From The Sunday Times Travel Magazine

URBAN RETREAT, LONDON

A huge space at the top of Harrods (overleaf, bottom right), Urban Retreat is much more than just a massage parlour. It’s where well-to-do dames get their complexions glowing and age-defyingly drum-tight.

The place is like a science lab, home to some of the best beautification experts in the UK: ‘eyebrow expert’ Shavata; ‘hair scientist’ Philip Kingsley; and botox-and-filler specialists Medical Aesthetics. It’s also renowned for some of the sweetest staff in London, who’ll hold your hand to ease pre non-invasive surgery nerves.

East River Spa, Docklands, London

A Thameside urban retreat with express treatments for frazzled city workers and a mud bath for two

• Top 5 London day spas

Background

• Top 5 exotic detox retreats

• Top 5 serene retreats

• Top 5 adventure retreats

• Top 10 breaks to get you out of a rut

• 10 classic lifestyle holidays

10 classic lifestyle holidays

We've sifted through our archive to dig out the most spiritually uplifting breaks to help you feel good

• The Good Spa Guide: Budget

8 best holistic spas

Sunday Times Travel Magazine travel experts have scoured the globe for spas that help you embrace nature

• Cotton Bay Village, St Lucia

Related Internet Links

• For more than 270 spa reviews

Related Links

• Lime Spa, Desert Palm Hotel, Dubai

l TRY the Crème de la Mer Spa Experience (2hr 15mins) – this is the only place you can have it done in the UK. Foot massage, full body exfoliation and massage, and a Crème de la Mer facial (£200).

(020 7893 8333, www.urbanretreat.co.uk)

CORNELIA DAY SPA, NEW YORK

This Fifth Avenue favourite clearly likes its designer detailing. Slippers have cushioned wedged heels, rooms are fitted with individual sound systems, and butlers in the ‘relaxation library’ drape cashmere throws over guests. So far, so sophisticated, and the treatments follow suit: the signature facials use restorative minerals from Romania’s Lake Amara, blended with a spoonful of honey.

It’s worth reclining afterwards in the rooftop Zen garden, with its tranquil views of St Patrick’s Cathedral – if only to eavesdrop on regulars such as Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Swank.

l TRY the Algae slimming body treatment, a tea-and-algae bath and slimming body wrap (£130).

(00 1 212 871 3050, www.cornelia.com). Lastminute.com (www.lastminute.com) has three nights in a three-star hotel from £440pp, room only; Heathrow flights.

PARK HOTEL KENMARE, IRELAND

Times recommends

• Win a Zeppelin flight over London
• A first timer's guide to... Morocco
• The budget guide to the French Riviera