New Spas And Spa Treatments To Try In 2012

Posted: 11/01/12

Katie Jones

If you're in need of a bit of downtime, a spa break could be just what you need for the ultimate relaxing escape.

verdura-spa The Verdura Spa Resort in Sicily. Photo: Rooco Forte

From a five-star spa resort in the Tuscan hills to a brand new wellness programme on the Cornish coast, take a look below for our round-up of the best new spas and spa treatments to launch in the UK and Europe in 2012.

Spas to visit in 2012

The Dolder Grand Spa, Zurich
 The Dolder Grand is one of Switzerland's most luxurious hotels, so guests can expect five-star treatment in their 4,000 square metre spa. New to 2012 is the Amala skincare range, which uses 100% natural ingredients. The spa is offering three Amala treatments, including the deep-pore cleansing Nature's Organic Seasonal Facial. The Amala brand is not yet available in the UK, but surely it's the perfect excuse for a spa break in Switzerland? Treatments start at £27 - £170. Find out more at <a href="http://www.thedoldergrand.com/en/spa.html" target="_blank">The Dolder Grand Spa</a>
Hotel Castello di Casole, Tuscany
 The Hotel Castello di Casole opens in the rolling hills of Tuscany this April. The 10th century castle is set to be one of the region's most spectacular hotels, and it wouldn't be complete without the Essere spa. Formerly the wine cellar, the spa will include seven treatment rooms, relaxation areas, steam rooms, Roman baths and an outdoor terrace for yoga and pilates. As for the treatments, they will use natural products from the Tuscan region for the ultimate luxury spa experience. Prices are not yet available but to find out more about the hotel, visit <a href="http://www.castellodicasole.com/" target="_blank">Castello Di Casole</a>
Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda
 For lakeside relaxation, look no further than the Lefay Resort on Lake Garda. The glass-fronted spa allows guests to make the most of the panoramic views, plus natural light is in abundance here, a rare thing in many hotels where spas can be found in the basement. There is also a salt-water lake, a state-of-the-art gym and 21 treatment rooms to make use of. The newest addition to the treatment menu is a non-surgical, painless facelift (it almost sounds too good to be true). The aculifting treatment uses acupuncture to tighten pores and reduce fine lines. A wrinkle-free holiday? Sign us up. The aculifting session costs £94 for 30 minutes. Find out more at <a href="http://lagodigarda.lefayresorts.com/eng/the-spa/" target="_blank">Lefay Resort & Spa</a>.
The Sanderson, London
 In keeping with The Sanderson's sleek, contemporary style, the treatment rooms in the Agua Spa are all-white for the ultimate calming, chill-out experience. Facial devotees will be pleased to hear that there are three new Jurlique treatments on offer in the spa this year - revitalizing, brightening and skin purifying. Each 50 minute session is designed for specific skin types and needs and will cleanse, revive and boost radiance. The facials are £75 each. Find out more about the treatments on offer at <a href="http://www.sandersonlondon.com/en-us/#/explore/?id=/sanderson-london-agua-spa/" target="_blank">Agua Spa</a>
The Scarlet, Cornwall
 Cornwall's chicest, seaside hotel is offering a range of brand new Wellness Escapes at its Ayurvedic-inspired spa throughout 2012.  There are four different types of escape to choose from (sleep easy, grow gracefully, stress soother or vitality boost), and each comes with a therapist and class tutor to take guests through their chosen classes, from yoga to Nordic walking. The experiences are carefully catered to individuals specific needs for the ultimate holistic retreat.  The Wellness Escapes are £790 per person, including three nights accommodation. Find out more at <a href="http://scarlethotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Scarlet</a>
Masseria Cimino, Puglia, Italy
 Vair Spa has just joined forces with the stunning Masseria Cimino hotel in the Puglia region of Italy. After opening up in the neighbouring Borgo Egnazia, guests at the Cimino can now also indulge in all that the spa has to offer. All treatments have been carefully designed by dermatologists, doctors, yoga experts, nutritionists and physiotherapists to create a diverse but specialist treatment menu. That's not to mention the Roman bath, yoga room, sauna, salon and gym to keep guests looking and feeling their best. Treatments are from 25 - 110 Euros. Find out more at <a href="http://www.borgoegnazia.com/en/" target="_blank">Borgo Egnazia</a> and <a href="http://www.masseriacimino.com/" target="_blank">Masseria Cimino</a>
Verdura Spa Resort, Sicily
 Rocco Forte's Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily is one of the largest in Europe and to start the new year, they are offering detox holidays with a difference. The 7 or 14 day programmes offer tailor-made therapies from Dr Nyjon Eccles, of the acclaimed Chiron Clinic in London, suited for those wanting to detoxify, relax and loose weight.  That's not to mention the fantastic spa facilities and seaside views on offer here. If you're going to detox, you might as well do it in style. The Medi-Spa is £3,000 inclusive of a week's accomodation, all meals, treatments and meetings with a doctor. Regular treatments start at 60 Euros. Find out more at <a href="http://www.verduraresort.com/spa/" target="_blank">Verdura Spa</a>
Cliveden House, Berkshire
 Parisian beauty brand Anne Semonin has recently launched at Cliveden House in the heart of Berkshire's countryside. The Top to Toe Therapy session is one of the newest and most thoroughly relaxing treatments on offer in the Pavilion Spa. It includes a back cleanse, back, neck and scalp massage, a facial and to finish, a leg and foot massage. What more could you need to relieve tired muscles? This treatment is 1 hour and 25 minutes and costs £125. Find out more at <a href="http://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/pavilion_spa.asp" target="_blank">Cliveden House Spa</a>
St Pancras Hotel, London
 There aren't many spas built in former railway stations, which is why the St Pancras Hotel's underground spa is not to be missed in 2012. The spa offers new packages at discounted prices every month. This January and February, look out for the Warm Ginger and Flower Ritual - a purifying and warming body wrap followed by a Bali Flower Radiance Facial - and the enriching Bon Voyage to Bali massage in the king size couple's treatment room in February (champagne and strawberry truffles complete this decadent treatment). The Ginger and Flower Ritual is £150 (a saving of £20) in January and the Bon Voyage to Bali is £300 per couple in February (a saving of £65). Find out more at <a href="http://www.stpancrasspa.co.uk/spa/hotels/hotel-information/travel/lonpr-st-pancras-spa-renaissance-london-hotel/" target="_blank">St Pancras Spa</a>
Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London
 Jetsetters, make note of this brand new treatment on offer at the Jumeirah hotel, conveniently located next to Harvey Nichols and Harrods in Knightsbridge. The Peak Health Club & Spa is offering an exclusive new Voya treatment, the jet lag package. It includes a full body scrub, a soothing body massage and a facial to hydrate and plump tired skin. The treatment finishes with the perfect post-plane pick me up afterwards - a buffet lunch. The jet lag package is 150 minutes long and costs £180 per person. Find out more at the <a href="http://www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/London/Jumeirah-Lowndes-Hotel/Health-Spa/" target="_blank">Jumierah spa</a>