It’s well worth remembering that fruit is an immensely versatile ally when it comes to feeling and looking in tip-top condition, and that you can also sample some of its proven benefits by applying it to your skin or hair. No surprise then that fruit is a core ingredient of many luxurious beauty treatments offered by leading spas worldwide.

At any of the UK’s leading health resorts, the spa menu is almost certain to include several fruit bowls’ worth of fruit-based beauty treatments, including enticingly named treats such as Caribbean Fruit Wrap and Avocado and Lemon reviver.

Of course, for most of us it’s simply not practical to go to a spa every week, so home-made beauty treatments also have their place in our lives. Browse the pages of any beauty mag or website, and you’re sure to find a host of fabulously fruity facials and scrubs you can concoct yourself, incorporating anything from apricots to ylang-ylang.

So what exactly does fruit do for us when used as a facial or body scrub? Well, of course, different fruits boast different properties, making them suitable for a variety of pampering applications.

Peaches, for example, are ideal for soothing and cleansing dry skin. You can easily experience their benefits for yourself by mashing fresh peach with yoghurt to form a smooth paste and then applying the mixture to your skin, leaving it for 15 minutes and then rinsing off with cold water.

Another fruit with moisturising properties is banana, which can be used to enhance both skin and hair. Mashed banana doubles as a gentle natural face mask and – mixed with a teaspoon of honey – an amazing hair conditioner.

Talking of fruits that benefit skin as well as hair, lemon juice is another fruity beauty friend. Slices of lemon are incredibly effective as a means of softening rough skin spots on your elbows and heels – as indeed are slices of pineapple. What’s more, if you add lemon juice to your shampoo or conditioner, it can help prevent dandruff.

Meanwhile, in addition to allegedly keeping us out of the local doctor’s surgery, apples have other useful attributes…

Adding a glass of apple juice to your bath will do wonders for your skin by softening and cleansing it. Apply the juice to your scalp and it’ll also help protect you against the dreaded dandruff. Drink it, and it will freshen your breath. It appears that when it comes to fruit, apples are a real all-rounder!

Tradition has it that whilst everyone else is boosting their beleaguered blood pressure by running around like headless chickens, people born in the year of the rabbit reckon that the world will still be here tomorrow and thus see absolutely no reason to hurry.

“Rabbits”, so the Chinese say, know how important it is to recognise when your batteries need recharged. And how right they are! This being the case, what better year could you choose than the Year of the Rabbit for booking your first (or next) spa break?

Whether you give any credence to traditional tales and superstitions, one thing is undeniable: the credit crunch ensured that 2010 was a pretty stressful year for many of us. So it would certainly do none of us any harm to take things a bit easier this year and to seek peace plentiful peace, far from the dramas of professional and domestic life.

With each day seeming to present us with awkward “situations” to sort out and tight deadlines to meet, it’s easy to understand why the appeal of quality “me” time is soaring amongst stressed citizens of all ages.

This increasing public awareness of the importance of wellness and personal care goes a long way to explaining the steady rise in the popularity of spas – undeniably the perfect venue for a top-to-toe de-stress experience.

Whether your de-pressuring preference is for a relaxing massage, a sweet-scented skin treatment or an invigorating workout, the UK’s leading spa and health resorts are sure to have a fabulous pampering and activity package to suit. Resorts such as rural idyll Ragdale Hall offer a full panoply of tempting spa breaks, all geared to soothing the soul.

If you’re never happier than when you’re spinning round the dance floor, Ragdale’s forthcoming Strictly Come Dancercise Break is sure to set your toes a tapping. And if you’re keen to banish the winter blues, the highly regarded Leicestershire spa’s Blissful Spring Break will tick all the boxes.

Looking for somewhere to spend time with the love of your life as a Valentine’s treat? Ragdale’s Romantic Getaway or Cupid’s Couples Day will surely fit the bill. Or if it’s mum and daughter time you’re seeking, you could enjoy a really special time together on the luxury spa and health hydro’s eponymous Mother and Daughter break.

