Never underestimate the therapeutic benefits of a hotel spa weekend. While some venues may offer a spa and sauna, others provide a more substantial package of spa, sauna, hot tubs, gym, yoga and a range of massage options. All are designed to help relax not just the body, but body and mind.

One such treatment is the Mediterranean candle massage.

A full body massage said to have originated in the Mediterranean area of Europe, it provides scents specific to that area. Your session will begin in a quiet therapy room. Subdued lighting and often a little soft background mood music will set the scene.

Your masseur will light a selection of scented candles, such as lavender, olive or perhaps citrus fruit. As the candles burn, the scent is released, and the oil warmed.

Not hot, just pleasantly warm. Your masseur will pour the oil over various areas of the body, before beginning a relaxing all-over massage. With a little light manipulation, the session is designed to ease tension, relax joints and muscles, and rehydrate and nourish the skin. The complete candle massage takes around fifty minutes, but allow yourself an extra thirty minutes either side of your session. Thirty minutes before to enable you to begin to relax and prepare for your session. And thirty minutes after, to gain the full benefit of your therapy.