Spa Spanish style: relaxing at Hesperia Hotel

After an extremely hectic six months at work and being a single mum to a, shall we say, ‘spirited' four year old, I was desperate for some sun, sea and relaxation. So, while my daughter went off for a week's camping with her Dad I thought it was time to reward myself with a little holiday. I wanted guaranteed sun and pampering so decided that a spa hotel abroad was the perfect solution.

Although I've been to lots of spas in the UK I didn't know where to start when it came to finding spa hotels abroad. But after doing a bit of internet research I found the Hesperia Hotel in Lanzarote, and it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. The hotel combines five star opulence (it really looks and feels five star - unlike some other so called ‘luxury' hotels) with a whole floor dedicated to its spa.

A luxury welcome

Set in Puerto Calero on Lanzarote's south coast, both hotel and resort are about as far away from the clichéd view of Lanzarote as you can imagine - not a burger bar in sight! As I entered the first word that came to mind was ‘classy' - and being offered a glass of champagne at check in only served to emphasise this. My breath was taken away by the massive panoramic window framing the view over the hotel's three pools and the sea beyond. Both myself and my friend said ‘wow' at the same time and it made us want to dump our bags, grab our bikinis and get out there.

Decorated in orchres and vanillas, with white pillars, luxury candles and vases of orchids, the minimalist and contemporary design of the reception transfers into the bedrooms which are huge. Most boast amazing views of the bright blue Atlantic - you can even pull back a panel in the bathroom so that as you're showering you can look out at the sea (I didn't try it as was convinced someone might spot me from a sun lounger or something!)

Spa treatments

So, to the spa. Lanzarote is of course famous for its volcanoes so it's only right that the treatments should make use of ‘volcano' style products. To get skin in tip top condition there's an intense volcanic lava peel, or a massage with hot volcanic stones. The hot stones help relax the muscles, and are followed by cold marble stones to refresh and energise.

The island is famous for producing Aloe Vera, so, as you'd expect, a lot of the treatments incorporate this plant, including the massage I had. No bad thing as it has fantastic anti-ageing properties and is also great for soothing sunburnt skin - the sun is very strong in Lanzarote and I got burnt even while using factor 30, so be careful. This was followed by a pedicure which included a wonderful foot and leg massage. Three weeks later, the varnish is still intact and looking good - result!

Other treatments include a wine body wrap and a chocolate body wrap (yes, really!) which promise to leave the skin silky smooth. Attention to detail is key in the spa - following my treatments I enjoyed a liquor and a few delicious chocolates - and touches like this really add to the whole experience and set it apart from other places I've visited. Afterwards I relaxed in the spa area, featuring a small pool with waterbeds, bubble chairs and jets.

I also wanted to keep fit on holiday, so swam for an hour every day (admittedly cut into two half hour sessions) in one of the hotel's pools but if you wanted to be extra good you could also take an aqua aerobics class or power walk. And if you're into diving, the resort is home to one of the most prestigious diving schools in the Canary Islands - unfortunately I was too much of a wimp to have a go (well actually I was just enjoying sunbathing too much!)

Dining at the Hesperia

The hotel offers three restaurants, all of a very high standard. Le Caleta is probably the ‘poshest' of the three, and is set on the hotel's private beach (with golden sand, not that common in Lanzarote.) Try the sea bream (one of the island's most common fish) along some papas arrugas (wrinkled new potatoes, sounds awful but they're delicious) which are usually served with mojo sauce, a kind of avocado/garlicy tasting sauce which was yummy.

The Lanz beach club is set next to the restaurant, a gorgeous outdoor bar area with lots of plush white sofas and palm trees encircled by fairy lights - I felt like I was in a Mario Testino photo shoot! All very chilled out and ambient. And finally there's Botavara, where the cooking is done in an island in the middle of the dining room by five chefs - there was a massive selection of fresh fish, meats, salads and various pastas, all beautifully cooked.

What to do in the area

Check out the string of restaurants that circle the harbour, a five minute walk from the hotel - Taverna de Puerto was particularly good and we went back twice for their scrumptious paella.

To be honest I didn't want to move much from the hotel as it was just so gorgeous but did do a day's sightseeing. The volcanoes are worth a visit (there's various guided tours) and a day at Papagayo beach is a must - the restaurant that overlooks the beach serves great fish dishes and, of course, paella.

At the end of our seven days at Hesperia I honestly felt the most relaxed I've felt in five years - I actually had a tan (unusual for me as my daughter won't stand for me lying still on holiday) my skin felt great, I felt trimmer and just all round ‘glowy.' It was everything I could have wished for and more. Now, when I'm back in the office, I daydream about Hesperia. And I'm already thinking about booking up for next year.