Spa Gazing with style

Gemma Bolton goes holistic at some Room for Romance spa hotels

Regular spa-goers will tell you change is afoot and hippy just turned haute! That's right, hoteliers and spa managers have caught onto the need for guests to mentally check-out upon check in, and have adapted treatment menus to suit.

Spa traditionalists need not fear, you'll always find your classic mani, facial and massage on the list, with some exciting new additions alongside.

We say 'new', yet these treatments call upon many an ancient tradition. Take ear candling as an example: first used by the Ancient Greeks and later adopted by the American Hopi Indians of North Arizona. Hollow candles of cotton flax and beeswax are gently inserted into each ear, helping to decongest and relieve pressure.

Ear candling is said to be a calming solution for those suffering sinus pressure, migraines and stress – all ailments of our time! You can try this and a stellar range of other state-of-the-art spa treatments at the fabulous Pennyhill Park.

And then of course there's Reiki. A popular spiritual practice believed to return the body to its desired mental and physical equilibrium, through the transference of energy or 'qi' from the practitioner's palms.

Some say it's more relaxing than a traditional massage and it's not uncommon to slip into a meditative state mid-sesh.

Reflexology also now makes a regular appearance in helping to shake away the office woes, reducing anxiety, boosting blood flow and balancing your body.

A course of sessions allows you to work deeper and address more specific issues, making it a great accompaniment - or alternative - to acupuncture (also now available in spas).

Ready to take things up a notch? Just an hour from London you can retreat into the deliciously holistic Danesfield House near Marlow for Hypnotherapy, a Spiritual Reading or Bespoke Healing treatment.

Kent's Wallett's Court also has an extensive spiritual offering, where in-house therapist Mary Bonas is on hand with a variety of crystal therapies for face and body. Or, for those facing life challenges, you can book an appointment with Iain Robertson, a qualified Life and Performance Coach.

Over in the Cotswolds, there's always the 'Cloud 9' signature treatment – the full mind and body balancing works – at Cowley Manor. Leave everything behind with this blissful massage, aromatherapy, Qi energy, reflexology and acupressure blend. There's an outside heated pool, too!

If you'd rather return to the romance, you should sample Wiltshire's Bishopstrow House, and its Rasul Mud Therapy. More of a physical pamper, this draws on an Arabic cleansing ritual.

In a Turkish inspired rasul room, you'll start by applying medicinal mud to each other before enjoying the peace of the herb-infused steam. Let the heat unlock those toxins and the mud infuse your bodies with nourishing minerals as you recharge and reconnect... pure bliss!

Tempted by some of these treatments for your romantic hotel getaway? Take a look at our latest Spa breaks.

Gemma Bolton is the editor of http://buff-beauty.com/