USP The Vespasian Spa is hidden away in the verdant hotel gardens, a private location for serious pampering - especially inside the El Riyad couples suite with its terracotta walls, decorated north African tiles and intricate glass and metalwork lights.

Guests are offered complete privacy to enjoy the large hydrotherapy bath, relaxing double bed, steam shower and massage area where selected treatments take place in unison.

AMBIENCE Read's Hotel sits, away from the hustle and bustle of Mallorca’s coastline, at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains in the wine making region around Santa Maria. It is a 20-minute drive from the airport and the capital Palma.

This restored country mansion blends traditional Mallorcan style with an eclectic collection of furniture and artwork. Each room is individually designed and the suites have private terraces where guests can enjoy some of the spa therapies. There's a large outdoor pool surrounded by manicured lawns and gardens and a superb Michelin star restaurant.

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The spa features a thermal circuit, cardio-gym, Jacuzzi, deep relax room and large indoor pool with an array of jets.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE Beginning with a therapist consultation spa guests discuss their needs and requirements and then pick a treatment from the Ytsara or ESPA menu. Along with the regular facials, pedicures, and body wraps there are chakra balancing hot stones, and a themed mini-spa ritual that lasts for half a day.

We had chosen to spend the afternoon in the couples suite, although I was dubious about having a treatment alongside my partner, a biker who was well out of his comfort zone. But once inside, the therapists made us feel relaxed by cleansing our feet in rose petal water and explaining our treatments.

Ytsara is inspired by an Asian (mainly Thai) blend of natural healing and therapeutic remedies. The treatments blend exotic smells with acupressure massage applied by a hot poultice at key points around the body.

I was sent down the Kamatan path to tranquility with a blend of basil, kaffir lime and hot oils. The application to the naval area was an unexpected pleasure, while the biker slipped into a deep sleep under the Mohom Indigo mix of eucalyptus, clove and black pepper.

Complemented by a full body massage the treatment lasts just over 90 minutes and leaves you feeling calm and very sleepy.

FOOD The spa's Thai tea had a mild wheat flavour and is one of the many healthy drinks available. Should you feel peckish the spa menu changes daily and offers two or three light snacks which could include a smoked prawn and avocado wrap, mango, chicken and coriander sandwiches or a flavoursome bruschetta.

Spa treatments can be followed by a Spanish meal in the Bistro, or at Bacchus, the main restaurant, enjoy a themed tasting menu offering inventive Michelin star food.

IN CROWD As one of the first luxurious country hotels on the island, Read's has rapidly established a reputation with those seeking out the real Mallorca. Guests are mainly English, German and Northern European couples, while in the spa you may share a day with ex-pats, or locals enjoying the privacy. As a hotel not suitable for children under 12, and with just 23 rooms, even in the middle of summer its likely you’ll have the spa to yourself.

WALLET WATCH Double rooms range from €250 (£175) per night, and suites from €530 per night. We also enjoyed a bath ceremony in our room, therapists ran an exotic oil bath, lit candles, spread rose petals and supplied a wonderful blend of patisserie chocolate buttons and champagne - available in room from €65.

Private use of the couples suite for two hours, including treatments, starts from €350. Individual ESPA massages cost from €95 for 55 minutes, and mini spa rituals for half a day start from €195 per person.

NEED TO KNOW Read's Hotel & Spa, Santa María, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain: (00 34) 971 14 02 61 www.readshotel.com); E-mail: readshotel@readshotel.com

For more than 260 independent spa reviews click here: timesonline.co.uk/goodspaguide

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