Other impending spa breaks at Ragdale include the Beaut Camp Break and The Healthy Easter Special. Though with the latter billed as not having “as much as a single egg in sight”, the Easter Bunny may get some welcome time off too. Suppose that’s only what you’d expect in the Year of the Rabbit…

Anyone looking for a really special gift for their Valentine this year is certainly in luck, as Ragdale Hall – one of the UK’s leading luxury spa resorts – is offering romantic weekends away or a Cupid’s Couples Day at prices you could very easily fall in love with.

The Cupid’s Couples Day offers romantic souls a relaxing and indulgent way to spend time with the person who holds the key to their heart. So if you and your partner thrive on being pampered (and let’s face it – who doesn’t?!), then this Valentine’s Day package will tick all the boxes.

You’ll both enjoy a three-course healthy lunch and the use of all Ragdale’s renowned facilities – not to mention a glass of pink bubbly and a plate of tapas to share as you round off an idyllically lazy day.

What’s more, “for her” there’s a Glam ‘n’ Gorgeous Manicure and a Leighton Denny nail polish to take home – and “for him”, there’s a Soothe ‘n’ Splash facial.

Of course, if a day simply isn’t long enough for either of you, the idea of a romantic weekend “à deux” is sure to appeal. And where better to spend precious moments together than in the sanctuary of a sumptuous spa… After all, romantic weekends away should be all about spending time together in a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Ragdale’s Romantic Getaway provides all of this and more. It’s a two-night break, ideal for couples who want to forget their everyday cares and focus exclusively on themselves. Included in the package are all meals, use of Ragdale’s state-of-the-art facilities and either a Pure Bliss Facial or a Moisture Melt Face & Back Therapy.

Oooh, and just to set a suitably romantic tone for your spa visit, there will be a bottle of champagne waiting for you in your room when you arrive… So if you’re looking for great value at a fabulous venue, these two Valentine’s Day packages will be “heart” to beat!

This innovative three-night break is being offered from Thursday 17th-Sunday 20th February 2011, and will give you the chance to try out some of those sultry strictly dance moves for yourself, as you get into shape for the rest of the year.

The event is the brainchild of Ragdale’s Fitness Expert, Dean Hodgkin, who was one of the developers behind popular dance fitness programmes such as City Jam and Rock Star.

Dean considers dance to be one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to tone up. In his words: “Not only will dancing burn calories, increase your flexibility and improve the efficiency of your heart and lungs, it’s a great way to push the fun factor sky high and so relieve the boredom of pure fitness-for-fitness-sake pursuits. If you enjoy an activity you are much more likely to stick at it and see the results you desire, so this could be your best route yet to the body you know you deserve.”

Dance is a firm favourite with UK spa guests – hence the profusion of workouts currently offered at health resorts up and down the country. Bearing fun names such as Hot Salsa Fit, Pom Pom, and Bravo Broadway, they are all guaranteed to stir even the most slothful of sloths into springing up off the sofa and wanting to dance, dance, dance…

From the 17th-20th February, guests will be able to “take to the floor” and try out activities such as Ballroom Blitz, using steps from all the dances that have appeared on Strictly, and Fame (with moves inspired by the eponymous film, TV series and West End show) – not to mention “Thriller” (a Michael Jackson-inspired spooky spa experience).

For those definitely not of a delicate disposition, this energetic spa break will also feature a rather risqué Chair Dance workout (burlesque dancers beware!). And as if all that weren’t already enough, Ragdale will be launching their first Zumba class.

It won’t all be hard work though, as guests will also have the opportunity to relax and be pampered during their stay, sampling the delights of Ragdale Hall’s unique Thermal Spa, pools, relaxation areas and other classes and activities.

Does this sound like your kind of spa break? If so, start dropping a few hints to your nearest and dearest in the last couple of weeks before Christmas. Then, come February, get ready to rumba, or samba or salsa or tango or whatever… In the words of the charismatic Lady Gaga: “Just dance.”

