Book it: Four indulgent European spa hotels
Twinkle, twinkle little spa: sweet dreams and indulgent days at luxe European pampering spots.
Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, Greece
Best for… ancient healing
The low-down: Among olive trees and overlooking the sea, Greece’s only thermal spa resort mixes ancient rituals and modern pampering. Whether your idea of wellness is fitness classes and healthy menus, or spa treatments and lounging by the pool, Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort has got it covered. Take a luxury yacht trip, have a massage and indulge in the finest Greek yogurt (with plenty of honey).
Out and about: Wander down to the private Marina Miraggio, for some yacht-spotting then onto the local restaurants and boutiques
Stella loves: The resorts eco-principle (including the energy-efficient green roofs and water GeoExchange system), which makes a stay at the resort feel-good on all levels.
Words by Rachel Hosie
Rates from ￡725 for one week, half board; miraggio.gr
? Read the full review: Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, Halkidiki
? The best hotels in Halkidiki
La Villa Calvi, Corsica
Best for… foodie indulgence
The low-down: Sharp and sartorial, Relais & Chateaux’s La Villa hotel is a haven of splendour on Corsica’s northern coast. Its attractive network of buildings and gardens offer sleek accommodation and sweeping views across the picturesque Bay of Calvi.
With two turkish baths, five swimming pools and a spa, it is the perfect spot to unwind and indulge. Alternatively, work up a sweat with a game of tennis or try your hand at the traditional game of pétanque in the hotel's grounds. Finish the day by stimulating the taste buds at La Villa's Michelin star restaurant, La Table – their fish dishes and delicate desserts are a thing of beauty.
Out and about: A 20-minute walk from the hotel is the crescent shaped bay of Calvi. Explore the cobbled streets of its towering citadel, stopping to enjoy its traditional ateliers, cafes and the old cathedral that crowns the top. Alternatively take to the water with a boat trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site, The Nature Reserve of Scandola.
Stella loves: ?Quirky modern art provides a lively addition to the decor.
Words by Verity Parker
Rooms from ￡238 a night, b&b; relaischateaux.com
Les Sources de Caudalie, France
Best for… picture perfection
The low-down: Anyone looking to blend a passion for French wine and Michelin-star food with a luxury spa break need look no further than this beautiful chateau and farm. The stunning countryside setting provides everything from wine-tasting at neighbouring vineyard superemos Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, to grape oil massages and a crushed cabernet scrub in the sprawling Vinothérapie Spa.
There are 20 treatment rooms, three swimming pools and its very own natural hot-water spring. The rooms and suites are spread amongst seven houses and are adorned with antiques, old prints and rustic but chic furnishings. Be sure to reserve a table at La Grande Vigne, Chef Nicolas Masse’ highly acclaimed two-Michelin-starred destination restaurant. Book ahead!
Out and about: Discover the beautiful estate by borrowing one of the hotel’s gloriously retro bicycles. Weave through woodland and vineyards and spy their collection of contemporary sculptures dotted about. Those able to prise themselves away from Les Sources are just 30 minutes from the historic French city of Bordeaux. Also nearby, nearby Arcachon Bay is home to Europe’s highest sand dune, La Dune du Pyla (over 107 metres high!), beautiful year-round weather and the best oysters in the land.
Stella loves: The peace and serenity of the estate and, of course, the Caudelie toiletries!
Words by Chrissy Amer
Rooms from ￡312 a night b&b; sources-caudalie.com
? Read the full review: Les Sources de Caudalie
Pedras Salgadas, Portugal
Best for… eco lounging
The low-down: Nestled in Portugal’s northern woodlands, Pedras Salgadas is an eco resort like no other. Guests stay in modern treehouses with views looking straight onto pink sunsets, or Scandi-inspired glass ‘houses’ complete with terraces. All facilities are environmentally friendly, yet the Turkish thermal bathhouse is as luxurious as any modern spa. The pool comes with massaging fountains, while treatments range from hydromassages to water therapy.
For foodies, the restaurant – think salmon carpaccio and seabass – is a must, and offers room service for anyone who wants to stay nestled up in their Scandi treehouse with a three-course meal and wine.
Out and about: Wine-lovers should head straight to the Douro Valley, where they can take a tasting tour at Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo wine centre. The local town of Chaves offers authentic Portuguese restaurants such as Restaurante Pensao Flavia and is famous for its dry-cured ham presunto.
Stella loves: The breathtaking views.
Words by Radhika Sanghani
Houses start at ￡160 a night; pedrassalgadaspark.com
