Nothing restores mind, body and spirit better than a holiday packed with spa treatments, yoga and power naps. But in an industry overflowing with tempting destinations it's difficult to separate the good guys from the cowboys.
So to help take the pain out of the selection process, here's some perfect places for pampering. The One&Only (
www.oneandonlyresorts.com) is five-star luxury at its best and it doesn't get much better than its Le Saint Geran resort in Mauritius if you want to soak up some sun, yoga and tai chi.
But the icing on the chilled cake is a spa session in a funky tipi with the sound of waves as a backdrop. Created by British designer Alice Temperley, the tipi's exterior is embellished with sparkling jewels while the inside features a chic Parisian chandelier and wooden floor.
The Daintree in Australia is one of the world's oldest rainforests and tucked away in its lush heart is the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa (
www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au). This hidden gem has 15 villas: think low environmental impact but big-impact pampering. Its spa treatments follow the natural path with pristine rainforest water combined with native fruit, flowers, nuts and seeds. Check out its signature walbul-walbul (butterfly) treatment: two hours of soothing massages and a full-body exfoliation.
A rogue volcano became an obsession for the travelling public earlier this year but if you're seeking a positive volcanic experience then visit New Zealand's Hells Gate & Wai Ora Spa Rotorua (
www.hellsgate.co.nz). Mud, mud, mud and, well, more mud awaits those eager to wash away stress in the bubbling mud pools and the largest hot waterfall in the southern hemisphere. Get hands-on with a traditional Maori massage.
Peace of mind is easier to find when rockhammers and car horns aren't blasting, so imagine how quickly it is reached at 360?Leti in the Himalayas of north India. Perched on a plateau 2,500 metres above sea level, 360?Leti has fantastic panoramic views and earth friends can breathe easy knowing the stone, glass and wood structures draw on solar power and mountain water. There's yoga and meditation to keep you balanced and no distractions such as the Internet, mobile phones or television ... just space.