Exclusive iVillage Member Offer: You can stay at the luxurious Marriott's Club Son Antem from just £119 per person for a 3-night stay. The offer includes a Hertz hire car for the duration of your stay, plus two complimentary spa treatments and a short introduction to the resort.

by Hilary Griffin

Marriott's spa and resort in Mallorca - with rooms and townhouse accommodations - offers pampering and swimming beneath the stars

The setting:
Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearics. An island of contrast and variety that allows you to be as inquisitive and adventurous as you want to be. Choose between the vast stretches of pure white sandy beaches or the sheer granite cliff topped with ruined watch towers and secluded coves - all surrounded by clear azure Mediterranean waters. The capital Palma de Mallorca has lots to explore, including spectacular architecture, historic monuments and enough shoe shops to satisfy your inner Imelda.

The accommodation:
The resort, set around two 18-hole golf courses, comprises the hotel and townhouses, golf clubhouse, spa and large outdoor swimming pool. The luxurious townhouses have fully equipped kitchens, whirlpool baths in the master bathroom and walk-in showers for the second bedroom. There is even a washing machine and dryer should you need them.

The spa:
The Holistic Lifestyle Spa at the hotel offers a full variety of treatments and beauty services. I tried the Oyster Hydro Bathing Retreat (€39 for 30 minutes) - ideal for a seaside holiday, I thought. I'm not sure what I expected, but I was slightly anxious when I was ushered into a room holding a giant oyster. Actually, it was a big waterbed contraption that closes around your body (pretend you're a giant pearl) and pummels you with water jets. Unlike many waterjet massage beds, in which you remain dry, this is a wet massage. The machine is reportedly one of six in the world and costs almost as much as a house. With this kind of build-up I was expecting big things from the bivalve.

You climb into the mouth of the oyster, lie down and pull the hood over your body, leaving your head exposed. I'm claustrophobic and so was glad to have my boyfriend in the room - just in case I needed to escape this 'relaxing' experience.

I felt myself start to let go as the fierce water jets underneath the surface of the waterbed got to work on my tense muscles. But I couldn't quite get my mind to switch off. I was preparing for the 'rain massage' - where I would be showered with water directly, first cold then warmer. Around the 20-minute mark, I really started to enjoy the treatment: the rain water was now at a nice temperature, the water jets were working my back and leg muscles and aromatherapy vapours in the room were allowing my mind to drift away. Of course, no sooner than I was away with the fairies then the treatment finished - typical. My early anxiety has been for nought, as the entire experience was pleasant. Next time, I would relax earlier so I get the full benefit of the water therapy.

Following the treatment, we took advantage of the holistic treatment area and spa pools. This is an extensive, dedicated healing and rejuvenation area. The thermal pool extends outdoors and it felt wonderfully surreal to swim outside under the star-studded dark sky, steam rising up off the pool while the cold January night closed in. After using the Jacuzzi, Ottoman steam bath, Mediterranean sauna and ice plunge pool - in no particular order - we both were feeling refreshed and ready to finish the evening with an early bedtime.

Beyond the resort
Should you want to leave the resort and explore, head out to Es Trenc Beach to sample some of the most pristine turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. If you fancy something more active, visit Aqua City. This wild water park is only a short drive from the resort. On the cultural side, Palma is a must-see as is the picturesque village of Valdemossa, which is located in the Tramuntana Mountains.

Bits and bobs:
The resort aims to cater for your every need, with the idea that you really just need to bring yourself. However, it's worth remembering to pack your swimming costume and a pair of flip-flops for the spa area. Bathrobes and towels, as well as pool-side towels are all provided. Guests at both the hotel and townhouses use the health club and general spa facilities (thermal pools, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room) free of charge during their stay. The holistic spa area has an entrance charge of €10 unless you have a treatment of 40 minutes or more, and then the fee is waived.

Getting there:
Mallorca has an abundance of airlines that service the island, notably EasyJet (www.EasyJet.com), BMI (www.Flybmi.com), British Airways (www.ba.com) or Iberia (www.iberia.com). Once arriving in Mallorca, I would recommend hiring a car so you can go and explore the island at your own pace. Driving to the resort takes 15 minutes and is simple - there's only one road to navigate.

Prices start from: £115 per night for hotel room; £155 per night for a townhouse.

Marriott's Club Son Antem
Carretera de Llucmajor, km.3,4
07620 Llucmajor
Mallorca, Spain
www.marriottvacationclub.co.uk

Exclusive iVillage Member Offer: You can stay at the luxurious Marriott's Club Son Antem from just £119 per person for a 3-night stay. The offer includes a Hertz hire car for the duration of your stay, plus two complimentary spa treatments and a short introduction to the resort.