I’m feeling totally burnt out after a long summer of hard work, and I want like indulging myself with a spa break. I was thinking that I’d get the best autumn sunshine in the Canaries, but I don’t know much about the islands beyond the budget tourist hotspots. Are there any truly luxurious spa hotels where I can relax, and what kind of treatments are on offer?

Madeleine Parnell, Oban

Located in the south of Gran Canaria and set amongst the beautiful scenery of Salobre Golf Resort, Sheraton Salobre incorporates the natural setting of the south of the island into its beautiful architectural design. Overlooking both the blue Atlantic and the green of a first class golf course, the hotel’s centrepiece is its exquisite Aloe Spa, the perfect place for Madeleine to unwind and be pampered during her holiday.

Built on 1659m2 and entirely devoted to fitness and relaxation, the Aloe Spa offers a variety of facilities to indulge you. Facing the breathtaking and unique landscape of Salobre Golf, the vitality pool is magnificent enough to impress everyone that visits the spa. Also available are an indoor whirlpool bath, Finnish, bio and steam saunas, massages, nine treatment rooms, a relaxation area, cosmetic treatments, a beauty shop with ESPA products and a hairdresser.

The Aloe Spa is the ideal environment for Madeleine to explore the remarkable restorative powers of quiet repose, personal attention, and total indulgence. A full selection of beauty treatments is available, using the finest ingredients, including one very special treatment using pure ESPA mud and rich in mineral herbs. Massages are a must, and include different types to revitalize soul and body depending on the needs of the client. Massages such as Ayurveda, Shiatsu or aromatherapy are the most popular.

The spa’s signature treatment is an exclusive and spectacular ultra-natural wrap with pure aloe vera extract, harvested in the hotel’s own gardens. The total relaxation treatment lasts around 50 minutes and hydrates and smoothes the skin. It begins with a full-body exfoliation, using natural salt and oil. The body is then smothered in blended aloe vera and completely wrapped in towels; the mixture is allowed to do its magic for 20 minutes while the client receives a relaxing head massage. After a warm shower, an aloe vera cream is applied on the body to ensure a long lasting effect.

If Madeleine prefers the dramatic landscapes of Tenerife, she could try the lush Hotel Botanico, situated in Puerto de la Cruz, at the foot of Mount Teide. The hotel is surrounded by impressive subtropical landscapes and the island’s volcanic coastline. The airport at Los Rodeos is only 25 minutes’ drive from the hotel.

Read the full article in our October 2009 issue.