Wellbeing

Thursday 14th March. The year 11 health and social care group spent a couple of hours at the Spa in the Vale Hotel.

They have 18 treatment rooms including hot water beds for relaxation.

However, while it may be a specific spa promise that draws you in, experts say that for many people the real value still lies not in the treatment itself, but in the pampering feeling that is universal to the spa experience

Among the biggest draws spas offer are the exotic treatments - and the equally exotic promises. From body rubs that attack cellulite, to lymphatic massages that promise to cleanse your body of toxins, to mud baths and anti-ageing seaweed wraps guaranteed to soothe your skin and your psyche.

The British International Spa Association cites a French survey showing that relaxation is the number one reason to visit a spa (91%), followed by ridding the body of toxins (56%)

“Going to a spa is a way of getting taken care of that is psychologically beneficial -very often that can help us cope better with stress”, according to professor of psychiatry, Dr Virginia Sadock.

Plus, at least some studies show that these benefits can translate into better health. Frequency of spa use was linked to better physical and mental health, including better quality sleep and fewer sick days.