Wales's best day spas

The West Usk Lighthouse
St Brides
Wentloog
Newport
South Wales NP10 8SF
01633 810126
www.westusklighthouse.co.uk

The scene
Even if the spa experience here was just a hose-down on the beach, this 19th-century lighthouse would still be worth a visit. But add in a whole host of holistic spoils and this jewel in Wales's crown is one you won't want to miss. The fantastic backdrop delivers more atmosphere than a Hardy novel, but it's the lighthouse itself, lovingly restored by Frank and Danielle Sheahan, that's the real inspiration here. Looking rather like a two-tiered wedding cake, perched furtively at the shore edge, it's just out of reach of high tide. And in case the surroundings themselves aren't enough to have you smitten with the place, Frank & Daneille will conjure up just about any experience you fancy. Drift off in the floatation tank, watch the sun rise or set (or both) in the hot tub, host your own barbecue lunch, enjoy a Rolls Royce ride to the local restaurant or choose from a whole raft-load of healing therapies.

Star treatments
As a qualified hypnotherapist Danielle can help you with anything from stress, depression, phobias and Irritable Bowel Syndrome to smoking cessation. The lighthouse is also the place to go for all sorts of more unusual healing techniques including past life regression and chakra cleansing. In fact you could refrain from taking any treatments at all! Just spend a day here and you'd be hard-pushed not to find some tonic for the soul. If you'd rather stick to more traditional forms of relaxation however, there's hot stone massage, Indian head massage, reiki, shiatsu, Thai massage and lots more.

The cost
All treatments cost between £35 and £60. Prices for bespoke packages on application.