Deluxe your detox in the Seychelles

With 2013 well under way, many of us are finding our resolve for keeping New Year resolutions coming under pressure. Post-Christmas detoxes are under threat from the recent cold weather, back-to-work blues and long dark evenings. So what could be better than escaping to warmer climes and giving your detox a boost with a taste of the deluxe? Escape to one of the world’s best spa resorts whose only mission is to spoil you senseless and make you feel fabulous once more…

The five star Raffles, Praslin Seychellesoffers some of the worlds best spa facilities and has won many accolades from industry insiders. Forbes, Cond Nast and the International Hotel Awards have all commended Raffles, Praslin’s excellent spa and stunningly beautiful location.

In this tropical paradise you can either be as active or indulgent as you like. If you’re still feeling the need to wear off Christmas calories, a trek through the prehistoric forest of Valle de Mai is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often claimed to be the original Garden of Eden, is home to the rare black parrot and a natural habitat for coco de mer palms.

Another highlight is a trip to the island of Curieuse, a protected National Marine Park, which is home to a population of giant tortoises. There are plenty of walks around the island where you’ll come across mangrove swamps and a plethora of rare birds. Whilst the coral beds surrounding the island are just calling for you to don a snorkel and explore colourful reefs and tropical marine life.

When the time comes for feeling pampered the resort’s spa is the place to head. The vast spa area boasts thirteen treatment rooms, each with views to die for of the ocean and surrounding Seychelles beauty. Two spa suites feature steam showers, Japanese soaking tubs and observation decks where you can relax and enjoy the views in total privacy. The perfect indulgent environment to shrug off the Winter blues and start feeling fabulous once more.

Raffles offers an array of signature spa treatments which draw inspiration from the natural wonders of the surrounding area. For extreme indulgence choose a pure pearl treatment that uses finely-ground real pearl powder infused with ylang-ylang and bergamot to gently exfoliate your whole body. Once the pearls have worked their magic, you are wrapped in a rehydrating body mask whilst your face, scalp and feet receive a soothing massage. Absolute bliss.

Or take your body on a journey of pure relaxation with the spa’s transformation treatment. Drawing inspiration from the journey of the lotus flower from watery depths to the warming Sun, your transformation starts with a moor-mud body wrap to detoxify and rehydrate your skin. It follows with a soak in a deep thermal-mineral crystal bath and ends with a soothing massage using mineral-rich cream enhanced with detoxifying essential oils. When you reach the end of your transformation you smell as good as you feel.

As well as the array of treatments, classes and spa facilities the spa also offers you the chance to try something a little bit different. For early birds, greet the day with a private yoga and pilates session on the beach whilst watching the sunrise over the ocean. Or how about this for something completely different – take to the seas for a massage under the stars on a yacht. The gentle rocking of the boat combined with the amazing views of the night sky are said to produce one of the most profound states of relaxation you’ll ever encounter.