If you find such premature manifestations of the impending festive season simply too depressing, filling you with anything but cheer, then why not make life eminently more pleasant for yourself this Christmas?

Break free from the flocks of High Street shoppers milling around Marks & Spencer or battling belligerently for a place in the Boots’ queue…

Instead pour yourself a glass of wine (just one – remember you’re saving yourself for the party season!) and settle down in the comfort of your own home to participate in the ultimate in civilised Christmas shopping experiences – online.

And still on the theme of civilised pursuits, make your first port of call Ragdale Hall’s online spa shop, where you’ll find spa gift vouchers galore…

“But aren’t spas the preserve of the rich and famous?” I hear you ask. The answer is a resounding “no”! Modern spas offer a haven of peace and tranquillity for people from all walks of life – old and young, fit and not quite so fit.

Fortunately for the health of our nation, the pursuit of wellness is fast becoming a way of life, with health spas epitomising the modern approach to a healthy lifestyle. Nowadays, spas are seen as the place where self-indulgence meets self-preservation.

In the tranquil setting of the spa environment, there are myriad opportunities to be invigorated, pampered and restored – or even all three! Guests can choose between a host of health-promoting activities, treatments and therapies.

So by giving your friends and family spa gifts, you are – in fact – helping them to help themselves. Surely there is no greater gift you could give your loved ones this Christmas than the opportunity to chill and de-stress in an ambiance of total calm and serenity.

As well as buying gift vouchers for different denominations, you can treat friends and family to fabulous spa experiences, endowed with magical monikers such as Pure Bliss Day, Late Escape Day, Pure Nurture Day, Refresh and Revive Day, or Three Night Time for Me.

Spa gifts are the perfect way to show loved ones just how much you care. What’s more, by choosing gifts available to order online you’ll be doing your own stress levels a huge favour, too – not to mention sparing your shoe leather.

But, of course, spa vouchers aren’t the only luxurious spa gifts that you can order far from the High Street crowds.

On Ragdale Hall’s website, for example, you can choose from a stunning selection of spa goodies, including a comfortable Ragdale Hall waffle towelling robe, a stylish Ragdale Hall sports bag, perfect for class or gym use, or “Healthy Food, Tasting Good” – a cookbook full of delicious healthy recipes devised by the experts in the Ragdale Hall kitchen.

Which means that you can purchase some ultra-special stocking fillers quickly and easily, whilst allowing your lucky recipients to create a little spa magic in their own home.

Of course, there’s only one problem about browsing a website: once you’ve seen all the wonderful spa treatments and products available to buy, you’ll be tempted to treat yourself as well as your friends and family.  And what a great idea!

She was referring to the experience of becoming a mother and to the realisation that she now had to put others before herself – which, I suppose, must be even more of a comedown when you’ve previously led a fairly self-indulgent, hard-partying, celebrity lifestyle.

But, of course, she’s right. Even us girls who lead relatively normal lives (whatever that is!), usually find ourselves making huge adjustments when we take on the responsibility of a partner and/or offspring, not to mention an aging parent or two. Slowly, at first – then faster and faster – our own needs seem to slide precariously down the priority heap.

What we need, every now and then, is a chance to focus on ourselves again – to put our own wellbeing, both spiritual and physical, top priority. And the perfect way to do just that is to take advantage of the fabulous spa breaks on offer at the UK’s leading spa health resorts, such as the Clarins Ultimate Three Night Break at Ragdale Hall.

The luxurious spa environment is the epitome of self-indulgence, which is exactly what your spa break should be. Make every moment of this rare opportunity count, and book yourself a range of cosseting beauty treatments well in advance to avoid disappointment on your arrival.

