USP A trip to a spa could seem like an unnecessary expense in the face of the second depression. But hour-long treatments for £30? A three-hour package which includes an Indian head massage, body massage and a facial for £90? My winter fuel bill worries vanish in a haze of lavender and bergamot aromatherapy oil.

AMBIENCE The Midland Hotel was a grafitti’d wreck little more than a year ago, but a recent renovation job has bought it back to its former Art Deco glory. And glory isn’t an overstatement — Eric Gill sculptures, tubular chandeliers, pink leather banquettes in the cocktail bar and stunning views of the Bay.

The elegance and sweeping lines of the main hotel are a lot to live up to, and the slightly cramped spa doesn't quite do that, with just three treatment rooms and a nail station. Although the candy-pink striped wallpaper is echoed throughout the hotel in different hues, it's slightly lost in the hustle bustle of the spa, which was heaving when I was there.

But the friendliness of the place and perhaps the best-looking beauty therapists I've ever come across, meant that the low level hum of chatter was just part of the experience. And at those prices you can’t expect serene tranquility and Zen-like surroundings all the time.

Top five spas for under £100

There's no reason why a recession should stop your pampering. Our expert picks five wellbeing breaks for less than £100 a night

Midlands spas

• Aquae Sulis Spa, Worcester

• Ragdale Hall, Leicestershire

• Bamford Hay Barn Spa, Gloucs

• Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa, Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire

• Macdonald Albrighton Hall Hotel, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

BACKGROUND

• Amberspa, Loch Lomond

• The Carrick Spa, Cameron House, Loch Lomond

• Westin Turnberry Resort Spa, Ayrshire, Scotland

• Auchrannie Spa Resort, Isle of Arran

• The Balmoral Spa, The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Related Links

• Lakeside Hotel Spa, Newby Bridge, Cumbria

EXPERIENCE However, my facial took place in a proper treatment room, so the buzz from the nail bar and reception was left far behind. My experienced therapist gave me the hour and 15 minutes Emotions Away facial for sensitive skin and not only did my skin look fresher afterwards, it felt plumper and rehydrated.

PRODUCTS Clarins and Organic Elements, an Italian product line developed by dermatologists to treat all types of skin conditions from acne to wrinkles.

FOOD While the spa serves a fine cup of tea - or a herbal infusion if you want to go all New Age, for food you have to head to one of the hotel's two restaurants. Both serve Lancashire's finest produce - local tapas are served in the informal Rotunda, where Morcambe Bay potted shrimps and oysters are served alongside portions of black pudding and chips fried in dripping - delicious and thoroughly recommended, although perhaps not after a detoxing massage. The main restaurant showcases similar local talent, with game casserole and tomato risotto all appealing to the local ladies that lunch.

IN CROWD Perhaps not quite as glam as it's heyday when the hotel was reputedly frequented by Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, Coco Chanel, Winston Churchill and Noel Coward. Nowadays the spa is used by hotel guests - design junkies and well heeled Northerners - as well as local ladies and gentlemen. A posse of school teachers was there when I visited, indulging in their monthly treat of a manicure and lunch.

WALLET WATCH You don’t need to stay at the hotel to use the spa, just book a treatment direct (01524 417 674). An hour-long manicure costs £27 and an hour-long aromatherapy massage is £35. A room mid-week costs from £99 including B&B.

NEED TO KNOW Midland Hotel, Marine Road West, Morecambe, LA4 4BU (01524 424000; www.midlandmorecambe.co.uk)
For more information on the region: www.visitlancashire.com

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