MISSION To get away from five-star hotels and find a more earthy, affordable spa in Buenos Aires.

USP This is a walk-in spa in the heart of the swanky shopping area of Recoleta. As well as traditional spa treatments there are also medical staff available if you need to try out a more hardcore treatment to tackle cellulitis, obesity or dry skin.

AMBIENCE I went with a friend and we both really liked stepping into this dimly-lit, perfumed place and walking up the stairs away from the bustling street outside. There you are met by a calming, blue wall of water and everything looks very clean. Apart from facials and massages you can also get into the swing of things by starting off with a sauna. It’s not the wood-panelled Scandinavian sort but, in keeping with the rest of the spa it’s a modern, tiled, and scented and with candles and stones which are artfully placed in it. There’s none of that ladling water from a wooden bucket - this one automatically steamed up all by itself. And there’s a shower cubicle next door and reclining chairs, with water, juice and magazines outside if it all gets too hot to handle.

EXPERIENCE I had one of their star treatments – a facial, which used products made out of chocolate. Call me old fashioned, but after suffering the torments of being a spotty teenager, I was a bit reluctant to smear my face with the very thing, I had always been warned would encourage an out break.

I needn’t have worried. My face hasn’t been so lovingly tended to in years. It felt smooth and glowing after all that pummelling and one week on, I still haven’t seen a dreaded spot! Meanwhile my friend had the de-stressing massage. She was due to have her root canal tended to in the afternoon, so was feeling very stressed and wanted to be unknotted to relax.

I visited her in her darkened room, where someone had thoughtfully put bamboo and stones underneath the massage table to give you something to look at during the treatment if you don’t dose off. The massage was a success, especially after the masseur responded to her request to be pounded and pummelled a bit harder. In fact, she said she was so blissed out after, she even managed to fall asleep in the dentist chair! Our only criticism was of the wall-to-wall Enya which got a bit annoying.

PRODUCTS There has been a change of owner so the name of the products is up in the air, but they are all home-grown and come from their own laboratory where they work with ingredients like chocolate and caviar.

IN-CROWD In the high season, from November to March, it is mainly tourists enjoying some time off from their shopping. But, for the rest of the year the stylish locals get a look in as well.

FOOD There was no food on offer just lemon, or cucumber flavoured water or carton orange juice.

WALLET WATCH My facial cost me just £15 and the massage a bargain price of £18. You can also enjoy packages of multi treatments including facials, massages, pedicures for £60. Although the spa isn’t a luxurious as it’s five-star equivalents it is certainly excellent value for money and a relaxing place to while away a few hours. Flights to Buenos Aires start from £699. Book through Exsus Travel (020 7292 5050; www.exsus.com)

NEED TO KNOW Aqua Vita Medical Spa, Arenales 1965, Buenos Aires (011 4812 5989; www.aquavitamedicalspa.com)

For more than 200 independent spa reviews worldwide: timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

Times recommends

• Oasis of the Seas: the Times review
• The 20 best new year party places to stay
• Green Spaces 2009: are you the winning writer?