And to make the most of your visit once you arrive at your chosen spa destination, there are a few things that it’s useful to bear in mind…

For example, make sure you drink plenty of water in between your treatments and activities – six to eight glasses is the daily recommended target. And don’t forget to leave ample time in between your treatments, since if you end up rushing about from appointment to appointment, you won’t feel that all-important spa “chill” factor.

If you’re planning to take part in an exercise class, book your massage for afterwards so that you derive maximum benefits from the relaxing effects of the massage. Also, before a massage, it’s advisable to use the sauna and steam rooms to help start relaxing your muscles in advance.

A spa is the one place that you can drift off into doze during the day without fear of getting into trouble! So if you feel like falling asleep at any time during a treatment or massage, you can do precisely that. Taking time out is what visiting a spa is all about.

It all sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Surely there has to be a flaw in such an idyllic plan.

Such as… what if daughter dearest suddenly has to attend an extra dance practice during your long-planned spa weekend, or son and heir has an unexpected – but critical – football match? Quite simple. No excuses accepted. Just delegate friends or family to help with the domestic logistics for once, and do something you haven’t done for ages: put yourself first!

Brain training in various shapes and forms is enjoying increasing popularity these days, fuelled no doubt by regular reports in the press about the potential long-term benefits of keeping your brain active.

One consequence of this upsurge in interest in matters cerebral is that one of the UK’s leading spas now lists “mind gym” amongst the activities available to their guests.

Dean Hodgkin, an international fitness presenter and health and fitness consultant to leading health spa Ragdale Hall, explains: “We’ve always tried to make our guests aware of how important it is to exercise the body, because muscle and bone deteriorate with age, which can lead to injury and illness in later life.”

He adds: “Since we aim to nourish our guests in both mind and body, Ragdale’s Mind Gym is a natural progression, the perfect complement to our full range of fitness sessions and unique treatment therapies.”

Ragdale Hall’s Mind Gym is bright and quirky, with vibrantly coloured furniture stimulating the senses from the moment you set foot inside. Your logic will be put through its paces using a range of hand-held computers, a selection of space-age toys, a wide spectrum of physical puzzles and a library of books.

A session in The Mind Gym will also challenge your problem-solving skills, thereby enhancing your brain’s efficiency – indeed one of the highlights is a state-of-the-art game-table where you move a ball by focussing your thoughts.

As Dean says, “Here at Ragdale, we’ve created an environment where you can immerse yourself in concentrated thought, give your brain cells a workout, and have some fun at the same time. If you want to age-proof yourself, don’t just try to look and feel younger – think younger too!”

So whether you tackle the Times crossword daily or play scrabble with your nearest and dearest, you’re sure to reap the dividends of keeping your brain active to a ripe old age. All those years of quizzing certainly haven’t done razor-sharp Mr Robinson any harm – he’s eighty-two!

There may be weddings, other family gatherings or birthday parties to attend, as well as copious other opportunities to have fun and let your hair down. Of course, attending social events does tend to involve the prior purchase of a present of some sort – be that a birthday, anniversary, wedding or other special gift.

And there’s no getting away from it: choosing gifts can present a bit of a headache. However, happily, a panacea for such headaches is close at hand. Thanks to the ubiquitous Internet, alternatives to the predictable perfume, jewellery, flowers or toasters (for newlyweds!) can be bought quickly and easily online in the shape of gift vouchers.

It is perhaps not surprising that spa gift vouchers are enjoying unprecedented popularity in an age where we are all acutely aware of the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. As the whole ethos of the spa world is based on wellness, it is only natural that we should want to share such a beneficial treat with our loved ones.

By giving your friends or family a gift such as a spa voucher, you are opening up a host of pampering possibilities. Gift tokens for health resorts are the perfect way to soothe your stressed sister, cosset your favourite cousin or remind your dear ol’ mum how much she means to you.

Monetary vouchers from the UK’s leading spas come in a range of attractive gift packs and are generally valid for a year from the date of issue, giving lucky recipients plenty of time to plan their spa visit. Vouchers are an affordable and flexible gift, and can be used towards a spa day or spa break or to pay for extra treatments if a visit has been booked already.

