We have a nine-month-old baby and I’d love to treat my wife to a weekend of pampering. Are there any spas that are baby-friendly, and within striking range of London? The Jacobs, London

Sunday Times travel expert, Susan D'Arcy, responds: Most spas aren't really geared for nappy-wearers unless as part of some expensive ayurvedic treatment. One exception though is Mamaheaven (01273 671762), which is based at Penrhos Court, an organic hotel on the Welsh borders. In fact, it runs weekend retreats for women with babies under 18 months old where the focus is on yoga and massage to bolster the body after the trauma of childbirth, two nights costs £675, all inclusive.

Or there’s Calcot Manor (01666 890391, doubles from £195 B&B), a stylish honey-stoned former farmhouse on a 220-acre estate near Tetbuy, Gloucestershire. It has an Ofsted-registered creche for baby and a great spa, with some treatments specifically designed for young mums as well as several for men including a great traditional wet shave.

Surprisingly, one of the UK’s trendiest hotels, Babington House (01373 812266, doubles from £225) near Frome in Somerset is also impressively baby-friendly and its spa, the Cowshed, has indulgent treatments taken in glorious lakeside cabins.

The specialist operator Essential Escapes (020 7284 3344) was founded five years ago by two sisters who have both since had babies and now appreciate the difficulty in travelling with junior, so keep a look out for its new family programme due to launch next month.

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