The Spa Spy Road-Tests The 6 Best Retreats You Have To Try

The Low Down: High on a hill above the beautiful lemon and olive tree clad village of Anacapri - the super stylish boutique hotel, complete with a Gywneth Paltrow suite (created in homage to the actress and former guest) and art gallery is home to The Capri Beauty Farm. Launched in the nineties by Professor Francesco Canonaco, (a clinical specialist in pediatrics, food science and medical oncology) it was awarded recognition as the world’s first medi-spa.□□Best Known For: The Leg School, originally created by the professor for weary mums - clients now travel from far and wide to sample the, now patented, an anti-inflammatory leg treatment. It’s thought to improve circulation and reduce varicose veins and cellulite.□□Tried and Tested: I completed three session of The Leg School, (five consecutive treatments are recommended) which includes fifteen laps of the Kniepp pool, an application of the secret lotion - the professor would only reveal that the ingredients include marine extracts and mineral salts - then an application of cold bandages followed by more cream and a hot stone leg massage my circulation definitely improved and legs were smooth, and yep, my vast amounts of cellulite did seem slightly less visible…□□Other programmes include: The Beauty Compass, Rational Weight Loss, Island Escape and Le Dolce Vita□□Go If: You want super-stylish own pool villas, Michelin star dining and top of the range beautifying.□□Don’t Go If: You’re looking for isolated escapism or detox - again the delicious Italian delights are just too tempting!□□The Deal: Capri Palace offers seven nights on The Leg School Programme for £2915 based on two people sharing a double classic hillside room: www.capripalace.com□easyJet flies from London Gatwick, Luton and Stansted to Naples with fares from £28.99 one way (including taxes, based on two people travelling) Flights can be booked at easyJet.com

The Low Down: A sprawling palm clad resort on the southern coast of Sardinia, 4 hotels and scattered villas span the family friendly resort with a big focus on fitness - it’s home to the celebrated Chelsea Soccer School and a tennis academy - and wellbeing, Forte Village houses one of the largest thalassotherapy circuits in Europe□□Best Known For: Bespoke Thalassotherapy Healing. Spa director Dr. Angelo Cerina, a specialist in dermatology, has utilized his own scientific research to create an oasis of magnesium, mud, oil and salt water pools, many of which have a higher salt content than the dead sea, to treat stress, injuries, joint and skin complaints□□Tried & Tested: Three rounds of the thalassotherapy did seem to have noticeable effect on my skin and actually general wellbeing. A highlight was the magnesium mud bath and the outdoor floatation lake amongst the eucalyptus and pine trees was a dream. The varying temperature of the pools improved circulation and the powerful hydro-jets created a wonderful daily massage - including a fab reflexology foot jet.□□Other treatments include: Ayurvedic Massage, Selam, Sea Salt Wraps, Heavenly Legs, Hammam and Shiatsu□□Go If: You’re looking for full on thalassotherapy to treat joint pain, injuries, stress and skin complaints.□□Don’t Go If: You’re looking for an intimate escape - this place is HUGE!□□The Deal: Citalia (0843 770 4443, www.citalia.com), offer a week at Forte Village from £1,179 per person. The offer includes a 20% early booking discount, private resort transfers, a week half board at the 4 star Hotel Bouganville and return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways. Price based on departures 14 May 2015.□Daily fee for entrance to the Thalasso Spa costs £70 per person, per day and includes access to the six Thalasso pools, Sauna & Turkish bath: www.fortevillageresort.com□□□Check out Lisa’s luxury spa blog at www.the-spa-spy.com

The Low Down: Founded back in 1931 by Professor Niehans - a pioneer in the development of cell therapy - the legendary hideaway retreat on the shores of Lake Leman, Montreux has previously been a popular choice for European royalty and rock stars - past guests are said to include Mick Jagger and Marlene Dietrich. The iconic Swiss clinic and opulent residence has recently opened a spanking new state of the art spa with 18 treatment rooms, a private treatment suite, a hydrotherapy circuit, and a thermal suite.□□Best Known For: Anti-ageing, weight loss, and pretty much every surgical and non surgical aesthetic procedure under the sun - plus a highly commended fertility clinic□□Tried and Tested: My short taster of The Beauty Programme was packed with (non- invasive) machine-assisted treatments such as Body Contouring and Facial Redensifying, and I have to say they were as impressive as they sound. My skin look incredible, and after two BC treatments, cellulite noticeably decreased. Having spent just two days at CLP they performed wonders so it’ll come as no surprise that this was the most expensive medi-spa in my top six…□□Other programmes include: Rebalancing, Weight Management, Dental Cosmetics and Fertility.□□Go If: You want a fast track designer detox, stylish retreat, top of the range and semi-invasive treatments or a discreet nip and tuck.□□Don’t Go If: You’re looking for a lazy yogic chill - this place is drenched in Dior.□□The Deal: A week on CLP The Beauty Programme starts from £8955 per person: www.laprairie.ch British Airways flies to Geneva from London Heathrow. Fares start from £39 one way (including taxes/fees)□To book visit www.ba.com or call 0844 4930 787

