Get me to a spa!

Sometimes, only a spa break will do. Prepare to be obscenely pampered at one of these fabulous destinations…

Movie star glamour in ITALY

If you thought the wishbone-shaped Lake Como was all about movie glamour – you’re right. George Clooney has his escape-to pad here.

THE PLACE TO SPA The brand new T Spa at the family-owned Grand Hotel Tremezzo is now reputed to be the best on the lakes. Housed in the lovely 18th-century Villa Emilia, adjacent to the main hotel, it specialises in ESPA anti-stress and rebalancing treatments, with a marble hhammam suite, powerful water-blade shower, sauna and steam area. The infinity pool gazes over the lake to the pretty town of Bellagio.

THE TREATMENTS Everything you would want and expect from a top-class spa. We loved the Lake Como Relaxing Ritual – two hours of pampering using sweet-smelling herbs from the shores of the lake. It starts with a foot ritual, followed by a full body exfoliation and massage and leaves you smelling as delicious as you feel.

THE HOTEL Famed for its Edwardian grandeur, the 92-bed Grand Hotel Tremezzo commands an enchanting position on Lake Como. Take a trip in a 1950s boat with a picnic and explore Isola Comacina, or soar over the lake in a seaplane for a bird’s-eye view of the resort.

EAT Try the signature gold leaf and saffron risotto created by renowned chef Gualtiero Marchesi at La Terrazza restaurant or, for something less formal, L’escale Fondue & Wine Bar serves delicious local cheeses, cold cuts and fondues, with more than 350 regional wines.

PACK Flatties for the cobbled streets, a chic scarf for the boat trip, and huge movie-star sunnies. The hotel robe is perfect for the spa, but we’d recommend a beach-style kaftan, too.

THE LOWDOWN A four-night break costs from £799 in a Park View Prestige room on a B&B basis, including return economy-class flights and car hire. itcluxurytravel.co.uk