Hotel Hof Weissbad, Switzerland
Not wanting to be upstaged by the recent flux of wine-based spas, the hop is now getting in on the act. Swiss brewer Karl Locher was so convinced of its health properties that he teamed up with the Hof Weissbad hotel to introduce a range of beer-based spa treatments. Now the hotel counts as many men as women among the guests queuing up for a hop massage accompanied by a bottle of Locher's finest. The beers brewed for the spa treatments are either low in alcohol or alcohol-free, and boosted with extra levels of xanthohumol, found naturally in hops and rich in antioxidants. The beer bath combines powerful jets with a heady concoction of beer yeast, wheat germ oil and peppermint. Exfoliation wraps use toasted barley, malt mash and beer residue, leaving you with baby-soft skin. For dinner? Beef from local cows that have had daily beer massages, which makes for happy cows, and even happier guests.
USP
Beer-inspired treatments are a sure-fire way of getting any man into a spa.
Details
One-day spa deals including two hours of treatments cost from CHF250 (£102); double rooms from CHF410 (£168). Call +41 71 798 8080 or visit hofweissbad.ch . BA flies to Zurich from London Gatwick and Heathrow.
Quinta Splendida Wellness, Madeira
Madeira, a favourite with nature lovers, is also blooming as a spa destination. The largest retreat on the island is at this restored quinta (vineyard), a family-run hotel with a botanical garden that's home to more than 1,000 species of plant. This comprehensive spa offers something for everyone with its greatest hits list of global treatments. The conventional Swedish massage and cellulite wraps sit alongside the more unusual Pantai Luar massages delivered in an Eastern-inspired glass, wood and stone spa. There are ten treatment rooms (including one for couples), a sauna, steam room and mud baths, a flotation table and an igloo room with an ice fountain (the brave rub ice crystals on themselves following a session in the heat rooms). The spa also offers non-invasive treatments including microdermabrasion. And there are plenty of relaxation areas, including a candlelit den featuring contoured mosaic-tiled loungers.
USP
Great value-for-money in an up-and-coming destination.
Details
The In Heaven head and face massage costs from €45 for 30 minutes (£30); double rooms from €75 (£50). Call +351 291 930 400 or visit quintasplendida.com . BA flies to Funchal from London Gatwick.
Elemis Day Spa, London
Tucked away between the boutiques of Bond Street and the glamorous hotels of Park Lane, the Elemis flagship spa is a haven of peace and tranquillity offering the very best in professional pampering. Reflecting the beauty brand's fusion of Eastern therapies, drawn from India, Bali and Polynesia, and Western technology, the spa has six treatment rooms, including a Moroccan Moorish Suite complete with wet and dry rooms. Offering a truly unisex experience - metrosexual men and their partners will love the Couple Ritual (£95 each) - the day spa is the perfect pitstop for anyone in need of a little body and mind R&R. Other must-trys include the Arabia Rasul steam (£60), which uses therapeutic mud and steam to cleanse, purify and hydrate the body from top to toe, and the signature Visible Brilliance facial (£115), which leaves skin smoother, sculpted and more radiant.
USP
A soon-to-be launched day and night service to accommodate any schedule.
Details
Call +44 (0)20 7499 4995 or visit elemis.com . Elemis also has day spas in Miami (+1 305 774 7171) and Hong Kong (+852 2521 6660).
Mii Amo Spa, Arizona, USA
Drawing on the spirituality of the Native Americans from the Sedona desert, the Mii Amo (meaning 'one's path') Spa specialises in strangely named treatments such as Soul Seeker and Inner Quest. But don't let that put you off. While emotional wellbeing is high on the agenda, there's plenty for the less spiritually enlightened. The Crystal Grotto, for example, is a 'sacred space' where guests set out their intentions for the day, but even sceptics will find it has a real head-clearing, uplifting effect. The amazing Watsu massage takes place in the desert outside and includes the rebalancing effects of shiatsu. And the setting of the adobe-style buildings, surrounded by the cliffs and canyons of Red Rock Secret Mountain wilderness, is simply stunning.
USP
A spiritual spa journey with a difference.
Details
Treatments from $140 (£70). Three nights at Mii Amo costs from $1,785 (£880) per person based on double occupancy, full board and including six treatments. Call +1 888 749 2137 or visit miiamo.com . BA flies to Phoenix from London Heathrow.