This versatility is one of the best things about spa vouchers, making them highly personal gifts that are always well received. And they’re great from the giver’s perspective too, as there’s no hassle and no headache!

Even now, the non-football-loving WAGs of thousands of UK soccer fans are no doubt dreaming up ways of spending as much time as possible away from home during what will inevitably be several weeks of obsessive viewing by their beloved partners.

Wide-screen TVs will spontaneously combust with over-use; houses and flats all over the country will reverberate with “helpful” advice shouted at players on screen and amiable (!) sofa-based discussions of the off-side rule with visiting fellow fans. And the quality of life for the long-suffering WAGs will deteriorate by the day.

Unless, that is, they too have something to look forward to – such as a few days basking in the football-free haven of a luxury spa, for example…

Several of the country’s leading spas have already identified the huge demand for a “great escape” from all things footie-related this June and have put together special offers for spa breaks guaranteed to help ease the pain of poor beleaguered partners of football fanatics.

If you’re not sure whether the concept of a two-night “Escape the World Cup” spa break really appeals, perhaps you need to think again!

Instead of football, think facial. Instead of man-on-man marking, think man-icure. Then imagine, too, a lagoon-like spa pool, a luxury sauna, leisurely breakfasts, lunches and evening meals with – crucially – not even the faintest whisper of football talk. Sounding more tempting?

Better still, you could plan your Escape the World Cup break to coincide with a game that you expect your partner to find particularly frustrating. That way, when the goals go in (to the wrong net…), you’ll be far away – relaxing poolside in a comfortable towelling gown or sipping an exotic cocktail in a shady corner of the wonderfully peaceful spa gardens.

So while your other half is busy plotting his sofa-based world cup campaign, you can relax safe in the knowledge that – for a couple of precious days at least – you will be blissfully ignorant of anything that’s happening at Ellis Park, Nelson Mandela or any of the other world cup stadiums.

Better still, the only green turf that you’ll have to contemplate will be the neatly manicured lawn surrounding your idyllic spa hideaway.

As the gorgeous Sophie goes into raptures over recipes and gushes over ingredients, it’s oh so tempting to be lulled into the belief that you can indulge in the finest of fare to your heart’s desire and still look as good as she does.

But don’t be deceived! There’s little doubt that no matter how much she enjoys cooking and food, the former model herself must eat carefully and healthily to maintain her fabulously feminine and enviably svelte body.

But when we’re caught up in the minutiae of family and professional life – whether trying to silence yet another sibling squabble or meet a tight deadline set by a demanding boss – finding the time to plan and implement a healthy cooking regime might simply seem impossible.

That’s why it’s all the more important to ensure that when you do escape from the daily drudge on occasional weekends away, you make the most of this precious chance to boost your immune system and recharge your batteries.  And eating healthily will get you off to a good start on both fronts.

But with many modern holiday destinations apparently keen to encourage holidaymakers to (over)indulge in calorie-laden cuisine and consume excessive quantities of wine and beer, there’s a strong and growing demand for resorts that cater for tourists who adopt a healthier approach to holidaying.

Spas are a prime example of such establishments, offering guests a genuine “time-out”, far from the pressures and stresses of the modern word, whilst at the same time encapsulating the very best of modern technology in the pursuit of wellness.

In addition to a myriad of fabulous treatments with magical sounding names, spa weekends offer the chance to sample foods that are good for you, incorporated in an array tempting dishes.

This allows you to feast conscience-free on dishes such as succulent lamb with spiced couscous or chargrilled chicken with roasted squash salad, before rounding off your meal with a healthy helping of Atholl Brose.

Of course, the proof of the low-fat pudding is in the eating.  So if any spa sceptics still remain to be convinced of the benefits of a spa break, all they need to do is book a weekend away at one of the UK’s many luxury healthspas and see – or rather taste – for themselves.