Emma Barnett, Managing director, Essential Escapes
There are few places in the world where the rainforest meets the beach, so to hear the sounds of the jungle along with the sounds of the sea at the Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia, is quite magical and utterly therapeutic. The hotel could be full but you wouldn't know there was another soul around. I have visited fancier spas with more exciting treatments but this place is about the soul, and mine feels cleansed before I've even stepped into the spa.
Mandie Gower, Editor, Zest magazine
For a general mind detox and body cleanse, I venture over to the Temple Country Retreat and Spa in Co. Westmeath, in Ireland. It's incredibly stylish yet comfortingly relaxed, with treatments that tick both the therapeutic and pampering boxes. Daily yoga, tai chi and relaxation classes ensure you switch off, but don't miss director Declan's "walking workout", which also offers musings on posture, holistic health and the local surroundings.
Ian Marber, The Food Doctor
I don't hold much with the idea of "detoxing" after over-indulgence, it's the nutritional equivalent of "boom and bust". Having said that, I like to go to a spa but eat well, and my current favourite is the Six Senses Destination Spa, on the island of Naka Yai, near Phuket, Thailand. It offers nutritional principles that don't involve starving you, first-rate treatments, fitness advice, fantastic service and tranquil rooms.
Stella Photi, Managing director, Wellbeing Escapes
I would recommend the Kneipp detox programme at the Danubius Health Spa Resort on Margaret Island in Budapest, Hungary. The package involves wrapping the body in a cold damp cloth, which stimulates serious sweating and releases toxins through your skin. Although this sounds unpleasant, it is quite relaxing. You have to be brave for some treatments, but they are so pure and good for you.
Jo Foley, Author of Great Spa Escapes
Mayr & More, formerly the Mayr Clinic, in Austria, is serious and rigorous, and at least a seven-day stay (for me that's enough) is recommended. Dr Mayr believed health comes from digestion so every mouthful has to be chewed 40 times. As food for the first few days is mostly spelt rusks, this is not exactly pleasurable - but the terrific vegetable soups at the end of the week are a complete joy. The downside is the daily glass of Epsom salts and the virulent detox headaches. The upside is weight loss, the feeling of lightness and a re-education of eating habits.
