Overseas spa breaks and spa holidays: it’s time to get planning!

It’s never too early to start thinking of your next holiday. Sure we’ve only just returned to work after Christmas. However, whether it’s a skiing holiday in February you’re after or early summer sunshine to shake off the winter blues. Here are just a few of our favourite overseas spa break and spa holidays destinations to start thinking about, planning and looking forward to…

Spa holidays in style at Parador de Alcala de Henares, Spain

For those early summer escapes, a city break in Spain is hard to beat, especially at Parador de Alcala de Henares in Madrid, a collegiate-convent and Hostería del Estudiante of the 17th century. Parador de Alcala de Hanares combines tradition alongside modern design with minimalistic, elegant style and is a mere 20 kilometres from Madrid, making it a wonderful base from which to explore. Here, the spa sits under the vaults of the church, all dating back to the 17th century for a sultry escape after a day or roaming the city.

Spa holidays for groups at Hotel Tivoli Marina Vilamoura 5*, Portugal

In need of a beach break to shake off the winter blues? Head to the late spring sunshine of Portugal at the modernity of Hotel Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, with its striking architecture sprawling over the grounds, each wall space taken up with modern decorations from young Portuguese artists. Meanwhile, the Tivoli spa is a unique experience in the midst of a conventionally Portuguese town. They focus on the oriental traditions, setting a focus on natural ingredients and local flowers, fruits, herbs, spices, and plants. It’s also a great destination for spa holidays with a group of friends thanks to 11 treatment rooms and two outdoor pools amongst the facilities.

Hollywood glamour at Los Monteros Hotel & Spa 5*, Spain

Looking forward to the summer, nothing says holiday quite like the Costa del Sol. Having opened in 1962, Hotel Los Monteros on the Costa del Sol has grown to feature 168 rooms and suites as well as 20 luxurious villas in its repertoire. It has played host to a long list of illustrious guests from Queen Ingrid of Denmark to the good and the great of Hollywood. In a setting designed for rest and disconnecting from the stresses and strains of everyday life, at the heart of the Los Monteros SPA Marbella is the thermal circuit. It can help with everything from dermatologic conditions to muscular pains and also for pure and simple relaxation. They also have beautiful hammam treatments that are definitely worth the treat.

Subtropical style at Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort, Lanzarote

A haven for early summer sunshine spa holidays and spa breaks, Lanzarote is not always given enough credit for its beautiful landscape. A four-star hotel and resort in a Biosphere Reserve in Lanzarote, Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort is a complete holiday and leisure experience. A little village in its own right, the complex is inspired by traditional design in the Canary Islands. Think white walls adorned with volcanic rock, cobbled streets, lampposts and traditional garden benches surrounded by subtropical gardens, pools and fountains.

Golf and spa holidays at Tivoli Carvoeiro 5*, Portugal

There’s a reason the Algarve is so popular. On the Vale Covo cliffside overlooking the ocean, Tivoi Carvoeiro has recently been completely refurbished to reveal a contemporary, stylish and utterly complete five-star hotel and resort, hinging on the philosophy ‘Experience More’ for spa weekend breaks and holidays. A complete experience for every member of the family, Hotel Tivoli Carvoeiro has a number of indoor and outdoor pools available, as well as golf, a fitness centre (with views of the gardens) and proximity to the beach.

Natural high at Parador de El Saler, Spain

A must for golf lovers, Parador de El Saler sits between the Albufera lagoon and the sea on, what is considered one of the best courses in the world. In the heart of La Albufera Nature Reserve, Parador de El Saler is surrounded by a beautiful golf course, Mediterranean forest, a lagoon and the sea, with Saler Beach and La Dehesa Beach close by. Naturally, spending time outside is a must with hiking, birdwatching and swimming in the outdoor pool amongst the key attractions. The holiday spa is an entirely therapeutic experience, with facilities ranging from a gym to a complete thermal experience - waterfalls, an ice fountain, hot tub, foot baths, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish sauna, heated loungers and a relaxation area as well as an indoor pool.