The Low Down: Set amongst 11 hectares of natural parkland, pine and olive groves, in the serenity of the hills overlooking the magnificent Lake Garda - a luxurious contemporary eco hotel and state-of-the art medi-spa. Leaning heavily toward the holistic, treatments and therapies are based on eastern alternative medicines combined with western science. ‘The World of Water and Fire’ is the star of the spa - sporting thermal grottos, a blissful star-lit private salt floatation room and an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit. □□Best Known For: Lefay Spa Method combining the principles of Chinese medicine and western scientific research with a ‘body, soul and spirit’ approach to aid all aspects of wellbeing - from anti-ageing and diet to emotional balance and stress management. □□Tried and Tested: Intrigued by the promise of “wellness, fashion and glamour” I opted for The Kalliste Programme - a total beauty overhaul combining therapeutic massages, olive and salt body scrubs, oxygen facials (from one of my all time favourite brands, Intraceuticals), a ‘holistic hair transformation’ and make up seminar. Three days later I left feeling completely rejuvenated and confidently beautified with glowing skin, preened paws and perfectly coiffured shiny locks. □□Other programmes include: Weight Management, Postural, Sleep, Osteo-Physiotherapy, Fitness and Beauty of Body and Mind.□□Go If: You’re looking for fresh air, great walks, idyllic surroundings, full on fitness, hydrotherapy and beauty programmes, and a BIG confidence boost.□□Don’t Go If: You’re in need of a detox - the Tiramisu and Bellinis are just tooo delicious□□The Deal: A three night stay at Lefay starts from € 310 per person, in a Prestige Junior Suite on BB basis (based on two people sharing). A three day Kallistè Programme is €1.460 per person: www.lefayresorts.com□easyJet flies from London Gatwick to Verona year-round with fares starting from £34.99 one way (including taxes, based on two people travelling). Flights can be booked at easyJet.com

The Low Down: Perched on a beautiful mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and part of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, (recognized by the World Health Organization as having one of the world’s best climates) A state of the art luxury wellbeing retreat combining western medical expertise, hydrotherapy and eastern alternative therapies. Luxurious minimalist suites span three contemporary buildings (all communal areas and some suites are adapted for those with reduced mobility - always a big gold star in my book) with the spa, hydrotherapy and treatments rooms spanning the ground floor. An additional spa wing, with a dedicated Pilates and Meditation area opens in 2015. .□□Best Known For: The Macrobiotic Cure, detox, weight management, anti-ageing and general wellbeing.□□Tried and Tested: My taster of The Sha Discovery Programme began with a lifestyle and diet consultation and medical check up followed by a personal training fitness assessment, and bespoke Sha diet, spa and hydrotherapy programme. My gentle fitness regime included glorious woodland walks, yoga and Powerplate workouts - which I actually grew to love. The innovative Macrobiotic creations at Shamadi, Sha’s stunning rooftop restaurant, were unusually plentiful for a detox and completely delicious. Four days later I was 4lbs lighter, toned, tanned and glowing. An all round enjoyable, doable detox and bootcamp in super luxe surroundings, with wonderful hydrotherapy, spa treatments and added bonus of sunshine and vitamin D – Sha pens an annual date in The Spa Spy diary.□□Other programmes include: Sha Fitness, Sleep Well, Rejuvenation, Fertility Success, Sha Detox and Dental Cosmetics□□Go If: You’re looking for a super luxe sundrenched chic retreat, with a delicious healthy diet.□□Don’t Go If: You’re a hardcore carnivore - the diet at Sha is mostly vegan.□□The Deal: Sha Wellness 7 day Detox, including all meals and treatments, €2,250: www.shawellnessclinic.com□Monarch Airlines, operates year round scheduled flights to Alicante from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton, East Midlands and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £32.99 one way□www.monarch.co.uk

The Low Down: Set in a picture postcard location amongst snow capped mountains on the edge of the glorious Lake Worth, The Modern Viva Mayr Therapy takes a fresh approach on the philosophies of the renowned Austrian clinic - a serious, no messing mind and body cleanse. The stunning setting, incredible staff, highly experienced medical team, friendly (sometimes wonderfully eccentric) guests, and daily massages make this hard-core detox actually very enjoyable.□□Best Known For: The Mayr Cure - Intestinal Cleansing and Applied Kinesiology. A combination of detox, rest, lots of water (up to 4 litres a day) allergy tests and a re-education of diet and eating habits with a big nod to The Alkaline Diet, (currently a favoured dietary regime amongst the A list - Victoria Beckham is said to be a huge fan) to help cure various ailments, aid weight loss and promote general wellbeing.□□Other treatments include: Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Elektrolytic Foot Bath, Nasal Reflex Therapy, Intravenous Infusions, Non surgical beauty treatments, personal training, yoga, meditation and salt and oxygen therapies.□□Tried and Tested: I was nervous about this one, my first serious detox, the thought of substituting coffee with Epsom Salts - a strict part of the daily regime - for a week, filled me with dread. The prevalent ‘we’re all in it together’ support from fellow guests helped enormously, and once the headaches subsided three days in, I felt GREAT - clear head, clear eyes, clear skin and I shed 7lb in a week. There’s some controversy about The Mayr Cure and indeed The Alkaline Diet. Personally, I LOVED IT - I actually enjoyed giving my body a proper rest for a week, and the treatments, especially Nasal Reflex Therapy, (my sinuses have never felt so clear) were some of the best I’ve found. I’m a Mayr convert - so much so that I’ve introduced aspects of the diet in to my everyday life and plan to return to the clinic for a rest and re-boot once a year.□□Go If: You’ve got willpower and are serious about detox and health. □□Don’t Go If: You’re looking for a holistic juice detox - this ones all about the spelt bread and vegetable broth - or you have a chewing phobia (they encourage you to chew the little food you do get at least 40 times to aid digestion!)□□The Deal: A 7 night stay at Viva starts at € 2775 per person in a comfort room, including all meals and the basic medical treatment plan. Blood tests and supplements are not included: www.viva-mayr.com□Wizz Air operates 3 weekly flights to Ljubljana from London Luton with fares starting from £ 25.99 (one way, including all taxes and non-optional charges).□Visit wizzair.com or call 0907 292 0102. (Transfers are provided by Viva Mayr)