, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Just half an hour from Belfast, Galgorm Resort (www.galgorm.com) is set in the middle of 163 acres of parkland, on a world heritage site. And the tranquil woodland setting by the River Maine has inspired the spa, designed from local stone and natural wood and colours.
The Thermal Spa experience includes cold, cool, warm and hot rooms to bathe and relax in, as well as an outdoor hot tub, hydrotherapy pool and hammam, before you try one of the treatments. The Total Aromatherapy Indulgence, £90, is one of the spa's signature offerings.
Best Destination Spas around the UK
3. Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa, County Durham
Inspired by Feng Shui, the oriental design of Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa (www.seaham-hall.co.uk) uses teak, granite and limestone to leave you feeling calmed before a therapist even gets their hands on you. Not surprising, perhaps, that it was named Best UK Spa Destination by Conde Nast Traveller.
As well as the ozone-cleansed pool with massage showers, there's crystal light therapy, a granite steam room as well as over 40 different treatments. Try the Signature Hot Stone Back Ritual, £70, for utter relaxation.
Best Destination Spas around the UK
4. The Scarlet, Cornwall
Luxury and eco don't always go together, but The Scarlet (www.scarlethotel.co.uk) in Mawgan Porth manages to mix mod cons and a perfectly clear conscience. Perched on a cliff top, with wonderful sea views, the spa focuses on wellbeing rather than simply external beauty – although you get plenty of that too.
As well as Michelin-starred food and a soak in the outdoor hot tub, there are some in-room treatments or you can choose from one of 10 journeys, all lasting three to four hours and including meditation and your Ayurvedic type plus four-handed massages and treatments for mums to be.
Best Destination Spas around the UK
5. Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa, Powys, Wales
One of the UK's most spectacular locations, the four-star country house Lake Vyrnwy Hotel (www.lakevyrnwy.com) is on a 24,000 acre estate surrounded by mountains and overlooking Lake Vyrnwy, just over the Shropshire border in Powys.
And the spa makes the most of the fabulous views, with treatment rooms looking out across the water. There's also a salt steam room, Rasul mud room, ice fountain and monsoon or fragrant mist showers, as well as natural Thai remedies, holistic therapies and a string of facial and body treatments. Entry costs £10 unless you spend £80 on treatments or there's a string of packages including Lakeside Relaxation for £99.
Best Destination Spas around the UK
6. Feversham Arms & Verbena Spa, North Yorkshire
This luxury boutique hotel, which won AA Hotel of the Year and was named one of the 101 spas of the world, might be small but it's certainly beautiful. Linked by a glass bridge from the hotel, the Verbena Spa (www.fevershamarmshotel.com) features Elemis and Anne Semonin products in the therapies.
There's a 'heat experience' following Roman principles including saunarium, the hotter laconium and salt vapour room plus seven treatment rooms, and a spa garden. Finish up at the smoothie bar with some 'spa-tisserie' and 'spa-tapas' cuisine. Entrance to the heat experience for hotel guests costs £25 unless you book £50 or more of treatments.
Best Destination Spas around the UK
7. Slieve Donard, Resort and Spa, County Down
At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, in six acres of private grounds, the Victorian Slieve Donard Resort and Spa (www.hastingshotels.com) boasts one of the world's top golf courses, as well as a fantastic spa (http://sparesorts.hastingshotels.com/slievedonardspa/). There's a 20 swimming pool with views out to the coastline and mountains, plus amethyst steam room and rock sauna.
There's 16 treatment rooms, each with individual mood lighting and sensory showers, offering Espa holistic therapies. Special packages include the Posh Pink ladies, £125, with pink champagne cocktail or pink fresh fruit smoothie, manicure or pedicure (with pink polish, of course) a facial or body treatment, use of the spa and lunch.
Best Destination Spas around the UK
8. New Park Manor Hotel, New Forest
One of the few country house hotels (www.newparkmanorhotel.co.uk) in the New Forest, Britain's most popular National Park, it was King Charles II's favourite hunting lodge after the Restoration, and is still the perfect spot to explore the woods and heaths, spotting the famous wild ponies.
And the spa experience aims to stick to ancient therapeutic principles as well, with fango therapy using mineral rich muds, aromatherapy and other massage treatments, including award-winning spa brand Comfort Zone. The signature day package Bath House Nature, £205, lasts for around two and a half hours and includes exclusive natural and organic treatments.